Introduction to Family Hotels in Ireland With Pools
Planning a family weekend trip this summer? If your kids love splashing in the pool or making friends in the kids’ club, you must find family hotels in Ireland with pools – and let’s be real, sometimes the weather decides for us! Whether you have indoor adventurers or kids who love racing around outside, Ireland has some great hotels that’ll make your family trip one to remember.
From go-kart tracks and playgrounds to cozy pools and fun kids’ activities, these hotels are packed with entertainment for every kind of family. And the best part? They’re close to Ireland’s top family-friendly spots, so you can explore during the day and unwind back at the hotel without anyone feeling bored.
Parents, you’re in for a treat too – these spots offer beautiful spas and bars, so you can kick back and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. I did my best to find the top family hotels in Ireland with pools, and I think you’ll find a perfect place for your family here.
Enjoy the sun while it lasts. Let’s dive in!
Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport (5-minute drive)
Website: Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
Facilities: Family rooms, indoor pool, free airport shuttle, on-site restaurant and bar, kids’ play area, business center, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.
Our stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin was one of the best family hotels in Ireland with pools from start to finish! We arrived early and were thrilled when the hotel found us a room as early as 11 AM, which gave us more time to enjoy our day.
Breakfast was fantastic, with a wide variety of options to suit every taste. There were make-your-own waffles and pancakes, cereals, breads, bacon, sausages, eggs, and beans. Plus, the tea, coffee, and juice options were plentiful. The beautifully set tables added a nice, classy touch to the experience.
The staff really made our stay memorable; they were friendly, approachable, and went out of their way to help. We felt so welcomed every step of the way.
Our room on the first floor had all we needed, including a complete set of toiletries. The bed and pillows were so comfortable—we slept like babies! The free airport shuttle was a great convenience, and getting to the city center was easy with a bus stop just a 5-7 minute walk away.
Overall, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin gave us a fantastic experience, and we’d absolutely stay here again!
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport (2 minutes from terminals)
Website: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport
Facilities: Family-friendly accommodations, indoor pool, direct airport access, free shuttle, spa services, ALSAA Leisure Complex access, complimentary Wi-Fi, pet-friendly options, and meeting spaces.
We had a great stay at the best family hotels in Ireland with pools Radisson Blu Hotel right near Dublin Airport! The convenience of being just minutes from the terminals was fantastic, especially with their free shuttle service. The reception staff and shuttle drivers were exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the room service attendants were always cheerful and attentive.
Our only tiny hiccup was with housekeeping, as they left just one tea cup instead of two when cleaning our room, but it was easily fixed with a quick call. Overall, the service was top-notch, and we felt very comfortable during our stay. This hotel is definitely a convenient and pleasant choice for anyone needing quick airport access!
Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport (inside airport)
Website: Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport
Facilities: Family rooms, indoor pool, 24-hour airport shuttle, kids’ activity area, on-site dining, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, laundry services, and parking.
I arrived at the Maldron Dublin Airport later than expected due to a delayed flight around 10 PM, absolutely starving and worried I’d have no food options. Thankfully, the receptionist welcomed me warmly and directed me to the bar, where they were more than happy to serve me. The food was delicious, and the service was outstanding.
The whole experience was seamless—from the quick check-in to the friendly and attentive staff. I also have to mention the breakfast, which was probably the best I’ve had at any hotel! Robert, who greeted me at the entrance, was incredibly helpful, and the hot buffet was kept fresh and well-stocked.
In short, it was a wonderful short stay, and I’d highly recommend the Maldron for anyone needing a convenient, comfortable stop near Dublin Airport.
Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport
Location: Shannon, Co Clare
Nearest Airport: Shannon Airport (just a 3-minute walk!)
Website: Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport
Facilities: Family rooms, indoor pool, on-site restaurant, 24-hour room service, fitness center, kids’ activity area, business center, free Wi-Fi, and parking.
We had a wonderful four-night stay here, and it was the perfect spot to start each day of exploring! The hotel itself is beautiful, cozy, and spotless. Check-in was a breeze, and our room was fresh and comfortable with no strange smells (always a relief!) and comfy beds—we slept great every night. The whole hotel had a warm and welcoming feel, thanks to the staff, who were incredibly kind and responsive. We even had friendly Ukrainian waitstaff who really made us feel at home.
If you’re planning to explore Ireland, this hotel is so convenient. Shannon Airport is only a three-minute walk, which was ideal since we had quite a bit of luggage. Plus, there’s so much to see nearby! From this best family hotels in Ireland with pools, Bunratty Castle and Dromoland are just a quick 15-minute drive, and the stunning Cliffs of Moher are about 40 minutes away. We rented a car right near the airport, making it super easy to get around.
This place truly feels like our home base on the Emerald Isle, and we’ll definitely be back!
Great National Hotel Ballina
Location: Dublin Rd, Ballina, Co Mayo
Nearest Airport: Ireland West Airport Knock (approx. 40 km)
Website: Great National Hotel Ballina
Facilities: Ireland West Airport Knock (approx. 40 km)
Facilities: Family-friendly rooms, indoor pool, children’s play area, spa and wellness center, restaurant and bar, gym, free Wi-Fi, ample parking, and conference rooms.
We stayed at Hotel Ballina with the whole family, and it was lovely! The staff here were genuinely warm and made us feel right at home. Our family room was perfect, comfortably fitting all four of us (plus our little one’s friend who joined us). The pool was definitely a highlight—it was warm, clean, and perfect for a relaxing swim. We did have a tiny run-in with another guest in the pool who was a bit fussy, but the staff quickly handled it and made sure we were comfortable.
The food was mostly good, though breakfast was a bit hit or miss on our first two days. Overcooked bacon and eggs—possibly just an off day for the chef? Luckily, by day three, breakfast was great! The bar was a bit quiet in the evenings, but the cozy vibe and good food made up for it.
The hotel decor could use a bit of a refresh, but overall, it was clean and comfortable. Best of all, the location was super convenient for exploring Mayo and even heading up into Donegal. We left with some great memories and will definitely consider coming back if we’re in the area again!
The Connacht Hotel
Location: Dublin Rd, Galway, Co Galway
Nearest Airport: Shannon Airport (approx. 85 km)
Website: The Connacht Hotel
Facilities: Indoor pool, kids’ club, spacious family suites, restaurant, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, event spaces, and complimentary parking.
We picked the best family hotels in Ireland with pools Connacht Hotel mainly for its location—it’s just a 30-minute walk to the heart of Galway or a quick 10-minute bike ride, which was perfect for us! The bar had a great selection of beers and cocktails, and the restaurant was spot on. Even during busy times, the food was served pretty quickly and tasted great.
We visited in August, and there was live music every night. While it wasn’t traditional Irish music, it was still fun and kept the atmosphere lively. The pool was decent, with lanes for the serious swimmers and a shallow end for the kids. The jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room were all in top working condition, adding a nice touch of relaxation.
Parking was plentiful, though with our high vehicle, we could only park in the front lot. It filled up occasionally, but we always managed to find a spot. The staff were non-stop and incredibly helpful—always ready to lend a hand.
If I had to point out a downside, it would be that our room could have been a tad cleaner. It didn’t quite match the standard of the rest of the hotel, but overall, we felt it was a great value for the price. We’d happily come back!
Mount Errigal Hotel
Location: Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Nearest Airport: Donegal Airport (approx. 55 km)
Website: Mount Errigal Hotel
Facilities: Family rooms, indoor pool, children’s play area, on-site dining options, spa and sauna, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, and ample parking.
Our stay at Mount Errigal Hotel was generally good, though a few things could have been improved. The room could’ve been cleaner—there were a few stray hairs in the bathroom, and the shower hose was broken, which definitely needed replacing. On the upside, the radiators worked well, so drying our swim gear was easy. The pool area itself was lovely, perfect for a relaxing dip.
Since the restaurant was closed, we had dinner in the bar. The food was okay; I went for turkey and ham, while my husband had a beef burger (a bit too greasy for my taste). My Aperol Spritz tasted a bit off, and it turned out they didn’t have it in the till, so I was charged for a “Brumble” instead. Breakfast, though, was a highlight, with a great selection including nuts! The toaster, however, kept burning toast, and the smell lingered.
The room was a bit noisy with the nearby road, and the windows didn’t quite block out the sound. But overall, we had a decent stay and enjoyed the hotel’s facilities. It’s a good choice if you’re in Donegal and need somewhere cozy with a pool and easy parking!
The River Lee
Location: Western Rd, Cork, Co Cork
Nearest Airport: Cork Airport (approx. 8 km)
Website: The River Lee
Facilities: Family accommodations, indoor pool, spa services, rooftop bar, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry service, children’s play area, and parking facilities.
We stayed just one night at The River Lee, but it was a fantastic experience with this best family hotels in Ireland with pools! The room was super spacious and had all the amenities we needed. It could’ve been a bit cleaner, but it didn’t bother us since it was just a short stay.
The location is perfect—just a short walk to the city center and plenty of nearby restaurants. Parking was available for €12, though it’s shared with a leisure center, so it can get a bit crowded.
The staff were absolutely lovely, and breakfast was a real treat! It was a nice mix of buffet and made-to-order meals, and everything was delicious.
If you’re passing through Cork, The River Lee is definitely worth a stay!
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Location: Lough Atalia Road, Galway, Co Galway
Nearest Airport: Shannon Airport (approx. 85 km)
Website: The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Facilities: Family rooms, indoor pool, spa and wellness center, on-site dining, kids’ club, fitness center, meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, and concierge service.
Our stay at The Galmont Hotel & Spa was excellent! The rooms were clean, spacious, and modern—exactly what we hoped for. Housekeeping was prompt and kept everything in top shape. The breakfast, included in our stay, was delicious, setting us up perfectly for the day.
The location was ideal, just a short walk to downtown attractions and restaurants, which was a huge plus considering how crowded Galway can get. The hotel really felt like a peaceful escape. Parking was hassle-free with their underground garage, complete with an elevator that takes you straight into the hotel.
The only downside was the lounge/restaurant. Service there was painfully slow, and the staff seemed a bit lost. We waited about 20 minutes before even being offered menus, and it took ages to get our food and drinks. Our sides arrived well after we had finished our main courses, which was a bit frustrating.
Overall, I’d 100% stay here again—it’s a great spot. I’d just steer clear of the lounge next time!
Cork International Hotel
Location: Cork, Ireland
Nearest Airport: Cork Airport (5-minute walk)
Website: Cork International Hotel
Facilities: Spacious family rooms, indoor pool, spa treatments, rooftop restaurant, fitness center, kids’ activity room, free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, and ample parking.
My friend and I recently stayed at Cork International Hotel, the best family hotels in Ireland with pools and it was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve had! The view of the planes taking off and landing was such a cool and unique touch that made our stay feel extra special.
Breakfast was amazing—definitely exceeded our expectations! We also tried room service for dinner one evening, and it was perfect. The food was fresh, hot, and arrived super quickly, which made it a cozy and delicious night in.
What really made our stay memorable, though, was the incredible staff. Every person we met was friendly and welcoming, but a special shoutout goes to Sarah Hickey. From our first visit, her warm welcome made us feel instantly at home, and on our return, she went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. Sarah’s kindness and dedication truly add a special touch to Cork International Hotel.
If you’re ever in Cork, this hotel is a must-stay!
Tips for Best Family Hotels in Ireland With Pools
- Location Matters
Choose a hotel close to airports or attractions to save travel time—like the Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport, which is right inside the airport for quick access. - Family-Friendly Rooms
Opt for hotels with spacious rooms or family suites for comfort, like those at Castleknock and The Galmont. - Kid-Friendly Pool Areas
Look for pools with shallow ends or dedicated kids’ sections, such as The Connacht’s pool, which has areas for both kids and adults. - Flexible Dining Options
Family-friendly menus and room service are a must. Hotels like Park Inn by Radisson offer children’s buffets, making mealtime quick and easy. - Extra Amenities for All
Spas, fitness centers, or rooftop bars add fun for everyone. The River Lee has a rooftop bar for parents and activity rooms for kids. - Friendly Staff
Choose hotels with helpful, friendly staff who go the extra mile. Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport is known for exceptional service. - Nearby Family Attractions
Select hotels near popular sights for easy outings. Park Inn by Radisson is close to Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. - Easy Parking and Transport
Hotels with free shuttles or ample parking, like Crowne Plaza and Cork International, simplify logistics. - Complimentary Breakfast
An included breakfast, like The Galmont’s buffet, is a great perk to fuel the family before a day out. - Cleanliness Standards
A clean environment is key. Look for hotels known for cleanliness and attentive housekeeping for peace of mind.
For a smooth family stay, prioritize location, family-friendly amenities, and service. With the right hotel, you’ll have a relaxing, enjoyable vacation for everyone! Instead of hotels, if you are interested about Rent a Castle in Ireland you can read our castle article. After visiting Ireland, don’t miss pubs, to learn about pubs you can read Best Pubs in Galway, follow Dublinz instagram to get updated!