Yes, you've guessed it - the expression 'I'm bored' regularly echoes from my children's lips, even when we are on a break and supposed to be having fun. But as a family, we've stayed in many places throughout Ireland and there's one hotel that always seems to come up trumps.
There's so much on offer activity-wise for kids at Hotel Killarney, which is on the doorstop of charming Killarney itself, surrounded by beauty, with mountains, lakes and of course, the jewel in the crown, Killarney National Park.
This family-run hotel gets more brownie points thanks to its extensive and stylish refurbishment. Checking into our funky three-bedroom family suite, space, luxury and practicality were all at a premium. With a kitchenette, living area and separate bedrooms with 55in TVs, this was a stylish home away from home.
Children of all ages - and their parents - will be thrilled to discover that the hotel has a kids' club and regular daily activities during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays.
Killarney town.
From inflatable darts, dodgeball, jump fun, arts and crafts, movies, an interactive Animal Roadshow complete with owls and snakes, and other entertainment, you might not even get time to go to the pool or play mini-golf, both of which are on-site.
It's possibly the most impressive repertoire of children's entertainment in any Irish hotel I've ever been in.
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The hotel also has a good food offering, with the Strawberry Tree restaurant offering an extensive hearty breakfast to fill your boots, plus more refined dining in the evenings.
A brilliant base just 1.5km from Killarney town, there is plenty to explore in the county, from day-long boat trips to guided tours, including the National Park, Torc Waterfall and Torc Mountain, Carrauntoohill, the Gap of Dunloe, Kennedy's Pet Farm, Ocean World Aquarium in Dingle, Aquadome in Tralee and all the scenic stops along the famous Ring of Kerry.
The Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry.
When in Killarney, you simply must take a jaunting car ride through the National Park, which is made all the more entertaining by the animated jarveys. Last year we were regaled by stories of one of Ireland's finest stately mansions, Muckross House, which sits on the shores of the nearby Muckross Lake, so we made it our mission to visit this time around.
The 65-room mansion - built for the Herbert family in 1843 - is simply made for exploring, replete with period furnishings and artefacts of yesteryear. The children's toy room was a particular favorite with my girls, as were the quarters where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed during their visit in 1861.
For outdoor fun you can wonder at and wander which encompass 20 hectares and are meticulously maintained.
While on the estate, you've got to pay a visit to the adjoining Traditional Farms, which showcase the life of rural dwellers in the 1930s and 1940s. Here, there are three separate working farms, a laborer's cottage, a carpenter's workshop and a blacksmith's forge, but our favorite part was hanging out with the animals, especially the Irish wolfhounds.
Speaking of which, a few kilometers out of Killarney is Kennedy's Pet Farm, a mecca for animal lovers, with cute baby goats, calves, piglets and lambs all roaming freely, looking for cuddles and food, which you can buy by the tub at reception. There's a petting zone for rabbits and guinea pigs and lots of other cute critters, plus a couple of well-equipped playgrounds and a fairy trail.
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If you're in that neck of the woods, I'd recommend driving through the Gap of Dunloe, which is about 18km long, where you'll pass through a picturesque glacial mountain valley between Kate Kearney's Cottage and Moll's Gap.
Hey presto - not one declaration of boredom guaranteed.
Travel facts
A two-night stay at Hotel Killarney starts from €189 per night for 2 adults and 1 child with breakfast each morning, and a two-course meal, see hotelkillarney.ie.
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* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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