I wrote a review last year and have revisited Trabolgan so here i go again.
We arrived about 1600 this year and were told that our house should be ready around 1630 but that they would guarentee it would ready by 1700. I got the keys at 1630.

The house was changed this year from a Hazel last year to a Forrest Oak this year. What a difference. The bedrooms were bigger and were warm. The sheeting on the beds were clean and there was no sign of damp in the house. We had our own boiler with a temperature control on it. The only thing wrong with the house was there was no laundry facility.

The price of food and drink in the bars are reasonable at €4.20 a pint and two main course carvery dinners for €15.

All in all we enjoyed it much more this year than last year but remember a lot of the activities are very weather dependant.

just returned from a trip to Trabolgan Holiday Village Co Cork, accommodation was basic but adequate, the entertainment and activities for the children was great - all the staff are very welcoming, helpful and friendly could not wish for more.

would have been nice to have access to a laundry room that you could use yourself, I think it should be a priority when you are away with the family.

But all in all we had a great time the grounds are kept very clean and the curry in Jim Callaghans bar was great, I would recommend this holiday to anyone with children

Like so many, I read the reviews on Trabolgan after booking my holiday! I was very apprehensive about our trip as I didn't know what to expect. We have just finished a 4 day stay in the Forest Oak 3 bed house. We were 2 adults, 2 kids - 1x4yrs and 1x3months old. The reception is held in The Cove (main entertainment area) on a Friday and you are unlikely to get your key before 5pm as stated. However you can use all facilities all day long on day of arrival and day of departure.
When we did get our key we were very glad that we had booked a 3 bed - if you can afford to - book more than you require as the accommodation is quite small. Having an extra room for buggy, cases etc was great.
I am apalled by some of the reviews that said how filthy the place was - we were really impressed with the place as it was totally spotless! The houses are dated and are definitely basic but are much more importantly really clean.
Back to dated - they have made some effort with regard to the look of the houses but the whole place could do with a bit of a makeover. It looks quite 80s in places and things like the floor coverings, carpets, wall colours are very dated. It is nice to stay somewhere modern and bright but at the end of the day everything in the houses in Trabolgan is functional and so one cannot complain unless they were looking for luxury - which you won't get here.
You could do with the following items to make life a little easier as they are not provided: sharp knife (for cutting etc), toilet paper (1 provided to get you started), lots of towels (for swimming and floor - bath a bit leaky), big mug if you like a decent cuppa, dishcloths, tea towels, plastic bags, peeler, scissors.
The swimming pool is great and there are lots of facilities for the kids - the Jungle area in the Sportshall is very good for the younger kids. It is very much a holiday for the kids and while they do their best for the adults it doesn't do as much for us.
Be ready for lots of arcades and 'claw' machines that drive the kids wild. Food in Jim Gallagher's is good hearty food with generous proportions.
The overall service is very good. We had a problem with our heating - we couldn't figure out how to turn it on and asked someone to come to the house and they were there within 5 mins and had it all sorted. Then someone came the next morning to check that everything was still ok - i was very impressed with their service.
As it was almost the 1st/2nd week for school kids to be back I was suprised to see so many kids there. The clientele can be questionable and it is very much a dress down down down place.

Hello. Our children had a fabulous time in Trabolgan this year August 2011 and have been asked since where would they like to go on holidays Disneyland, another destination or Trabolgan- a resounding Trabolgan was the answer. For an outdoor family who like sport and being active and want themselves to be involved with their kids or parents who want to let the children do their own thing while they relax this holiday will suit.
I'd like to say an enormous thanks to Theresa, the most generous, courteous, helpful person I've met on holidays. We attended Trabolgan during bank holiday weekend in august 2011 and near the end of the week my 2 year old son had a grand mal seizure (febrile convulsion- common conditions brought on by a temperature although his was very serious- Trabolgan stay was just indicental; this problem would equally have occurred at home)- he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance. We were obviously very distraught and thought that our son might die. Theresa eased our mind in relation to our stay- advising that our other children with their grand-parents could stay for the weekend free gratis ( as it turned out this was not necessary). She also provided the other children with vouchers to the high wire, quadbikes etc. in Trabolgan- this took the children's mind off the trauma- they had been very upset to witness their young brother. Theresa also organised for two free pizzas to be delivered to the house in the evening to ease the pressure on my parentss who were minding the children and themselves were very worried. My parents could not believe the welcome, hospitality, generosity and consideration shown our family. This has generated tremendous good-will and we now act as spokespeople for Trabolgan with friends and neighbours, singing your praises and Theresa's in particular. It's when people are down that a helping hand is particularly important and you offered your hand and much much more; you offered way above what might be expected. You harken back to best Ireland has to offer in terms of warm welcome, help and hospitality. Thank you very very much- we'll be back next year.