Family Hotels in Ireland With Pools | With Our Top Picks
Family Hotels in Ireland With Pools | With Our Top Picks
Planning a family trip somewhere fun and relaxing in Ireland? Whether it’s for the mid-term break, a summer getaway, or just a spontaneous weekend escape, finding the right family-friendly hotel with a pool makes all the difference.
I went ahead and gathered some of the best family hotels in Ireland with swimming pools. From fun-filled resorts with play areas and kids’ clubs to hotels where parents can sneak away to a spa, this list has something for every Irish family.
Enjoy it while the good weather lasts — let’s dive in.
📍 Castleknock Hotel, Dublin
Location: Porterstown Road, D15 Blanchardstown, Dublin
The Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport (7 miles)
Facilities:
✅ Indoor swimming pool
✅ Free parking
✅ Family rooms
✅ Spa & wellness centre
✅ Fitness centre
✅ Restaurant & bar
✅ Very good breakfast
Why Choose It:
Castleknock Hotel is a proper family favourite on Dublin’s northside, a short drive from both the airport and Dublin Zoo. Their leisure centre includes a family-friendly pool and even a toddler pool. There’s a playground on-site, BBQ areas for summer evenings, and an 18-hole golf course for the grown-ups.
Their Earth & Vine Restaurant serves up excellent farm-to-fork style dishes, while the Lime Tree Bar’s sun terrace is perfect for unwinding. It’s a solid pick if you want a mix of city convenience and laid-back leisure.
📍 Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co. Roscommon
Location: Roscommon Road, Athlone
Nearest Airport: Ireland West Airport Knock (46 miles)
Facilities:
✅ 20-metre indoor pool + hydrotherapy
✅ Children’s pool
✅ Spa & wellness centre
✅ Family rooms
✅ Free parking
✅ Lake views
Why Choose It:
If you’re after a pool with a view, Hodson Bay Hotel sits proudly by the shores of Lough Ree. The pool is big and bright, with a separate kids’ pool. There’s also a steam room and a sauna for when you manage a little ‘me time.’
The hotel’s award-winning restaurant and waterfront bar are well-rated, and it’s minutes from Baysports, Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark — a must-do with kids! Plus, you can hop on a Viking Boat Tour right outside the hotel.
📍 Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey, Co. Wexford
Location: Wexford Road, Gorey
Nearest Airport: Waterford Airport (46 miles)
Facilities:
✅ 18-metre swimming pool + kids’ pool
✅ Cocoon Spa
✅ Family rooms
✅ Indoor playzone
✅ Petting farm, go-karts & cinema nights
✅ Multiple restaurants
Why Choose It:
Amber Springs wins the crown for the most kid-friendly hotel in Wexford. Their Playzone has a bouncy castle, soft play centre, and ball pool, while outside, you’ll find a petting farm, mini-golf, and go-karts.
Teens aren’t forgotten either — with table tennis, pool tables, and a chill-out area. Foodies in the family will appreciate their locally sourced menus, with burgers made from their very own farm.
📍 Dingle Skellig Hotel, Dingle, Co. Kerry
Location: Beenbane, Dingle
Nearest Airport: Kerry Airport (31 miles)
Facilities:
✅ Indoor pool + kids’ pool
✅ Baby creche (4 months to 4 years)
✅ Kids’ club during holidays
✅ Petting farm nearby
✅ Family rooms
✅ Fabulous breakfast
Why Choose It:
One of the most family-welcoming hotels on the Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle Skellig goes all-in for little guests. There’s a kids’ club, baby room, and even junior meals on the evening menu.
The hotel is perfectly placed for visiting Dingle’s aquarium and dolphin-spotting with ‘Fungie’s’ successor. Dining at the Coastguard Restaurant with views over Dingle Bay is a treat for adults too.
📍 Parknasilla Resort & Spa, Sneem, Co. Kerry
Location: Sneem, Co. Kerry
Nearest Airport: Kerry Airport (29 miles)
Facilities:
✅ Indoor pool + thermal suite
✅ Private beach area
✅ Kids’ Hideout (teens’ games room)
✅ Fairy trails & nature walks
✅ 9-hole golf course
✅ Spa treatments
Why Choose It:
Parknasilla is more than a hotel — it’s an experience. Set within 500 acres of coastal woodland, families can explore mapped fairy trails, join a murder mystery night, or relax on their private beach.
The teens-only Hideout has a pool table, air hockey, and table tennis, while the younger ones will love the fairy trails. The Pygmalion Restaurant offers high-end dining, and the bay views are unreal.
📍 Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Location: Inchydoney Island, Clonakilty
Nearest Airport: Cork Airport (23 miles)
Facilities:
✅ Indoor Seawater Therapy Pool
✅ Beachfront access
✅ Spa treatments
✅ Family rooms
✅ Exceptional breakfast
Why Choose It:
If your idea of a break is a spa by the sea, Inchydoney delivers. The Seawater Therapy Pool is a unique experience, pumping fresh ocean water into the pool daily.
While it lacks soft play and playgrounds, the Blue Flag beach makes up for it with surfing, kayaking, and whale-watching trips. The hotel provides kites and beach toys, and Clonakilty is only a 10-minute drive away for cafés and attractions.
📍 The Connacht Hotel, Galway
Location: Dublin Road, Galway
Nearest Airport: Shannon Airport (41 miles)
Facilities:
✅ 20-metre indoor pool
✅ Free parking
✅ Family rooms with bunk beds
✅ Fitness centre
✅ Good breakfast
Why Choose It:
Just 20 minutes’ walk from Eyre Square, The Connacht is one of Galway’s best family hotel picks. Their family rooms are spacious and modern, some with interconnecting options and bunk beds for the kids.
The leisure centre is great for rainy days, and there’s an onsite kids’ club during holiday periods. Bonus points for free parking in a city where it’s rarely available.
Something a Bit Different — Unique Family Stay
If you fancy something a little quirky, check out Fota Island Resort in Co. Cork. Along with their luxury lodges (great for families), Fota Wildlife Park is on your doorstep — imagine waking up to giraffes and zebras. Their leisure centre has a lovely pool too, making it a perfect mix of adventure and comfort.
Finally in My Mind
Whether it’s a beachfront spa break, a fun-filled adventure hotel, or a city escape with bunk beds, Ireland has a fantastic selection of family hotels with swimming pools. Many of these spots are great for both small kids and teens, with family rooms, kids’ clubs, and outdoor activities all on offer.
Pro Tip: Always book direct for the best package deals — many hotels offer free kids’ meals, family activity passes, or spa discounts if you book via their official website.
If you’ve stayed at any of these — or have a hidden gem you love — I’d love to hear about it!
