We’re just back from a weekend in Rosslare spent hanging out with grandparents, aunt and cousins. As the weather was pretty cold and this new family entertainment centre had recently opened we ended up visiting it twice over the course of the weekend.

The first visit was to the bowling alley early on Friday morning. Grandad had booked two lanes so 4 adults and 6 kids took part. The facilities were very good. Plenty of bowling balls of different weights, guides available for the very young children. Before we started, the staff entered all the names and the depending on whether it was an adult or child’s turn, the gutter bumpers would automatically be raised or lowered. This meant that it was a bit more difficult for the adults but added to the  general excitement.

The cost was €35 per lane per hour which is expensive but fairly standard when it comes to bowling alleys as far as I know. 

The only thing that bugged me was the amount of sweet and drink vending machines in view. The kids had their grandfather badgered to buy plenty of sweets during the session.

There were also a good few arcade games. The diner/restaurant was also on this floor but we didn’t eat there on this visit.

The following day myself, Conor and our 4 youngest kids headed back. This time to the upstairs part of the centre. It was packed with people, as it was a Saturday afternoon. There were a couple of kids birthday parties in progress from what we could see.

We first had a wander around the pet centre. The children loved the snake, chameleons, giant toad and rabbits. Then to the main playcentre.

I liked the layout of this place. The food/beverage counter and admission area was all together at the entrance gate which was the usual buzz in/out. The toddler was free and the admission for the other 3 was €8.50 each for 90 minutes.

There was a indoor soccer pitch and a large climbing area, ball pits, slides for the older kids. The baby had a separate area which I thought was great as there were plenty of seats right next to it, so we could have a coffee and relax in her full view whilst she played. This younger kids area had a couple of slides, a small ball pit and some large plastic building blocks. She loved it and was happy out to play away.

The highlight of the playcentre though for the 6, 4 and 2 year old was the karting ring. Basically 4 karts had a circuit around the larger  kids playarea. Each kart could take 1 adult and 1 child together, 2 kids or singletons. It cost €1 a go for approximately 5 minutes or so racing around.

Our 3 absolutely loved it and spent most of their time queuing or taking part in the karting. The 2 older ones had no hassle driving and the 2 year old was happy to be a passenger.

It was a pity it incurred the additional cost but maybe its just aswell as otherwise I don’t know if we’d have ever gotten the kids away from it.

There were Bewleys coffee, lattes, teas, scones, buns, juice, soft drinks and the usual confectionary on sale. Plenty of staff were visible throughout the centre, and the bathroom was clean. 

Overall we really enjoyed the time spent here. Its very handy to have somewhere like this to visit on rainy, cold or dull days, when the beach isn’t too pleasant for the younger children. Somewhere they can expend some energy and run about.  Will definitely be returning.