2018 Award Winners FAMILY FRIENDLY DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2018

Amber Springs Hotel & Health Spa, Gorey, Co Wexford

 Family-friendliness is increasingly important in Irish hospitality and our Family Friendly award is more highly valued each year, as times change and people assume the whole family goes pretty much everywhere together. We look for the places that cater especially well for families by providing the range of services and activities for varying ages and interests that make for a stress-free meal, day out or break. While a surprising number of promising ‘family friendly hotels’ fail to come up to the mark (real families go to assess our shortlisted establishments) the best family-friendly hotels are a very good option indeed - and, like all the best family-focused destinations - inspire a loyal following.

You can't beat the Sunny South East for a traditional family break and this sister property to the more businesslike Ashdown Park Hotel (see entry), on the other side of Gorey town, is one of the most focused hotels in Ireland when it comes to thinking about everything that's needed to make a successful family holiday.

Gorey is a favourite holiday destination and it has a huge amount to offer in terms of amenities, activities and outings, but you won't need to venture far from your hotel if you book into Amber Springs.

Few hotels can rival their investment in kids. There’s an exhaustive range of amenities and activities including mini-golf, a pet farm, football, a ride-on train and go-karting alongside a playground and indoor pool, all on the hotel's extensive grounds - and much more too, including an excellent kids' club, indoor playzone and teens' games room with Xboxes and air hockey.

The unusually spacious family rooms can sleep five and there’s a choice of dining options, including an adult-only evening restaurant - and foodies will be especially impressed with the produce, notably Angus beef, which comes direct from the owners' farm.