Center Parcs has officially opened its first Irish resort in Co Longford.

Longford Forest includes a subtropical swimming pool, water slides, a spa and several restaurants.

There are also more than 100 indoor and outdoor activities available in the self-contained village.

Set amongst lodge accommodation and 400 acres of woodland, the short break destination is welcoming its first paying guests from Monday.

To celebrate the launch, some 2,000 special guests were invited to an exclusive weekend and a launch event on Friday evening.

Picture shows guests enjoying the launch of Center Parcs Longford Forest | Image: Naoise Culhane

The €233m development has been delivered on time and within budget, the company says.

The construction phase alone saw over 750 jobs created and a further 1,000 permanent positions have been created now that the village is operational.

Most of the team are from the local area.

Picture shows (from left) Stuart, Effie (4) and Hugo (3) and mum Shari Wilson, from Banbridge, Co Down at the official launch of Center Parcs Longford Forest | Image: Naoise Culhane

Center Parcs Longford Forest is expected to inject €32m into the Irish economy each year - it can accommodate up to 2,500 guests during each short break.

The forest resort is home to 466 self-catering lodges and 30 apartments - as well as a wide range of dining options and shops.

The village even has its own sewage plant and takes power from renewable energy sources, such as wind farms.

Center Parcs Longford Forest lodges | Image: Center Parcs

Management say the village has occupancy up to 90% in the peak summer months, and is full next week.

Martin Dalby is CEO of Center Parcs: "It is almost exactly four years since we announced plans to open Center Parcs in Ireland and we are filled with an enormous sense of pride at what has been achieved in such an incredibly short period of time.

"We are sure that the resort will be a huge success amongst Irish families and that it will provide an amazing space for families to enjoy quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime."

The building housing the subtropical pool and water park at Center Parcs Longford Forest | Image: Center Parcs

The company currently has five destinations across the UK, with more than 2.2 million guests each year.