OnTheQT recently stepped back in time to our childhood memories. One of these childhood memories was our summer trip to Trabolgan in Whitegate, Co. Cork. As we entered the gates of the warm environment, all the memories of fun and adventure came flooding back.
One of our favourite memories had to be the swimming pool. This was no ordinary pool but a pool filled with adventure. One of our favourite things in Trabolgan as a child was the wavemaker which gave a feel of the beach surf but in a safe environment. It was great to see children during our visit hand in hand with their parents jumping the waves, as the older children were a little more adventurous diving under the waves. A hooter horn goes off and the place is filled with excitement as the waves are turned on. That wasn’t all. As soon as we entered the pool area, memories of fun on the twists and turns of the big yellow slide came rushing back. Everybody loves a water slide and this is one that holds memories of many children throughout Ireland. While we were exploring the pool, it was great to see toddlers enjoying their own pool area and paddling away to their hearts content. Even though your on holiday, if you really feel you need a workout, they have a great fitness room with brilliant fitness equipment. You are on holidays so forget the gym and go turn up the heat with a trip to the sauna or the steam room.
Now even though the pool stood out in our mind, lots of other activities also did. It was great to see so many more activities built up around the park since our previous visit as kids! The place was filled with family adventure activities and sports. You can be sure there was nobody bored around the park. The adrenaline seekers were leaping from the top of our 12- metre tower, ziplining the 100- metre Zip Wire, wall climbing and abseiling, while also trying the kart track and even giving “Combat Laser” a try. Exhilarating fun for the adventurous one.
Now we know, not everyone is as adventurous as above and dont worry there is lots more for everybody else. With a great bounce zone(which looked like so much fun, we wanted to join in), walks, archery, swimming, crazy golf, spectacular shows and much more. Water walkers is another activity which we came across during our recent visit and we can see why it is so popular amongst kids. Walk on water in an Inflatable bubble, which allows the kids to go inside and run about on water. Not something your typical holiday would have and this is why we love Trabolgan. They think outside the box with their activities, they move with the times to keep up with the children of today, while always keeping people’s memories and experiences at heart.
Most importantly, they dont forget about memories for the adults either. Your on holidays so everybody needs a bit of rest and relaxation. Treat yourself to a beauty treatment and step away from the hustle and bustle of life or try the 18 Hole Par 3 Clifftop Golf Course.
Lots of the memories from holidays lie with the time you spend together as a family at night. During our visit, we realised the importance of this as we saw the interaction and the love between families. We can honestly say Trabolgan had a great line-up of entertainment and activities for your little QT. It was great to see the element of surprise on their little faces. Trabolgan go above and beyond with entertainment from characters from HIT TV shows. This year, its all about Fireman Sam, while also featuring the famous purple dinosaur ‘Barney’, Angeline Ballerina form ‘Mouseland’ and everybody loves a bit of ‘Bob The Builder’. Who needs to go to Disney land when lots of the characters and childhood memories lie in Trabolgan.
We couldn’t believe how much has been added to Trabolgan. If we had memories 20 years ago, we can only imagine the unbelievable new memories that will be created with all the extra activities and shows. Now, not everybody is into all these activities and adventures so we were amazed when we discovered some other activities that might tickle people’s fancy.
An amazing show which is a must lies within the birds of Prey Education Centre as your kids get the chance to learn about birds of prey and to raise awareness of the indigenous species and environmental issues involved in their protection and conservation. Admire beautiful falcons close up and personal and meet “Morgan” their native kestrel, while also admiring their fantastic selection of owls from “Lucy” the little spotted owl to the magnificent “Oscar” their European Eagle Owl. Owlets “Whisper” the Barn Own and “Leopold” the Bengal Eagle Owl will be remembered as last year’s youngsters and they are simply stunning. Trabolgan also offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with one of nature’s top Raptors. Harris Hawks are the world’s only social Raptors and are perfectly suited to working with the public. The instructor will coach you on how to release and call your hawk back. (QT Tip: Bring the camera to snap a picture of the exact moment your hawk flies to your glove).
Another activity our creative team at OnTheQT loved was pottery making and decorating. Make and decorate your own pottery together and bring them home with you – cups, bowls, plates, goblets, fairies, animals and many more. A unique activity and experience. (QT Tip: Give yourself 1-2 hours for this activity to truly get he most out of it).
Food Glorious Food!! You will not have a problem in Trabolgan. You all know, we love our food and treats at OnTheQT so we just had to check out what was on offer for you guys(and for our tummy). We found so much choice, whether you are looking for a quick snack or a three-course meal, there’s a range of quality restaurants to choose from. Sally O Hara’s family restaurant has lovely food, daily specials and a great place to have a family meal together, while Casey’s Fast Food is perfect for the take-away treat after a busy day of activities. (QT Tip: you can order delicious pizzas and take them back to your house to enjoy together). Now for something sweet!! Costa Coffee lies on on the park groups for anybody who loves their coffee. Waves Ice-cream parlour took our fancy. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!
Now we wouldn’t be OnTheQT if we didn’t share some secrets with you. Trabolgan currently has an offer on with up to 33% off selected breaks including Easter, Bank Holidays & Summer Breaks when you book and pay in full by the 28th February 2014. Why not book and have an adventure of a lifetime to look forward to. Check out our QT tips for your holiday in Trabolgan below.
QT Tips:
- Book and time and avail of the early booking offer.
- Don’t leave it too late to book as last summer we sold out July & August and had some disappointed people
- If you want to make some savings pre-book and pay for your half board dining options and Trabolgan Adventure Sport Activities in advance of arrival.
- Don’t forget to pack your swim suit!
Information:
Address: Trabolgan Holiday Village, Whitegate, Midleton, East Cork, Co Cork, Ireland
Phone: +353 (0) 21 4661551
Email: reservations@trabolgan.com
