Portlaoise and the surrounding area is jam-packed full of fun family adventures for parents and kids. Plan your family hotel break in Co Laois at the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise with some ideas on what you can do on a family holiday in Midlands Ireland below. See our hotel information booklet for more information.
Family hotel breaks in Portlaoise
Hotel Activities
Swim
As a hotel in Portlaoise with a Swimming Pool, enjoy our 20m swimming pool plus a dedicated children’s pool for little ones. Adults are also free to enjoy the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym. Children are allowed in the pool until 6.45pm. During the summer months (July and August) the kids’ times are extended until 7.00pm.
Crafty Kids Club
We operate Crafty Kids Club during all school holidays throughout the year at the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise.
Games
For big kids and little kids, the games room in the hotel is open during school holidays will provide hours of entertainment for the family.
Outdoor Adventures
Lullymore Heritage Park
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is located 39 KM from the Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise. The Park was opened by President Mary Robinson in 1993. From very humble origins the Park has grown every year to become a national tourism award winner in 2017, now encompassing 60 acres of spectacular meandering woodland / peatland trails and exhibitions.
The Park is an ideal venue for families and tour groups alike as it offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and environment of this midland region while also offering great indoor / outdoor play areas, pet farm, train trips and fun seasonal events.
Described by many as a true hidden gem, Lullymore is a great place to discover a beautiful part of Ireland and a really fun day out for all.
Fossey Mountain Springs
The Western Riding Ranch was dreamt up by Mick LaCumbre, who has passion for horses. A “wild west” style riding centre both trail riding and horse riding lessons are available for all levels. The ranch takes guests on a trail across scenic wooded landscape from one hour to eight hours! Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch is open 9am – 9pm 7 days a week.
Silverline Cruises
This scheduled boat trip commences on Wednesday the 4th of July and operates every Wednesday and Sunday during July and August. Silverline Cruises “River Queen” has a fully licensed bar and live commentary provided by the friendly captain on board.
Barrowline Cruisers & Barroway Bikes
A family friendly owned cruise & bike hire company based in County Laois. The equipped base is ideally located to explore the Grand Canal and the River Barrow. Each waterway offers a completely different experience.
Kilvahan Horse Drawn Carriages
Award winning horse drawn carriage holidays gives you the opportunity to step outside the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Kilvahan Horse Drawn Carriages provides the opportunity for guests to take a break from the real world and find themselves again in the beauty of the Irish Midlands. Include Pat-zoo, pony ride, trekking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, carriage tours and Castle Banquets.
Mondello Park
Mondello Park is Ireland’s only permanent International motorsport venue. The circuit has grown from 1.28km (0.8 mile) circuit to a 3.5km (2.4 mile) FIA licenced International race track. Mondello Park offers a wide range of events and activities including motor racing courses, entertainment, car and bike tracks, early drive and much more.
Supershot Paintballing
Set in beautiful mature Irish woodland, Supershot has the most up to date facilities in Irish paintballing. This is a funfilled day for family outings.
Emo Court & Gardens
Emo Court was designed in 1790 by the architect James Gandon for the Earls of Portarlington. Located in Emo, Co. Laois, the house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with fine trees and shrubs.
Indoor Fun
Roll and Bowl Entertainment Centre
This entertainment centre has state of the art ten pin bowling alleys featuring the pin ball wizard for children, bowling balls and shoes for all ages. Roll and Bowl also has glow in the dark lanes, pool, air hockey and video games available upstairs in the games room and a soft play centre with three areas over three levels.
Dunamaise Arts Centre
At Dunamaise Arts Centre you can experience the best in local, national and international performing and visual arts including theatre, musical and children’s events. We have a 10% discount for all guests of the hotel. Please ask at reception for further details or at time of booking.
The Grid Go-Karting
Ireland’s fastest karting experience with 270cc karts! The race team are on board while you kart; making sure every need is met with the best standards in safety and professionalism.
Odeon Cinema Portlaoise
Please visit odeoncinemas.ie for current films listings.
Stradbally Steam Museum
Stradbally Steam Museum celebrates the steam engines that once ruled Ireland’s railways, built its roads and worked on its farms.
