Fota Island, Co. Cork 

Tel: (021) 488 3700 

fotaisland.ie 

One of Ireland’s only five-star hotels to be situated on its own island, Fota Island Resort is just a 20-minute drive from Cork City and – thanks to a daily shuttle service – a short trip from two premier tourist attractions, Fota Wildlife Park and Fota House and Gardens. A chic and spacious 131-room resort with two fine restaurants and a swimming pool, Fota Island’s facilities and nearby attractions make it perfect for family trips – though parents will also be glad to get a break from the kids in the state of the world class spa, which boasts 18 treatment rooms where guests can enjoy massages, hydrotherapy and a thermal suite.