Niamh Mceneaney
Than Co. Meath... By
The summer holidays are just around the corner, and the cost of living is at an all-time high, so it is predicted that staycations will be more popular than ever this year. And while we have so much on offer right on our doorstep, it can be tricky to find something for everyone all in one location.
And particularly with kids, after already enduring a long journey to your chosen staycation destination, you don’t want to have to spend much more time in the car to keep them entertained.
Plus, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that it ISYOUR holiday too.
So, where to go?
Well, there is one county that outshines them all when it comes to giving everyone in the family a happy holiday — Co. Meath.
Just north of Dublin, Ireland’s 14th largest county is well-known for its historic archaeological sites, especially in the Boyne Valley with neolithic monuments at this site including the infamous passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth.
This is all wonderful of course, but let’s face it, kids want excitement, adventure and adrenaline these days.
Luckily, Meath also has that in spades and it can all be found in the one place — Emerald Park in Ashbourne which is home to Ireland’s only theme park and zoo.
Formerly Tayto Park, it is one of Ireland’s most-loved destinations and it has recently reopened to the public after a huge refurbishment.
It’s a big year for the Park as not only is there a new name over the entrance at Kilbrew, but the Junior Zone, for young adventurers aged 3+, has expanded to include two new rides, Balloon Chase and Crazy Bus.
They are the first additions to the Junior Zone in three years and are set to thrill little ones as they discover the park.
Meanwhile, the zoo has welcomed a number of animals over recent months including Bira, an endangered Amur tiger and Freya, a critically-endangered Amur leopard. The two stunning sub-species of big cats have arrived as part of the prestigious European wildlife conservation management programme, the EEP.
And of course, all of the old favourite rides including Cú Chulainn, Dino Dash, Viking Voyage and World of Raptors are still thrilling guests and all of the Park’s food outlets are back, including a real guest favourite — the Twisted Chip — as well as two new Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops! General Manager of Emerald Park, Charles Coyle said,“we are excited to reopen the Park for the 2023 season and welcome guests new and old to enjoy everything that the Park has to offer throughout the 50 acres of fun.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to upgrade the Park and we hope everyone who comes through our doors will enjoy treasured moments big and small.” After a day at the
Park, you are all going to need some serious downtime, so your choice of accommodation is important.
Top of your list should be the Johnstown Estate in Enfield, which is just a short jaunt from Emerald Park on the M50 and just 35 minutes from Dublin.
It is a four-star destination spa hotel set in a listed Georgian building surrounded by 120 acres of stunning parkland and includes 128 rooms, 40 selfcatering luxury lodges, two restaurants, and a divinely tranquil spa which spans over 1,200sq m and includes a rooftop and indoor thermal experience, 15 treatment rooms, rasul mud and mineral treatment chamber, and psammo therapy and aqua-beds.
After all, the kids have had their fun, and now it’s time for you to have yours.
But they still have plenty to do as the Estate offers lots to delight younger visitors, from a playground and magical fairy trail to complimentary bike hire, not to mention a 20m swimming pool.
And, no doubt you will all have an appetite after all that, so you will be able to choose from casual dining in The Coach House Brasserie where you’ll be served top-notch pub grub or Fire & Salt restaurant, which is headed up by the exceptionally talented chef James Tennant.
It’s only fair that everyone in your family enjoys their Bank Holiday and there is no doubt you will all meet in the middle in Meath.
This summer, the Johnstown Estate Hotel is offering a three-night Staycation Family Break package for €960.
It includes accommodation for two adults and two children under 12 in a spacious family room with a king-sized bed and two twin beds.
Alternatively, guests can choose to stay in one of the Estate’s two-bedroom self-catering lodges, complete with fullyequipped kitchens and separate dining and relaxing areas.
It also includes a full Irish breakfast each morning with a two-course dinner on one evening in the relaxed surrounds of The Coach House Brasserie, along with a takeaway picnic on one afternoon of your choice, perfect for alfresco adventures.
“It is one of Ireland’s most-loved destinations.”
Additional children are welcome at a supplement of €65 per child.
The Staycation Family package also includes access to The Johnstown Estate’s Kids’ Club (suitable for kids from ages five to 12 years) on one day of your stay along with full access to the Estate’s leisure centre, including a 20-metre swimming pool and kids’ pool, ensuring the kids are entertained whatever the weather while you’re taking it in turns to have a much-needed pampering.
To book, contact The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath, tel 046 954 0000, email reservations@thejohnstownestate. com, www.thejohnstownestate.com. ■
For more on Emerald Park, visit www.emeraldpark.ie