Breaffy House Resort – The best family hotel in Ireland?

I wanted to take my young family to Ireland and stay in a top hotel that not only catered for my tastes, but also those of my children. After a little research and listening to friends recommendations, I plumped for Breaffy House Resort, in Co. Mayo.

The Hotel is a mixed bag, with the grand Manor house and the newly built Breaffy Woods complex a 2 minute stroll away. The old and the new, much like the clientele that Breaffy House resort caters for so well.

Located just 10 minutes from the lovely town of Castlebar and set in 90 acres, including some beautiful landscaped areas, Breaffy House resort really does offer something for all ages and for this reason must be considered as the best family hotel in Ireland.

The house itself dates back to 1890 and has managed to retain lots of its original charm and features, whilst giving in to modern day demands.

Within the hotel, you will find an excellent restaurant, a sometimes lively bar and staff that will bend over backwards. Both the house and the Woods hotel has an impressively high standard of housekeeping too. There`s no rush job here!

The fitness club and spa is located in the main hotel and provides every modern fitness choice you require. Although I didn`t make it to the gym (I was on holiday!), I did appreciate the hard work going on there from my view in the pool.

The pool itself is 22 metres and again of high standard. Because of the nature of the hotel, there are lots of kids having fun, but there are also roped off lanes where serious lengths can occur. (It`s that theme again – best of both worlds)

The spa is a haven for relaxation. My partner had a couple of treatments which rank up there with the best she has enjoyed. I had a deep tissue massage that was so good (painful good) that the masseuse needs a special mention. Full marks to Maureen for her knowledge, skill and delivery of simply the best massage I have had. If you stay at Breaffy, have a massage and ask for Maureen!

For the kids, there is much to do, and this emphasises why Breaffy House is clearly the best family hotel in Ireland starting with a breakfast train, where the kids are picked up from your room (brilliant idea) and are kept active throughout the morning. At 3`oclock, the kids club starts again (just enough time in between for a swim with the little ones and some lunch), with activities going on until the evening. A children`s movie is played in Breaffy Woods hotel, followed by a children`s disco or family quiz.

Throughout our semi all inclusive stay the food was of an exceptional standard. A thoroughly decent full English buffet and continental style breakfast was available which was consumed by all with the greatest of pleasure. The evening meals we took were from a varied menu offering some delicious choices.

Breaffy House Resort run offers that are in tune with families today, it shows that you do not need to pay a premium for luxury.

We stayed for three nights and the children were devastated when we had to leave. In contrast, when I paid the bill, I left a happy man!

We will be back!