Quality Hotel & Leisure Center Youghal

The Quality Hotel & Leisure Center Youghal is housed in a sprawling modern complex comprising multiple buildings and a set of stairs that leads directly to the beach. Stepping into the lobby, visitors are met with basic decor: White and purple walls, white tile, a blond wooden desk, and worn leather armchairs make this simple interior feel a bit dated. Both the restaurant and dining room are illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the ocean. The restaurant has a classy vibe with wooden tables, high-backed chairs, and folded white napkins, while the bar is more intimate with a brown-and-orange color scheme and comfy armchairs. Overall, decor is bland and a bit outdated, but this doesn’t seem to bother most guests, the majority of which are families seeking a beachside getaway that's kid-friendly. The hotel does a good job catering to children with multiple features like a playground, kids' club, and welcome gifts. Note that parts of the hotel are shut down during certain times of year. 

The hotel is situated on Redbarn Beach on the southern coast of Ireland. There's little in the way of bars or restaurants in the immediate area, requiring a car to get around. The town of Youghal is a 10-minute drive away, where guests will find restaurants, bars, and shops. The Youghal Golf Club can be reached in about 10 minutes as well. Other nearby attractions include Fota Wildlife Park and Barryscourt Castle, both about a half-hour drive. The city of Cork and Cork Airport can be reached in 45 minutes.

Guest rooms at this property come in three categories: standard rooms, two-bedroom apartments, and three- or four-bedroom, self-catered vacation homes (aka Holiday Homes). Rooms are designed along similar lines; all are airy and bright, with basic furnishings and decor that includes blond wood furniture contrasted by red or green carpets. The spaces are bland and quite dated, as is some of the technology -- some rooms have tube-style TVs and lack Wi-Fi (though the hotel is working on expanding it to all rooms). Standard amenities include TVs and electric kettles, while hairdryers, DVD players, and ironing boards are available upon request. 

The apartments and vacation homes have full-size kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, and washers/dryers. Vacation homes lack free tea and coffee, but they are pet friendly (for a fee), unlike the rooms or apartments. Some rooms and apartments have balconies with sea views. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, with either shower/tub combos or showers, plus toiletries are provided.

Quality Hotel & Leisure Center Youghal impresses with its excessive family-friendly amenities. It offers an indoor heated lap pool, children’s pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub that has superb views of the ocean. There’s also a spa that offers massages, facials, and nail services, though it’s best to book in advance. The fitness studio offers a wide selection of cardio and weight equipment, though some pieces are dated. Fitness classes are offered daily, but cost a fee. 

Dining options include Lannigans Restaurant, which serves breakfast as well as local and international dishes for dinner, while Coast Bar serves lunch and dinner. The bar sometimes has the added benefit of live music or alfresco dining on the terrace during warmer months. Note that the restaurant and bar are closed during certain times of the year. There's plenty of entertainment for families with kids, including a children’s playground and indoor play area, plus a kids' club (for a fee) on the holidays and weekends that includes movie nights, crafts, sports, and other fun activities. The hotel even has a single meeting room with some audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is available for free in the lobby, bar, and deck area. Parking is also free.