Why Amber Springs is Ireland’s Hidden Gem for Family Escapes



We recently ventured across the Irish Sea for a little family getaway, and honestly, Amber Springs in County Wexford completely stole our hearts. If you’re looking for a spot that balances luxury with family fun — this is it. With dedicated kids’ facilities, spacious rooms, fab food options and plenty to do nearby, it’s one of those places that really understands what families need on a break. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teens, there’s something here for everyone.
Rooms & Amenities
Amber Springs has a brilliant range of rooms to suit different family sizes and preferences. Whether you’re a family of three or a larger group, there’s something to match your setup. All rooms come equipped with:
Individually controlled climate control/air conditioning
-Hairdryers
-Tea and coffee making tray
-Ensuite with bath and shower in most rooms
-Secure safe
If you’re looking for something a little more spacious, the Amber Family Suites are a fab choice. These corner suites in the exclusive family wing come with luxury furnishings, smart TVs, refrigerators, and extra-large bathrooms featuring walk-in showers and separate baths – ideal for families who want to holiday in style.
We absolutely loved the Family Den Suites, which sleep up to six and include a dedicated “den” area with twin bunk beds – a total win if you’ve got multiple kids or just want a bit more breathing space. These suites also come with a sofa/lounge area, USB charging ports, and all the comforts that make travelling with children that little bit easier.
Facilities & Services
This is where Amber Springs really shines – it’s genuinely one of the most family-focused hotels we’ve ever stayed in.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that families are at the heart of everything here. The hotel is packed with thoughtful, child-friendly features that make it so easy to relax and enjoy your time away.
There’s a brilliant Indoor Playzone with a state-of-the-art jungle gym where kids can let off steam no matter the weather. Outside, Amber Park is a huge hit – with mini golf, go-karts, archery, the Amber Express Train, a mini farm, outdoor playground and football pitch. There’s even a small on-site shop if the kids fancy a little treat while they’re out playing.
The hotel also runs a fantastic Amber Kids Club, available on weekends and during school holidays, with supervised activities for children aged 4–12. While the little ones are entertained, parents can sneak off to the award-winning Cocoon Spa for some well-earned relaxation – just make sure to book ahead, as treatments do fill up fast!
On-site, there’s also a comfy Showtime Cinema with daily screenings in an 80-seater theatre — perfect for a cosy family movie night without leaving the hotel.
And for some chilled-out downtime, there’s a Zen Sensory Room - a beautifully calm space suitable for all ages, as well as a Gamer Zone packed with consoles and games, open on Fridays, Saturdays, and during midterms. Both are ideal for winding down, no matter your age or ability level.
Some outdoor activities may be seasonal or weather dependent, so it’s worth checking ahead if there’s something specific you’re hoping to do.
Also, for an eco-friendly touch, the hotel has water refill stations throughout, so make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated while enjoying all the activities!
Food & Drink
There’s no shortage of great places to eat at Amber Springs, with options to suit every taste and age. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, a quick bite or just a coffee and cake, you’re well covered.
Breakfast is a definite highlight – a full Irish breakfast buffet with a huge range of continental choices too, plus plenty of juices and hot drinks to set you up for the day.
For lunch or dinner, FHB Farmhouse Burger is a brilliant spot for a casual meal. It serves a variety of juicy burgers and sides in a relaxed setting that’s great for families.
Farina Italian Pizzeria is another favourite, offering freshly made wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes and Italian-style sharing plates. You can sit inside or choose the outdoor seating area overlooking the gardens and pond – a lovely touch, especially on sunny days.
BBG Bistro is located just off the hotel lobby and serves food daily from 12 noon to 9pm. It’s a casual, family-friendly choice with a great mix of options and a covered courtyard if you fancy eating outside.
The Coffee Dock is ideal for a morning cuppa or afternoon treat, serving speciality teas, coffees, homemade cakes, cookies and pastries. There’s seating if you want to relax for a while, and it opens from 8.15am to 4.45pm daily – handy for both early risers and mid-day snackers.
If you’re after somewhere a bit more grown-up in the evening, the Terrace Bar is a lovely adults-only space after 7pm. It’s stylish and cosy, serving everything from cocktails and wine to craft beers and all your usual favourites. It’s a great spot to unwind after a busy day exploring or enjoying the hotel’s facilities.
Local Attractions
While there’s plenty to keep you busy on-site, the surrounding area has loads to explore too. We took a short drive to Courtown Beach for a breezy stroll and some proper seaside fish and chips - exactly what you want on a coastal escape!
If you’re after something a bit more high-energy, Pirates Cove and LeisureMax Wexford are both nearby and ideal for rainy day adventures or a bit of friendly family competition.
We also spent a little time in Gorey Town, which is just around the corner from the hotel. It’s brilliant if you fancy a browse or need to stock up on anything – there’s a Dunnes Stores for the essentials, plus a Toymaster, The Works, and plenty more shops and cafes to wander around. It’s got that perfect mix of convenience and charm that makes it easy to pop in without it feeling like a full-on shopping trip.
Parking, Accessibility & Transportation
Parking is free and plentiful at Amber Springs, which is always a huge bonus when you’re travelling as a family and have bags, buggies and little ones in tow. Whether you’re driving from home or picking up a hire car, you’ll have no issues finding a space close to the hotel entrance.
We flew into Dublin Airport, which is around a 90-minute drive away. It was a really smooth journey down, and we hired a car via Booking.com, which gave us the flexibility to explore the local area at our own pace. If you’re coming from the UK by ferry, Dublin Port is also about a 90-minute drive, making it a really manageable trip from port to check-in.
For those preferring public transport, Gorey Train Station is just a 2–3 minute walk from Amber Springs – ideal if you’re traveling without a car or fancy a stress-free journey straight to the hotel’s doorstep.
Accessibility-wise, the hotel is well equipped for families and guests with mobility needs. It’s fully buggy-friendly throughout, and accessible rooms are available upon request. Everything from the walkways to the layout has been thoughtfully designed to make getting around simple and stress-free.
Pricing, Deals & How to Book
Pricing varies depending on the time of year, but overall it offers great value for families – especially considering how much is included in the stay. Look out for family packages which often cover meals, activity access and sometimes spa discounts too.
We booked directly via the Amber Springs website, which was super straightforward. Booking direct also gave us some extra perks, including early check-in and a complimentary welcome drink.
What Sets It Apart
What really sets Amber Springs apart is how well it’s been designed with families in mind. It doesn’t just have a few child-friendly extras – the entire setup feels like it was built to make family holidays easy and enjoyable. From the indoor jungle gym to the on-site cinema and spa, they’ve thought of everything. The attention to detail, room layout, and genuinely warm staff make it such a lovely experience from start to finish.
Website & Additional Information
Thinking of planning your own stay? All the info you need is on their website:
👉 www.ambersprings.ie