2021 Award Winners FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2021

Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa Adare Co Limerick

Set in immaculately maintained gardens just outside Adare, the Fitzgerald family's welcoming hotel has grown dramatically since it opened in 1983 and - although Mary herself remains a driving force, both at the hotel and in the wider hospitality industry - several of Mary and the late Dick Fitzgerald's children are now bringing second generation energy to the business, including Elaina who is President of the Irish Hotels Federation. Systematic upgrading and redevelopment has transformed the whole hotel over the years - including the exciting introduction of Mary's Organic Garden beside the hotel, which supplies the kitchen team with a great range of seasonal produce. During the pandemic, an imaginative outside dining and bar area, The Treehouse, was developed to provide safe and comfortable covered and open air dining and relaxation for all age groups - and dogs are welcome too. Fitzgeralds is a very family-friendly destination and children love having plenty of space and interesting things going on in the gardens and grounds - including the Woodlands Fairy Trail, a mini pet farm, a walking trail and a playing field (young guests are reminded to bring hurleys and footballs). Children are also encouraged to visit the organic garden and meet the friendly gardener Caoimhin (who will no doubt introduce some of the seasonal ingredients that will make their way onto the day's menu), while indoor activities include a family toddler pool and 20m pool in the Health & Leisure Club. Family days out are also very well covered in the area, with Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, King John’s Castle and the Great Southern Trail cycling and walking route just a few of the many things to do - you would need to stay for a month to do half of them, so a return visit may well be needed.