FAMILY FUN

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30 APRIL 2004
With so much on offer to keep both parents and youngsters entertained, the Emerald Isle more than lives up to its reputation as "the land of 1,000 welcomes".

In the capital there is Dublinia, a medieval theme park which takes you back to see what the city was like during the Middle Ages. And the city buzzes with family friendly festivals and cultural events all year round.

Should you prefer to venture westwards to Donegal Bay, where the Atlantic rolls into some of the country's best beaches, you can set up base in the town of Bundoran. The surrounding countryside enjoys some of the best horse riding, golf and fishing in Europe, while the adventure playgrounds of Waterworld and Aqua Mara make for an ideal family day out. The Great Northern Hotel also offers the Happy Hippos club, which affords mum and dad the opportunity to let their hair down while the kids enjoy a range of fun activities..

The Dingle Skellig Hotel, on Kerry's spectacular coastline, is another family-orientated establishment. Staff at the hotel make it their mission to ensure both parents and youngsters get the most out of their stay, helped by the Funghi Kids Club, which holds court at a separate pool with its own waterfall.

"Once the children are happy, the parents are happy," says spokeswoman Caroline Boland. "We find most parents like to have the children entertained in the morning so they can slip off for a round of golf or maybe to the spa, but they want to spend time with them in the afternoon."

Click here to obtain a free guide to family fun in Ireland