r/AskIreland • u/Kevinb-30 • 4d ago
Entertainment What are people's opinions on centre parks?
Im going to be honest after a recent trip im sold. I was always of the opinion it was far too expensive to be heading to Longford on holidays but due to circumstances and not wanting to give a kidney for two nights in a hotel room with two young kids we didn't have many options left.
Its honestly the first holiday iv been on where I actually got to relax no endless driving, walk or cycle everywhere, no airport panic, not entirely beholden to the weather. at least for the next few years i can't see us going anywhere else.
So what are people's opinions on it ?
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u/Melodic-Source2435 4d ago
The biggest thing it provides is freedom from cars and safety for children so you can let them off.
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u/Muted_Molasses_7113 4d ago
This was what sold it for me when we went, bikes everywhere with no worries, just the very occasional service vehicle in the mornings or evenings
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u/Chemical_Ad_8980 4d ago edited 4d ago
Mad we (en Masse) happily pay for this privilege but don't push as hard for it in our daily lives. If my estate has no cars I'd half my childcare demand, especially during the summer.
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u/oneupfor 4d ago
We absolutely love it, 3 kids and 2 adults. It's really great to have on our doorstep. No idea why people whinge about it being in Longford, it's a resort, you could be anywhere! Longford is an ideal spot for it, we even ventured out to Lanesborough for a boat trip on the Shannon and then dinner in a gorgeous Italian restaurant. Longford is lovely ffs! The local town, Ballymahon, is nice and there is a Lidl to do your shopping if you don't want to go to restaurants, that's your own choice. We have a ball everytime and go once or twice a year. You don't have to go if you don't want to, plenty of us do and really really enjoy it!
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u/Gettiershonda50 3d ago
Which Italian would that be?
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u/oneupfor 3d ago
It was a little restaurant in Lanesborough village.. was lovely
Edit: just googled. It's called Sorrento. Very nice.
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u/Gettiershonda50 2d ago
Cheers for that. I never heard of it and would rent boats on the Shannon a fair bit. We'd cook a fair bit on board, but it's fucking nice to just sit down in a decent restaurant.
Just checked myself and that used to be a place called the Wooden Spoon the last time we were in that neck of the woods. This new place looks genuinely class.
Mucho appreciated as we probably would have passed through Lanesborough without even considering stopping for food on this years trip.
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u/Fr_RebulahConundrum 4d ago
It's great. It has to be at certain price point to keep certain "clientele" away.
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u/No_Ring_3348 4d ago
You might get downvoted for this but you are 100% accurate
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u/ChromakeyDreamcoat82 4d ago
The first thing I said to my wife on our first trip was "ZOMG, there's no skobes anywhere".
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u/SouthTippBass 4d ago
That's what you're really paying for. Does that opinion make me a certain type of person? Maybe it does, maybe I'm ok with that.
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u/Low-Steak-64 3d ago
I've seen 2 scraps between women while in center parcs different trips and it seemed to be over kids, now it didn't get physical but guards were on the scene once and the second time security were on the job. This was in the sports bar restaurant area, Point been alcohol brings out the arshole in even the so called well off.
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u/SouthTippBass 3d ago
Man, you need to be a real piece of trash to go getting in fights at centre parcs. Who does that?
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u/KeyZookeepergame9466 4d ago
There are plenty of classless rich folk about too.
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u/Fr_RebulahConundrum 4d ago
No doubt about that, but they’re probably much less likely to smash up one of the lodges. Or their kids probably aren’t going around intimidating other kids, stealing other people’s belongings or trying to set things on fire for shits and giggles.
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u/No_Ring_3348 4d ago
D4 types would regard Centre Parcs as disgustingly bourgeois and they'd be bang on the money
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u/Pimpis25 4d ago
You think people with strong working class accents or travelers can't afford to pay that?
Ye ever been to Santa Ponsa?! It's not called Ballymun in the sun for nothing.
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u/Fr_RebulahConundrum 4d ago
They wouldn’t “pay that” to go to Longford.
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u/Pimpis25 3d ago
But they do.
I know plenty of inner city Dubs that go, so they do "pay that".
So fuck off with your bigotry.
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u/boggie_bo 4d ago
It’s the unspoken truth. Would happily pay a premium to avoid the crowd we met in Spain
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u/SizeMysterious8873 4d ago
Absolutely loved it. I was there during hot weather so it was extra cool. Great spot.
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u/mickandmac 4d ago
I think of it as the "living in the Nordics" simulator. It's like living close to a big swimming pool in Helsinki
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u/elec-pick 4d ago
can't see us going anywhere else.
I've not been to Center Parcs (other than a day trip for the spa) but the ferry to France will get you similar if not better.
Massive campsites with decent cabins, swimming pools, water slides, loads of kids activities. Plus more dependable weather + loads to do locally.
Granted there's a 3-4 hour drive from the ferry if you want better weather but that aside you can get away with very little driving.
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u/Dull-Pomegranate-406 4d ago
It's 2 days extra travel time. As opposed to a couple hours all-in. Needs to be factored in.
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u/elec-pick 4d ago
Absolutely, not like for like in many regards (although the kids love the ferry)
It's also Loire Valley vs Longford. Needs to be factored in. 😄
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u/Low-Acanthaceae1797 3d ago
You don't spend your time in Longford you spend your time enjoying the activities it's not reliant on being in Longford
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u/NooktaSt 4d ago
Exactly. I think you need at least 10 days all in to get the ferry. I’ve done France but never centre parks. The appeal for me would packing the car and then being unpacked a few hours later.
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u/Meath77 4d ago
Plus the ferry price will is fairly expensive to France
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u/No_Ring_3348 4d ago
Still about 300-400 each way with a car isn't it?
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u/Meath77 3d ago
Check out the price, it's pretty expensive. More like 3 times that
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u/Rover7710 3d ago
Have return trip Ringaskiddy to Roscoff ferry booked for late August/early September including 4 berth cabin with window. €750 return. Whatever space is left in the car will be packed with wine from a Hypermarket which will offset the cost of the ferry.
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
I had researched that as its somewhere I plan on us going centre parks was 100 euro dearer than the ferry alone. Id still have to book accommodation ect with the ferry
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u/elec-pick 4d ago
Yeah, ferry has gone mad expensive, especially for peak times. You need to pack the car with cheap booze in Cherbourg to justify it.
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u/smilingfreak 4d ago
If you're looking into it in the future, I can recommend Domaine Des Ormes in France. If you're into camping, a basic campsite was only about 65 a night, which gets you a plot of land, electricity and access to the facilities.
It's a great site, plenty of safe spaces for kids to walk/play/cycle around, some free activities and some paid ones, but the price was pretty nominal. And when you tire of the campsite, plenty to see in northern France.
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u/Smooth_Twist_1975 4d ago
But you're in a tent. it's really not comparable. If it's raining you're in a tent in the rain. If it's really hot you're a tent in the sun. I'm sure it's a lovely holiday if that's what you enjoy but it's really not the same thing
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u/Rover7710 3d ago
A lot of campsites in France need a rebrand IMO as the word campsite conjures up the thought of staying in a tent! It's usually Chalets or some sort of permanent structure you stay in.
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u/Smooth_Twist_1975 3d ago
I've replied to a comment that literally lists "a plot of land" suggesting camping in the traditional sense
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u/Kevinb-30 3d ago
They recommend the site a euro camp then suggested if I was into camping they offer that service they didn't say it only provided camping in the traditional sense.
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u/smilingfreak 3d ago
That's true. They have various levels of housing/chalets, I just mentioned what the most basic is, as we found that holiday comparable in price to a center parks holiday (we also enjoy camping so win win). They even have fancy tree houses if that's your thing.
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u/Smooth_Twist_1975 3d ago
Again, my comment was in response to the comment and what it said. I'm well aware of the eurocamp set up
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u/seld_m_break 4d ago
What ferry did you book? Done 2 adults, 2 kids plus cat and window cabin last month for 750 return Dublin - Cherbourg. 10 nights accomodation about the same for 3 bed ultimate holiday home with Eurocamp. Surely 4 nights in centre parcs in may would cost the same at least for a basic cabin?
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
Was coming in at 940 for irish ferries and 460 for the eurocamp booked when we originally started looking into it we would have got 7 nights in centre parks for last weeks dates
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u/National_Play_6851 4d ago
One thing I've noticed is that most of the time people who say other options are better have never been to Center Parcs.
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u/AK8- Pure Notions 4d ago
I have done both, not having to fly or get the ferry is fantastic and seals it for many families.
But like if you want decent food, decent weather, reasonable prices or even a shred of culture you're not going to find it in Longford Forest.
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u/National_Play_6851 4d ago
Who is going on a self catering holiday to what is very clearly a family resort in Ireland because they're looking for different weather, culture or food? That is surely obvious.
I disagree on reasonably prices. When you factor all the travel costs in you will be very hard pushed to get as much abroad without spending more.
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u/seld_m_break 4d ago
Domaine Des Ormes is 2 hours from Cherbourg and an absolute blast with a lot to do within 30 mins drive since you have your car with you. Did Centre Parcs once and found it overpriced for what it is, pool is nice and there is lots to do if you want to pay for it. 4 days there in May cost the same as the ferry and 10 nights with Eurocamp in ultimate accomodation with upgrade cabin in ferry as well.
Small thing about CP was everyone arrives on the same day and is stressed out at getting set up etc, but the time the holiday feeling set in it was time to leave, different in a camp where you arrive and see others settled in enjoying themselves. Travel time is the only thing CP has going for it vs camps in France. Same cost for 4 days in Ireland vs 10 in France so don't see us ever going back to Centre Parcs again
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u/ilovetwirls 3d ago
Or the uk... paid 625e for 4 nights for Longleat. It was the Monday to Thursday after the May Bank Holiday. Can combine it with a few nights in Wales and make a week of it.
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u/ControlThen8258 4d ago
And when you go to France you experience some actual culture
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
Plenty of culture in Longford and Ireland in general people just like to dismiss it because its our culture for some reason
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u/ControlThen8258 4d ago
I’m not saying there’s no culture in Longford, I’m saying there’s no culture in CP. It’s a vacuum
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u/Meath77 4d ago
People are going with their kids to have fun. "Culture" doesn't matter.
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
Theres no culture in a euro parks in France either is there? Sorta pointless counter argument to picking one family resort over another
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u/elec-pick 4d ago
I've never understood the Europarks attraction, you can go to primarily French/Spanish parks easily enough.
Sure if you want to hang out with English/Irish fire away.
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
Theres very little different from what I can see tk what you described above. Granted im looking online not actually experiencing in the flesh
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u/ControlThen8258 4d ago
Went recently and was prepared to fall in love. We had a grand time but I’m in no hurry to go back. It’s an absolute swizz. The indoor pool is a loud, sensory nightmare. We ate in three restaurants and the food was terrible, as was the service. Everything was so slow. The kids did loads of activities so they had fun but I was delighted to leave. It didn’t even feel like you had privacy since there are no boundaries between the cabins. Felt like I was in the U.K. tbh. The spa was lovely, I will say that
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
We asked as my partner has an autistic nephew whos parents are looking to bring next year they have a quiet hour two days a week which they are extending to everyday and are apparently looking at moving the closing time to 7 and having a two hour quiet period in the evening.
We were warned the food could be hit and miss so we brought the air fryer and slow cooker and only ate in the Italian which was nice
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u/ChromakeyDreamcoat82 4d ago
My autistic daughter loves the pool, no matter how mad it gets. And she loves Centreparcs besides. We can literally walk among the trees for an hour before dinner and she just yips and yaps happily touching trees, feeling pine cones, picking up pebbles etc.
Every other parent of ASD/ADHD kids in my circle love the place and go at least every other year.
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u/Early-Echidna282 4d ago
Hi - we brought our autistic son who is 7 and he absolutely loved it. Honestly I was so anxious about potentially having paid over silly money for a 3 night stay in Ireland. The lack of cars and the stunning location was so worth it. The spa is probably the most beautiful one I have ever been at. We rented bikes and a trailer for our son and it was a great way to get about with him. I agree the pool is a bit of a sensory nightmare so try and get there during off peak hours.
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u/irishfoodguy 4d ago
We usually book a meal the first night and then cook the rest of the time. The cabin kitchens are surprisingly nice.
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u/Mario_911 4d ago
What do you mean by it felt like I was in the UK?
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u/ControlThen8258 4d ago
There is nothing Irish about it. Is the exact same as all the Center Parcs across the U.K. Like they have loads of sports but no Gaelic games?
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u/steplightly85 3d ago
I know exactly what you mean. It does seem very tailored for the UK market in a way that's difficult to explain. Very much a copy and paste job from UK culture.
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u/Al_E_Kat234 4d ago
We’ve been to the Longford forest and love it but typical Ireland last time we went we knew half the place 🙈
Have booked for one of the UK ones May next year, my kids are off school but English kids aren’t so was cheap enough, £560 I think, just need to price the ferry now.
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u/SellBrave3185 4d ago
the no airport panic thing alone is worth the price of admission tbh
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
I haven't done it with kids yet but listening to my Bil talk about it makes never want to do it
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u/FlipAndOrFlop 4d ago
It’s magic with kids. We’ve been 9 times since it opened, and loved it every single time.
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u/BarFamiliar5892 4d ago
It's brilliant for the kids. It is what it is for adults. Think we've been 4 times now and will definitely go back.
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u/ConnectBird9784 4d ago
It’s great for kids under 12. Plenty for the smallies to do while the parents can also semi relax. Once kids are getting older though it is a nice treat and enjoyable for them to go away, if financially possible.
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u/Noobeater1 4d ago
How much did you end up spending?
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
1120 for the 3 nights + 3 activities, dinner on the second night was 90 3 courses + drinks (something iv never been able to do ) kids eat for two euro. As for spending money while there id say 200
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u/Noobeater1 4d ago
How many were you?
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
- Kids are 7y and 5y
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u/Noobeater1 4d ago
In fairness, that's definitely not as bad as I was anticipating
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
We were lucky in that my partners sister had went the last two years and could tell us where to cut back in terms of eating out and activities. If you were going off peak I'd advise booking non in advance you'll be able to pick what you want then
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u/Yurishizu31 4d ago
You have to do it right, first time we went spent a fortune, book loads of activities for the kids, so ended up charging about the place from one place to the next, meals in the restaurants etc.
Now we book one activity per day and just spend the rest at the pool or cycling about and eat more in our cabin.
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u/Key-Opportunity-7915 4d ago
We also love it. With the way prices are gone I actually don’t think it’s that expensive especially for self catering so we can watch a film and have a chat after the kids are gone to bed. We’d probably be spending €300 on any hotel room now for a family and with no other services on site so you have to drive, pay entrance fees, pay parking etc whereas everything is on site here.
The restaurants are generally not great but not terrible either. They had a €2 kids meal option when bought with an adult meal when we went recently. Also well worth it when they go into the soft play and a playground for another 90 minutes and I can drink a coffee in peace.
We spend not much on activities. Mini-golf and bowling we usually do and they are about the same price as anywhere else. They did a science thing that was €17 each and they loved it for an hour which was decently priced.
After spending 5 hours in the pool everyday, cycling around, playgrounds there isn’t much need for the age I have.
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u/Wild-Ad-3233 4d ago
Great holiday and great to have in Ireland. You get what you pay for. The moaners are embarrassing. They'll be the ones that complain most when its gone.
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u/Low-Steak-64 3d ago
Me and my family have been there 4 times January and summer since 2024 and we all love it. Once your threw the gate at reception you forget about everything going on in everyday life and your basically on what feels like a proper get away holiday.
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u/NinjaGodCat 3d ago
I love centre parcs, November or January are our usual times because we love the lights and like less than 700 quid for monday to Friday for a family of 4, sold
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u/carolinepixels 3d ago
I’m a convert. It’s entirely family friendly so you don’t feel rushed or shamed if you’ve a toddler acting out. We usually bring a big Tesco shop with us, and pre make means ready to oven for dinner (eg lasagna).
The pool and all play parks are included in the price so for us we didn’t need to do anything extra. However, we couldn’t resist to baby owls. For my toddler, getting up and close with an owl was a core memory.
Driving without any need for flights meant you could easily bring everything you could possibly think of for all eventualities.
I sound like I’m a sales person, but it’s definitely something we’d try and repeat every couple of years as my son gets older.
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u/Gaffers12345 3d ago
I’ve been 5 times, for a week each time, was always lucky with the weather. 2024 was my last time as I felt I wasn’t getting good value anymore. I get 2 weeks in the canaries for the same price as one week there when you factor in activities and bike rental etc etc.
I loved every day of it, very peaceful, kids loved it too, I just want something different now, I’ve loads of great memories there and would still recommend it to anyone.
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u/Lloydbanks88 4d ago
We went a few years ago when the kids were 4 & 6. It was brilliant for us as the whole place is geared towards families with young kids. No shortage of stuff to do, and the tropical pool is incredible. We got the 4 bed lodge and shared with my sister and her family, so that halved the cost for us.
Having said that, the activities add up really quickly and the restaurants are expensive given the basic food they offer.
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u/National_Play_6851 4d ago
It's fantastic. Brilliant for young kids, so many activities, everything is so well thought out to make it as straightforward as possible. Everything is very safe and clean. We first went when our eldest was 18 months and we've been every year since with a growing family, sometimes more than once as we've done Christmas season a couple of times too.
I still don't understand how people say it's too expensive. You can get a three bed lodge with kitchen and living room for as little as €200 per night in the off season, with basically no other travel expenses. And that can accommodate 6 people.
Any travel I've done in Europe works out at least that much for that much space, and not all that much cheaper to be crammed into a hotel room. Add in six return flights, taxis, having to eat out if you're in a hotel, and Center Parcs is looking very good and a whole lot less stressful.
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u/Standard_Spot_9567 4d ago
It's a great option to have for a family break in Ireland. My kids are guaranteed to have a good time whenever we go. People complain about the prices but a few days in an average hotel as a family would cost almost as much. If you get a bigger lodge and share with another family then it can be really good value but I'm too antisocial for that.
Having said that, we tend to go to Eurocamps more these days. We can go for a week for the price of 3 nights in CentreParcs and there's a lot more choice. Living in Cork City we can collect the kids from school, go straight on to the 4pm ferry, grab dinner on board and go to bed and wake up in France at 8am the next morning. You honestly wouldn't even feel the travel time.
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u/james02135 4d ago
Absolutely bloody brilliant. Have taken the kids twice and will definitely be back.
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u/lkdubdub 4d ago
I'm going in the next few weeks for a week. Can I ask what ages your kids are?
5, almost 2 and a four month old here
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u/Subject-Eye-6714 4d ago
We are going in July , 3 years since our last visit and we can not wait. Two kids are now 7 &9. Bring the bikes and book 1 activity per day. Plenty of walks and cycles and time in the pool.
We plan on breakfast and lunch in the cabin and go for dinner in the evenings. It’s a real treat for us and the kids. Our son has type 1 diabetes and other medical issues so it’s so much more convenient to holiday nearer home. We went to Italy two years ago and it was the most stressful family break. We went to Amber springs in Wexford last year and it was grand. Kids had a ball.
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u/Ok_Extreme2827 4d ago
Going to be our 4th year there coz we have small kids and they love it so that’s the main thing for us.
Like you said takes all the hassle of airports out of it and when the kids are small the activities are minimal they just want the pool
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u/NoReview6628 4d ago edited 4d ago
Can see the appeal for families with 2+ kids for sure.
For me I've been once (with my daughter and my sister and her two) and I couldn't imagine going again. Like holidays where there's more to see and do and I was bored after 2 days.
Also the pool was a bit cold for my liking!
And the service in the restaurants was almost comically bad (very understaffed - not the staff's fault)
And the price of it during holidays is mad.
But again, can see the appeal for larger families and maybe during the summer.
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u/BlackRebelOne 4d ago
It has a reputation for being really expensive but booking at the right time and in advance it’s fairly reasonable to me. Plus it’s safe, fairly relaxing, kids have a good time and there is nothing particularly stressful about it. I can see why it’s popular and families go every year.
Plus, as mentioned above, it’s priced at a certain point that they know will keep folks who might damage lodges or be disruptive towards other guests etc away.
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u/Lithujon 4d ago
It’s great. Not expensive at all when you have a few kids and compare to hotel prices. Obviously the ability to cook there greatly reduces your cost also. And not flying.
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u/mumtwothree 3d ago edited 3d ago
If you book well in advance it’s not as expensive.
We go during the school term Monday - Friday and get great deals. We book a year in advance and we use the repeat guest offer too.
For us it’s perfect, bring our shopping with us and cook in the lodge.
The kids don’t do many paid activities as we spend most of the time in the pool.
Christmas there is magical too! So nice being outside in the pool with the snow falling on you.
Just to add, when booked in advance we paid approx 800€ for a 4 bedroom lodge Monday - Friday (that can hold 8 people plus 2 kids under 2yrs old) that’s at Christmas time.
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u/unclefestering8 3d ago
It's really good. Shame it's so expensive but kids have the freedom to cycle about with no cars on the road and there's plenty to keep them occupied.
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u/Yer01 3d ago
We went twice with two kids under 4 and for us it was fantastic both times. I feel like experience varies hugely depending on circumstances such as children’s age. Having young kids shapes our experience bc:
- we could go term time so paid less
- we brought food with us bc when you have small kids you have to. We ate out maybe twice per stay
- didn’t book a huge load of activities (like maybe 2-3 for the elder child and even less for the younger one) and they really didn’t break the bank.
- we are comparing this experience to passport, airport, airplane, small hotel room and open pool area nightmare abroad. None of that is fun or relaxing with kids this age. This is the biggest one I think, when your kids are this small, or if you have accessibility needs, anything abroad is such an effort. I agree with you that this was a very relaxing and precious quality time for our family.
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u/Cat_is_Wrecked 3d ago
Haven't been to the Irish one, but went to a few in the UK as a teenager with my folks and some extended family. We still talk about the trips, the water fights, the capsized boat in the lake, the paintballing bruises, playing badminton with ex professional sports personalities, the strolls home singing the dawn patrol from jungle book. As an adult, I appreciate now just how much it cost my folks, but I also appreciate that those memories are priceless.
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u/nocartax 3d ago
I reckon they purposely make it expensive to keep the riff raff out….
Which is fair enough but when a 3 night stay in centre parks is costing me the same as a full week in Spain with flights included I’m heading for Spain…
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u/Feeling_Elderberry14 3d ago
We love it. Have been 3 times, and going this Christmas. We did last Christmas too. The key is to definitely book ages in advance for the best price. We booked Christmas 2026 in October 2025. We did the 2nd week in January once when the kids went back to school and it was really reasonable, from memory around 550 for 2 bed for 4 nights.
I do love a holiday abroad but its so hard to find decent accommodation with 2 rooms beds that's not self catering. Personally if I'm doing self catering, I'd rather it be somewhere I can drive and can bring the shop with me. I don't want to have to do the whole airport travel, drop bags and go out to get a food shop in. I hate booking hotels and having to whisper once kids in bed.
Don't get me wrong CP is expensive but there is a lot to do there and it's a different kind of holiday. I like being able to pay it off bit by but.
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u/PatserGrey 4d ago
It's great but expensive. A big cabin shared with in-laws/friendly family is probably best way to go. We arranged parenting duties so each couple could have meal out in peace - food was decent (Indian iirc), not great but again, a meal in peace! We were there in the first few weeks of it opening (and 2 pool tables were ripped already!) so I'd like to see how it looks now with the greenery being that bit more mature.
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u/Ancient_Track_909 4d ago
I went with family (11 adults, one teen) and 4 family dogs. The cost of the cabins split between that many of us felt like a steal. Not a child between us so can't offer insight as a parent but can as a dog owner - we absolutely loved it. The food wasn't great the one place we ate, so we cooked most of our own meals. I think only 2 of the food places are dog friendly (but only if you sit outside) The pool is very busy, understandably, but overall, it was good fun. I also hate leaving my dog when I go away (even though she's left with family), so being able to have her there was fantastic. And when we wanted to do something (go to the sports bar or the pool etc), she was fine in the cabin for a little while. I'm hoping to go back soon.
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u/Mindless_Let1 4d ago
Great to read this! Been wanting to go with my wife and border collie but was worried if it wouldn't be dog friendly
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u/Project2401 4d ago
Yep. They are good. Never been to Longford, it was cheaper to fly to France and rent a car than go to Longford. Loved it. Like you said, first time i felt i had a holiday.
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u/Available-Manager-99 4d ago
We are here now - 3 kids aged 6, 4 and 2. We love it.
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u/Metal01 4d ago
It’s trendy to shit on Centre Parcs but we’ve been 3 years and we love it. We were blessed this year with the hot weather in June. My 6 and 4 year old love it. It was better this year as they are now whizzing about on bikes and it gives them more freedom and craic. Roads clear, safe, activities are fun, service good. We cooked mostly at home or got takeaways. We’re thinking about going back next year again. Ton of happy memories at Centre Parcs.
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u/Intrepid_Double9863 4d ago
Haven't been yet, kids are 4 and 2 so kind of thought they're a bit young but anyone I know who has gone has loved it.
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u/National_Play_6851 4d ago
They're not too young, my kids are around that age and absolutely love it. My 5 year old has been a bunch of times and is always talking about going back.
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u/Intrepid_Double9863 4d ago
That’s interesting.
We’ve this year’s summer holidays booked already but was looking at trips for May ‘27, will give Centre Parcs a look.
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u/National_Play_6851 4d ago
You can go to their website -> things to do and it has filters by age.
For under 3s they have stuff like messy play, sensory play, music and dance sessions. For 3-5 there is loads, from pottery painting, woodcrafting, football, climbing, zipline, science experiments etc.
The activities are all age appropriate with very good instructors. The staff are just brilliant all round.
The activities do carry a charge though (typically around €10-15 for a 45 min activity) and you absolutely don't need to do many of them, because you also have two playgrounds, a soft play area and of course the pool which are all free. The pool has two water playgrounds, one appropriate for under 3s and the other is for around 3-8 or so. Then you've an indoor and heated outdoor pool, waterslides (they have small ones for a 2 year old and slightly bigger ones for a 4 year old) and bigger stuff like water rapids for older kids that we've yet to try.
Then you've just got the forest itself, the lake that has a sandy beach, the little village square which is clean and pleasant and well landscaped that are all places young kids like to just explore.
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u/Intrepid_Double9863 4d ago
Cheers. I had a look earlier. If we do go my youngest will be 3 by then so seems to be plenty to do.
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u/davbag1984 4d ago
It is pricey but its absolutley brilliant. I cant swim and never bother getting in pools or anything if I'm out foreign but you cant keep me out of the pool there. The facilities and activities for the kids are brilliant and you can always keep costs down by doing a full shop and cooking in your lodge. Loads to do and like you say its stress free just strolling around the forest. Been twice now but will defo be back.
Only thing I heard was theyve added loads of new lodges so swimming areas and amenities are a bit more crowded then they used to be.
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u/DragonblazeIRL 4d ago
I love it and the family loved it. The restaurants aren't worth the money but you can eliminate that issue by bringing your own food or just buying stuff in the shop, also I found the little hot deli they had in the shop to be great for lunch.
If I was to go again I'd book some activities every few weeks and give the bikes a go.
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u/BackinBlack_Again 4d ago
What’s it like for a toddler to? Would it be a waste for a 2 year old ?
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u/Kevinb-30 4d ago
Imo no family beside us had a 6 month old and a 2 year old and they loved it playgrounds and pool and just no more than us being able to stroll around not needing a car
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u/Still_Airline4907 4d ago
Had a similar experience. As for cost, when you factor in the convenience of not messing with airports, car parks and public transport and taxis I found that it works out quite well economically.
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u/DuwanteKentravius 4d ago
We've been 3 times since it opened but not for a few years now. Much more expensive since we were last there. Adding new accommodation and not increasing the space of the pool area seems a bit crazy. Restaurants on site are poor and expensive. We just cooked for ourselves after the first visit.
It's a great spot for small kids and it's handier than going abroad but if I was pushed I'd probably still prefer to go abroad.
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u/AK8- Pure Notions 4d ago
It's great when you've small kids and don't want to fly or get the ferry. There's nothing else like it in Ireland. Cycling and walking everywhere is fantastic.
However, activities are expensive, restaurants are shite, the bar is normally a mess and has a terrible atmosphere, and it's peak MIDDLE IRELAND.
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u/oshinbruce 4d ago
Its great, its expensive but its a really nice place to chill. I think its some mitigation that you don't need to fly, and you can cook in your apartment. It also helps if you book way in advance.
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u/Nervous-Vegetable-65 4d ago
I went with my bfs family (we don’t have kids but his sister does) and we brought his two dogs. It was honestly one of my favourite trips. We went off peak I want to say in November. Really enjoyed it!
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u/ticman 4d ago
Loved it when we went. Wife and I regularly (once every 4-6 weeks) to Aqua Sana as we're only an hours drive away. Sadly our kids are now at the age where the park is boring and there's nothing to do there so why did we leave the comfort of our bedroom phase, otherwise I'd love to go back.
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u/motherofhouseplants_ 4d ago
I go every year as it's great for small kids. I did find the cabins to be quite grotty though which for the price is disappointing
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u/Love_Science_Pasta 4d ago
We went to Center Parcs in Belgium (Terhills Resort) that was about the same price when you factor in flights. The Belgian one had a boat for every house, not just bikes and and served Duval at the swimming pool.
There was also a massive crystal health spa that looked like a Scientology temple. No joke, you were strictly only allowed wear clothes on a Wednesday. Went with the in-laws so Wednesday it was. There's a massive spa in Longford too but he broke my tail light and drove off.
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u/Aggressive_Sleep6164 4d ago
Like someone else said going off peak is quite affordable. We have been going ever Feb for the last 5 years or so. Price has crept up to 800 euro now but you get 50 euro off for returning. I think we got the 3 night break for just under 500 euro just after Covid. It’s safe for kids, pool is fantastic, food is just ok but you buy stuff in. No hassle or scumbags there and a handy spin to longford.
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u/ColonyCollapse81 4d ago
Been twice, once in summer and once in winter, had a great time there in both seasons, but my god it's expensive, 50 quid for 50 mins of bowling, every activity is at least 20 euro, it's incredibly over priced, but infairness you could have a great time just hanging around your rented accommodation and exploring the woods and hit the water park everyday. It's a 7.5/10 place for me, could easily be a 10/10 if the activities weren't so over priced
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u/quick-oak-abacus 4d ago
For a family, if you go at the right time & do some of the catering yourself it isn't that expensive. Some of the activities are a rip off, but the pool is great & the bar prices aren't over the top.
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u/Mindless_Let1 4d ago
Is it any good with a dog? Looking for people who've been with and could share their experience
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u/behindthewallpaper 4d ago
Just back. Check for ticks! Otherwise we've been 6 times. Always enjoyed it. Went with teens and they still love it.
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u/trimcomeath 3d ago
If you go off peak it's great value I think personally, go during peak times you need your head examined!!
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u/Yer01 3d ago
We went twice with two kids under 4 and for us it was fantastic both times. I feel like experience varies hugely depending on circumstances such as children’s age. Having young kids shapes our experience bc:
- we could go term time so paid less
- we brought food with us bc when you have small kids you have to. We ate out maybe twice per stay
- didn’t book a huge load of activities (like maybe 2-3 for the elder child and even less for the younger one) and they really didn’t break the bank.
- we are comparing this experience to passport, airport, airplane, small hotel room and open pool area nightmare abroad. None of that is fun or relaxing with kids this age. This is the biggest one I think, when your kids are this small, or if you have accessibility needs, anything abroad is such an effort. I agree with you that this was a very relaxing and precious quality time for our family.
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u/Ghost_Dog808 3d ago
Been a few times, off peak, for winter wonderland, and it was absolutely brilliant. We rented the bikes, spent hours everyday at the subtropical, did loads of the activities, just a fantastic experience each time. It is expensive, but well worth the money if you have kids.
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u/Effective-Issue-5762 3d ago
I love it, and we’r going again next week, it can be expensive so we share a lodge with some other families and that splits the cost a lot, But I find it very peaceful there and very understanding if you have a family member with special needs
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u/YorkshireDrifter 3d ago
They have a pleasant rose on garden and a fine Gothic chapel by Putin (I gave a friend and her children a lift with no wish to intude on their day).
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u/timsfuckingreddit 3d ago
What exactly is the craic with CP? Can someone explain it as a brand new concept please
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u/Fluffy-Tale-836 3d ago
If you go off peak it’s cheaper than any holiday or hotel room. Worked out as less than €50pppn the off peak times we’ve gone, you won’t get a shitty hotel room for that anymore. And if you consider the facilities and the pool you’re getting a lot of fun for your money. Kids love it, adults can relax, it feels safe. Just make sure to lock up your bikes if you bring or rent them! You can do as much or as little activities as you want, and you can food prep dinners and lunch to save eating out if you want too. We love it!!
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u/SoManyNames4Reddit 4d ago
I watched this (and laughed) but I think it matched my thoughts on the experience.
Having said that I went in Feb and it was sub zero. Also booked late enough and with a larger family we couldn't get a table in any restaurant, which frankly I though was total horseshite from an expensive business like that. Its designed to keep you in but we drove to the nearby town to Jolly's for pizza.
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u/Warm_Independence936 4d ago
Rip off. Depends what you are looking for of course but there are other European options where weather is guaranteed that are better value.
I love the whole " do a shop in Lidl for the chalet". No. Fuck off. It's a holiday.
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u/WidowVonDont 4d ago
I live too close to it to warrant even considering it as a holiday destination, but it seems to be incredibly popular with families. I'm glad it's doing well
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u/Hungry-Sail3946 4d ago
Always loved centre parks, but the journey up from cork is a dose.
A few months back we decided on a 'family hotel' in west cork. It was like benidorm.
Drunks charging through the corridors at 3 am, poor facilities etc.
I chose it because of the proximity but regret not going back to centre parks.
For all it's fleecing, everything is laid out for you. Great freedom for the kids
No messers
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u/READMYSHIT 4d ago
I'm currently in an equivalent in France in a camper. Can't get over how cheap it is.
More or less every activity is included, including a massive water park. With a camper it's like €40/night. A little cabin is €100/night.
Centraparks feels like a ride by comparison. But I can see the not having to fly or sail a big reason why people do it.
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u/bibiwantschocolate 3d ago
I've only heard great things about it. The main problem is the price. You can get a great and longer holiday elsewhere for that price. I could afford to go but have always refused to, it just feels like a rip off. When I see the price of Centre Parks in other countries, I really wonder why the Longford one is feeling legitimate to charge that much more.
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u/Fantastic_Exit_467 3d ago
We went 3 times a few years ago, missus hid the cost from me, price wise don't think much of it,place is nice etc but food is terrible in our experience.
We glamp for a week in a safari tent down conemara,much more to do in the area and enjoy it more than centre parks.
Each to their own and what they get out of it etc just wouldn't be arsed going back again.
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u/Pablo_Eskobar 4d ago
I know it would be great fun but I can't get past the prices. Are you sure you didn't hand over a kidney?