Overview
Nestled in more than 400 acres of mixed‑age woodland in the heart of the Irish Midlands, Center Parcs Longford Forest opened its doors in July 2019. The resort provides a self‑catering holiday experience for families, couples and groups, with over 450 lodges and 30 apartments ranging from cosy one‑bedroom units to spacious Exclusive Lodges that include private saunas, games rooms and hot tubs. Open all year round, the village boasts a climate‑controlled Subtropical Swimming Paradise heated to a balmy 29.5 °C, a full‑service Aqua Sana Spa, and a diverse food‑and‑drink precinct that includes a coffee house, an Italian restaurant, an Asian‑fusion venue and an American Bar & Grill.
Since its launch, the resort has welcomed more than one million guests – roughly a fifth of Ireland’s population – and employs 1,251 staff members. Visitor loyalty is high; over one‑third of guests have returned for a second stay, and peak‑season occupancy regularly hits 90 %.
History
The decision to bring the Center Parcs brand to Ireland was announced in September 2015, following a decade of expansion across the United Kingdom. After five years of construction, the Longford site became the company’s first Irish village, marking the sixth Center Parcs location worldwide. The development was positioned as a catalyst for domestic tourism in the Midlands, offering a short‑break concept that was previously unavailable in Ireland.
In 2021 the resort celebrated its five‑year anniversary and, in 2022, announced a major €80‑85 million expansion. The plan adds 200 new lodges and four ultra‑luxury treehouses – each sleeping up to eight people, featuring a games den, outdoor hot tub, private parking and a dedicated Treehouse Host. The expansion is expected to create 250 permanent jobs and a further 300 construction roles, reinforcing the resort’s economic impact on County Longford.
What to See & Do
Subtropical Swimming Paradise
The centerpiece of the village is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a water‑park complex that includes a wave pool, multiple slides (including the Typhoon funnel slide unique to Longford), a lazy river, splash zones for younger children and a range of food outlets. The water temperature is maintained at 29.5 °C year‑round, making it a reliable attraction regardless of the Irish weather.
Aqua Sana Spa
Set amid the trees, Aqua Sana offers a menu of treatments from massages to hydrotherapy circuits. Guests can unwind in the central pool, relax in hot tubs, or enjoy a sauna session – perfect after a day of outdoor adventure.
Adventure & Outdoor Activities
The resort’s activity programme exceeds 100 options, split between indoor and outdoor pursuits. Highlights include:
- Adventure Course & Zipline – a treetop challenge that culminates in a thrilling zipline descent.
- Cycling & Walking Trails – a network of well‑marked paths that weave through the forest, with bikes available for hire.
- Golfing – a short‑range driving range and practice greens.
- Bowling & Indoor Sports – a ten‑pin bowling alley, squash courts, badminton, table tennis and a fully equipped gym.
- Water Sports on the Lake – canoeing, pedalos and windsurfing from the Boathouse.
Food & Retail
The village square hosts a coffee house, an Italian restaurant, an Asian‑fusion eatery, and an American Bar & Grill. Retail outlets include a supermarket (ParcMarket), a toy shop (JustKids), a gift shop (The Store Room) and a swimwear shop (Aquatique). Unlike some UK sites, Longford does not have a Starbucks; the coffee house provides a local alternative.
Future Luxury Treehouses
The forthcoming treehouses are positioned as the resort’s most exclusive accommodation. Each unit offers a private outdoor hot tub, a dedicated host, and bespoke interior design, targeting families or groups seeking a premium forest‑immersive experience.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening | Open all year round. |
| Accommodation | 450+ lodges and 30 apartments; new lodges and four luxury treehouses slated for completion after 2023. |
| Activities | 100+ indoor and outdoor activities; Subtropical Swimming Paradise (heated to 29.5 °C), Aqua Sana Spa, adventure course, zipline, cycling, golf, bowling, water sports. |
| Dining | Coffee House, Italian Restaurant, Asian Fusion, American Bar & Grill, multiple retail outlets. |
| Employment | 1,251 staff members; expansion will add 250 permanent jobs. |
| Website | Center Parcs Ireland |
Getting There – The resort lies just off the Goldsmith Way turn‑off on the N5, a short drive from the town of Ballymahon. Signage from the N5 directs visitors to the main entrance, where a 24‑hour security lodge manages traffic flow and provides assistance.
Booking – Lodges can be booked directly via the Centre Parcs website. The upcoming treehouses will be released on a first‑come, first‑served basis once the planning application is approved and construction commences.
Accessibility – While specific accessibility details are not listed in the source material, the resort’s standard design across the Center Parcs portfolio includes wheelchair‑friendly pathways and adapted accommodation options.
Local Impact – The resort has become a cornerstone of the Midlands tourism economy, drawing visitors from across Ireland and the UK. Its milestone of one million guests underscores its popularity, and the ongoing expansion signals a long‑term commitment to the region.
Whether you’re seeking high‑octane water slides, tranquil spa treatments, or a forest‑filled base for cycling and zip‑lining, Center Parcs Longford Forest delivers a versatile holiday experience that caters to all ages and interests.