Settling for a staycation this year? Then book into Brooklodge for a family treat that will appeal to all ages. If you like a sophisticated spa followed by some fine dining but they like to run wild in the woods or splash in the pool, this stunning corner of County Wicklow is where you’ll find it all. Laid out on the site of an old country village, complete with hens roaming around the green, the main hotel and surrounding buildings house several great eateries, from the casual Acton’s Country Pub to the more formal Strawberry Tree Restaurant, the only certified organic one in Ireland. Children are welcome in all of them.
Rather than the usual family formula of kids clubs and separate dining times (which really only works for older children anyway), Brooklodge has opted for a more subtle but equally welcoming approach, and just caters for parents and children with the same excellent service they offer to all guests. The billiards room is stocked with board games, the stables will take tots on horseback rides around the garden (as slowly as they want!), meals are made to order, even for the fussiest eaters. The spa is of course an adult-only zone but an extra family pool is provided in an adjacent building so they can splash away as noisily as they want there.
There is a sale on accommodation and spa treatments at Brooklodge during the month of July. If you are within day-tripping distance and just want to get a flavour, they hold a fantastic food fair on the first Sunday of every month (until October), including an array of stalls and artisan food suppliers from far and wide, as well as music and barbecues. -KT
The BrookLodge & Wells Spa, Macreddin Village, Co Wicklow, 04 023 6444, www.brooklodge.com
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