Planning a mid-term staycation: 5 great family-friendly hotels in Ireland

Time to plan ahead. We know the school year has just started, but before you know it, October and mid-term will round around, and if you are thinking about taking a family break somewhere in Ireland, now is the time time to get planning. And just to give you a helping hand, we have rounded up five seriously great hotels all across Ireland, where the whole family no doubt will have a ball this mid-term: 1. Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny has something for everyone in the family, and right now they are offering great 2- or 3-night packages for the mid-term week around Halloween time. The special family deals include bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening for  2 adults and 2 children, and another dinner on the second night for just the adults in the hotel's Gulliver restaurant (where the children will get their dinner in the kids club). Kids aged 4-12 can join the in Newpark Camp which runs daily from 10.00am-4.00pm with hot lunch included. As well we this, there will be plenty of Halloween-themed activities to parttake in, an adventure train, and the hotel also has a treetop adventure playground and a mini wildlife farm with alpacas and llamas on site to entertain younger guests. For more information and to book, click here. 2. The Ross, Killarney The Ross is a boutique four star hotel in Killarney town centre, and perfect if you are looking for an activity-filled break over the Halloween mid-term. Not only is this cool and trendy hotel mere footsteps from the breathtakingly beautiful Killarney National Park, the whole area is pretty much filled with outdoorsy fun for the whole family – and right now they have special family break packages available. Why not try rock climbing in the glacier valley at The Gap of Dunloe, or hire bikes and cruise around the Muckross and Dinis Loop. And don't leave without having hiked Cardiac Hill to marvel at the incredible aerial view of Killarney and its lakes. And when you're done with all of that, why not grab a scoop of the amazing and locally made ice cream from Murphy’s or indulge in some of the best croissants and pain au chocolate in the world from Petit Delice on High Street? For more information and to book, click here.     3. Westin Hotel, Dublin Why not take the family on a city break this autumn mid-term, and explore all the amazing and family-friendly activities Dublin has to offer? At the 5-star Westin Hotel, you are not only right smack bang in the middle of all the action, but will also be staying somewhere so fabulous you won't forget about it anytime soon.  Oh, and did we mention children eat for free in the hotel's restaurant? For more information or to book, click here. 4. Kelly's Resort Hotel, Rosslare You won't really get anywhere more perfect for a family break than the gorgeous Kelly's Resort Hotel in Co. Wexford. Situated right beside the sandy beach in Rosslare, the hotel is pretty much iconic in terms of their facilities for children and families. Kids aged four and upwards can take part in activities in the “Pirates Club” from 9.30am to 9pm, where they can parttake in drama, arts and crafts, movie nights, sports, stories, games and painting. And if you are travelling with younger children, you have the option of having them minded in a playroom (€3.00 per hour). This playroom can also mind children during dinner-time, so grown-ups can indulge in a romantic dinner a deux. And as for activities the whole family can enjoy, the list really does go on and on. Tennis, swimming or golf, or how about a long beach walk? For budding equestrians, there is also a riding school nearby. For more information or to book, click here. 5. Clayton Hotel, Belfast We tend to forget about this great city only "up the road," but Belfast really has tons of things to see and do, and is perfect for a fun-filled family break. How about exploring the amazing Titanic Belfast? Or visit the dinorsaurs at Ulster Museum? And don't forget about the great shopping and amazing dining options available either. Right now, at the Clayton Hotel, they are running a great 2-night stay offer, which included bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening, complimentary use of the leisure facilities and milk and cookies vouchers for younger guests. For more information or to book, click here.