5 active mid-term breaks in Ireland to book now

Considering the stresses of 2020’s back-to-school period, many families will try to make the most of a mid-term with a family break. Here are five crowd-pleasing mid-term breaks in Ireland to book now.

Ashford Castle

This October, the West will be awash with colour and creativity as national treasure, Don Conroy, above, joins forces with The Lodge at Ashford to host a weekend painting workshop.

From October 2-4, guests can learn how to paint or improve upon existing artistic skills under the expert tutelage of the lockdown YouTube star in the beautiful surrounds of the Lodge on the 350-acre Ashford estate.

Prices for a two-night B&B break including a drinks reception hosted by Don Conroy, dinner each evening plus the weekend painting tutorial, start from €765 for two people sharing a Deluxe room; €1257 for two adults and two children under 12 years in a Suite.

Lyrath Estate

The five-star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny has just launched its Autumn Daze package (midweek from €185pps). It includes two nights B&B, a three-course dinner on one evening, and a luxurious cream tea on one afternoon of your choosing.

The estate is set on 170 acres of mature parkland, just five minutes from Kilkenny city centre and is surrounded by wonderful private walkways lined by mature trees. Autumn brings a riot of colour to the estate as great oaks, beech and silver birch trees cover the grounds.

You could also opt for a pampering treat at the multi award-winning Oasis Spa. The thermal suite in the spa includes several heating and cooling experiences including a stunning outdoor hydrotherapy pool which looks over the mature, private gardens.

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Escape to Wicklow en famile this mid-term and explore the 1,000 acres of the historic Powerscourt estate – and there’s no better place to base yourself than Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa.

The just-launched Family Fun package includes overnight accommodation in a family room sleeping four (two adults and two kids under 12); a trip to Powerscourt Waterfall with a delicious freshly prepared picnic; a family breakfast, overlooking the Sugar Loaf Mountain, plus an array of fun-filled activities and amenities including splash-time in the Swarovski crystal-lit 20-metre pool, bike rides about the estate, colouring maps, and mini bathrobes for VIKs (Very Important Kids).

Rates from €182 per adult sharing.

Glenlo Abbey

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway recently released its autumn schedule offering luxurious experiences for those looking to escape to the West for a few days as a couple, family or with friends.

The Golden Escapes package offers cream tea on arrival, a fine dining experience in the restaurant on an evening of your choice, a relaxed dinner in the Oak Cellar Lounge on another evening, and a private cinema experience each night in the Abbey Theatre. Guests can also avail of some leisurely strolls or jump on an estate bike and cycle the routes.

The three-night experience costs €295 per night and a four-night experience from €285 per night.

For those looking to escape with family in tow this mid-term try the Trick or Treat Family Break from €730 for a two-night stay for two adults and two children under 12 years.

Kilkea Castle

Enjoy a luxurious stay at the 12th century Kilkea Castle, just an hour’s drive from Dublin. During your stay, explore the lush 180-acre estate, take in a round of golf on the 18-hole championship course, enjoy complimentary access to the tennis courts, and take a ramble in the castle grounds.

Or why not pay a visit to Kilkea Castle’s brand-new spa and indulge in some luxurious Elemis treatments with the expert therapists, before relaxing in the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool?

A two-night Lodge stay allows guests to retreat to their very own stylish lodge, nestled in the stunning Castle grounds, with two nights’ B&B.

As part of this package, enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner in Hermione’s Restaurant or the Clubhouse Bistro on an evening of your choice. This package is priced from €300 per room.

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