Gold Medal Winner: Ireland’s Best Family Friendly Hotel 2025

Newpark Hotel Kilkenny is celebrating a hat-trick of success after being crowned Ireland’s Favourite Family Friendly Hotel for the third consecutive year, taking home Gold at the prestigious Gold Medal Awards on 27 January 2026. The win marks a remarkable three-in-a-row for the hotel, following victories in 2024, 2025 and now 2026.

The Gold Medal Hotel Awards, widely regarded as the leading independent benchmark of excellence within the Irish hospitality industry, celebrate consistency, innovation and outstanding guest experiences. Newpark Hotel Kilkenny’s continued success as Ireland’s Best Family Friendly Hotel is a clear reflection of its long-standing commitment to experience-led stays and unforgettable family moments.

At the core of the hotel’s family offering is Jurassic Newpark, the much-loved outdoor adventure experience set within the hotel grounds and offered complimentary for resident guests with unlimited access. Designed to inspire imagination, exploration and shared play, the immersive dinosaur-themed park has become a defining element of the Newpark experience and a key differentiator in family hospitality.

Beyond Jurassic Newpark, the hotel offers a resort-style experience with an exceptional range of onsite amenities that encourage families to fully switch off and stay put. Recent additions include the Jurassic Bounce experience, Jurassic Castle, Jurassic Express, alongside a selection of complimentary activities for younger guests in the hotel such as our soft play room and our kids club. Jurassic Newpark is home to an adventure Trail, Tree-Top Adventure Playground with zip line, Mini Wildlife Farm, onsite go-karting, nature walks and a Fairy Trail. Families can also enjoy an indoor games room, family-friendly dining options and leisure facilities including a swimming pool.

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Spacious deluxe family rooms and interconnecting accommodation provide added flexibility and comfort, ensuring Newpark Hotel continues to set the benchmark for family-focused hospitality in Ireland.

General Manager Niall Dunne expressed, “This is a momentous achievement for our team. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing families with extraordinary experiences. We have been innovating and evolving over the past few years, and to be recognized by industry experts is an amazing feeling. My Co-General Manager Mark Flynn and I want to give thanks to our Newpark Family, our local suppliers, and the Flynn Hotel Collection; without them, our success would not be possible.”

Newpark Hotel also caters to the grown-ups with a relaxing infinity pool, luxurious treatments at the Escape Spa and Leisure Centre, a variety of dining options onsite, and live music in the lobby.