Family friendly accommodation

A family at Fools Haven Thatched Cottage, Carrickfergus, County Antrim.

We all know packing up for a break with the kids can be stressful. So ease the burden a little by choosing family-friendly accommodation that will go the extra mile to make your stay a memorable one.

From high chairs to games rooms and farmyard animals, here’s a round up of Northern Ireland accommodating that’s just perfect for families.

Blessingbourne Courtyard Apartments

Blessingbourne Estate in County Tyrone is a working farm set on a beautiful country estate on the edge of Clogher Valley, just a five minute walk to the village of Fivemiletown where you’ll find shops, child friendly restaurants and a trekking centre. The Courtyard Apartments range from 3* to 5* and are a haven for both adults and children with a range of activities available on site including mountain bike trails, a pump track, tennis court, boating and cycling. Your little ones will enjoy the costume museum, meeting the animals, riding around on the outside toys or playing in the wooden play area.

Finn Valley Cottages

These 4* self-catering cottages overlook Finn Valley in County Tyrone, where you are only 15 minutes’ drive away from the Ulster American Folk Park and a one-hour drive from the Giant’s Causeway.

The cottages are fully equipped to entertain the kids: an onsite games room with pool table, a safe play area for younger children and free Wi-Fi. A grocery shopping service is also available if booked in advance.

Spice Cottages

Spice Cottages are a mile from the picturesque village of Moy and tastefully blend an old charming exterior with a modern and spacious interior.

Finished to a high standard they come equipped with an outdoor BBQ zone along with a garden play area, games room and free wireless broadband. Family attractions nearby include The Armagh Planetarium, Ardress House and The Argory to name but a few.

The Views

Nestled in a picturesque rural location in the Sperrins, this 5* property is ideal for a stress-free, relaxing family holiday. The Views comfortably sleeps eight people with plenty of activities onsite. In the games room you’ll find a snooker table, table tennis and iPod docking station, while younger children can make the most of the playroom – fully stocked with Lego, a doll’s house and board games.

You will find nearby the Ulster Way walks and cycle routes, Roe Valley Country Park and blue flag beaches. Long Line Surf School is also just a short drive away.

The Lodge Hotel

Based in Coleraine, County Londonderry, the 3* Lodge Hotel is renowned for its hospitality and award-winning food, and is within a 10-minute walk to Coleraine town centre. It is also a short drive from attractions such as the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the golden beaches of Portrush and Portstewart strand. Each of the 56 bedrooms have been designed to give a sense of space and have an elegant and comfortable stylish finish. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available in all bedrooms.

Children will love to dine in Elliot’s Bistro or Romanoff’s Restaurant which offer specific menus for children.

Fools Haven

This thatched 4* self-catering property is situated outside Carrickfergus, County Antrim, at the start of the Causeway Coastal Route and 2.5km from the historic Carrickfergus Castle, town centre, restaurants and leisure facilities.

Ideal for families, this accommodation has all the modern appliances necessary to make your stay a memorable one. On the decked private patio and picnic area you can relax and unwind in ‘Betty’s Bothy’ BBQ hut and watch the kids play in the unique ‘Puffins Perch’ playhouse.

Inn on the Coast

The 3* Inn on the Coast hotel, County Antrim, has 30 rooms and offers great family friendly accommodation. Here you will find an onsite games room where kids can amuse themselves, leaving the grown-ups time to relax and enjoy their evening.

Located on the Causeway Coastal Route between the beautiful harbour towns of Portrush and Portstewart, this is an ideal stop-off to take in the many local attractions including Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the medieval Dunluce Castle.

Drumlin Lane

Enjoy a fun-filled family holiday at Drumlin Lane self-catering in either of the beautifully finished and fully equipped 4* cottages, Hillcrest and Croob View.

Situated in the rolling County Down countryside, less than a five-minute drive from the historic village of Hillsborough, Drumlin Lane offers scenic, spacious and luxurious ruralfamily friendly accommodation, and is less than half an hour’s drive from Belfast.

Facilities onsite include a 14′ outdoor trampoline, table tennis, pool table and lots of books, games, and DVDs to keep everyone entertained. Feel free to load up the roof rack with any bikes or sporting equipment as there is plenty of secure storage space. High chair and travel cots are available on request and free Wi-Fi is also provided for any rainy days.

Arch House B&B

A warm welcome awaits you and your family at 4* Arch House Farmhouse B&B, County Fermanagh, a working farm where kids will have a chance to see calves being born, help feed the animals or enjoy a walk around one of the various farm trails.

They’ll also be spoilt for choice with a host of games provided on-site including table tennis, darts, trampoline, a climbing frame and play house. Located a 10-minute drive from Enniskillen, it is situated close to the Marble Arch Caves and within walking distance of Florence Court with its beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Fermanagh Self Catering

Experience an action packed 4* family break at Fermanagh Self Catering holiday homes. Your children will be well catered for with a newly planted tennis court and a side

garden complete with trampoline, swings, slide, climbing frame, sand pit, football, basketball and badminton nets and croquet.

For any rainy days, the games room is invaluable with a snooker/pool table, 32-inch TV and Wii. The younger explorers in your family will enjoy short forest walks through the wood onsite. The nearby lake also has fishing stands, a large enclosed sand paddling area and picnic tables if the sun is out.

Caitlin’s Cottage

The 4* Caitlin’s Cottage in County Armagh offers great facilities for a well-earned family break. Located in a quiet rural setting it is a perfect location to explore the many attractions the area has to offer such as fishing, walking, cycling and horse-riding.

One hour from both Belfast and Dublin, Caitlin’s Cottage offers traditional and luxury features in a cosy and peaceful environment. Here you will find free Wi-Fi along with all the necessary items for a small child: high chair, cot, steriliser. Family board games and books are also available to keep the children amused.