Easy for all in east Cork

Driving from Kilkenny to Cork, there are a number of options, none of which, to be fair, are that long. The most scenic would be to drive though the Munster Vales and take in some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery through Lismore and Midleton. But sometimes with two young children, a short hop down the motorway to the People’s Republic is the preferable choice. Irish Country Living was the guest of the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Little Island, just outside Cork city, the weekend that the clocks went forward this spring and the feel-good vibe you get from fresh cut grass was everywhere.

What do you need when you travel with kids? “Patience” I hear you say. Yes, but a swimming pool is generally at the top of the list. Often times, in a spa hotel there is no room for little people in the spa pool with the relaxing jets and whirlpools. Worse, in some spa hotels, this is the only option and there is no swimming for anyone. And I take your point, maybe those hotels are trying to give you a friendly message with their “adults only” policies and hotels like that are needed too. In fact pre-children, that was probably what was at the top of my Google list.

However, that’s not the case at the Radisson Blu, which takes pride in being family orientated. The pool was open to all and was thoroughly enjoyed by the two small ladies travelling in our party. The family theme was further demonstrated with free meals for resident children with an adult’s main course, and a playground near the restaurant. The adjoining family rooms were spacious and clean, a DVD player and movie were available and brought to the room by friendly and helpful staff.

Unfortunately, the spa was actually closed for renovations during our stay. Although it was made clear to Irish Country Living when we booked our appointment for a pedicure (summer is coming after all) that treatments would be carried out in a bedroom specifically set up for this purpose, I felt that without the use of a relaxation area, the price of the treatment could have been reduced. The treatment itself was very good and should I have been able to kick back for an hour afterwards with a cool glass of orange juice and Irish Country Magazine, I think it would have been very good value.

There are numerous deals on the hotel’s website including the “family getaway” from €299. Two night’s accommodation for two adults and up to four children sharing a family room including breakfast and a family pass to Tír na Sí Open Farm is included.

Great food and a great passion in Tír na Sí

Having used the hotel facilities on day one of our trip, we headed out to explore east Cork on Sunday. Our first stop of three was to the Tír na Sí Open Farm and restaurant in Midleton, Co Cork.

We were greeted by the owner Julia in the café and were able to enjoy a nice coffee, when the children immediately scattered to the ball pool, ever before we made our way out to the farm. It’s a well trotted-out phrase at this stage, the Simon Sinek quote, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it”, but upon meeting Julia’s husband Paul, there is really nothing more appropriate to say.

Paul gave us a full rundown on the start-up of the farm, which was all self-financed, explaining how a mechanic and a chef came to be farming in a most traditional manner with an aim to become as self-sufficient as possible. The farm, that was a green field 22-acre block just eight years ago, is now home to a wide array of farm animals, many of which are destined for the amazing restaurant run by Julia and her son James, who is also a qualified butcher.

The food really was very good and reasonable. I was particularly taken with the soda bread. But it is the industrious nature of the family that truly impressed, from the swing made from the axel of an old car of Paul’s mother, to the rustic warmth of the restaurant. It is clear from the passion in Paul’s voice that he will continue to build, with many plans already afoot and Tír na Sí will continue to grow and entertain.

There is a range of ticket options, but Irish Country Living enjoyed the all-inclusive farm visit which included the animal trail, nature walk and pond, vegetable garden, outdoor and indoor play areas, costing €28 for two adults and two children.

Beautiful Ballycotton

It might seem a little bit of a jaunt around the country to go from Little Island to Watergrasshill to Ballycotton when your last trip of the day is in Cobh, but the car can be the best place for little girls to catch up on 40 winks in between adventures, so the little bit of driving secured us good temperaments for the day, with no drive longer than 40 minutes.

On leaving the farm, we did contemplate heading straight for Cobh, but the lure of the sea air on the cliff walk is not something to be passed up. All information suggests that the cliff walk is not suitable for buggies and can be a little rough underfoot, but that didn’t stop either buggy pushers or those not as steady on their feet from attempting at least a couple of hundred metres. And with the view of the lighthouse in the distance, the sounds of the sea to one side and the yellow expanse of the oilseed rape to the other, it really was worth the effort.

A little history to finish the day

From Ballycotton, we travelled to Cobh and to the Titanic Experience. You receive a boarding card upon arrival to the original White Star Line booking office and this really sets the scene for an immersive tour.

The smallest one among us was the only one to secure a first-class ticket, with her parents and sister in steerage.

Our very own Rose for the day. The stories told are personal and fully document the life and times of the people who boarded the fateful ship in Queenstown (Cobh) in 1912. At the end of the tour, you can then see if you survived and thankfully all four Irish Country Living participants made it safely to New York. The actual guided tour part is perfect for young kids, in that it is just the right length between segments to keep them engaged. I would caution to leave plenty of time after the guided tour as there is a huge amount of artefacts, reading, as well as activities for the children in the exhibition area.

A family ticket for two adults and two children cost €27 and these can be booked online.

Top tips

My top tips for staycationing with a four and five-year-old:

Don’t be put off by the drive between places – the little bit of shut eye can make a day easier on all.

Bring a buggy for kids that under normal circumstances would consider themselves too old.

Bring plenty of healthy snacks to avoid spending a fortune on treats.

Leave time for the hotel pool, you don’t have to stay in it long and it’s what kids remember from a hotel.

Let the kids bring their own bag or bags if possible – it makes them feel like it’s everyone’s holiday.

Bring something new – maybe an electronic item, but new books and toys are a welcome distraction.

Leave plenty of time for everything.

Things will go wrong– the kids won’t notice – you are on holidays.

BUT pre-book things before you tell the kids – there is no disappointment worse than a child’s.

Safety – in busy places, write your number on your child’s arm or on a wristband.