Longford Forest news
Longford Forest important updates and latest news.
Subtropical Swimming Paradise - no need to book from 11 July
Last updated 23 June 2022
You may remember that as part of COVID-19 restrictions we introduced bookable swim sessions to visit the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. As we have now moved away from such restrictions, we have made the decision to remove bookable swim sessions from 11 July 2022 which means that guests will no longer be required to book to visit the pool from this date.
We know that the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is a popular feature of a Center Parcs break and we will still need to manage the number of guests visiting at any one time. The number of guests visiting the pool will be closely monitored and naturally some times of the day/evening will be busier than others, Saturday and Tuesday mornings are typically busy times.
It may be necessary when our pools have reached capacity for us to control guest entry. The good news is that guests will have the freedom to visit the pool throughout their break and we hope they’ll welcome the spontaneity.
We will be closely monitoring guest views, feedback and capacity levels in the coming weeks and carefully considering the future for entry to our pools.
We hope the questions below will help our guests:
What if I’m visiting before Monday 11 July?
If you have a break booked before Monday 11 July you will still need to pre-book your session to visit the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
Do I need to cancel my swim session?
No, we’ll automatically cancel all swim bookings from 11 July.
Guests will still see their booking in their itinerary until 11 July.
My booking is still showing in my itinerary – what does this mean?
All Subtropical Swimming Paradise bookings will be cancelled from 11 July.
Bookings will be removed from all guest itineraries on 11 July and not before. Prior to this date guests will still see their pool session.
How often can I visit the Subtropical Swimming Paradise?
You can visit the pool 7 days a week, at any time between 10am-9pm and stay for as long as you like.
From time to time, we may have to restrict entry for your safety if we reach capacity during busier times.
When are the busy times in the pool?
The number of guests visiting the pool will be closely monitored and naturally some times of the day/evening will be busier than others, Saturday and Tuesday mornings are typically busy times.
Can we visit at different times and days to the rest of our group?
Yes, you can visit separately if you prefer.
What’s the likelihood of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise reaching capacity?
From time to time, we may have to restrict entry for your safety if we reach capacity during busier times.
I’ve booked towels with my swim session, will I still get these?
Yes, please visit the pool desk inside the Subtropical Swimming Paradise to collect your towels
Are bookable swimming sessions gone for good?
We are reviewing how guests access our pool and how we control this in the future. For now we’re taking them away and we’ll continue to review guest feedback.
Are you still controlling the number of guests in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise?
Yes, we electronically monitor the number of guests in the pool at any one time. If we reach capacity we will ask guests to come back at another less busy time.
Wild Water Rapids maintenance
Last updated 27 May
Our Wild Water Rapids will be undergoing essential maintenance and will be closed on Wednesday 8, 9 and 10 June. The rest of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will still be open for your enjoyment during this time, including our thrilling ride Tropical Cyclone and our children areas: Venture Bay for your little ones and Venture Harbour perfect for the whole family.
Impact to usual operations
Last updated 08 March 2022
Like many other businesses we are unfortunately impacted by staff shortages, which means that you may find some disruption to our normal services. For guests who have an impacted restaurant or activity booking we will contact you directly.
Please see below a list of current changes, please check back regularly as there are often last-minute changes
Vitale |
Closed from 6pm |
Cara's |
From Friday 11 February open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm until 9pm |
Bella Italia |
Closed until 4pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, closed until midday Saturdays and Sundays |
Canopy |
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays |
Sports Café |
Closed for breakfast on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday between 9am and 11:45am |
If you or anyone in your party already have an affected booking, you will need to cancel your reservation. To do this simply login to your Center Parcs account and cancel by following the instructions below prior to the start times:
Step 1: Access your Center Parcs account
Step 2: Go to Booking overview in My Booking
Step 3: View your itinerary
Step 4: Click on the booking, you will then see a ‘cancel’ button on the details page, click on this button*
Step 5: Click on the green refund button
Step 6: That’s it - you should now see a confirmation screen
*If this button is inactive:
- The booking may have been booked by one of your companions, please instruct them to follow the same process above
- The booking(s) were made via our Contact Centre (you won’t be able to cancel your booking online, please contact Guest Services)
- The start time is in the past (you won’t be able to cancel your booking online, please contact Guest Services)
We will keep this information as updated as possible but there may still be extremely late during break changes not listed.
COVID-19 measures
Last updated 04 March 2022
Following the most recent announcement regarding the further relaxation of COVID-19 measures, Center Parcs will continue to follow government guidance.
As always, our priority is to protect our guests and staff as much as possible, guests who test positive for COVID-19 should follow the government guidance for self-isolation.
Guests due to visit prior to 27 June 2022 are covered by our Book with Confidence guarantee and should complete this form if they find that they’re unable to visit due to isolation guidance. Guests may reschedule to a new date* or cancel with a full refund.
*If the new date is more expensive guests will need to cover the additional costs, however, if the new date is lower in price we will of course refund the difference.
Latest Update following the latest COVID-19 announcement
Last updated 27 January 2022
Our priority at Center Parcs is to keep our guests and staff as safe as possible as we plan to step carefully away from some of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be reviewing many areas and guests will start to see some restrictions relaxed. This means that we’ll be increasing capacity across some of our indoor and outdoor activities where we feel it is sensible and safe to do so. Guests should continue to check our website for the latest availability.
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is of particular focus and we know that the pool continues to be a really important part of the Center Parcs experience. We’re delighted to initially let guests know that the showers are now open to enjoy.
Guests attending within the next 8 weeks will have already started to plan their breaks which includes 2 hour swimming sessions with a non-bookable evening swim option as detailed below and we do not intend to change this for now:
- 3 night weekend break: 3 x 2-hour swim sessions
- 4 night midweek break: 4 x 2-hour swim sessions
- 7 night full week break: 7 x 2-hour swim sessions
- Non bookable swimming from 6pm
We’ll be carefully monitoring all areas over the next few weeks and plan to move to 3 hours swimming sessions from 1 April as detailed below:
- 3 night weekend break: 3 x 3-hour swim sessions
- 4 night midweek break: 4 x 3-hour swim sessions
- 7 night full week break: 7 x 3-hour swim sessions
- Non bookable swimming from 6pm
Face coverings will still be required when inside public areas and close contact activities and treatments. We recommend that all guests bring face coverings on their break.
Guests will no longer be required to prove their vaccination status to enter restaurants and other areas of the village.
Treehouses are coming to Longford
15 June 2021
We’ve announced our intention to submit a planning application to further develop Center Parcs Longford Forest
Building on the success of the village since opening in July 2019, we’re now planning to increase the number of lodges and expand some of the existing facilities.
The plans include the addition of 200 new lodges, including four of our most luxurious accommodation type - Treehouses. Hidden away within the heart of the forest, each Treehouse sleeps up to eight people and comes complete with a games den, outdoor hot tub, private parking and a dedicated Treehouse Host for the duration of the break.
Alongside the plans to increase the number of lodges, we’re also proposing to extend existing facilities, including leisure facilities, restaurants and cafés, back of house facilities, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa.
The development will remain within the existing site boundary and is estimated to create around 300 jobs during construction and a further 250 permanent jobs once operational.
We will now begin detailed design and site survey work, as well as a programme of community engagement, before submitting a planning application, with a target date of the end of 2021 for the submission.
New Joules stores to open
30 March 2021
We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with the popular lifestyle brand, Joules.
The company, who are renowned for their distinctive designs, will open a store at Center Parcs Longford Forest, as well as at the five villages in the UK, over the next few months.
The stores will offer menswear, womenswear and childrenswear, as well as offering a click-and-collect service.
Joules and Center Parcs are a natural fit – we both love the great outdoors (whatever the weather), we both know how important time spent with friends and family is and we both have a deep respect for the forest and woodland.
Forest safety
7 August 2020
During extreme dry weather spells we take advice from the Met Office, please see below some basic fire safety points:
- Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking locations on village and on the patio/ balcony of accommodation
- The use of wood from the forest is strictly prohibited for use on the fire in accommodation (please only use logs purchased from ParcMarket)
- The making of fires of any sort is strictly prohibited
- Should you discover a fire no matter how small, please contact the village emergency number or call 999
- Due to our forest environment, we may need to withdraw the use of BBQ’s in extreme hot weather
We do have regular fire checks in place but please be vigilant and help us to maintain a safe environment in the forest.
COVID-19 Safety Charter
28 July 2020
Center Parcs Longford Forest is pleased to announce that we have secured our COVID-19 Safety Charter from Fáilte Ireland. The Safety Charter demonstrates that we are operating in line with current Government safety and public health advice and is designed to give comfort and reassurance to our guests and colleagues that we are opening our villages safely, while still retaining the Center Parcs experience.
For more information, please visit the Safety Charter website.
Festive breaks at Center Parcs – FAQs
20 December 2019
Be the first to experience the uniqueness of a festive break at Center Parcs. Enjoy quality time with your family and enjoy the twinkly lights and Santa’s Woodland Village throughout your stay.
If you’re spending the festive period with us, we have compiled a list of answers to the frequently asked questions.
Longford Forest welcomes local suppliers to its shelves
9 August 2019
Two local companies will have their products displayed on the shelves around Center Parcs Longford Forest. One is local biscuit maker The Lismore Food Company, whose bakery sits on Lismore Main Street, and recipes are a mixture of sweet and savoury biscuits, all with Irish tradition at heart. We also welcome Rowan Beg, who create soy wax candles in Connemara, all designed and crafted by their founder Nicola McGuinness.
Center Parcs Ireland is officially open!
29th July 2019
Longford Forest is officially open, and our first guests are arriving today.
See what some of our guests have already been saying about Longford Forest.
An Taoiseach marks completion of Longford Forest
5 July 2019
An Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., today officially marked the completion of our landmark €233 million forest resort. Following an almost two-year construction process Center Parcs Longford Forest has been delivered on schedule and within budget.
Be the first to experience the new way to short break in Ireland
12 June 2019
The waters in our indoor Subtropical Swimming Paradise are warming. The luxury lodges are being filled with everything you need to be your home from home. The lake is full of water and the beach is complete with sand. The 400 acres of forest and its friendly forest creatures are waiting to greet you. And up to 100 indoor and outdoor activities are waiting to entertain your family. So, what are you waiting for? Family short breaks in Ireland have changed, forever.
Our new Ireland charity partnership
29 May 2019
We are delighted to announce that we’ve chosen Barretstown as our charity partner in Ireland for the next two years. Based just outside Dublin, Barretstown runs residential camps for children with serious illnesses, offering a range of adventurous and challenging activities, making sure that even with a serious illness these children can still have a childhood.
Introducing Ireland’s biggest spa
16 May 2019
Aqua Sana Spa brings Ireland a unique spa escape. 2,500 square-metres of spa experiences and treatment rooms make Aqua Sana Longford Forest Ireland’s largest stand-alone spa, taking inspiration from some of the most spectacular natural environments from around the world. You can add a trip to Aqua Sana to your Center Parcs break, or indulge anytime with a Spa Day or Spa Break.
Take a look at Longford Forest
16 May 2019
Our accommodation is now complete, and the village is due to open soon, so here’s our latest video for you to see how the build of Longford Forest is progressing.
All our accommodation is complete
15 May 2019
466 lodges and 30 Lakeside Apartments are now complete at the resort. Each one of our self-catered lodges has been designed with families in mind. Our apartments are perfect for couples, small families or friends and our lodges range from two bedrooms to four bedrooms, so you can bring the whole family.
Watch Longford Forest bloom
25 April 2019
It’s springtime in the forest and the resort is transforming not only with leaves on the trees and new wildlife but we have our latest video update. Step into the resort and see the progress we’ve made this spring.
Visit Longford Forest this summer
23 April 2019
Great news! We’ve opened up our bookings from 16 August 2019 at Longford Forest. You may not be first in the forest, but we’re excited to share everything Center Parcs has to offer with you. Longford Forest will be open all year round, so whatever the weather there will be something for your family, with indoor and outdoor activities for little ones and big ones alike!
What’s being said about Longford Forest
1 April 2019
It’s an exciting time as we are getting closer to officially opening Longford Forest this summer. Here are some reviews from Irish media from people who’ve been over to the UK to experience a Center Parcs break. Their insight shows what to expect here in Ireland very soon.
The team behind the scenes
1 April 2019
It’s official, Longford Forest has a full senior management team in place. These eight senior managers will be intending to recruit approximately 1,000 members of staff before the resort opens this summer. Joining General Manager, Daragh Feighery we have:
- Olwyn Hughes (Service Delivery Manager)
- Jonathan Latimer (Finance Manager)
- Mike Ahern (Accommodation Services Manager)
- Lorraine Danaher (HR Manager)
- Dave McCourt (Technical Services Manager)
- Celine Bowyer (Leisure Services Manager)
- Gavin Riley (Food and Beverage and Retail Manager)
Coming soon…
20 March 2019
Now in March, we’re getting very close to the opening of Longford Forest and the construction of the resort is coming along nicely. The iconic structure of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise has started to come together with the glass windows and the lake continues to fill, see our latest video for your peek into Longford Forest.
Planting a paradise
14 March 2019
Our Subtropical Swimming Paradise is going to be home to exotic plants, coming all the way from the Netherlands. Two palms will dominate the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, one is 10m high and weighs 3,000kgs, both palms will thrive in the 29.5C heat! There are lots of other trees flagged to head to Ireland’s biggest indoor water park. Book your break so you can see them for yourselves.
A sneak peek into Longford Forest
15 February 2019
The construction of Longford Forest is progressing nicely, and your soon-to-be favourite areas are starting to take shape. With aerials views starting at the Aqua Sana Spa, moving to the heart of the resort – the Subtropical Swimming Paradise – with its iconic structure. To see more of Longford Forest see our latest video.
Make a splash
13 December 2018
55,667 Lego bricks, 105 days and 840 hours later and Irish mother and son Lego artist duo – Jessica and Faolán Farrell – unveil the show-stopping Lego replica of our Subtropical Swimming Paradise, which showcases all that Ireland’s largest water park has to offer to those experiencing Longford Forest.
Great news!
13 December 2018
We’ve opened bookings for Longford Forest from 4 November 2019 onwards. With the construction of Longford Forest progressing nicely you may not be the first in the forest, as we still expect to be open in summer 2019, but we’re so excited to share Center Parcs with you that you can now start planning your very first break at Longford Forest, remember we have up to 100 activities to book, Aqua Sana Spa to relax in and up to 400 acres to explore.
A perfect forest escape
13 December 2018
Aqua Sana Spa is a one-of-a-kind spa in Ireland and we’ve teamed up with VOYA and Elemis to provide our guests with premium spa products. Aqua Sana Spa will offer a variety of treatments which will use VOYA and Elemis products. VOYA products are formulated using the finest natural ingredients, while Elemis blend nature with science to provide products with transformative results.
Longford Forest brings activities for all
13 November 2018
From adrenaline and adventure to the calm and creative, Longford Forest will have up to 100 indoor and outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy. Our outdoor activities will range from being up in the treetops at Aerial Adventure, to down on the ground on a Segway Experience, or Off-Road Explorers for the little ones. Indoor activities range from sports like Badminton and Ten Pin Bowling, to our unaccompanied Activity Den sessions like Chocolate Chefs Academy.
The structure of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise
13 November 2018
Longford Forest is breaking Center Parcs records as the resort welcomed the record-sized 53-metre long, 22-tonne, glulam beams that will form the structure of the impressive Subtropical Swimming Paradise. The glulam beams travelled over 2,000 kilometres from Altheim in Austria before arriving at Longford Forest.
Family togetherness
13 November 2018
It’s becoming more of a challenge to spend time together as a family as the rise in technology continues. We did some research into the battle for screen time and it showed that children in Ireland spend three hours per day using technological devices. So, at Center Parcs, put down the technology and try new activities, get back that quality family time and make new technology free memories together.
Briody Bedding secures Longford Forest supplier contract
November 2018
Meath based family run business, Briody Bedding, has secured a contract to supply Center Parcs Longford Forest with bespoke beds and handmade mattresses for the 466 lodges and 30 apartments. So, you’ll be able to sleep easy at Longford Forest knowing that Briody Bedding are committed to ensuring that our guests get a good night’s sleep.
Our first lodge complete
30 July 2018
With modern design, stylish features and open-plan living, the first – of many – lodges at Longford Forest has been completed, marking a key milestone in the resort's development as we prepare to open in summer 2019.
Center Parcs serves up contract to Irish food companies
10 July 2018
Four of Ireland’s top food companies have been given food supplier contracts, meaning these will supply the entirety of Longford Forest’s extensive dining options, from dining out at a number of our restaurants to Dining In, our delicious takeaway service you can get delivered to your accommodation.
Center Parcs has awarded the following food supplier contracts:
- Dublin based Keelings will be the fresh produce and dairy supplier
- Family-run Heaney Meats in Galway will supply fresh meat
- Coleraine based Lynas Foodservice and Antrim based Henderson Foodservice will be the premium foodservice partners to Center Parcs Longford Forest