Longford Forest news
Longford Forest important updates and latest news.
Aqua Sana Longford Forest named Spa of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards 2023
14 November 2023
We are proud to announce that we have won the prestigious Spa of the Year award at the Professional Beauty Awards Ireland 2023.
Now in their second year, the Professional Beauty and Hairdressers Journal Ireland Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards are a celebration of creativity, business prowess and accomplishment within the beauty, hair and spa sector across Ireland.
Organised by the established team behind the British Hairdressing Awards, World Spa & Wellness Awards and Professional Beauty Awards, entries were judged independently by leading beauty, spa and hairdressing experts.
Manager Shane Carter says: "It feels fantastic to win this award. It’s lovely for the whole team to be recognised for all the hard work they’ve put in, delivering a five-star experience for our guests and clients. I’d like to thank the whole team here in Ireland as well as the team and Head Office in UK for all their support and guidance.”
Commenting on the announcement, Mark Moloney, Managing Director of PB & HJ’s Ireland Awards says: "Congratulations to Aqua Sana Longford Forest for being named Spa of the Year. Ireland has many exceptional spa businesses, so to be selected as our winner demonstrates unparalleled passion, professionalism, and expertise, as well as a genuine understanding of what clients want from their experience.”
We are excited to announce a new charity partnership
Last updated 7 November 2023 (originally posted 7 November)
We are delighted to announce that LauraLynn, will be our new charity partner here in Ireland.
LauraLynn is Ireland's only Children's Hospice providing pallative and hospice care and support for children (0-18 years) with life-limiting conditions and their families from across Ireland. LauraLynn provides a range of services including, sympton management for children, music and play therapy, psychological support, family and sibling camps, short breaks, crisis care and end-of-life care. Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for over 680 children and their families and we're excited to support this great cause.
Order all your favourite dishes with one delivery fee using Restaurant Runner!
Last updated 7 November 2023
From today, Tuesday 7 November, guests will be able to use our brand-new delivery service, Restaurant Runner.
Order from all your favourite restaurants with only one delivery fee. Whether you are craving a Chinese banquet or a pizza party, you can enjoy a feast in the comfort of your lodge. Does dad fancy chinese food, mum a curry, but the little ones are shouting for a pizza? Restaurant Runner is perfect for when the family can’t agree on what to have for dinner. Mix and match your favourite dishes to be delivered to your lodge in one order. Order online from your account on the day you would like delivery and choose from Rajinda Pradesh and our two new offerings, exclusive to Restaurant Runner, Pizzarrivo and Pinch of Asia.
On your break? Visit Restaurant Runner to order.
Winter is coming...
Last updated 1 November 2023
The weather is becoming a little more unpredictable and over the past couple of years we have experienced some very cold temperatures. Extreme weather does bring some safety and operational challenges for us. At Center Parcs we assess the weather forecast on a daily basis to plan and ensure our staff and guests are as safe as possible. We listen to official advice but we also consider local weather and conditions for our resort. We’re in a forest setting so extreme weather can be a concern, for example, we look at how saturated the forest is and sometimes we have to change things to reduce any risks.
Below are some hints & tips and advice, along with some changes we may need to put in place if we experience extreme weather:
Outdoor activities, our lake & pool areas
It is great to be outside on crisp winter days but in previous years extreme temperatures have made it difficult for our staff and guests to safely enjoy some activities. Again, we will assess the resort conditions and only cancel activities, close our lakes and/or outdoor pool areas if we feel it is unsafe to go ahead.
Forest fires
Please do not start any fires no matter how small, this can be temping with children, but this isn’t safe in our forest environment as small fires can spread very quickly, even in cold weather. If you see a fire in the forest, please let our team know as soon as possible. Keeping everyone safe will always be our priority and we patrol our forests on a regular basis. Please note that, if guests are found to intentionally start a forest fire, they’ll be asked to leave the resort.
Lodge log burners
It is important that guests only burn one log at a time.
Ice & snow
The forest looks magical with snow but such weather can make paths and roads unsafe. Our forests are 400 acres and not all areas will be treated so guests will need to take care when moving around. It is not safe to walk on frozen lakes.
Strong wind & gales
Stick to prepared paths and roads, depending on the severity guests should consider walking rather than cycling.
Arrival day
Extreme weather on an arrival day can cause disruption to our operations. We have a large team who need to travel to work to ensure our lodges are prepared for our guests. On occasion you may find that we delay lodge access time to allow our team more time to prepare.
How will we communicate?
We'll communicate on resort via lodge TV's and signage.
We'll update our website, Facebook and X (Twitter) with any significant impact to our resort.
What if we close a village due to severe weather?
We will only close a resort if it is not safe for our guests and staff. The decision to close will generally be made on the morning of an arrival day. If we do need to close one of our resorts, we will automatically action a full refund of your break and any pre-booked activities.
What if we're open but you can't get to us?
We cannot accept responsibility for your travel/journey to our resort and we won't be able to offer a refund. If you cannot travel to the resort due to local adverse weather, please give us a call on 1890 818200 (Ireland), 03448 267747 (Northern Ireland), 03448 266266 (United Kingdom).
Gift cards
Last updated 18 October 2023
We are excited to announce that our gift cards are now available to purchase online. Our new gift cards will be automatically activated and available to use from your purchase date, whether its for yourself or a gift for someone else. You will have the choice to use the gift card to pay towards the cost of your break, as well as activities, shopping and food on village.
Cycle Centre
Last updated 16 October 2023
From today, Monday 16th October 2023, helmets will be offered free of charge with every hire made at our Cycle Centre. You don’t need to pre-book your helmet – you can collect it at the same time as you collect your cycle. We strongly recommend wearing a helmet for your own safety when cycling around our resort.
Essential Maintenance
Last updated 16 October 2023
Our Outdoor Pool and Wild Water Rapids will be undergoing essential maintenance from Wednesday 15 May and will re-open on Thursday 30 May 2024. 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's water play areas Venture Bay and Venture Harbour.
Breaks now available until 21 April 2025
Last updated 27 September 2023
We are pleased to let you know that we’ve added more breaks, so you can now book for arrival dates up until (and including) 21 April 2025 at Longford Forest.
Book your 2024 Christmas break or why not discover the beauty of spring with an Easter break.
Reusable cups
Last updated 15 August 2023
If you’re heading to The Coffee House or The Coffee House On The Go during your break, remember to bring your reusable cup with you and you’ll be able to enjoy 25c off every hot drink you buy.
Restaurant update
Last updated 21 July 2023
Please see below a summary of some exciting changes that have recently taken place across our restaurants!
- Cara's Live Music is on every Tuesday and Saturday from 7pm – 9pm
- Cara’s is open for lunch from 12 noon on Monday and Friday. On all other days of the week, it’s open from 4pm - 10pm for dinner.
- Bella Italia is now open 7 days a week from 12 noon – 10pm
- Huck’s American Bar and Grill is now open from 12 noon on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It’s serving a new lunch menu, with last lunch orders at 2:45pm. The dinner menu will be served from 4pm. (On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Huck’s is open from 4pm - 10pm)
- The Pancake House is now open 8:30am – 4pm
- The Coffee House is now open 7:30am – 5pm
- The Coffee House On The Go is now open 9:30am – 7pm
Mini Trek
Last updated 30 June 2023
Little ones can reach new heights at Longford Forest with our brand-new Mini Trek activity. Just 1-metre above the ground, little adventurers can climb, balance and swing across obstacles and even glide down a mini zip wire.
Gift cards
Last updated 21 June 2023
We’re making some changes to our gift cards!
We’re changing gift card supplier and some of our old cards will no longer work.
How do I know if I have an old card?
Cards starting with 542424 will no longer work and we’ll need to replace your card. Please contact us on 01623 837134 prior to your break.
How do I get a replacement card?
Please contact us on 01623 837134 prior to your break and we’ll send you a new gift card.
Why does my card no longer work?
Gift card technology has changed and we’re working with a new gift card provider.
I’m on my break, how do I replace my card?
Pop along to Guest Services.
Summer is coming...
Last updated 7 June 2023
Over the past couple of years we have experienced some very high temperatures which is great for exploring the forest. However, extreme weather does bring some safety and operational challenges. At Center Parcs we assess the weather forecast on a daily basis to plan and ensure our staff and guests are as safe as possible. We listen to official advice but we also consider local weather and conditions. We’re in a forest setting so heat can be a concern, we look at how dry the forest is and sometimes we have to change things to reduce any risks.
Below are some hints and tips and some of the changes we may need to put in place if things get too warm:
Barbecues - as mentioned above, we will listen to local advice and assess individual conditions. If we do experience long dry periods we may need to introduce a barbecue ban. If we do this, we’ll text any guests impacted before they arrive so that they can plan around this.
Fans – our lodges are not air conditioned so if you have a fan at home it might be a good idea to bring it along.
Outdoor activities & outdoor pool areas – it is great to be outside in the sunshine but in previous years it has been too hot for our staff and guests to safely enjoy some activities. Again, we will assess conditions and only cancel activities if we feel it is unsafe to go ahead.
Restaurants – as you can imagine, kitchens areas can get very hot in excessive heat and in extreme situations we may need to change opening times or reduce our menus.
Hydration – it may seem obvious but staying hydrated is essential during the heat. Remember drinks for the journey and all of our lodges have fridges to keep things cool. You’ll also have a small freezer for ice cream and ice!
Sun protection – another obvious one but it is important to protect yourself and your family in the sun so don’t forget to bring lots of sunscreen. We do sell a small selection in ParcMarket if you do forget.
Closing curtains/ moderating lodge temperature – we recommend keeping curtains closed during the day, particularly bedroom curtains, as it can significantly help in moderating the temperature within your lodge amidst warm weather conditions.
We’ll keep you as updated on any changes as we can.
Breaks now available until 16 December 2024
Last updated 14 March 2023
We are pleased to let you know that we’ve added more breaks, so you can now book for arrival dates up until (and including) 16 December 2024.
Even earlier arrival
Last updated 21 February 2023
We’re delighted to announce that our early arrival time has now changed from 3pm to 2pm. If you’ve booked early arrival (or have an Exclusive Lodge), you can now check in to your lodge from 2pm and get your break started even sooner!
We have joined Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Last updated 19 August 2022
To support our guests and colleagues we are proud to announce we are now part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. The Sunflower provides a discreet way for guests to show that they have a non-visible disability. Guests can collect a lanyard or pin badge, free of charge, from Guest Services or Sports Plaza Booking Desk whilst on their break. Our colleagues will recognise the Sunflower and will be able to provide help, adjust activities, and meet needs where possible.
We are proud to be part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and be able to provide a fantastic experience for all our guests.
We’re now cashless
Last updated 25 July 2022 (originally posted 19 July 2022)
Our resort is now cashless and can no longer accept cash payments, including for the purchase of gift cards.
Treehouses are coming to Longford
Last updated 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 resort 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.