Into the swing of it
We drove from Cork to Wicklow on one of the wettest evenings of the year. Our wipers were on full blast from the Jack Lynch Tunnel to Newtownmountkennedy. Our two children, aged 5 and 7, were restless, so it was unfortunate that we missed the turn-off to the hotel. (Note to Druid’s Glen: more sign posts.) It was a cranky, frazzled family that arrived into the foyer, but things improved straight away.
Druid’s Glen was built in 2002 and its foyer is a monument to glass and beautifully cut, Wexford granite stone. A large log fire and a well-lit, spacious entrance created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The receptionist was friendly and gave activity packs to the children. We were given a DVD player for our adjoining rooms.
We had two large, adjoining rooms — one with two big single beds and one with a double bed. This is a good option for families: it offers parents peace and privacy and avoids both of you creeping around a dimly lit room, to not wake the children. Wifi is free throughout the hotel.
We had hoped to go downstairs for a drink, but we were tired and the big bath was calling out to me. The DVD player was installed as I was enjoying my relaxing soak, and, 40-plus saddos that we are, we had brought along the West Wing box set. So we relaxed into our five-star room with the children sleeping next door, and caught up with President Jed Bartlett.
Our friends were aghast we were wasting the famous Druid’s Glen golf facilities, I went on a wet and windy run around the course on Saturday morning. Open since 1995, it hosted the Irish open in 1996 and ’97, and the Irish PGA in 2006. Although I knowing nothing about the sport, I recognised the names who have played here, including Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke.
We whiled away a few hours in the 18-metre pool, which is child-friendly. It has lovely, big glass windows and the sunlight poured in. I escaped to the sanctuary of the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
I enjoyed the Druid’s Glen signature treatment in the hotel’s spa. At €110, this involves a 45-minute, holistic massage and a 35-minute clear-skin facial with French products, Payot. A stiff neck and shoulders have made me a massage connoisseur, and the level of pressure was exactly as I requested.
The hotel has an indoor games room with giant Connect Four, a toddlers’ play area and a retro space-invaders machine about which we got nostalgic, though our kids thought it was a relic. Druid’s Glen was packed with families the weekend we were there (where was the recession?), so the games room was full. When your children make friends, everyone is happy.
The hotel bar, the Thirteenth Bar, serves food all day, and on Saturday my mother and my aunts, who were enjoying a sisters’ reunion in Dublin, joined us for afternoon tea. This wasn’t due to start until 3pm, but the staff kindly served us earlier. We ordered two servings of miniature sandwiches and cakes, and there was plenty.
On Saturday night, the four of us headed to Druid’s Brasserie, the hotel restaurant. This is one of the most family friendly restaurants in which I’ve eaten in a five-star hotel. The children can serve themselves from big platters and can have second helpings or extra juice. The novelty kept my two going for quite a while. We enjoyed a great meal from the a la carte menu, both of us opting for the venison, which was perfectly cooked.
There’s lots to choose for breakfast, including fresh pancakes and omelettes cooked in front of you at the buffet.
The weather didn’t improve, but we never felt the need to leave Druid’s Glen, because of all the activities on offer. But, before we began our drive home on Sunday, we met up with some friends in Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens, which is only a 10-minute drive away. Also close by are Wicklow Historic Jail, Glenroe Farm and Clara Lara Adventure Centre.
Druid’s Glen are offering a weekend family deal for two adults and two children, which includes two nights B&B in a de luxe room, as well as one evening meal, from €390 per family.
Taking a family break in January is a real treat and definitely gives you something to look forward to after Christmas. It was a refreshed, relaxed family that made the dry journey back to Cork.
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