Leading swim school launches in 3 pools in Belfast & Co. Down with plans to extend to surrounding counties in the coming months
Turtle Tots, the leading baby and toddler swim school, is making a major splash in 2026 with the announcement of its expansion into Northern Ireland. Due to growing demand from families, Turtle Tots is bringing its award-winning classes to three separate locations, two in Belfast; The Royal Belfast Academy and The Cresent Vitality Health Club and one at Le Mon Hotel in Co. Down, with plans to extend to further pools in surrounding counties in the coming months.
Already a trusted name for thousands of parents across the Republic of Ireland, Turtle Tots has welcomed over 60,000 young swimmers into its 58 pool locations over the past decade and now delivers weekly classes to thousands of children nationwide, from babies just a few weeks old through to confident pre-school swimmers.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Alan and Paula Reinhardt, Turtle Tots has grown from a small, family-run business into one of Ireland’s most recognisable and loved swim schools. With lessons for babies, toddlers, and 4- to 5-year-olds, the classes offer a wonderful bonding experience packed with songs and games ensuring that little ones and their parent enjoy their time in the pool and a life-long love of the water.
Following continued growth in Ireland, with consistently full classes and waiting lists, Turtle Tots is now bringing its award-winning programme to Northern Ireland, opening these new locations inBelfast and Co. Down, with more locations planned for later in the year.
The expansion will see Turtle Tots’ dedicated and highly-qualified coaching team, delivering the same trusted programme that has made the brand so successful, focusing on safety, confidence and fun in a warm, supportive environment. Turtle Tots’ success has been driven by its commitment to ongoing development of its award-winning, child-led swim programme, which is regularly updated in line with the latest research in early childhood development.
Speaking about the expansion into Northern Ireland, Managing Director at Turtle Tots, Alan Reinhardt, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing our Turtle Tots swim classes to Northern Ireland. Over the past 10 years we’ve seen incredible demand from families across Ireland who want their children to feel confident and safe in the water from a young age.
As an island nation, swimming is a life skill, and we feel passionately that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a fun, gentle and supportive way. We’re excited to now bring our programme, our coaches and our community to families in Northern Ireland.”
Since 2022, Turtle Tots has experienced over 40% growth in class capacity, with thousands of children now attending lessons each term. With water safety and early learning more important than ever, the brand’s expansion into Northern Ireland marks a significant new chapter in its mission to help more children become confident, capable swimmers for life.
Bookings for Northern Ireland classes are now open, with limited spaces available at each location.
For more information, visit www.turtletots.ie
Phone: +44 28 3064 8980
Email: jointhefun@turtletots.com
Follow:
Facebook Turtle Tots Northern Ireland
Instagram TurtleTots_Northernireland
Related: Where Can I Take Kids for a Day Out in Belfast? The Ultimate Family Guide
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