Inside Ireland’s biggest and most luxurious indoor water park – with gravity-defying slides, rides and exclusive cabanas
IRELAND’S largest indoor water park is home to some spectacular gravity-defying slides and rides that are sure to get your heart racing.
Longford Forest Subtropical Swimming Paradise is located at Center Parcs, a family adventure centre designed to bring people together to make new treasured memories.
The incredible water park is heated to 29.5C all year round and is decked in lush green tropical plants and trees with plenty to explore for all ages.
Entry to the facility is included in the cost of the break, so guests can simply turn up to take a dip in the wave pool, tackle the Wild Water Rapids, make a splash in the water play areas or relax in the whirlpools.
Guests feeling a little extra boujee can also hire a private Family Cabana, complete with TV, refreshments and loungers for the ultimate luxury experience.
RIDES AND SLIDES
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is the home to an array of thrilling water rides and slides.
Guests are invited to explore the gravity-defying Tropical Cyclone and a family favourite, the Wild Water Rapids.
Rides and slides vary at each holiday village, but visitors are guaranteed twists, turns and drops on each one.
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS
The park offers activities for all ages, with little ones given a chance to dip their toes in water play areas.
Here they will find little slides, spray fountains and a splashing pool.
For older children, a family water play area with fun slides, giant tipping buckets, and much more is available.
EXCLUSIVE CABANAS
If you are looking to enhance your stay even further, why not head to Cabana Cove?
Here you will find a private retreat within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, exclusive to Sherwood Forest.
Visitors can book a cabana for between six to eight people allowing them to order food and drink directly to your Cabana, indulge in an Aqua Sana spa treatment and relax in the secluded whirlpool.
The park is also fully accessible with Changing Places facilities at all villages within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
These are designed for guests with additional needs and include a mobile shower changer, hoist, wash basin and a toilets with drop-down grab rails.
ACCOMMODATION
Trips to Center Parcs can be purchased through it’s website, where guests can book a minimum of a three nights.
A one bedroom executive apartment costs around €599, while a three bedroom woodland lodge costs around €1,599 for a three night stay.
For those looking to upgrade their stay a three bedroom Executive Lodge will cost you around €1,699 for a three night stay.
And for larger groups a four bedroom Woodland Lodge will cost around €1,799 for a three night stay.
SUMMER ESCAPE
Elsewhere holidaymakers are in luck as we may have the perfect place for a getaway this summer.
Sandycove is a quiet and serene bay located at the mouth of Ardkilly Creek on the western side of Kinsale Harbour, just 40 minutes from Cork city.
The sandy beaches of the cove are sheltered by Sandycove Island, a small rock ringed and grass topped uninhabited parcel of land home to generations of wild goats.
The cove, once used by smugglers to access the town, is now a favourite for wild swimming enthusiasts.
For those looking for a leisurely swim, making your way around Sandycove Island is a great adventure.
Many experienced swimmers choose to take on the challenge of swimming around the entire island, which has a circumference of 1,600m.