Departure Lounge: Five getaways for Easter — including this Cork hotel where children under 12 stay free

From a Cork hotel where children under 12 stay for free to a four-star estate near Kildare Village, Newbridge Silverware, and the Irish National Stud & Gardens, here are five Easter getaways to consider

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026 - 07:00

Easter in East Cork

Radisson Blu Hotel Cork is tempting visitors to explore East Cork this Easter, with a two-night bed and breakfast stay with dinner one night.

Close to Cork City, the hotel will give you a curated local activity map highlighting many of the area’s attractions, from family favourite Fota Wildlife Park to Ballymaloe House and Midleton Distillery.

And to add further value for families travelling over the Easter holidays, children under 12 can stay free. Family bedrooms cater for up to two adults and four children sharing. B&B from €240 a night.

radissonhotels.com

Part of an exciting initiative to make heritage sites accessible to all, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced a series of tours at OPW locations nationwide, specifically
designed for the Irish Sign Language (ISL) community.

Visitors will be led by expert guides and accompanied by an ISL interpreter, highlighting the rich history and cultural heritage of 10 fantastic locations, including Custom House Visitor Centre, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Dungarvan Castle, and Ross Castle (pictured).

Tours are free and run from March to September. Spaces are limited, so visitors are advised to contact the site and book in advance.

heritageireland.ie

Chill out at spectacular spa

Easter is the perfect time for group get-togethers... and Farnham Estate in Co Cavan has lots to tempt everyone, from golfers and spa seekers to families and friends.

The grounds of Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort are home to comfy, well-equipped self-catering houses, offering relaxed personal spaces with the added benefit of a hotel on site.

Located throughout the 1,300-acre estate, surrounded by woodland, meadows, and lakes, guests staying at the resort houses can enjoy all the facilities, including restaurants, bars, and an 18-hole golf course, or relax in the award-winning 40,000sq ft health spa.

From €280 per night for a two-bed house, €413 for three bedrooms, and €510 for four bedrooms (minimum stay of two nights required).

farnhamestate.ie

Treat your kids to brilliant break

Kildare’s four-star Killashee Hotel has a fun Easter line-up that includes a personalised Easter egg and Killashee teddy bear for little visitors.

Just outside Naas, discover the wide range of outdoor activities on the peaceful 55-acre estate, from fairy trails, woodland walks, and a butterfly garden to the playground with its own zipline. You’ll have access to the leisure centre too, with its children’s splash pool and 25m swimming pool, along with a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for adults.

There are lots of attractions nearby, from shopping at Kildare Village to Newbridge Silverware, Russborough House, and the Irish National Stud & Gardens.

Easter family breaks are available from March 29 to April 11, from €440 for two nights’ B&B with one dinner, and €660 for three nights’ B&B and one dinner, for two adults and two children under 12. Supplement for a third child.

killasheehotel.com

Midlands deal has family appeal

Midlands Park Hotel, in Co Laois, has a special Easter deal. Up to five of you will stay in a family room, for up to two adults and three children up to age 16, with breakfast every morning, dinner one night, Easter eggs, and an activity pass to one of three attractions: Birr Castle & Science Centre, Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, or an hour of soft play or bowling at Roll ’n Bowl. On site, enjoy the hotel pool and sauna.

Five minutes’ walk from Portlaoise train station. Two-night break from €432 for two adults, one child; and from €543.50 for two adults, three children.