{"id":558084,"date":"2026-06-28T08:34:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T08:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/558084\/"},"modified":"2026-06-28T08:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T08:34:18","slug":"get-away-with-the-gang-13-staycation-choices-for-big-family-or-friend-groups-the-irish-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/558084\/","title":{"rendered":"Get away with the gang: 13 staycation choices for big family or friend groups \u2013 The Irish Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taking a big group on holiday<\/a> can be daunting. Whether it\u2019s planning a friends reunion trip, a hen or an extended family get-together, there\u2019s pressure to get it right. That means catering to different ages; thinking about varying budgets; deciding where\u2019s easiest for everyone to travel to and researching if there are enough amenities in your chosen venue both for family members with smallies and older members of the clan who may have less mobility. Convenience, location, budget, dining, amenities \u2013 there\u2019s a lot to think about. Here are some places our writers have tried, tested and loved. <\/p>\n

Newpark HotelKilkenny \"DinosaurDinosaur fun at Kilkenny’s Newpark Hotel. Photograph: Dylan Vaughan <\/p>\n

There\u2019s a sense of enchantment that comes with a stay at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny<\/a>. Yes, its dinosaur adventure park is for the younger guests \u2013 \u201cthe kids are the clients,\u201d as Marita from the hotel put it at reception, handing our little boy a dinosaur pack, which contained an informational booklet on dinosaurs and a fluffy triceratops \u2013 but the commitment to bringing a fantastical approach to holidays rubs off on the adults too. How could you not enjoy taking a wander through the fairy trail, looking at the brightly coloured front doors? Or chilling with the llamas at the Newpark\u2019s mini-wildlife farm? Or turning in the indoor swimming pool to catch sight of a massive, mechanised brontosaurus tail waving at you from outside, part of the hotel\u2019s impressive adventure park? <\/p>\n

I\u2019ve stayed here twice in the past 10 years, once as a family of three, and once on a multigenerational family trip celebrating a 75th birthday, with six kids and six adults in tow, and on both occasions the Newpark worked its magic, with friendly staff, delicious dining and a sense that nothing was too much trouble. Top tip: bring your A-game and a thick pair of socks for the bouncing at Jurassic Bounce\u2019s huge inflatable jungle: your kids may never let you leave. NO\u2019R <\/b>newparkhotelkilkenny.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Ferrycarrig HotelCo Wexford\"TheThe Ferrycarrig Hotel, on the banks of the river Slaney in Co Wexford. ‘One of those places everyone can enjoy.’ Photograph: Colin Shanahan\/DigiCol <\/p>\n

Family holidays can be tricky when you all like different things. Wexford\u2019s Ferrycarrig is one of those places everyone can enjoy. Maybe that\u2019s because it\u2019s not trying to be anything it isn\u2019t and, because of that, everyone can feel happily at home \u2013 if every bedroom at home happened to have a cracking view of the river Slaney, that is. <\/p>\n

Genuinely nice rather than notions-ey, no one at the Ferrycarrig is going to feel like they\u2019re not fancy enough, but you won\u2019t feel an eejit for wearing your good gear either. The food is excellent, the staff are lovely, there\u2019s an enormous pool, and a kids pool too. Thoughtfully, they also have an adults-only floor, so the child-free can have longer lie-ins. The rooms have had a recent make-over, and it\u2019s handy for Wexford town, Johnstown Castle, and the National Heritage Park, so there\u2019s no chance of cranky boredom setting in. GT <\/b>ferrycarrighotel.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

Castlemartyr ResortCo Cork\"CastlemartyrCastlemartyr Resort in Co Cork <\/p>\n

Castlemartyr is one of the most grand settings in Ireland for any family holiday: the five-star resort in east Cork, set in a beautifully restored 17th century manor house over 90 hectares, has everything your heart might desire, from golf to fine dining, to tales and legends old and new. \u201cIn 2014, Bruce Springsteen stayed here. He joined in with the local band in the Knight\u2019s Bar,\u201d Trevor, one of the hotel\u2019s lovely staff, tells us with relish when we arrive. <\/p>\n

For our family, though, the true joy of Castlemartyr came not from the grandeur of the environs \u2013 stunning though they are \u2013 but the fun we had there on a weekend trip. Whizzing down the wide, gleaming wood-floored corridors of Castlemartyr on his micro-scooter (before we could stop him), our little boy raced from sculpture to sculpture, his eyes opening wide in astonishment and delight. \u201cWoah!\u201d he said, as he alighted on a teak wood horse rearing up on its hind legs, and a magnificent handcrafted driftwood elephant sculpture. <\/p>\n

Outside, a giant teddy sculpture looked like it was walking toward us, and then it was time to play in the mini-labyrinth at the front of the hotel and explore the stone ruins of the 800-year-old castle on its grounds. <\/p>\n

This summer, the hotel has a range of activities planned for kids \u2013 and plenty of spa options too for adults \u2013 but whatever the season, the wonderful art and remarkable setting make Castlemartyr an experience to savour. NO\u2019R <\/b>castlemartyrresort.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

Lakeside Lodges, Killyhevlin HotelCo Fermanagh\"LodgesLodges at the Killyhevlin Hotel, on the banks of the river Erne in Enniskillen <\/p>\n

A trip to the lakelands of Co Fermanagh, known for its slower pace, waterways and 154 islands, offers a chance to picnic by Lough Erne, explore geological wonders such as the Marble Arch Caves or go for a hike on the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, the \u201cStairway to heaven\u201d. As a family, we\u2019ve often stayed in the pet-friendly, self-catering accommodation beside the Killyhevlin Hotel, just outside Enniskillen. There are 20 spacious two-bedroom Lakeside or Woodland Lodges and one-bedroom studios with balconies, and guests have access to the hotel facilities, including a Padel court, indoor pool, spa, play park and restaurants. Our family pets \u2013 Copper and Jamie \u2013 approved of the Lakeside Lodges, with their private decks (some with hot tubs) from where we all enjoyed watching the cruisers and swans on the lough. <\/p>\n

A must-visit is the former Butter Market in Enniskillen, now a hub for creatives, with interesting shops. The Jolly Sandwich is great for picnic supplies to take on day trips. I recommend the trio of National Trust properties \u2013 Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom Castle, home of Springwatch 2026 \u2013 which all have interesting summer programmes, from beekeeping shows to musical events and canoeing trails. Gin enthusiasts can catch a bus from the hotel directly to The Boatyard Distillery for tours and tastings. For foodies, the Enniskillen Taste Experience is a three-hour dander sampling some of the town\u2019s delights, including Tickety Moo ice cream. PMcC <\/b>killyhevlin.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Center ParcsCo Longford \"CenterCenter Parcs, Co Longford <\/p>\n

Laughing with terror and joy as my middle-aged body whizzed down the waterfalls of the wild water rapids, I realised why Center Parcs Longford Forest works every time for all ages. It has become a byword for Irish childhood fun. But it allows the kid inside all of us to come out and play \u2013 partly because of activities like the slides and rapids, but mainly because parents can let their guards down thanks to car-free roads and easy facilities. I have come with toddlers, adults in their 70s and every decade in between. The intergenerational moments flow as fast as the water slides, from swimming around the lazy river with Granny or braving the zip wire across the lake with big cousins to building dens in the pine forest behind the lodge.<\/p>\n

The lodges are practical and spacious. With mixed age groups it can be worth paying extra to be close to the village (so people don\u2019t have to cycle). Lodges with en suite bathrooms can help keep the peace when potty-training toddlers and shower-loving teens are sharing. And I like to make the most of free grandparent babysitting with a few hours in the luxury spa\u2019s thermal suites, leaving me refreshed and ready for another screaming ride down the rapids. GC<\/b> centerparcs.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

WildlandsCo Galway \"CabinsCabins at Wildlands <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like something from a festive movie,\u201d I thought when I first saw the accommodation at Wildlands in Moycullen, Co Galway. But while our visiting season was definitively less Christmassy, it being July and all, the wooden cabin was just as adorable and cosy as the Hogans on tour had hoped. <\/p>\n

At Wildlands, there are activities on site for everyone from young to old, regardless of physical agility, mental determination or preference for indoor or outdoor things to do. There are even activities that everyone can enjoy together, such as the Celtic Challenge Rooms (think of the Crystal Maze, without Richard O\u2019Brien taunting you for getting stuck inside). You\u2019ll also find indoor obstacle courses, outdoor disc golf, archery, off-road adventures in mini-4x4s for the smallies, giant net courses, and ziplines. Costs can mount quickly, however, so choose carefully. The Olive Tree restaurant on site made for a nice treat for dinners in the evening. But the cabins \u2013 did I mention how much I loved the cabins? \u2013 are fully equipped to self-cater. <\/p>\n

We took a trip into Galway city, which is just a short drive away, for some shopping. And if you fancy some sightseeing, you can catch the Aran Island ferry to Inis M\u00f3r, as we did on a previous occasion, (you might even spot the Craggy Island tourist office), and take in the stunning views of the Cliffs of Moher on the return journey. JH <\/b>wildlands.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

Druids Glen Hotel and Golf ResortCo Wicklow\"DruidsDruids Glen, in Co Wicklow. Photograph: Cyril Byrne <\/p>\n

Druids Glen takes its name from the pagan high priests who worshipped in the Wicklow forests in the fifth century. These days, the main worshippers you\u2019ll find in the area are golfers, who swing into Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort with their nine irons, plus fours and peaked caps at the ready. <\/p>\n

On one level it makes no sense that I, a non-golfer, should love the place: I barely know Shane Lowry from Rory McIlroy. But the hotel has wonderful vibes: it\u2019s unshowy, gently impressive and welcoming. My first trip here was decades ago, a big family trip to celebrate my late father\u2019s 70th birthday: half the party were packed off to play a highly competitive game of golf; the non-golf-playing lot luxuriated in the swimming pool and spa. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been here for two other occasions in recent years, and they\u2019ve been brilliant staycations: it has a great children\u2019s play area (with a retro arcade game for the grown-ups); the casual dining in the bar overlooking the 13th hole is tasty and generously portioned; and the staff are helpful and friendly. Less than an hour from Dublin, it\u2019s also handily near the delightful Glenroe Farm, if you fancy a day hanging out with the alpacas, sika deer and chickens. NO\u2019R <\/b>druidsglenresort.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Garryvoe HotelCo Cork \"GarryvoeGarryvoe Hotel, originalirishhotels.com <\/p>\n

Bringing a five-month-old on his first hotel staycation is no joke: your car, which used to easily cater for your needs, is jammed with every conceivable bit of equipment you think you might need \u2013 and that\u2019s before you\u2019ve even considered what to bring clothes-wise for the 20-strong birthday celebration family weekender you\u2019re attending. Luckily, on that trip three years ago, the easy-going charms of Garryvoe Hotel in east Cork melted away our bottle-making, buggy-wielding, nappy-touting stresses. <\/p>\n

Less than an hour\u2019s drive from Cork city, the welcome was warm, the dining was excellent, from breakfast through to dinner, and our family room \u2013 with a lovely view of the sea and fun, lively wallpaper with blue fish \u2013 was comfortable and luxurious. Aadd in a visit to the Sea Church restaurant in nearby Ballycotton for a tasty lunch and you\u2019re rested and restored for the trip home. NO\u2019R <\/b>garryvoehotel.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Caragh Lake HouseCo Kerry\"CaraghCaragh Lake, Co Kerry <\/p>\n

Having visited Caragh Lake House recently, I\u2019m planning to return to rent it for an indulgent girls\u2019 getaway. Its seclusion, scenery, organic style and setting appeal \u2013 the lake is not just a view, but a presence. Six beautifully decorated bedrooms sleep 12. This is the place to hole up with some books, linger over coffee on the terrace or bring walking boots to do the easy Caragh View Loop walk, which leads to a viewpoint offering stunning views over Inch Beach and the Dingle Peninsula. <\/p>\n

Back at base, there\u2019s a sauna and outdoor bath tub as well as some kayaks, boardgames, badminton and tennis gear. Private fishing can be arranged with local fisherman Paddy Foley. The heart of the house is the spacious sittingroom leading to a posh diningroom, made for special celebrations. There are two kitchens, a fire pit and sheltered terrace for al fresco feasts \u2013 a private chef can be arranged. Alternatively, try some local gems such as Kingdom 1795 in Killorglin, Jack\u2019s Restaurant in Cromane or Ard na Sidhe Country House hotel, a short walk from the house, which is lovely for a sundowner. PMcC<\/b>uniqueirishhomes.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

Royal Marine HotelD\u00fan Laoghaire, Co Dublin\"RoyalRoyal Marine Hotel, D\u00fan Laoghaire <\/p>\n

Our family stay at this hotel took place over Christmas, but could equally be arranged for any time of year. On an elevated site overlooking D\u00fan Laoghaire harbour and bang in the middle of the town, the hotel is ideally situated, close to amenities and transport links. <\/p>\n

Our family party was large \u2013 18 people ranging in age from 14 to 85 \u2013 and an inspired element of our stay was thinking to book the presidential suite (oddly named the Frank Sinatra suite). With an adjoining livingroom, this provided the perfect space for family to congregate for drinks, gift exchanges and uproarious \u201cparlour games\u201d well into the night. A table to ourselves on Christmas Eve and a vast buffet in the ballroom on Christmas Day made this a festive holiday with a difference that will live long in the memory. Highly recommended. ML <\/b>royalmarine<\/a><\/p>\n

Parknasilla Resort and SpaCo Kerry\"ParknasillaParknasilla Resort and Spa, in Co Kerry <\/p>\n

Flinging my arms wide open at the water\u2019s edge as if to embrace the sky itself: yes, that\u2019s me in the photos I have from a girls\u2019 trip to Parknasilla Resort in Kerry some years back. Close to the village of Sneem, the hotel\u2019s dramatically picturesque setting on parkland overlooking the glass-like waters of Kenmare Bay is its trump card. You can\u2019t help but look at that view and breathe a long sigh out. <\/p>\n

Parknasilla was opened as a railway hotel in 1895 and has played host over the years to celebrities and names including Princess Grace, Charles de Gaulle and George Bernard Shaw. Ideal for families or large groups celebrating big occasions, there\u2019s the option to stay either in the hotel or in the lodges set in the sprawling grounds, which give guests access to the pool, fitness centre and spa facilities. NO\u2019R <\/b>parknasillaresort.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Kelly\u2019sRosslare, Co Wexford\"Kelly'sKelly’s Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa: Hot tub overlooking Rosslare Strand <\/p>\n

A number of years ago, a small boy in the pool changing room at Kelly\u2019s piped up: \u201cMum, can we live here all the time?\u201d I thought of him recently as I sipped a glass of a nice cold white overlooking the waves at Rosslare Strand. He\u2019d be in his early 20s now and, if he\u2019s lucky, will still be coming to Kelly\u2019s, with grandparents, parents, and maybe small babies in tow. <\/p>\n

Run by five generations of the Kelly family over the years, Kelly\u2019s is one of Ireland\u2019s best multigenerational spots. There\u2019s a daily programme of things to do for kids; meanwhile, the older generations can play pickleball and Padel, get into games, gen up with talks, lounge about or dive into the pool. There\u2019s enviable art, and a wine list to drool over. Later, there will be dancing \u2013 ballroom or otherwise. Kelly\u2019s makes you realise that you\u2019re never too old, or young to have fun. GT <\/b>kellys.ie<\/a><\/p>\n

Glasson LakehouseCo Westmeath\"BrooksBrooks Spa at Glasson Lakehouse <\/p>\n

Walking into the family room of Glasson Lakehouse I sighed with relief at the sight of green wall panelling, soft patterned headboards, a Smeg fridge, a funky record player and beautiful bathroom tiles. As the booker of this getaway for four friends, no longer in our 30s, I worried that sharing one room would bring us back to our cramped student days. Instead we opened the door to pure luxury. <\/p>\n

Later sitting in the wooden-barrel hot tub, gazing out across Lough Ree and catching up, we left the world of play dates and kids\u2019 football matches far behind. The only bubbles in these tubs are the prosecco kind. <\/p>\n

Group holidays work when you have activities to do together, but also little pockets of time for yourself. While one friend went to the gym, another read their book, while I grabbed my goggles to swim in the blue-tiled outdoor heated pool. The hotel offers activities for all ages, from archery, boat and kayak rental on the lake to an 18-hole golf course. But it was an hour at the on-site driving range that had us bent over laughing (while also discovering a surprising new outlet for middle-age rage). <\/p>\n

Velvety fireside couches are perfect for playing board games or chatting over wine before dinner at the lake-view restaurant. On our second night, we enjoyed a culinary treat with dinner at The Villager Bar and Restaurant in nearby Glasson, where live music transported us back to the joy of our student heydays, before returning to our sumptuous hotel for a well-earned rest between crisp white sheets. GC <\/b>glassonlakehouse.ie<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Taking a big group on holiday can be daunting. Whether it\u2019s planning a friends reunion trip, a hen…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":558085,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[75],"tags":[12735,1877,18,117,83715,19,17,957,1328,12736,361,18194,2451],"class_list":["post-558084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-entertainment","tag-center-parcs","tag-cork","tag-eire","tag-entertainment","tag-fermanagh","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-kerry","tag-kilkenny","tag-longford","tag-magazine","tag-rosslare","tag-wexford"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/116826818971005516","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/558084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=558084"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/558084\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/558085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=558084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=558084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=558084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}