https://thetravelexpert.ie/holidays-in-ireland/top-10-tips-for-single-parent-holidays-in-ireland/
Booking tips, hotel recommendations and how to find the best deals, I’ve got 10 top tips for single parent holidays in Ireland.
Finding hotel deals for single parent holidays in Ireland is not easy! I regularly receive messages asking how to find good value family breaks for one parent families, and while I have some ideas on how to find the best hotel deals, I thought it best to consult with a solo parent to get some expert advice.
Yvonne Reddin is a journalist and travel writer and regularly travels solo with her two children at home and abroad. She kindly agreed to share her top tips and recommendations for one parent families looking to holiday in Ireland.
1. Book a hotel with family facilities
Hotels with kids club are ideal for single parent holidays. The old clichè applies, if the kids are happy, then so are you! Choosing hotels close to water parks,greenways and outdoor parks are ideal, but if you can manage to book a hotel with family activities on site, even better!
Many family hotels in Ireland have kids clubs. Not only are these great for children, but you can enjoy a well deserved swim or Spa treatment, while they play happily in the kids club. Hotels with sports activities, movie nights and fairy trails can be a Godsend too, however, don’t under estimate the importance of an indoor pool – kids can play happily for hours in the pool, and when travelling in Ireland, indoor activities are vital too! Top Tip: Some hotels offer kids clubs free of charge, others incur a small fee. Make sure to check cost in advance and find out if they need to be pre-booked.
2. Call hotels to check single parent holiday deals
Many hotels around Ireland offer single parent holidays. Hotels such as the Midlands Park Hotel in Laois, the Riverside Park Hotel in Wexford, and Gleneagles in Killarney have solo parent breaks listed on their websites, however, many hotels only offer these if you call them.
Top Tip: If you check hotel websites, one parent family holidays may not be called that, but you will find prices for family rooms for one adult and multiple children. When you read more detail about the family rooms and family suites, you may find there are solo parent holiday deals.
3. Check out family hotel breaks in Ireland
Some hotels are adding on fantastic extras to encourage families to enjoy experiences on site. The Rose Hotel in Tralee offer great single parent holiday packages including entry to the Aquadome (an indoor water park) as well as a Greenway package which includes bike hire and lunch.
The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny offer passes into their Jurassic Park on the grounds of the hotel. They also have launched new Eco Trails, which take guests on a self-navigated journey into flora and fauna, learning about trees, plants, ecosystems and habitats. They have an Eco-Corner where activities take place, as part of the kids club.The Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone has access to Baysports Water park, Ireland’s largest inflatable water park. This is separate from the hotel’s family packages, but it is just stones throw from the hotel, and entry is only €22.50 per child. The Dungarvan Park Hotel has bike hire available at the hotel so you can cycle the Waterford Greenway, and numerous hotels in Cork have family breaks with tickets to Fota Wildlife Park included.
4. Travel with another single parent and split the hotel room cost
Some family hotel rooms are almost as big as a two bedroom apartment ( e.g Arklow Bay Hotel in Wicklow, Woodlands Hotel in Adare, The Hodson Bay in Athlone), so you can save a significant amount by travelling with another single parent and split the room costs.
5. Book a hotel in Ireland with self catering facilities
Hotels with self catering apartments or lodges are the most practical when booking a single parent holiday in Ireland. As we all know, dining out can be expensive, so having self-catering facilities on site is a great way to save your well earned cash. They are usually more spacious than hotel rooms too, so it can be more comfortable if you want to enjoy a movie or games night in.
6. Go Glamping
Campsites such as Hidden Valley in Wicklow, or activity centres with accommodation on site such as Wildlands in Galway, are super choices, and if your budget allows, Center Parcs is hard to beat. However, sometimes a more simple experience in a Further Space glamping pod, or a Hobbit House in Glamping Under Stars, will provide an equally rewarding experience. Kids will enjoy toasting marshmallows in the campfire and it is a great way for them to meet other children. We also stayed in a luxury Yurt in Lough Mardal Lodge in Rossnowlagh in Donegal and it was a complete digital detox out in a bogland. There is a communal lodge where you can cook your own food and chat with other guests if you want to, as well as a lake for swimming and plenty of walks around the property. The Wild Atlantic Camp in Creeslough, Donegal is another favourite of mine. They have a beautiful range of pods, luxury chalets and cabins. There is loads to do around the area inlcuding Glenveagh Castle, and Ards Forest Park, and all the beaches are pristine. They have football pitches, an arcade room, bike trails, a playground and the best pancakes in Donegal in the onsite cafe, The Happy Camper!
The Deerstone in Wicklow has gorgeous houses and shepherd’s huts that are perfect for smaller solo families like us, as well as 3 bedroom houses that could sleep 2 solo-parent families, or you could bring the grandparents along! There is an outdoor pool, outdoor saunas, plunge barrels, quiet nooks and crannies to breathe (this is where the grandparents come in so you can get some ‘me time’), and they have a projector to watch movies on screens in the houses.
7. Recharge and Reconnect
Single parent holiday deals in Ireland don’t have to be in hotels or glamping sites. I stayed at a single-parent rest retreat in Carraroe in Galway, called The Old Knitting Factory. Owned by US best-selling author Betsy Cornwell this Airbnb is good value for single parents with low budgets. It is in a beautiful area, not far from Roundstone, Dogs Bay and Gurteen beaches, and close to Spiddal, Salthill etc. You can read more about my stay here. If you want to recharge and reconnect with your children, why not try an island adventure in Inishboffin? I stayed in another writer’s house here and it was like going back in time. We enjoyed walking and cycling around the island, and the Doonmore Hotel has traditional music every night, we loved it!
8. Plan your road trip itinerary
Get your car serviced before you head off on a long trip, or at least check the oil and tyres. When planning your journey, allow time for food and toilet stops. A regular favourite for us is the Barack Obama Plaza, and we always stop in Asda Strabane en route to Derry and Donegal. And don’t forget the all important snacks for the journey!
9. Bring supplies!
The beauty of single parent holidays in Ireland is that you can throw whatever you need in the car! However, I try to limit packing to one medium suitcase for three of us, unless camping which obviously needs more. Depending on when you go in Ireland, you may need heavy coats, but rain gear is always a must! Bodyboards and beach chairs are ideal if you are planning beach days, and books, tablets, toys and games are ideal for evening time. I also like to bring a small emergency kit with basic medical supplies, snacks and extra clothing.
Top Tip: Bring a torch, candles and a lighter, in case of outages in the more secluded locations (it happened to us in Donegal). Uno playing cards came in handy for entertaining ourselves until the power came back on, they are also lightweight for kids to carry in their back packs when going out.
10. Relax and enjoy it
By preparing thoroughly and maintaining a positive attitude, traveling solo with kids can become a memorable adventure filled with fun and plenty of bonding opportunities.
Yvonne Reddin