Lonely Planet Review

Ireland's large, luxury hotels tend to be privately owned, giving them more individual appeal and personalised service than chains. The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is a prime example: a big, plush four-star place of 118 rooms with amenities galore, including plenty to keep kids entertained.

Parents whose little angels have been stretching their patience on the road will find this place a godsend. The hotel runs a kid's club every Sunday (every day during the summer months) with fun stuff like a bouncing castle, art activities, and videos. Plus there's a free supervised kid's playroom at the on-site leisure centre, and the main lobby's lounge bar gives littlies a free activity set when they order off the kid's menu. There are also large and/or interconnecting family rooms available. But there are plenty of spots including two bars and a nightclub for grownups to play, too. Free parking is available at the multi-storey carpark across the street (though the valet service, which is run by a private contractor, is extra).