Staycation: 5 gorgeous family favourite places to stay in Northern Ireland

After being cooped up in the house over the lockdown period, families all across Ireland now have a chance to pack up and escape on a 'staycation' adventure.

Only a two-hour drive from Dublin, it is not about how far but about how fun as Northern Ireland’s giant spirit is ready to safely welcome visitors again. From unique cottages, luxury resorts, stylish self-catering, cosy lodges and family-friendly hotels, there is a whole host of options for booking your perfect family staycation now that will suit the whole family. Ready to go north? Embrace the unique surroundings of Northern Ireland with some family favourite suggestions for accommodation: Belfast The Maldron Hotel Belfast City (4*) is located right in the heart of the city centre, offering convenience but a budget-friendly option. With family rooms available, fun family activities, great shopping, restaurants, historic landmarks and public transport options right on its doorstep, it is the ideal base for your next family break in the city. The hotel offers brand new, stylish rooms designed to deliver maximum comfort to all guests. To book, visit https://www.maldronhotelbelfastcity.com/ County Down The stunning Horseshoe Cottage (4*) on the shores of Strangford Lough combines cosiness and comfort. Tracey and Joe are committed to the highest standards of accommodation and invite their guests to feel at home with them. A great retreat for families, the cottage offers two double bedrooms, one with twin beds and one with double bed. Guests are welcomed with freshly made Soda and Brown bread along with homemade jams and butter. For family activities, the cottage is less than ten miles away from the Castle Espie Wetland Centre and when booking, ask about bread making classes with Tracey during your stay. To book, visit https://www.horseshoecottage.co.uk/ County Fermanagh In the Fermanagh Lakelands, you’ll find Lusty Beg Island Resort (4*). Just a short ferry trip from the shores of Lower Lough Erne, this place is simply packed with things to keep grown-ups, kids and even grown-up kids happy all day and all night. There’s an adventure centre, games room, tennis court, bar and restaurant. A choice of self-catering accommodation is available here, from hotel-style rooms to open plan island cabins. To book, visit https://www.lustybegisland.com/en/ County Antrim Looking for a relaxing break to the beach for you and the kids? The Marine Hotel Ballycastle (3*) offers an unrivalled seafront position on the Causeway Coastal Route. From soft golden sands to pebbled hideaways, there is so much for you and your family to enjoy. The hotel offers several family-friendly offers, including family bunk rooms, interconnecting rooms and beach house family rooms. Pack your bags and bring the whole family to the coast. To book, visit https://marinehotelballycastle.com/ County Londonderry The Roe Park Resort (4*) in Limavady is the perfect base for a family-friendly escape to explore the wonders of the North Coast, situated close to the Giant’s Causeway and just 20 minutes from Benone Beach.  With a range of family-friendly rooms, children under 3 stay for free and the resort offers a special £20 bed and breakfast deal for kids aged 3-12. The resort has two superb restaurants, the Coach House Brasserie (closed at present but due to reopen) and The Courtyard with a family-friendly menu. The resort also has an indoor pool (closed at present but due to reopen) to enjoy with the kids. To book, visit https://www.roeparkresort.com/.