, there are lots of outdoor activities for families to enjoy together, such as falconry, horse riding and fly-fishing. And if that works up your appetite, the award-winning team at the castle are renowned for serving local fare in its luxurious environs

including horse riding at Clonshire Equestrian Centre, trout and salmon fishingin local lakes, or, a drive away, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and Blarney Castle with its famous Stone Of Eloquence (AKA the Blarney Stone; which,it’s said, if you kiss

, books, DVDs, Lego and a doll’s house, plus there’s an outdoor area with a sandpit and playhouse. There are some child-friendly horses for riding and experienced trainers for trots around the park. Children up to three eat for free and, for ages four

by the romance of riding across the pampas alongside ostriches, canoeing on lagoons spotted with pink flamingos, kite-surfing on the coast or just lazing by the black-granite pool.Balnerario José Ignacio, Punta del Este, Uruguay. Tel: 00 598 94 605 212/605 314

The idyllic L’Hôtel de Toiras is located on the Île de Ré, just off France’s Atlantic coast. Bustling in the summer, if you visit in the cooler months, there’s a more relaxed vibe to this World Heritage Site. Take bracing walks, cycle, and ride

, children can enjoy a host of games at the villa, from volleyball to cricket, take a bike ride to the village of Aranwella or get close to nature with whale watching. Animal lovers can also visit the Udawalawe elephant park, the Kalametiya bird sanctuary

’s Kit of gifts, children’s bathrobes carousel rides per child, use of a toy boat for the Tuileries Gardens pond, and free spa access for parents.Our Insider's Guide To Paris will take you to all the top family friendly places in Paris.

Where?The northern Lapp village of Saariselka.Why go there?To really feel that festive spirit and visit the home of Father Christmas, of course! Children will love...Rides on reindeer-pulled sleighs or snowmobiles, husky dog sledding and tobogganing

Where? New Orleans, in America’s Deep South.Why go there? The US’s jazz capital, New Orleans, is back in business after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, and welcomes families with warm Southern hospitality.   Children will love... Taking a steamboat ride

on rides, slides and boats at this enormous water park. Paphos also boasts glorious sandy beaches.Parents will love...The history. With Iron Age remains, medieval cities, Roman mosaics and ancient shrines, you will be spoilt for choice.Stay at… A family