Center parcs longford

tom1ie

Hi all,

is there a thread for this?

I’m thinking of booking in may/June but I’d like to know restaurant and extra activities pricing etc, can you bring your own bikes, what’s the best accommodation to go for etc etc.

Any help greatly appreciated.

ILikeBoats

Going tomorrow - will report back!

baldbear

Bring your own bikes to save money if you can. Only when you arrive you are allowed drive to your lodge to dump your stuff .( Hiring out bikes with the trailer is handy if you have a young kid)

Food is the same price as Dublin prices really. I liked the Indian with the kids. They have a kids menu if they are fussy(nuggets, chips)

Accomodation, I booked the cheapest TBH. You can pay extra to be near the centre location.

Spend as much time in the pool as you can.

We did the Owl/bird experience. It was good. Birds got to land on your arm.(bout €18 ahead .

The off road experience was good too. Suits 3-7 years old I think.

Enjoy . Facebook has a page too for tips .

Kissy_Lips

Bring your own dinners. Have a lasagne / cottage pie / bolognaise / curry ready to go. You're out all day then when you land home it's a pain ordering and collecting food since it is so far away and also a pain getting every showered and dressed to go to a restaurant which is also a trek. Just put on you pjs, bang the lasagne in and curl up on the couch with a beer.

markpb

We went last May during the heatwave. Kids had to be peeled out of the place when it was time to go home.

Accommodation was excellent, far better than I expected. We were around mid-way back from the attractions. I wouldn't pay extra to stay any closer, it's not a big site assuming you're cycling. We rented four bikes and a trailer for the baby/toddler and got around the place without any problems at all. The 10yo was more than happy to cycle around entirely by herself. One thing to watch out is that the road signs give directions for drivers but there are much shorter routes for cyclists. You can add several kilometres a day to your exercise until you realise that!

We booked lots of activities long before we arrived but ended up cancelling a lot of them and doing others instead. There's supposed to be a penalty for doing that but we didn't see it. The cost does add up though if you do a lot of them. There's lots to do at the pool and, if it's busy, you can spend a lot of time queuing for the slides so you could spend more time there than you expected. Surprise hit was a squash court kitted out with a projector and camera so you could play games on the back wall. Jet skits in the indoor pool was a flop, my quite-tall 7yo was probably at the upper weight limit for them so she wasn't impressed at all. The pottery class was also very good.

The shop charges a little under Dublin prices so not cheap but not crazy expensive considering the captive market.

salmocab

No two ways about it it’s pricey, however I think it stacks up well enough with other self catering and hotels in Ireland price wise.

as above go for the cheapest option and take the lodge they give you don’t pay extra to be close to the centre unless you have a real need like an elderly parent coming. If you can bring your own bikes as cycling adds to it especially for the kids.

you can spend a good bit on activities so pick carefully. My then 7 year old loved laser tag and i did it with him. I did archery on my own and enjoyed it, wife went to the spa one evening and loved it.

food is alright, very samey I feel with similar enough types of menus in the restaurants apart from the Indian. That said don’t think I had a bad meal but certainly wouldn’t blow you away. It could do with something more I feel food wise.

as a family holiday though it’s great overall, my kids always ask about going back. The pool is the highlight for everyone.

beertons

It is expensive. Bring food for dinners. And snacks.

You pay for all extra activities bar swimming.

tom1ie

This is brilliant info folks thanks so much.

If I bring our bikes (four bikes- 2 adult 2kids) can I then rent the trailer for toddler separate? How does it attach or do they do that setup for ya?

I didn’t know you could select a lodge closer for an extra price that’s good to know but tbh we will probably just go for whatever they give us and we will select the entry lodge.

We are a family of two adults 12 year old girl 9 year old girl and 2 year old boy- are there any particular activities you would recommend for the kids and what price would they be?

Also has anyone a link to a price list for the activities and food?

We will definitely bring breakfast and snacks with us and possibly a shepherds pie or something as another poster mentioned.

NIMAN

Been twice, kids loved it, and so did we.

It really is a top quality spot. Yes it's expensive, I think anyone booking it knows that. But the lodges are fantastic. They set a very high standard. Kids were happy enough to spend a lot of time at the pool, but we have also done the aerial adventure, the laser tag, pottery painting, crazy golf.

Bring your own bikes if you have the room. We did the 2nd year, 1st time round we hired them from a guy outside CP. He delivered them to the edge of the forest, you go and meet him. Think he was about half the price of what CP charge.

Eat in with your own food the odd night, saves you money. Or have at least breakfast and lunch at home, and eat out once per day. We tried 3 or 4 of the eateries and all good. But again can be costly for a family.

It's not a cheap holiday but it's an enjoyable one.

tom1ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121603024#Comment_121603024

Thanks Niman, we are thinking of doing the 4 nights midweek possibly around may or June.

Do you remember how much things like archery etc were and even how much a meal was?

I imagine €80 or so for a meal for 2 adults and 2 kids plus a toddler- not including alcohol?

NIMAN

Honestly can't remember the meal prices, I thought all the menus and activity prices were online, no?

tom1ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121603779#Comment_121603779

Ah yeah see the example pricing page now- couldn’t find that page at all!!

https://www.centerparcs.ie/discover-center-parcs/activities/example-activity-prices/longford-forest-pricing-guide.html

893bet

I will buck the trend and say pay extra for the really close lodge. Especially if you plan on coming home for meals with a few kids. The hardship of organising bikes and helmets back and forth multiple times per day vs a 5 min walk.

Going in 2 weeks myself.

Doe Tiden

We’ve been 3 times going again in July, it’s not cheap you won’t save any money v a sun holiday, but the kids absolutely love it, the cost of activities vary from 15 to 80 quid but try book them in advance if possible, as some of the activities boom out,

we do a weekly shop before we go and have our breakfast and lunch in the lodge pretty much every day and then we might go out for dinner 3/4 nights the food is good but every restaurant is similar I’m not a fan of the sports bar for food but it’s a bit of crack fora pint.

bring bikes if you can you will save a couple of quid,

enjoy it!

tom1ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121603944#Comment_121603944

Thats an interesting point.

How do you book a closer lodge? Is it when you select the “woodland lodge” you then pick one of those lodges off a park map or something?

Aravo

Pm sent

tom1ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121604014#Comment_121604014

Brilliant tips and we might save money vs a sun holiday but there’s no airport hassle which has to be good!!

salmocab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121604019#Comment_121604019

Yeah you can choose to be in the central area for an extra 50 I think or pay more to pick a particular lodge. I wouldn’t bother but as someone else said it might suit. Nowhere is more than a 4/5 minute cycle away

plan to arrive early on your first day, can’t get in not your lodge until 4 but you can use all the facilities. Park cycle around the park to get your bearings and see where you are staying use the pool for a few hours and grab a bite to eat and then get the car bring it to the lodge unpack drop the car back and you won’t see it again until Friday. On Friday get the car in early pack up drop it to the car park and use the facilitie, pool and lunch at a minimum before going home.

dont overload on activities, pick one a day either together like lazer tag or something like rock climbing for individual kids, whatever they are into.

the high ropes with the big zip across the lake is a very popular one.

some good things on the lake too, inflatable course looks great.

jopper

Some great tips and advice here thank you all.

Looking for peoples opinions on whether the ‘executive’ lodges are much of an upgrade / noticeable difference compared to regular lodges. Also if the lodges that come with a sauna worth the extra money or is it that you are paying extra for just the sauna? Thanks in advance.

tom1ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121604067#Comment_121604067

Great advice that’s very helpful.

Once question though, when you don’t have access to the lodge facilities I take it there are changing facilities located at the pool to change after the pool?

Also can you take two cars per lodge to centre parcs, would you have to pay extra to park two cars over the four days per lodge?

Sono

Been twice, enjoyed it, not sure it’s worth the money myself but it’s handy. Definitely bring your own food to cook or go down to the local town and get grub; food on site is fairly shite and over priced.

Will probably go again simply for convenience and kids enjoy it.

salmocab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121719103#Comment_121719103

Yeah basically arrive with your swimming stuff in seperate bags just park and go on in use the pool etc, you get a wrist band for each adult at check in (done in the car) this opens your lodge door and locks/unlocks the lockers in the pool. Changing rooms sheets etc at the pool.

parking 2 cars is no issue, you don’t park at the lodge, you can drive to your lodge after 4 on check in day from the car park, unload then drop back to the car park. You don’t need to look at your car or anyone else’s until check out morning. No cars driving around in the park is great.

also one bit of advice someone gave us which was great and not the sort of thing I’d normally get involved in was bring the air fryer with you. It’s handy for breakfast stuff and saving on cleaning up pots etc.

loco_scolo

Need advice. We're going to Center Parcs in July, the whole family, dogs and all!! 22 of us across 4 houses (4 separate bookings). The activity booking system opens soon.

• How quickly do activities sell out?

• Is there a limit on size of each booking?

• Specifically on restaurants, we're thinking one night out for a group meal (Mum's Birthday). How do restaurant bookings work? Limit on size etc.?

• We have a decent idea of what activities we want, but any recommendations for big groups? We've had a few recommendations for bowling, as it suits all age groups etc...

salmocab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121969593#Comment_121969593

You can book guests when you make bookings for activities and restaurants so one person could in theory book everything but that might be a bit hairy for them.
for a big group I’d say laser tag would be great beyond that I’d say most things suit smaller groups of ye.

tom1ie

Don’t suppose anyone knows if CP has a facility that can service your bike while you’re there by any chance? Heading there tomorrow and my bike that been sitting up for at least a year needs a good service!

Madd002

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122237511#Comment_122237511

You'll be fine, it's only forest paths you'll be going through at a small pace. I'm sure if anything goes wrong though they'll be someone at their bike depot who could help.

beggars_bush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122237511#Comment_122237511

bike shop in ballymahon - greenway cycles. you could drop it off on the way down and he will drop it up to you i'd say.

Andrewf20

If interested in the centre parcs experience, consider mainland europe where it's miles cheaper. 2800eu for a week at Easter in Ireland vs 1260eu for a week in Centrer parcs Erpeheide, Belgium for example. Its possible to fly there and have the rental car for less than an Ireland stay.

The Nal

We've really reached peak madness when people are spending thousands for a few days in Longford.

DubCount

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282413#Comment_122282413

I dont think anyone would describe it as a cheap, but if you have a young "active" family into cycling, swimming etc., then it can be a great holiday. Holidays are always expensive anyway, and not everyone thinks a sun holiday is the ideal break - especially with kids. Its not for everyone, but happy kids make happy holidays, and if you can afford it, why not pay thousands for Longford?

beggars_bush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282413#Comment_122282413

people are entitled to spend their money on what they want

no airport hassle or rough ferry crossing

you can bring your own food if you want

might suit people who don't want to be away for too long due to family reasons

markpb

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282413#Comment_122282413

I think you’re looking at it the wrong way. Spending thousands for Longford does seem crazy but that’s not the way people are looking at it. People are comparing it to a similar holiday abroad and suddenly it’s not so crazy, especially when you consider the wide range of activities available on site.

For me Center Parks means no long drive, no airport, no car rental, no worries about 20kg limits on suitcases, no hiring a million car seats abroad (I have several young children) but it also means having everything on your doorstep. Theres plenty to do, none of it involves driving, the restaurants are good but you can still cook for yourself, the older kids can cycle around safely themselves, the pool is good enough to keep them entertained for hours at a time and the lodges are more spacious than any hotel room in our budget.

Field east

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282413#Comment_122282413

I was there with children/ grandchildren last yr . I did not think that I would enjoy it but I did very much A very well run place. X thousand € for a house might sound expensive but if you fully occupy it then it does not work out very expensive ie cost per head

Allinall

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282413#Comment_122282413

What’s with the “we”?

It’s obviously not for you, so there’s no point in grouping yourself with people who it does suit.

salmocab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122284908#Comment_122284908

I see it compared to abroad constantly but if you compare it to self catering elsewhere in Ireland then it isn’t so crazy. I’m going soon 4 of us 4 nights was 1600. Not cheap but actually if we rented a house or stayed in a hotel in Ireland in July it wouldn’t be that much cheaper.
no two ways about it it is expensive but it doesn’t stack up as badly as is often made out.
we were in Fuertaventura a couple of months ago and our 9yo actually asked if we could go to CP for our next holiday.

The_Taxman

Do you pay for the activities beforehand once they open 12 weeks in advance, or is it book then pay when you get there?

browne_rob5

Pay in advance at time of booking.

salmocab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122331541#Comment_122331541

As above pay in advance, though it is very easy to cancel things and get refunded.

tom1ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122332204#Comment_122332204

yeah this.
We paid for the majority of the activities up front, but we did end up cancelling one or two things and got the money back.
Also just make sure you have the restaurants booked- although in saying that when we went in the second week of June they had good availability in most cases.

scottser

Top tip. You pay for everything on your card, no cash. The staff will automatically select to include a gratuity on every transaction, although it is meant to be offered up to the customer to choose. It became a real irritatant, especially when the service is pretty shite. The staff are mostly part-time/students and they are always understaffed. I went there as part of a large family group, all the kids had a great time but I wouldn't be in a hurry back.

callaway92

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122282413#Comment_122282413

Your issue here is saying its Longford. You do not leave the site.

Bawnmore

I asked on another thread, but this one seems more active. We booked a 3 bed, but we're looking to change the booking for a 4 bed (which have an 8 people maximum + 2 infants) to have another family come with us. We'll have 4 adults, 4 children, a 3 month old and a 3 year old. What's the likelihood they'd cause a fuss about the 3 year old if we booked as 2 infants? I called Centre Parcs and the girl said she reckoned it'd be fine if we weren't planning on doing activities with the 3 year old, but how strict are they in reality in Longford from peoples experience? Would she be ID'd at the gate? 😅

salmocab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122335097#Comment_122335097

It’s under 2 that are free so even a 2 year old would be too old so I’d say you’ve a reasonable chance of getting spotted on the way in.