Published: Wednesday, 17th February, 2010 4:30pm

Enjoy a relaxing family afternoon at Athlone Springs

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with your family, especially when you don't have to do the cooking!

That's exactly what's on offer at the Athlone Springs Hotel, which has just introduced its 'Splash and Dine' offer on Sunday afternoons, an ideal day out for all the family, according to Westmeath Independent Account Manager Leeanne Hogg, who last week tried out the new deal.

"It was a really good afternoon for a family," said Leeanne. "I'd definitely recommend it. It is a good family day out, you're getting your dinner without having to cook and then you can have a swim, so there's something for everyone."

The 'Splash and Dine' offer allows you to dine with your family and then children can swim for free. The offer is open, not only to members of Zen Leisure Club, but to paying members of the public also and proved to be a popular treat with the adults and little ones alike.

You can go for your swim before or after your meal, but as Leeanne pointed out the swim after the meal is a good way to ensure the kids will be good while you're eating!

You can avail of either the a la carte or bar menu, and Leeanne explained there is a host of choices for adults and children.

She was particularly impressed with the choice of children's foods, which she said were healthy choices, but still innovative enough to keep the kids interested, such as the vegetable soup served with dinosaur bread.

And to ensure the adults can fully relax and enjoy their Sunday lunch the staff at the Athlone Springs even provide the children with menus that they can colour in and crayons to keep them occupied throughout the meal.

Surely the best treat in store for the children was the impressive jelly and ice-cream, but the adults weren't left wanting either with an array of choices, such as steak, lamb, pork, traditional Sunday lunch, vegetarian options, pasta, salads and specials on the day, as well as sumptuous desserts.

And while she didn't avail of it because she was planning her swim after the meal, Leeanne pointed out that the hotel also had an excellent wine list.

"It was very relaxed, there was no pressure," explained Leeanne, pointing out that sometimes during meals out you can be worried about the children making too much noise, but because the 'Splash and Dine' offer is geared towards families there were no such worries at the Athlone Springs.

Leeanne added that there were no worries about children making a mess during the meal and the atmosphere was extremely relaxed.

She added that the staff were very helpful and friendly and made a fuss of her daughter Hannah, particularly when bringing her her jelly and ice-cream, something that's sure to bring a smile to any child's face.

After a relaxing meal it was over to the swimming pool, which Leeanne pointed out was very safe and warm for children so there were no worries about them picking up colds in this weather.

Leeanne explained that while they were in the changing rooms, which were clean and warm, she had no worries about Hannah being able to get out the door and into the pool area.

"You have to press a button to get out the door so I wasn't worrying about her being able to get out," said Leeanne.

She added that you need a code to get into the changing rooms so you know that only members or paying customers can get into the pool area.

And then for Hannah's favourite part - into the pool for a swim. Leeanne explained that there was a children's pool, which was a little warmer than the adults' pool, again alleviating any worries about children swimming during the winter months.

"There were floats and different shapes and balls in the children's pool for them to play with, which was a great idea," said Leeanne.

She was also delighted to see that there was a lifeguard on duty at all times keeping an eye on the pool, making the afternoon swim a more relaxing experience.

The only thing she had to worry about was persuading Hannah to leave the pool as she was having so much fun!

All in all the new 'Splash and Dine' experience got the thumbs up from Leeanne, who described it as a great family day out with something for everyone.

"It is a really good time for a family. It took up three and a half hours on a Sunday afternoon, when you're often looking for something to do. You got to fit in a swim and eat out, so there was no cooking. It really has something for everyone," she said.

For more information contact the Athlone Springs Hotel on 090 6444444.