2 Best Hotels in The Midlands, Ireland

Rising out of the flat bogland and forest, Center Parcs is a huge new family-friendly resort that may have been developed for the Irish family travel market, but its wide variety of accommodations, amenities, and more than 100 activities make it a great option for visiting families with children who might want a break from the typical castles-and-cliffs Irish vacation. Putting the Midlands on the map as a family-friendly destination, Center Parcs offers accommodation for 2,500 guests spread over a staggering 466 self-catering lodges and 30 hotel-style apartments. Most come with log burners and private patios, while the more expensive options are equipped with saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and a games room. There is no shortage of activities with mini tennis, ziplines, and laser combat as well as cycling, painting, pottery-making, and the revitalizing Aqua Sana spa. Underneath the weatherproof dome is a subtropical swimming paradise, a vast indoor swimming pool made up of a lazy river, slides and rides, rapids, a whirlpool, and a wave pool. The minimum stay is a weekend break of three nights, a four-night midweek break, or a seven-night stay. Huck's American Bar & Grill has established itself as a popular venue with an all-you-can-eat children's buffet.

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Sheltered beneath the eaves of Birr Castle on a riverbank, this converted cut-stone storehouse—built to store malt for Guinness in 1810—is a good option for families and offers special rates for children. The spacious guest rooms have small windows, country-pine furniture, and simple matching floral drapes and spreads. Soft lighting creates a homey atmosphere, as do the friendly owners, who will point you in the direction of area attractions.