As you enter the lobby of this famous lakeside restaurant, located on the edge of the national park in the tourist hub of Killarney, you’ll feel a buzz of activity. Families of all ages make the most of the double-height, light-filled space, sipping their morning coffee and planning their day against a backdrop of jagged mountains that change color with the clouds. Europe is the perfect luxury base for a weekend getaway exploring this beautiful corner of the country. But there’s also plenty to do on site. Take a free tour around the grounds on a caramel-colored Haflinger pony. There’s a decent play area and free-range garden, as well as a cozy library chessboard with chocolate-colored chesterfields. But the biggest draw is the huge infinity-edge pool that feels like an extension of the lake. Thoughtful touches enhance the family’s stay, including a movie night for the kids while parents sip on Dingle Her Gin Her Tonic Her Salmon and locally sourced lamb in the panoramic restaurant. Also, Riva’s pizza by the pool is a crowd favorite.
address: The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney, County Kerry
price: Family rooms from around £520
Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, County Wexford
For many in Ireland, the name ‘Kelly’s’ is synonymous with crazy golf in the sunshine, prune-like fingers spent hours in the pool, trays of tiny cakes for afternoon tea, and kids discos. It brings back memories of fluttering to the tune of the birdie song. The hotel set the standard for family travel decades ago and still has a large fan base of repeat guests helping create new memories. But Bill Kelly, the fifth generation of his family to run the business, isn’t resting on his laurels. New additions include Sea Rooms, a sleek glass-enclosed restaurant serving a seven-course tasting menu with dishes such as barbecued lobster with clementines and dill. We have built a supply chain from the hotel’s kitchen garden to the fork. Activities for all ages are a given. Adults’ weekly schedules include everything from pickleball to ballroom dancing, while kids get excited about clay sculpting and searching for seashells on the beach. This is an old classic that knows how to have fun.
address: Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Rosslare, County Wexford
price: From approximately £150 per person per night including half board, discounts for children vary by age
Inchdonny Island Lodge & Spa, County Cork
Nautical elements can be found throughout this family-run retreat on the edge of the rugged Atlantic Ocean. A big draw for multi-generational vacations is the Blue Flag Inchdney Beach. Here, budding young surfers can gain serious skills at Ireland’s longest running surfing school. Nearby water activities include whale watching and dolphin watching boat tours. There is also a heated indoor pool that is filled with salt water from the sea every day for rainy days. If you need extra space to store all your beach kit, book a self-catering apartment with a terrace or balcony overlooking the sea. Back at the hotel, there’s a children’s lounge with board games, books and a giant Connect 4, and a pool hall for teenagers. Dunes Bistro’s impressive kids menu elevates the standard offering with baby bowls for the little ones, as well as mildly spiced curries and banana boats. Or there’s always waffles topped with ice cream from Silver Surfer, the shiny Airstream food truck set up on the road to the beach.
address: Inchdonny Island Lodge & Spa, Clonakilty, County Cork
price: Family rooms start from around £245 per night