Longford Forest news
Longford Forest important updates and latest news.
Save up to €125 on your break* - 26th October 2020
Center Parcs Longford Forest is a Stay and Spend location, meaning you could claim back 20% of the cost of your accommodation or restaurant bill, up to €125.
The scheme is active from 1st October 2020 to 30th April 2021 and gives Irish residents the opportunity to save money on holiday accommodation and ‘eat in’ food and drink. The perfect excuse to get away and enjoy a change of scenery, or indulge in a restaurant or two. To claim, you need to keep hold of your confirmation emails and receipts so that you can provide our company number (found in the footer of your confirmation email) when submitting your annual tax return. Please note you have to both book and stay between October 1st 2020 to 30th April 2021 to make use of this credit.
Find out more, including how to claim
*Only applicable at Center Parcs Longford Forest, not UK locations. See www.revenue.ie for full guidance.
Longford Forest closure update - 20th October 2020
In light of the change to tighter restrictions across Ireland, we are extending the temporary closure of Center Parcs Longford Forest until at least Thursday 3rd December 2020.
The safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff is our absolute priority and Center Parcs is following the government’s restrictions and guidelines.
In the current climate we know that things can change very quickly, so please note that 4th December 2020 is not a confirmed opening date - as soon as we do have a reopening date we will let you know.
For guests impacted by the current closure period the information below should help answer some questions:
Is your break due to commence before 3rd December 2020?
We’re offering the option to either reschedule your break to a future date or receive a full refund.
I want to select a new date in the future:
Breaks are on sale for arrivals up to April 2022. You can rebook for a new date in the future with no amendment fee and we’ll also offer you a €100 discount from your new break.
If you select a lower-priced break we will still offer you the €100 discount and refund the difference. If the break you select is higher-priced, we will, again, apply the €100 discount but you would need to pay any outstanding difference. The discount is only applicable once, so if you have already received this as a result of a prior move or in the event of a further date move the discount will not apply again.
I would like a full refund:
We hope you’ll rearrange your break but we understand that this won’t be possible for everyone. If you prefer a refund you may, of course, take this option. Please note that our refund process may be a little slower than usual right now.
What do I need to do to get a refund or change the date of my break?
Firstly, please ensure any activities, restaurant, spa sessions or treatments are cancelled via your Center Parcs account. These must be cancelled a minimum of 72 hours prior to their start times:
Step 1: Access your Center Parcs account here
Step 2: Go to Booking overview in My Booking
Step 3: View your itinerary
Step 4: Click on each activity, restaurant and spa booking in turn, 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 (please note that you won’t receive a confirmation email)
*If this button is inactive:
- The activity, restaurant or spa booking may have been booked by one of your companions (see instruction below)
- The booking(s) were made via our Contact Centre (you won’t be able to cancel your activities online, please submit the form below)
- The start time is in the past (you won’t be able to cancel your activities online, please submit the form below)
- If you have companions on your booking that have also booked activities, restaurants or spa please instruct them to follow the same process above
Once your activities, restaurants etc are fully cancelled please complete this form to instruct us to either cancel your break or change the dates.
When will I hear from you?
We are working through refunds and date changes in date order and we will confirm your change of date or refund via email as soon as this is actioned. Please allow up to 28 days once you have submitted your form as we have many guests to help.
Can I contact you?
Please use the process outlined above, this will be the quickest way for us to deal with your request. Our team will also be keeping an eye on live chat, social media channels and communicating via email where possible. Please do not call us.
Is your break due to commence 4th December 2020 onwards?
Future breaks:
If you are on a break in the future and currently not impacted by the closure dates, please do not contact us at this time to allow us to deal with guests with imminent breaks. We will continue with our cancellation or date move options for future breaks. If your break is due to take place before the end of December 2020, you will receive an email from us no later than ten weeks (six weeks for all other break dates) prior to your break arrival date outlining the process.
As it stands, we are closed until Thursday 3rd December 2020. We will continue to closely monitor and follow government guidelines so please keep a close eye on our website for any updates. If anything changes for your break, we will contact you directly.
Winter Wonderland
Due to the tighter restrictions now in place, we will not be able to set up and create our planned Winter Wonderland experience at Longford Forest this year. We are so sorry to have to confirm this and know the news will be disappointing for many families looking forward to their break.
All guests visiting during the Winter Wonderland period will receive an email within the next 2 weeks and will have the option to continue with their break, move their dates or cancel and receive a full refund.
Our retail shops - 4th September 2020
Like many businesses, our retail partner has been severely affected by the pandemic. As a result, they have decided to no longer operate in the fashion sector, which sadly means that they will be closing some of their stores on our villages. Aquatique, Just for Kids and The Store Room will remain open, but unfortunately, Spirit, Sportique and Time for Shade will all close by October, with some closing as soon as Sunday 6th September. We know these stores are firm favourites with our guests and we are working hard to look at new and exciting alternatives to add to our retail offering.
Forest safety - 7th 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 - 28th 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.
We’ve been shortlisted for the Best Spa in Ireland award - 7th February 2020
We're delighted to share that Aqua Sana has been shortlisted for the IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards 2020, just five months after opening our brand-new Longford Forest Spa.
For six years, IMAGE Media has held the prestigious Business of Beauty Awards, which celebrates the best and brightest talent in Ireland's beauty industry. From hair to nails, skin and aesthetics, Ireland's stylists, technicians, artists and entrepreneurs will be honoured at a glamorous awards ceremony.
Win a Spa break for 2*
We’re delighted to have been shortlisted. Now we need you to vote for our Aqua Sana to win.
If you love relaxing with us, vote for Aqua Sana to win Best Spa and celebrate! As a thank you voters will be entered into a prize draw to win a Spa Break for 2 at Aqua Sana Longford Forest.
To enter
1. Vote for Aqua Sana as Best Spa at https://bob.image.ie/voting
2. Let us know you’ve voted by commenting on this Facebook post
The winners of the IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards 2020 will be announced during the ceremony on March 15th at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road in Dublin and our Spa Break winner will be chosen Tuesday 31st March. Good luck…
Festive breaks at Center Parcs – FAQs - 20th 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 - 9th 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 - 5th 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 - 12th 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?
Join us this summer from 29th July 2019, when family short breaks in Ireland change, forever.
Our new Ireland charity partnership - 29th 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 - 16th 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 - 16th 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 - 15th May 2019
466 lodges and 30 Lakeside Apartments are now complete at the resort. Each one of our self-catered lodges have 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 - 25th 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 - 23rd April 2019
Great news! We’ve opened up our bookings from 16th 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!
Breaks now available until 14th December 2020 - 2nd April 2019
We are pleased to tell you that we’ve opened up bookings until December 2020. You can get planning some quality family time together and put a break in the diary.
What’s being said about Longford Forest - 1st 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 - 1st 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… - 20th 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.
Winter Wonderland 2019 dates confirmed - 20th March 2019
From the Friday 8th November 2019 until the festive period the whole resort will transform into a Winter Wonderland. With twinkling lights, a sprinkling of snow and festive activities for the whole family to enjoy. Get a Winter Wonderland break booked in the family diary to experience an enchanting run-up to Christmas.
Planting a paradise - 14th 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 - 15th 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 - 13th 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! - 13th December 2018
We’ve opened bookings for Longford Forest from 4th 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 - 13th 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 - 13th 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 - 13th 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 - 13th 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 - 30th 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 - 10th 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