8 brilliant family-friendly midterm breaks to book this year

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Overlooking two seemingly never-ending stretches of blue flag beach in West Cork, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is about as idyllic a location as you can get. Activities range from surfing to whale watching, swing ball, outdoor yoga, croquet and skipping ropes amongst other things. For tired parents, they also have a thalassotherapy seawater spa to help take the edge off. 

Westport Woods Hotel, Mayo

The Westport Woods Hotel have all bases covered when it comes to their Halloween offering – think movie nights, theatre, puppet shows, swim club, horse riding, pizza making, volley ball, science experiments and much more. Their dedicated Go!Kids Club – which runs during school holidays – helps take the stress out of going away, as does their seasonal midterm deal which includes a full Irish each morning and complimentary access to their club leisure centre. 

The Malone Boutique Hotel, Belfast

Festive Halloween fun is the order of the day at The Malone in Belfast who will be celebrating All Hallow’s Eve with a spooktacular costume party on October 31st. Popcorn and face painting are included, with lunch to follow at the Gallery restaurant. Tickets to the event itself are free, all that has to be paid for is your family lunch! 

Redcastle Hotel, Donegal 

A 4-star hotel ideal for families looking for a reasonably priced break, Redcastle Oceanfront Golf and Spa Hotel has some superb leisure facilities as well as a cinema, an award-winning restaurant overlooking the shores of Lough Foyle, and plenty of open space for kids to run around in. Fun family outings aren’t in short supply either with Wild Ireland animal park also within driving distance.

The Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan 

A contemporary 4-star hotel offering the highest standard of quality and service, the Cavan Crystal Hotel is located within just five minutes of Cavan town. Kitted out with an award-winning fitness club (featuring an 18-metre pool), a fully equipped gym and a health and beauty clinic – there’s something for all types of holiday-maker. Nearby attractions include the Cuilcagh boardwalk trail (great for tiring out excited little ones) and Kilinkere pet farm. 

The Connacht Hotel, Galway 

If you’re looking for family-friendly hotels in Galway, The Connacht is a great choice with a host of different accommodation options – including bunk beds, family suites and self-catering – and a number of Halloween-themed activities. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s 20m swimming pool, kid’s swimming pool, steam room and sauna and they even do their own spooky season-themed afternoon tea too.

The Everglades Hotel, Derry 

As supernatural beings and the souls of the dead flood into the city for Halloween night, the Everglades Hotel is inviting guests to come take refuge in their hallowed halls. Their festive programme of events is jam-packed with highlights including an ‘Awakening the Walls’ illuminated animation trail, the town Halloween carnival parade and a hunted harvest market. 

Mount Wolseley Hotel, Co Carlow

Why not rally the troops and escape to Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Co Carlow? Conveniently located within an hour’s drive from Dublin, Kilkenny, and Waterford, their mid-term offering includes complimentary use of the leisure centre facilities with a 20-metre heated pool and children’s pool, outdoor zipline, teen games zone and soft baby playroom. The Spooktacular Halloween Train Ride in Rathwood is another must-do while visiting.

Featured photography by Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa.