You’ll love how Slieve Donard Resort makes family vacations effortless with kids-eat-free dining, dedicated family swim times at their 20-meter indoor pool, and complimentary activity books to keep little ones entertained. The resort’s direct beach access beneath the dramatic Mourne Mountains means no stressful road crossings, while parents can unwind at the five-star ESPA spa. With baby equipment available on-demand and three family-friendly restaurants on-site, there’s so much more that makes this destination special.
- Kids Eat Free With Family Packages
- Dedicated Children’s Pool Times and Water Features
- Complimentary Kids Activity Books and In-Room Entertainment
- Baby-Friendly Facilities and Equipment
- Tailored Children’s Menus for Every Meal
- Spacious Family Rooms With Stunning Ocean Views
- Five-Star Spa Treatments for Parents
- Prime Beachfront Location With Mountain Backdrop
- Comprehensive Leisure Facilities and Activities
- Three On-Site Restaurants With Family Dining Options
- The Sum Up
Kids Eat Free With Family Packages
One worry you can cross off your family vacation list? Feeding the kids without breaking the bank. Slieve Donard’s family packages include complimentary breakfast and dinner for children under 12, served daily at J.J. Farrall’s restaurant. You’ll find everything from well-loved classics to seasonal dishes designed for even the pickiest eaters.
The Little Diners package and School Holiday Mini Breaks both feature this money-saving perk. During term-time holidays, you’ll even get 50% off a second room. Just remember to mention the offer when booking through their reservations team.
With predictable meal costs locked in, you can redirect your budget toward local attractions like the Life Adventure Centre or Exploris Aquarium. The resort also provides in-room activity and colouring books for children upon request. It’s one less thing to worry about while creating lasting family memories.
Dedicated Children’s Pool Times and Water Features
While other resort pools can feel like a free-for-all between screaming toddlers and serious lap swimmers, Slieve Donard’s thoughtfully planned schedule gives your family dedicated swim time from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
You’ll love how this indoor heated pool stays comfortable year-round, perfect for Ireland’s unpredictable weather. The setup’s brilliant – while your kids splash around, you can actually relax knowing they’re in a supervised, family-focused environment.
Here’s a pro tip: book at least two nights to maximize pool time, since check-in starts at 3 PM. The evening hours after 5:30 PM become quieter adult time, so you can enjoy the spa facilities once little ones are settled. The 20-metre pool provides plenty of space for families to spread out, with a consistent 1.35-metre depth that’s perfect for confident swimmers while remaining manageable for parents supervising children.
Pool towels are provided, making packing lighter!
Complimentary Kids Activity Books and In-Room Entertainment
After hours of exploring Newcastle’s beaches and hiking trails, nothing beats retreating to your room where complimentary activity books await your little ones. Simply ask hotel staff and they’ll provide colouring books and activities tailored specifically for children – no extra charge involved.
These aren’t just basic colouring pages either. The books feature engaging activities designed to capture kids’ interests during quieter room time.
I’ve found they’re particularly brilliant during those pre-dinner moments when children need entertaining but you’re getting ready. You can also plan exciting day trips to nearby attractions like Tollymore Forest, which offers stunning scenic views of the Mourne Mountains and coast.
The activity books complement other family perks beautifully, especially when you’re taking advantage of kids-eat-free promotions or 50% off second room deals.
It’s these thoughtful touches that make Slieve Donard understand what families actually need during their stays.
Baby-Friendly Facilities and Equipment
Whether you’re travelling with a newborn or an active toddler, Slieve Donard’s extensive baby equipment collection eliminates those “what if we forget something important” worries that keep parents up at night. You’ll find everything from cots and highchairs available on request to free cribs with hypo-allergenic bedding already waiting in your room.
The baby-changing facilities throughout the property mean you’re never scrambling for a clean, warm space when duty calls.
What really impressed us was how thoughtfully everything’s positioned – highchairs in dining areas, child seats in restaurants, and accessible washrooms that actually accommodate pushchairs. You can request equipment ahead of time, but the 24-hour front desk handles last-minute needs too. It’s like having your own baby gear warehouse at your fingertips. The hotel’s commitment to quality standards extends to their family facilities, ensuring every detail meets the Four Star Quality Assurance requirements.
Tailored Children’s Menus for Every Meal
The dreaded dinner battle (“I don’t like that!”) becomes a distant memory when you discover Slieve Donard’s thoughtfully crafted children’s menus. Your picky eaters will actually get excited about mealtime with themed options like Buddy the Elf’s Mac n’ Cheese and North Pole Burgers.
The Polar Express menu transforms ordinary dishes into magical experiences – even fish and chips become “Grinch’s Fish n’ Chips.” You’ll love watching your little ones dig into Angel Chocolate Fudge Brownie or Olaf Ice-cream Sliders.
What’s brilliant is the variety across all dining venues. From quick £5 cheese toasties to full three-course meals for £15, there’s something for every appetite and budget. Choose from family-friendly spots like J.J. Farralls or The Percy French for your dining experiences.
Plus, if you’re booking a Family Package, kids under 12 eat free for breakfast and dinner daily!
Spacious Family Rooms With Stunning Ocean Views
Nothing beats that moment when you swing open your room door and gasp at the breathtaking panorama of the Mourne Mountains cascading down to meet the sparkling Irish Sea. Your family’s Slieve Deluxe Sea View room offers that extra space you’ll desperately need with kids’ belongings scattered everywhere.
The 25-square-metre family rooms feature two double beds, perfect for spreading out without stepping on someone’s toys.
You’ll love those window seats – they’re Instagram gold and provide the perfect spot for morning coffee while kids sleep in.
Pro tip: request connecting rooms if you’ve got older children who want independence but need supervision.
The spacious ensuites with both bath and shower options mean no more bathroom queues during busy morning routines. Families particularly appreciate the luxurious Floris products that add a touch of elegance to bath time.
Five-Star Spa Treatments for Parents
After chasing toddlers around the beach all morning, you’ll crave nothing more than melting into the award-winning spa that Ulster Tatler crowned ‘Spa of The Year’ 2024. This two-floor sanctuary offers breathtaking sea views while you’re getting pampered—what more could exhausted parents want?
Book the Celtic Journey or Mindful Massage for complete restoration, or squeeze in a quick 25-minute treatment between family activities. The thermal suite’s steam rooms and rock sauna work magic on tired muscles, while the 20-metre pool provides peaceful laps away from splashing kids. With 11 treatment rooms available, you’ll have plenty of options for booking your perfect escape.
Don’t skip the relaxation lounges—they’re perfect for decompressing before rejoining family chaos. With ESPA’s premium products and treatments lasting up to 80 minutes, you’ll emerge refreshed and ready for more adventures.
Prime Beachfront Location With Mountain Backdrop
Picture stepping out of your spa session feeling completely rejuvenated, only to be greeted by one of Ireland’s most breathtaking views—the dramatic Mourne Mountains sweeping down to meet golden sands and the sparkling Irish Sea. You’ll literally have the best of both worlds at your doorstep.
Your family can walk straight from the hotel’s six acres of manicured grounds onto the beach—no road crossings or lengthy treks with tired little ones. The kids will love having immediate access to Newcastle’s golden strand, while you’ll appreciate the pram-friendly promenade for peaceful strolls. The hotel’s walking distance to Newcastle town centre makes it easy to explore local shops and attractions when you need a break from beach activities.
Many rooms offer stunning vistas of Dundrum Bay, the mountains, or the famous Royal County Down golf course, creating perfect backdrops for family photos and memories.
Comprehensive Leisure Facilities and Activities
Whether your teenagers are energy-packed adventure seekers or your toddlers need gentle splashing time, you’ll find every family member’s needs met within the resort’s impressive leisure facilities.
The 20-metre indoor pool becomes your family’s playground during daily swim times from 9:30am–5:30pm, while parents can unwind in the vitality pool afterward.
Your fitness enthusiasts won’t miss a beat with Peloton bikes and group classes like HIIT and yoga running until 8:30pm.
Meanwhile, outdoor adventures await on the tennis court or putting green.
The two-floor ESPA spa offers treatments seven days a week, and there’s nothing quite like sharing beach yoga sessions together. For Newcastle locals looking to make this wellness experience part of their routine, membership options start at £140 per month with exclusive discounts at the hotel’s spa, bars, and restaurants.
From steam rooms to cycle hire, you’re covered year-round for active family bonding.
Three On-Site Restaurants With Family Dining Options
All that activity will work up quite an appetite, and you’ll love how the resort’s three distinct restaurants cater to every family dining scenario you can imagine.
J.J. Farrall’s serves as your go-to for hearty breakfasts and their famous Sunday roast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
When the kids need quick snacks, head to Lighthouse Lounge for sandwiches and pastries with stunning bay views that keep little ones entertained.
The Percy French Inn delivers classic pub favorites like burgers and fish that even picky eaters approve of. Plus there’s Wolf Bar offering cocktail classics and local oysters for parents looking to unwind while the family enjoys their meal.
What’s brilliant is how each venue uses local, seasonal ingredients, so you’re getting quality whether you’re grabbing afternoon tea or settling in for a proper family dinner together.
The Sum Up
You’ll discover that Slieve Donard Resort isn’t just another family getaway—it’s where your kids’ll splash happily in dedicated pool times while you’re sneaking off for that much-needed spa treatment. From free kids’ meals that’ll stretch your budget to baby facilities that actually work, this place gets families. Trust me, when you’re watching sunset from the beach with mountains behind you, you’ll understand why families keep returning year after year.
