Some fantastic spots.

Travelling when your child is neurodivergent can be difficult but it really shouldn't have to be. Being on the spectrum myself I'm always keeping an eye out for autism-friendly hotels that I can recommend to others, and over the last couple of years, I've seen a handful of autism-friendly hotels pop up time and time again. Below are five hotels I highly recommend booking this summer if you're looking for an autism-friendly environment. (It is worth contacting each of these hotels before booking to check whether their autism-friendly rooms and services are available during Covid.)

1. Radisson Blu - Sligo

Last year the Radisson Blu Sligo launched their new sensory-friendly rooms. Specially designed to help individuals explore, develop and engage their senses in a safe environment, the sensory bedroom provides a calm environment in which families with children with additional needs can relax.

2. Clonakilty Park Hotel - Cork

Clonakilty is Ireland’s First Autism-Friendly town in Ireland. In order to acquire this designation, Clonakilty had to go through a robust accreditation process. With that in mind, Clonakilty Park Hotel is an ideal choice if you're looking for an autism-friendly staycation. The hotel is service dog friendly and boasts the availability of a relaxation sensory box and the creation of a sensory map.

3. Roe Park Resort - Derry

Named Northern Ireland’s first autism-friendly hotel, you're in for a truly stunning vacation at this spot. The 4 star Roe Park is located on gorgeous green grounds and is only a stone's throw from the famous Giant's Causeway. "We designed the room to include special lighting, a sensory area plus dine-in room facilities among other changes," they say. "We invited a local family to try out the room and to see how they found the experience and the feedback was really positive.  We’re delighted to have received the accreditation and look forward to welcoming more families and individuals with autism to the resort.”

4. Pillo Hotel - Meath

You only have to look up up Pillo Hotel's Tripadvisor reviews to see that it is one of the best hotels in Ireland when it comes to being autism-friendly. Formally the Ashbourne Marriott the Pillo is a 4-star property located only five minutes from Tayto Park and 25 minutes from Dublin City Centre.

5. Clayton Hotel - Sligo

Sligo is absolutely smashing it when it comes to autism-friendly hotels. The Clayton Sligo has a multi-sensory room, providing children with a calming space away from the bustle of the hotel. The hotel has said that the sensory room is currently closed due to Covid, so it would be worth getting in touch with the hotel before booking.