There are many family-friendly hotels in both Cork city and county, to suit all budgets and requirements.

My No. 1 Pick has got to be the Quality Hotel, Clonakilty. This hotel has recently been awarded the Georgina Campbell Family Friendly Hotel of the Year 2010. Facilities for children include Kids Kamps during school holiday periods, an award-winning leisure centre, jungle-jim, toddler area, teen zone PLUS an on-site 3-screen cinema. Special children's rates apply for bookings during mid-terms/school holidays. Travel cots are supplied, on request, free of charge. If for some reason you feel the need to leave the hotel, you have several blue-flag beaches a short drive from the hotel to choose from, plus the nearby town of Clonakilty is a beautiful town renowned for its twice-weekly farmers markets (Thurs and Sat from 10a.m-2p.m). There are also plenty of child-friendly eateries e.g The Oracle which provides colouring books and toys, or The Aubergine.

The Quality Hotel in Youghal provides a brilliant platform for touring the East Cork region with your young family. Situated practically on the beach at Redbarn, young children have this extensive shore for which to run off any pent-up energy from travelling! Choose from accommodation in the main building of the hotel, 2-bed self-catering apartments or 3-4 bed holiday cottages. Travel cots are available on request and in the cottages, high-chairs are available.

Garryvoe Hotel is another beach-front hotel in East Cork and has recently undergone a complete transformation with new bedrooms and a leisure centre having been added to this long-standing family holiday destination. Overlooking the picturesque Ballycotton Bay, this hotel also has the blue-flag awarded 5-mile Garryvoe beach on its doorstep. The motto at this hotel is-"family owned, family run, family friendly"!!

Barnabrow Country House near Cloyne in East Cork has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and children are warmly welcomed here. The stylishly decorated rooms and cottages here are extremely luxurious and the rates are very competitive and great value.

Further west along the beautiful Cork coast is the lovely fishing town of Baltimore. The family owned and run Casey's Hotel overlooks Baltimore Harbour and you can choose from 14 well-appointed rooms (in the main building) or 5 on-site self-catering cottages. Baltimore provides a gateway for exploring Sherkin Island and Cape Clear and these ferry trips are sure to delight both young and old!!!

Barleycove Beach Hotel located near Mizen Head is another great family destination. The beach at Barleycove is lovely for swimming, walking or just exploring the sand dunes-which were created by a tidal wave after an earthquake in Lisbon in the 18th century!

Be sure to mention Mykidstime when enquiring and booking!