11 family staycations to experience this Summer

Living

6 min read

With camping and staycations becoming much more popular this Summer, we’ve picked ten camping parks and staycation destinations that the whole family can enjoy – experiencing our wonderful scenery is just an added bonus.  

Castlerock Holiday Park  - Castlerock, Derry/Londonderry

Based on the Northern Irish Coast, this holiday resort not only offers beautiful scenery but a championship-level golf course, nearby beaches and an activity centre. You can also visit the ruins of Downhill Castle and Mussenden Temple or if you want a quick retreat to explore, you can visit the neighbouring towns of Portrush and Coleraine. The park is open to motorhomes and touring caravans.

Hidden Valley Camping - Rathdrum, Wicklow

Just a short car ride from Dublin is Hidden Valley Camping located in Wicklow.

From great adventure to relaxing days, there’s something to suit everyone - whatever the weather. It offers camping areas, caravans, glamping and even boutique accommodation.

If you’re an adventurer seeker, there is an endless list of activities including kayaking, fishing, laser tag, bumper boats and an aqua park. 

Oysterhaven - Kinsale, Co Cork

With it located only 10 mins from the beautiful town of Kinsale, Oysterhaven has everything from rural and relaxing scenery to amazing activities for everyone to enjoy. In July and August, the centre runs dedicated sailing and windsurfing camps for 11 to 18-year-olds, leaving parents free to tour the region. There is also a choice of golf courses, horse riding stables, guided tours and some lovely walking trails.

It is the perfect base for exploring West Cork and each self-catering cottage has a patio and BBQ area with lounge chairs making it the perfect summer getaway, if the weather holds.

Todd’s Leap -Ballygawley, Tyrone

Todd’s Leap in Ballygawley is an action-packed destination for both friends and family. Prepare for an adrenalin pumping weekend filled with activities such as the ‘White Knuckle Run’, off-road driving track, accelerating over a cliff edge on the Giant Swing, paint balling, zip-lining, body zorbing, and a climbing wall. 

You can finish the day off in their log cabins or their glamping snooze boxes. This is definitely a place that should be added to the bucket list!  

Kiltale Farm - Kiltale, Co Meath

Just a 30 min car ride from Dublin in Trim, the Kiltale Farm is an award winning four star self-catering accommodation. There are seven areas you can stay in - Kiltale House, The Cottage, Buttercup Chalet, The Loft, The Stable, Stone Cottage, or The Dairy.

Kids will absolutely fall in love with the on-site farm where they can help milk cows, feed the ducks, bottle feed lambs and pet the horses and donkeys. During summer you can sign the little ones up for its summer camp, and have mornings to yourself. 

Tea Pot Lane Glamping - Tawley, Leitrim, Ireland

Many of us also deserve a luxury glamping experience this Summer and you can’t get much more luxurious than Tea Pot Lane. You can choose to stay in a country cottage, a yurt, a vintage caravan or a quirky tree house so there’s something for everyone. There is also an onsite spa that offers you true relaxation. It’s the perfect place for some peace and quiet to enjoy with the ones you love, you can appreciate the scenery, be at one with the outdoors chat over a campfire and even collecting eggs and veggies from the communal hen house and veggie patch. 

Nearby attractions include Creevykeel Court Tomb,  Bundoran Adventure Park and Glencar Waterfall is a 30 minute car ride away. 

Bluebell Lane Glamping - Newry, Co. Down

Be your very only little pea in a pod with glamping at Bluebell lane. It is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation in the middle of the rural countryside With Slieve Gullion right on your doorstep, you are surrounded by glorious views. Kids will also love the The Giant's Lair Story Trail in Slieve Gullion - it's not to be missed!

Bluebell lane has three luxurious family camping pods available as well as four spacious pitchers for tents and caravans. With wood-built play parks, picnic areas and BBQs site, it’s a perfect staycation that isn’t too far from home.

Gyles Quay - Dundalk, Co.Louth

Gyles’ Quay Caravan Park is everything and more you would want from a caravan park, with easy access to the beach from the site and over 20 touring pitches and three glamping pods, it’s pretty ideal for a family staycation. On-site, there are tennis courts, a children’s playground and a football pitch.

For the adults there is a bar with live entertainment weekly as well as, washing machines (just as important as the bar) and a takeaway. Days out might include a short trip to Carlingford, Tayto Park or Dublin Zoo.

Let’s go Hydro - Mealough, Carryduff

Let’s go Hydro offers a range of glamping options perfect for your family. Situated in three different locations - The Hedged Village, the Open Meadow and The Tree Garden. Or you can stay in your very own houseboat fitted out with a roof terrace and balcony. Along with accommodation there is so many activities such as stand up paddling boarding, wakeboarding, outdoor swimming and an aqua park. Did we mention they also have a drive-in cinema! Even if you decide not to stay over, it’s an exciting day out for everyone.

Binion Bay Caravan & Camping Facility - Clonmany, Donegal

Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, there are spectacular views all around. If you and your family enjoy walking trails, hikes and exploring nature than this informal family run caravan park is just the ticket. It caters for motorhomes, caravans and tents. It’s a hill walkers paradise with Binion Hill, Reachtain Mhor Hill, Bullbin Hill, Dunaff Hill all in close proximity – that’s a lot of hills! You can also participate in nearby activities such as water sports, horse riding, or simply walking along the beach.

Center Parcs -  Ballymahon, Longoford 

Located in Longford forest, Centre Parcs has over 460 self-catering lodges and 30 apartments that cater up to 2,500 guests. It's a huge forest resort that has enchanting scenery including a lake, walking trails and sandy beaches. Kids can enjoy the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and there are up to 200 indoor and outdoor activities to participate in. Not forgetting the adults, there is a Aqua Sana Spa for all the "me-time" you need and plenty of restaurants and cafes to avail of.