Family Holidays

Northern Ireland is perfect for your family holiday. Your kids will love all the fun stuff, the fresh air, and may even learn new things while they’re at it. All of you will enjoy a typical Northern Irish welcome wherever you go here and, speaking of going, let’s get going! 

A lot to do in Antrim 

Kicking things off in Antrim means finding somewhere to stay, and this is where you’re utterly spoiled for choice. Maybe you need a city hotel like the Holiday Inn Express (3*) or a spacious escape like the Hilton Templepatrick (4*) is your thing. 

If you’re thinking of self-catering, the luxurious Coach House (5*), quaint Duneden Cottage (4*) or Slemish Barn boutique hostel may be for you and yours. The Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort (4*) have riverside log cabins and cottages ideal for your family, and elsewhere there are loads of camping and glamping options. Like the stylish camping pods at Further Space at Glenarm (4*) or bespoke Sycamore Pods. For something utterly unique, how about your own self-catering castle at The Barbican  or windswept Blackhead Lightkeepers Cottages (4*). You could also hunker down at the thatched cottage gem that is Fools Haven (4*) or the fantastically futuristic domes at Foxborough Bubble Den. 

Antrim is for family appetites too and Newtownabbey is where you’ll find the chic Sleepy Hollow and The Side Door Bistro. Meanwhile, Fratelli at Galgorm is great for kids and you’ll always find a welcome at Larne’s Billy Andy's and Brooklyn Bay restaurants. If you really want to boss a family meal or two, then head for Springsteen’s Diner on the lough shore in Carrickfergus. 

You’ll want to burn off all that food and drink and wear the younger ones out in time for bed. So why not take a boat trip to Rams Island or a Carnlough Bay Boat Tour. For outdoor fun, splash down at The Lake Kilrea water park. (closed over Winter - reopens in Spring). Give yourselves a unique experience at the World of Owls. Or for your horse fan, Glenview Farm Equine Learning Centre has the perfect pony. If all you need are slides, swings and climbing frames, V36, Carnfunnock Country Park or Antrim Lough Shore Park will do the trick. 

Cause for a family celebration on the Causeway Coast 

Getting everyone settled in is easy here with all the fresh sea air and so many places to take it all in, even while you sleep. You’ll find boutique luxury at Blackrock House B&B (5*) (Winner Best B&B/Guest House at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022) or La Mouette (5*). Go the cottage route at Bayview Farm Holiday Cottages (5*) or beautifully renovated Coachman's Cottage (5*). 

You’ll find fantastic places to caravan, camp and glamp, like the award-winning Ballyness Caravan Park (5*) or nearby Bush Caravan Park (4*). Cushendall Holiday Park (3*) and Cushendun Holiday Park (3*) are ideal stopping places, and for something really quirky, Ballyeamon Barn has a bunkhouse barn if you’ve a big gang.  

Being by the seaside, you’re never far from great fish and chips here. Like Morton's or the aptly named Kraken Fish and Chips. You’ll find the Angler's Rest and Harry's Shack are real family favourites too, and for a taste of Italy, try North Coast Pizza or Amici's followed by Morelli's Ice Cream Parlour for a treat. For lunch or coffee, the Red Door Café or Glenarm Tea Rooms will do you the power of good. 

Sleeping and eating are like pastimes here because there’s so much else to be doing for families. The Giants Causeway or boat trips to Rathlin Island are must-dos and while you’re at it don’t miss a visit to Dunluce Castle on the cliff-edge.  For water fanatics, go hovercrafting with Foylehov Activity Centre, surf or board at Portrush’s Troggs and Alive surf schools, kayak with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours or dive into all with the tam from the perfectly-named Aquaholics. All your family will love The Edge Watersports at the Crannagh Activity Centre or watercycling at Sea Haven for a gentler way to take to the waves in Ballycastle harbour. 

Big and small plans for Belfast 

You could spend a lifetime of family breaks in Belfast and never have the same experience twice. But for starters, you’ll want somewhere in the big city to call home and for that there’s all sorts of addresses you could call yours. 

You’ll find the stylish Holiday Inn (4*), Hampton By Hilton or Crowne Plaza (4*) right up your street. If you prefer self-catering, try the chic Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments (4*) or Dream Apartments close to the Titanic Quarter. For caravanning, set up your pitch at peaceful Dundonald Touring Caravan Park (4*) or Jordanstown Loughshore Park (5*) on Belfast Lough. 

Needless to say when it comes to eating there’s a jaw-dropping range of options for you in Belfast. A walk along most of the city centre streets is like a worldwide gastronomic tour and there’s always the international fast-food giants to check out. However, you’ll find an extra special welcome at a few of our family favourites, including Deane & Decano bistro, Little Wing Pizzeria, Villa Italia or Fratelli Belfast. 

Keeping minds and bodies busy is easy here too. For curious minds, W5 is a must. For great days out, take a Belfast Bus Tour, visit Belfast Zoo or step aboard HMS Caroline for a unique peek at history. Bounce, ski, play and climb at We Are Vertigo or head to Let's Go Hydro for fun water activities. Lost City Adventure Golf has rainforest adventure golf courses… indoors, or indulge your sweet tooth at Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory. Colin Glen has the delightful Gruffalo Story Walk. Or head to Musgrave Park, Cavehill Playground or Mo Mowlam Playpark at Stormont Castle Estate where you’ll find loads for kids of all abilities. 

All to play for in County Armagh 

County Armagh is St Patrick’s last resting place and you’ll find somewhere to rest here in the Orchard County. In the historic city, the Armagh City Hotel (3*) or family-run B&B Fairylands Country House may be just right for you.  For camping or glamping, try Clare Glen (4*), or experience life on the edge of Lough Neagh and Oxford Island Nature Reserve at Kinnego Marina Caravan Park (3*). For quirkiness, Tepee Valley has tepees and gypsy caravans to hire and there’s always the option of staying at a working pottery at Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages (4*). 

An apple a day will keep the doctor away everywhere you go here, but for more substantial family fare there’s a few core places you should have on your list. Uluru Bar and Grill in the heart of Armagh City will turn your expectations of our local cuisine upside down, while Mulberry Bistro sits in the shadow of the mighty cathedral itself. Nearby Embers restaurant is busily fanning the flames of everyone’s appetites with its flame-grilled specials, and The Scullery on the Portadown Road is another firm family favourite. 

For great family days out in Armagh, simply head to Gosford Forest Park, Tannaghmore Gardens or the Play Park at The Palace Demesne. There’s also free outdoor play areas at Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Lurgan Park. For your stargazers, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium is definitely worth a long look. Hear all about Cuchulainn and his warrior gang at The Navan Centre & Fort. And for history of another kind, discover the origins of the famous crisp snack at the Tayto Castle Factory Tour.  

Down with the kids in County Down 

County Down might be coastal, and home to the famous strand at Newcastle, but if you still feel the need of a swimming pool, La Mon Hotel & Country Club (4*) is for you. Or if self-catering is your thing, the superbly converted barn at The Barn at Lisnacurran is a treat. For the cottage experience, Drumlin Lane Cottages (4*), Kilwarlin Cottages or Kribben Cottages (4*) are for you. Try glamping at the unique underground Fairy River Glamping (4*) or at Pine Tree Hollow and for a touch of the unusual, try the converted Swiss Army truck at Larchfield Estate, a former corn mill at The Mill at Balloo or the sumptuous One Shore Street (5*). 

Your family will never go hungry when places like the Owl & Pussy Cat, Mill Farm & Deli, Little Wings Pizzeria, The Cuan, Strangford, Portaferry Hotel or Vecca Roma are on the menu. 

Apart from superb forest parks like Rowallane Gardens, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Delamont Country Park and Castlewellan Forest Park, you’ll have loads to do en famille. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is well worth a visit, as is Castle Espie Wetland Centre. For a real fun farm experience, you’ll love everything at Streamvale Farm. The aquarium at Exploris never fails to keep your kids happy. The same goes for Pickie Funpark. Or they could try their hand painting at Eden Pottery. 

Family frolics by the Foyle in County Derry-Londonderry 

If you want to explore the famous walled city, the City Hotel Derry (4*), Holiday Inn Express (3*) and Everglades Hotel (4*) are perfect family bases. For a camping or glamping experience, try the Carrowmena Activity Centre, or if you want a warm family venue, book into Laurel Villa Townhouse (4*), a beautiful family-run guesthouse. For something a bit out of the ordinary, look up the Bishops Gate Hotel Apartments or stylish Art House in the city. 

If you want to take the family out for a bit of a feed, you won’t go wrong rocking up or booking a table at Nonna's Pizza, Marthas Vineyard, Mandarin Palace, Quaywest Restaurant, Fitzroys or Badgers Bar & Restaurant.   

For a bit of family eco-adventure, Far & Wild will keep your family on their toes, as will Campsie Karting & Paintball Centre. More family adventures await you at Lock n Load, Oakfire Adventures and The Jungle. Take a bike ride with Claudy Cycles or pony ride at City of Derry Equestrian Centre. And if all you want is a family movie or bowling, Brunswick Moviebowl is the place to go.  

Family freedom in County Fermanagh 

As Northern Ireland’s lake district, you’ll find loads of beautiful lakeside places to stay in County Fermanagh. Like Manor House Hotel (4*) and Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges (4*) on Lough Erne or Lusty Beg Chalets (4*) on your own private island and Lough Erne Resort (5*), an award-winning delight. For a hotel or self-catering holiday, Belmore Court Hotel (4*) or contemporary boutique Westville (4*) are both superb options. To camp or glamp, Finn Lough (4*) has a waterside lodge, lakeside lodge or bubble dome just for you. If you’d prefer a fairytale castle experience, Belle Isle Castle (4*) could be your wish come true, or talk to Carrickcraft about a hiring a boat cruiser for a family cruise on the waters of Lough Erne itself. 

For a tea, coffee or lunch, The Stables Tearoom at Florence Court and Castle Coole Tearoom always hit the spot. When dinner-time comes around head for Francos, The Firehouse and Little Wings Pizzeria to feed and water your gang with little fuss and a lot of fun. 

There’s loads in Fermanagh to keep your family entertained. Take a trip on Lough Erne on the MV Kestrel waterbus. The Cuilcagh Walk & Marble Arch Caves is a memorable trip for everyone, as is a visit to the famous Belleek Pottery. For toddlers, you’ll find two soft play areas next to Enniskillen’s Lakeland Forum and older kids can spend the day here too in tunnels or on slides, swings, cableway and net climbers.  

Treat yourselves to County Tyrone  

With the spectacular Sperrins close by, you’ll find plenty of places to base yourselves. For traditional hotel stays, Silverbirch Hotel (3*), Glenavon Hotel (3*) and Tullylagan Country House Hotel (3*) are just the ticket. Mellon Country Inn (3*) always has a warm welcome waiting for you outside Omagh. At the Corick House Hotel and Spa (4*), treat yourself in the gorgeous Clogher Valley. If camping or glamping is your thing, Sperrin View Glamping and Mountain Sky Glamping offer pure luxury alongside the ultimate in mountain views and star-gazing opportunities. For a unique family break, treat them to a stay at Rosehill House thatched country haven or Blessingbourne Courtyard Apartments (4*) converted courtyard. 

Head to Drum Manor Forest Park where you can let the kids bring their bikes or simply run to burn energy. They can try the play area with slides, swings, climbing frames and tunnels. Or they can chill out feeding ducks or explore the butterfly and Japanese gardens. You’ll never fail to have fun at Todds Leap activity centre with thrillseeking experiences. 

Making a break for it en famille is easy here, and, as we say no matter how many times you visit every single time will be different. For your next family break with a difference why no check out more family places to stay, eat and go.