Why Families Love the Glenroyal Hotel
The Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth is a 4-star family hotel combining genuine child-friendly facilities with easy access to some of the best family attractions in Leinster. With 154 bedrooms (20 more coming Autumn 2026), dedicated kids’ activities, a family swimming pool, a gaming room, and large playground across the street, it’s designed to keep children entertained and parents relaxed from check-in to check-out.
Situated just off the N4 at Junction 7, the hotel is 20 minutes from Dublin and a short drive from many local attractions making it an ideal base for a packed family weekend.
Family Rooms & Accomodation
Family Bedrooms
Suitable for 2 adults and up to 2 children aged 12 or under. Each room includes a double bed, single bed, single sofa bed, and a large bathroom with bath and shower. A dedicated seating area gives parents space to relax after a busy day out.
Family Suites
Ideal for families of up to 5. The suite sleeps two adults and three children across twin bunk beds, a double bed, and a pull-out single sofa bed. Suites include a PS5, gaming chairs, books, games, and board games – plus colourful themed décor that kids love.
Larger Families
Interconnecting rooms are available on request. For families of more than 4, contact the hotel directly to discuss options.
Kids’ Activities at Glenroyal Hotel
Little Explorers Kids Club
The Glenroyal Hotel Kids Club is supervised and available every Saturday and during school holidays for children aged 4 and over. Younger children are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Activities include arts & crafts, games, music, storytelling and movie night. Available from 4pm-9pm every Saturday and throughout all Irish school holidays.
Gaming Room
The Glenroyal Hotel Gaming Room is a fully-supervised dedicated space for guests aged 6 to 16, offering a perfect blend of high-tech fun and relaxed vibes. It features a PS5 wall, racing simulators and virtual reality goggles is the perfect spot for older kids to unwind and socialize. Available from 3pm-9pm every Saturday and throughout all Irish school holidays.
Family Swimming Pool
The Glenroyal Leisure Club has a dedicated 20-metre family pool with water geysers and a separate children’s paddling pool. Lifeguards are on duty at all times. Children under 17 must be supervised and are welcome in the family pool until 7pm each evening. The family pool area also includes a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for adults.
Family-Friendly Dining
The Glenroyal’s culinary team has picked up some serious recognition, including the 2025 Gold Medal Hotel Awards, an Irish Chef of the Year Silver Accolade, and the 2024 Good Food Ireland Food Lovers Choice Award for Ireland’s Ancient East. Heading up the kitchen is Michelin-experienced Executive Head Chef Bernard McGuane, whose menus champion bold flavours and locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Arkle Bar & Enclosure Restaurant
The Enclosure sits within the Arkle Bar, offering an elevated dining experience in a warm, sophisticated setting with luxurious booth seating, rich oak timber finishes, plush velvet fabrics, and elegant brass lighting. Fresh & healthy kids’ menus, kids’ packs, and high chairs are available, making it equally suited to a relaxed family dinner.
Shoda Market Café
The perfect spot for a family pancake brunch, a casual lunch, or takeaway coffees before heading out for the day.
Hotel Breakfast
Overnight guests enjoy a full Irish breakfast each morning.
Family Hotel Getaways
Emerald Park Package
The Glenroyal’s most popular family offer combines an overnight stay with full All-Access tickets to Emerald Park. This package is extremely popular during summer months and advanced booking is essential.
Click here to book. Package includes:
• Overnight stay in a family bedroom
• All-Access admission to Emerald Park for the whole family
• Full Irish breakfast the following morning
• €20 dining credit for the Enclosure Restaurant
• VIP Kids Check-In with goody bag
• Access to Little Explorers Kids Club (ages 4+) and Games Room (ages 6+)
• Full use of the Leisure Club, including family swimming pool
• Complimentary car parking (paid EV charging available)
Family Adventure Package
A unique teepee-themed overnight experience designed for families with children aged 4 to 10. Children sleep in handmade teepees with cosy mattresses and pillows inside a comfortable family bedroom.
Click here to book. Package includes:
• Overnight stay in a family bedroom with in-room teepee setup
• Full Irish breakfast the following morning
• €20 dining credit for the Enclosure Restaurant
• VIP Kids Check-In with goody bag
• Access to Little Explorers Kids Club (ages 4+) and Games Room (ages 6+)
• Full use of the Leisure Club, including family swimming pool
• Complimentary car parking (paid EV charging available)
Family Attractions Near Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth
The hotel’s location in Maynooth puts dozens of family-friendly days out within easy reach:
• Emerald Park: A thrilling combination of theme park rides and zoo animals, perfect for a full family day out. (Drive time: 30 minutes)
• Fort Lucan: A sprawling outdoor adventure playground with zip lines, slides, climbing frames, and open green space for kids to run wild. (Drive time: 13 minutes)
• Clonfert Pet Farm: A family-run farm and mini zoo set in beautiful Kildare countryside, with a three playgrounds, a bouncy castle, go-karts, crazy golf, a zipline, and an indoor soft play area. (Drive time: 10 minutes)
• Airtastic: A large indoor entertainment centre with soft play, 10-pin bowling, an arcade, and more – great for all ages and ideal when the weather turns. (Drive time: 8 minutes)
• The Explorium: An interactive STEM and play centre combining science, technology, and hands-on fun, ideal for curious kids. (Drive time: 25 minutes)
• Aquazone: An indoor water park with slides and splash zones, a firm favourite for family days out. (Drive time: 20 minutes)
• Kildare Maze: Leinster’s largest hedge maze, located in Prosperous, North Kildare. The 6-foot-high maze covers approximately 1.5 acres with over 1.5 kilometres of paths. (Drive time: 20 minutes)
• Castletown House: Ireland’s largest and earliest Palladian-style mansion, set in beautiful 18th-century parklands along the River Liffey in Celbridge. (Drive time: 12 minutes)
• Donadea Forest Park: A scenic and peaceful forest park with woodland trails, a lake, castle ruins, and plenty of space for a family picnic or a long walk. (Drive time: 15 minutes)
• St Catherine’s Park: A lovely riverside park along the banks of the Liffey in Leixlip, with wide open spaces, woodland walks, and a great playground. (Drive time: 15 minutes)
• Royal Canal Greenway: A dedicated cycling and walking trail stretching the length of the Royal Canal, perfect for a leisurely family bike ride or stroll straight from the hotel. (Walking distance: 5 minutes)
Getting to Glenroyal Hotel
By car: Ideally situated just off the M4 motorway, 25 minutes from Dublin City Centre and 25 minutes from Dublin Airport, the Glenroyal is one of Kildare’s most accessible hotels for delegates travelling from overseas. Complimentary car parking and paid EV charging is available on site for hotel guests.
By public transport: With the Maynooth Train Station and Irish bus network on their doorstep, the Glenroyal is one of the best connected family-friendly hotels in Kildare and Ireland alike, making us an ideal choice for guests coming from all corners of Ireland.
Book a Family Gataway at the Glenroyal Hotel online here.
Call: 01 629 0909 Email: [email protected] Online: Book directly via the Glenroyal Hotel website
