Best places for the school summer holidays in Ireland

The longest break in the school calendar is on the horizon and while we’re sure the littles ones are over the moon about this, parents – we’re here for you! Keeping them entertained everyday can be a challenge, especially if you’re planning on dining out together as a family. Don’t worry if you’re unsure of where to go, we’re rounded up the best options in Ireland so you don’t have to.

McMunn’s is a traditional gastropub located on the charming main street of Ballybunion. Not only does it serve some of the finest food, wines, and whiskeys in the area, but it’s also located in one of – if not the most picturesque area as you’ll find the Blue Flag award-winning waters surrounding it. This not only sets you up for a perfect family day out, but whilst sitting down for your meal you’ll be faced with breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the famous cliffs of Ballybunion.

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Situated in Edenderry, Co Offaly, Galileos is a family-friendly restaurant specialising in authentic Italian and European dishes, which are carefully prepared using high quality fresh ingredients and are served in stylish surroundings. The staff here are very friendly, which has left many diners of all ages going home with the best dining experience.

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The Lakeside Hotel
cuisinesPub Food, Child Friendly

If you’re looking for a good Sunday lunch outing with the family over the summer school holidays then look no further. The Lakeside Hotel is one of the premier restaurants and bars in Clare, offering a scrumptious array of foods from near and far, allowing for elegant dining at affordable prices. It offers an extensive Sunday lunch menu, served each Sunday from 12.30pm until 3pm, as well as evening dining in The Derg Room Restaurant, where Head Chef, Cora Ward and her team will be more than happy to cater for any dietary requirements in the best restaurant Tipperary has to offer.

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Alamo Steakhouse
cuisinesChild Friendly, Steak, Burgers, Grill

The Alamo Steakhouse menu brings a western flair to its tables, with nothing but the best selections of choice cut, 100 per cent Irish meats, fish and produce. Working with the finest ingredients, the Head Chef has created a steakhouse menu masterpiece offering a variety of dishes from succulent Irish steaks to fresh fish sourced from Kilmore Quay. Great choice for all the family.

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This venue is currently not accepting online reservations through Dish Cult. 

Set in the remains of the 15th century John Collyn House, Everett’s combines fabulous, modern Irish cooking with historic, atmospheric surroundings. The mission here is to provide you with a relaxed and memorable dining experience, so if you’re looking to bring the children somewhere a little more sophisticated, this is the place as it’s been recognised with a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand. It’s just a short trip from Dublin and well worth a visit this summer.

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The Oak Room is a busy restaurant in the heart of Cavan town. Featuring a changing seasonal menu, exciting wine and cocktail list (good for the parents that need a break at the end of the day) and a warm welcome for all the family – little ones included – this is a must-visit over the summer break. The cuisine has been described as modern Irish, and the dishes are made using fresh produce which is sourced locally. With such high quality food at reasonable prices, The Oak Room is a no brainer.
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West is a modern take on a classic – a contemporary riff on a San Fran-style club restaurant. Beautifully lit, flattering and gleaming, with a sweet champagne bar, cosy booths and smooth dark wood, West is a proper restaurant, a grown-up room and a reminder of why some things in life are too good to change. That being said, children are definitely welcome. Chef Martin O’ Donnell and his brigade cook contemporary dishes with a nod to tradition. Everything is prepared in season and to order, to best showcase this fabulous local produce – true to the region, true to the season.
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Luigi Malones
cuisinesItalian, International
Luigi’s most recognisable feature is the huge original station clock from Kings Cross Station, St Pancras based in the centre of the bar, which often draws the fascination of children. The restaurant’s menu has been inspired by journeys around the world and features mouthwatering specials from over 10 countries. Popular among families, the Luigi Malones team always deliver a fabulous meal and good craic, in the heart of Cork.
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Sage is a small family restaurant in the heart of Westport ran by Head Chef Shteryo Yurukov and his partner Eva Ivanova, Front of House. The duo use the best of local artisan suppliers to create dishes full of flavour to enhance everyone’s dining experience. Expect an excellent saddle of rabbit dish as well as crab claws cooked with wild garlic. There’s also a foraged coastline salad that blows you away with its mixture of exotica, bitterness and wildness – a perfect summer’s day meal.
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Avalon House Hotel
cuisinesChild Friendly, Bistro

Relax with the whole family in this newly renovated 4-star hotel and transport yourself into the world of elegance and privacy that characterises this boutique hotel. Avalon House Hotel is wrapped in a warm atmosphere and is excellently located in the heart of Castlecomer, just steps away from Castlecomer Discovery Park. Make a staycation of it this summer by booking a room.

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