In British English:
The recent summer of 2024 has largely been disappointing. We are nearing the end of the summer school break, and due to the sun’s lacklustre performance this year, it seems as if winter has been prolonged. Nonetheless, we, the Irish, are renowned for our resilience in the face of unrelenting rain and dreary skies. But, we, too, are human beings and it’s only natural for us to seek an escape from the sombre weather conditions. If you’re in a position to get away for a few days, and a holiday resort featuring on-site family activities appeals to you, then Center Parcs might come to mind.
Admittedly no other holiday park in Ireland can match the scale and variety of activities provided by Center Parcs, but with peak season rates reaching almost €3,000 for a week in a two-bed woodland lodge, it begs the question of what other options are out there. We’ve curated a list of options, both domestic and overseas for your consideration so you don’t have to. It’s challenging to make an exact price comparison due to variations in accommodation types and their availability with respect to dates and duration. The following prices are based on August 2024 availability (unless stated otherwise) for a family composed of two adults and two children, and are subject to adjustment.
Consider Duinrell Holiday Park in the Netherlands, located only 40-minutes drive from Amsterdam, it boasts over 40 attractions, more than a kilometre of water slides, and a cost-free theme park. There are kids’ camps, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and evening entertainment. The park houses four restaurants, but there’s also the option to cook for yourself in the self-catering lodges if you prefer. Distinguishing factor: Well, you’re not in Longford. Price: A three-bedroom self-catering lodge from €846 for three nights in late August, or a two-bedroom lodge from €854.50 for a seven-night stay at the end of August through to September. Visit eurocamps.ie for more details.
Another alternative to consider is Bluestone National Park Resort in Wales.
The expansive 500-acre resort provides multiple facilities such as an indoor water park, an adventure playground, climbing zones, ziplines, power jumping, bowling, and an air maze. It caters to all family types, including those who prefer outdoor activities like archery, axe throwing and laser combat games. Similar to Center Parcs, bicycle rental is available for navigating the resort. The places to stay consist of charming cabin-style lodges and cottages in a row.
Interestingly, financial planning is crucial as the travelling expenses must be factored in. The price for a week’s stay in a three-bedroom lodge begins from £2,910 (around €3,392). A shorter four-night stay in a two-bedroom lodge starts from £1,120 (€1,305).
For more details, visit bluestonewales.com.
Cambrils Park Resort in Spain presents five pool areas, eccentric mini golf, tennis courts, trampolining, football facilities, family craft activities, distinct adult games, and different entertainment options. With restaurants, shops, and bars on the spot, the complex is conveniently placed within walking distance from Salou and Cambrils Port.
Adjacent to the resort, a beach offers watersports for those interested in changing their routine. Furthermore, PortAventura theme park is merely 8km away. The weather and temperature fluctuations inevitably play a significant role in the Spanish experience. Pricing for a week-long stay in a one-bedroom apartment accommodating four people starts from €1,560 (bookings for August 2025 only, since August 2024 is already full).
For additional information, visit cambrilspark.com.
Down in Italy, Bella Italia sits at the far end of Lake Garda. Home to four different pools including a children’s pool, lagoon pools and water slides, it offers direct access to the beach at the lakeside for those eager to experience parasailing, paraflying and banana-boat riding. Just a short 10-minute drive away is Gardaland theme park. The resort also boasts four dining options.
However, unlike others, indoor activities are not available in the same abundance, but the locale in Italy certainly makes up for it! Pricing starts from €1,529 for a week-long stay in a two-bedroom holiday home.
In Wales, the Kiln Park Holiday Centre is another viable option.
Situated close to Tenby town in Wales, Kiln Park Holiday hosts a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including water slides in pools both inside and outside. Additional activities span from archery and bungee trampolining to pottery painting, with kart hire also available. Direct beach access is available, along with evening entertainment at an on-site venue. Options for lodging include the choice between staying in a caravan or a lodge. Do note the unpredictable Welsh weather. Also, it will cost roughly £1,259 for a caravan for seven nights. You can book through haven.com
Meanwhile in Galway, the Wildlands adventure park is another choice. Nestled amidst 20-acres natural woodland, the park lets families stay in five unique cabins. There are a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including ziplines, adventure parks, and even a ninja course. The park doesn’t feature a large tropical pool but does offer contemporary cabins with a self-catering facility and a large restaurant. On-site amenities, such as disability access, changing facilities, and an outdoor playground, are also available. Prices start from €295 for a studio cabin or €222 from August 27th. Visit wildlands.ie to book.
Over in Wicklow, you can find Hidden Valley Holiday Park overlooking the Avonmore river and a private lake. Here, families are offered various options such as camping, glamping, or residing in a self-catering lodge. A new aqua park has been launched at the place, and it also features other activities such as kayaking and mini-golf. Laser tag, wall climbing, cinema nights, and playgrounds are among the other entertainment options.
Despite the lack of an on-site restaurant, the Hidden Valley Resort in Rathdrum village offers a takeaway service. The village of Rathdrum, just a ten-minute stroll away, provides various restaurants, shops and pubs. The resort also features a laundry room and communal kitchen for campers. Lodging at this glamping lodge is €165 per night while a pitch at the campsite is available at €54 (as of 27th August).
Meanwhile, the Delphi Adventure Resort in Co Galway is the perfect fit for outdoor-loving families with its 200 acres of adventure-filled activities, including kayaking, surfing, hill walking, ziplines, and archery. Choose to stay in the nearby hostel or the 4-star hotel, both providing quality accommodation. A distinctive feature of this resort is the lack of self-service lodges, but they compensate for it with the availability of a restaurant. Hotel rooms for families start at €259 (during mid-August). Prices drop to €158 after the 27th of August.
Over in Co Mayo, you will find the Westport Adventure Park, boasting the biggest net park in the country. It also features 100m ziplines, giant swings, slides, rock climbing, and a new immersive gaming zone. Despite the absence of self-catering lodges, the park offers a variety of dining options on-site, along with different forms of accommodation such as camp sites, glamping, caravan park, or hotel. Prices start at €160 per night for a family of four at the glamping site, and a modest €50 per night for camping.
Nestled in Gorey, County Wexford, Amber Springs isn’t a typical vacation resort, but it is loaded with various enjoyable pursuits catering to families. Amongst its offerings are a kids club, archery, bird of prey demonstrations, reptile displays, and a complimentary 80-seat cinema for guests. The venue also hosts an indoor play area, and a tween oasis room.
Differentiating features: While it may lack a tropical swimming facility with slides akin to Center Parcs, it does boast a swimming space as well as a pool catered for youngsters. Rather than lodges, the site offers family rooms and family suites.
Charges: The pricing for a family room which accommodates two adults and two children starts from €369 per night.
Website: ambersprings.ie