Festive Stays and Celebrations - Ten Of The Best

Whether for Christmas, New Year or that lovely Twixmas gap between them, this can be the perfect time for a short break with - or as a respite from - family and friends. That in-between time often offers great value for a refreshing post-Christmas recovery break and some hotels have interesting pre-Christmas packages on offer too. Many venues are offering surprisingly competitive prices given the current economic circumstances, and some have retained (or even reduced) their prices from last year. High demand means that some venues may be heavily booked, especially for the main Christmas break and New Year's Eve, but it's always worth calling to check availability and get onto a cancellations list - or to opt for a more kindly-priced break outside the peak demand dates. Some of these destinations are dog friendly too, which may be of particular interest for longer off-peak breaks.

The Merrion Hotel
Upper Merrion Street Dublin 

Dublin’s premier hotel takes pride in everything to do with ‘an old-fashioned Christmas’ and - as well as offering a range of residential and non-residential Christmas breaks and meals - that includes recovering from it in style. ‘Designed to rejuvenate guests after the hectic festive season’, the Post Christmas Pampering Getaway (from €447.50pps, including a spa treatment) is understandably popular. Always a winner too is the post-Christmas Racing Break, which includes top level tickets at the Leopardstown Christmas Race Festival, December 26th-29th, with coach transfers included (also available as part of a residential Christmas Break (from €447.50pps). Unexpectedly, perhaps, The Merrion is also a very family-friendly hotel and their Family Winter Getaway offers a short break in interconnectiong rooms from €1,150, including free room service dinners for under 12s (excl 24, 25, 31 Dec); the price is based on a family of four, but cots and extra beds are available. There’s a New Years Eve package too, from €547.50pps including champagne and a celebratory dinner in The Garden Room restaurant (plus dinner for non-residents at €145pp) both of which are good value for a hotel (and outing) of this calibre and they sell out quickly. Gift packages are also available - including vouchers for the famous Merrion Art Afternoon Tea (from €136 for two).

Hayfield Manor Hotel
Perrott Avenue College Road Cork 

Cork is special when it comes to good food and celebrations, and the festive period at the Scally family’s handsome property is very atmospheric. Secluded in gardens near University College Cork, Hayfield Manor has a country house feel, yet it’s just a mile from the city centre. Their ‘Ultimate Christmas Experience’ costs from about €1,950pps for a 3-night package which begins with a seasonally themed drinks reception on arrival and can include therapies at their Beautique Spa along with all the traditional indulgences and, of course, an appearance by Santa Claus on Christmas Day, while other activities could include golfing or an outing to enjoy the festive buzz around the city. For a shorter, less structured, Twixmas stay B&B is available from €464 per room. Sister hotels in Kerry, the Great Southern Killarney and the Killarney Royal, also offer Twixmas and New Year breaks, with leisure activities at the Great Southern available to guests at both hotels.

Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare Co Kerry

Francis Brennan’s famous hotel was one of the first to offer a really attractive Christmas programme - and, for their happy band of regular guests, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas unless they were looking out over the Kerry mountains while enjoying a seriously delicious Christmas dinner in the handsome dining room. The programme offers a nice balance of carols, conviviality and fine dining, old fashioned fun (in-house competitions, films in the Reel Room), fresh air and exercise (including woodland walks, bikes, tennis, Fitness Room, croquet…) or ‘the serenity of SÁMAS’, their Destination Spa. The 3-day programme comes in from €3,550 for two in for a Superior Room, but visitors staying between the peak times of Christmas and New Year (27th-30th December) can avail of value offers, from about €555pps. 

InterContinental Dublin
Ballsbridge, Dublin

Set in gardens beside the Royal Dublin Society’s show grounds, this spacious hotel offers opulence and a warm welcome from hands-on General Manager Nicky Logue and his staff. Styled ‘Urban Resort’, it’s Dublin’s only purpose-built five-star hotel and, as well as having impressive on-site amenities including a beautiful spa, many of the sumptuous suites and guest rooms have views of the Wicklow Mountains or Dublin Bay. It’s one of Ireland’s top business and event venues but the feel is casual-sophisticated and it’s always been a popular meeting place and dining destination for discerning Dubliners as well as an exceptionally comfortable and relaxing place to stay. At Christmas it takes on an exuberantly festive persona, and there’s a very attractive 2-night break offered, that - unusually - can be taken on the 24th and 25th, or the 25th and 26th December, from about €825pps based on two adults sharing (children under 3 free, various supplements for older children and extra adults). This includes impressive meals created by Executive Chef Alberto Rossi and his team as well as complimentary access to the Spa and Health Club (14m pool, gym etc), free parking, late check out (2pm) and numerous other extras – even a Christmas tree in your suite on request (€300). Dinner for non-residents is also available, plus fireside Festive Afternoon Tea (daily in December by reservation, except 24th-26th, from €70 per person) and a range of other great value breaks to check out at 'Dublin's only Urban Resort'.

Dromoland Castle
Newmarket-on-Fergus Co Clare

The ancestral home of the O'Briens, barons of Inchiquin and direct descendants of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, this is one of the few Irish estates tracing its history back to Gaelic royal families. It is now one of Ireland's grandest hotels and, in the warm and watchful care of General Manager Mark Nolan and his team, one of the best-loved. Outstanding service and Head Chef David McCann's wonderful food invariably match the surroundings and, while it is an exceptionally atmospheric destination at any time, Dromoland is simply stunning when dressed up for the festive season. The range of offers includes a 3-night Christmas break from about €2,835 per adult sharing (depending on the room), with tailored options for children, while a 3-night New Year break will cost from about €3,594 for two. Dog friendly rooms are available on request (charge applies). Of special interest for family breaks at Twixmas and other times, sister hotel The Inn at Dromoland, next door, offers very attractively priced 3-night Staycation packages, with options that include large family rooms for two adults and three children.

Glenlo Abbey
Bushypark Galway

Originally an eighteenth century residence, Glenlo Abbey is just two and a half miles from Galway city centre yet, beautifully located on a 138-acre estate, with its own golf course and Pavilion, it offers all the advantages of the country - and it’s only a short hop up the road to Connemara. Owners John and Marie Lally have been responsible for an extensive refurbishment programme at the hotel and a break at this characterful (and pet friendly) Blue Book property could be just the ticket. Their Christmas Packages includes two or three nights luxurious accommodation with a good breakfast in the River Room Restaurant each morning, Festive Afternoon Tea on one afternoon, Christmas Lunch and dinner on the other night(s). It’s an atmospheric setting and it should be a relaxing break from about €1200pps for the 2-night stay (€1600 for three nights). A 2-night New Year’s Eve package is also offered (from €1198). Another appealing option, The Lodges at Glenlo Abbey, has recently been added to the portfolio; 3-night self catering stays are offered but you can book to have Christmas dinner (€70) delivered to your lodge – how cool is that. And, with Connemara to explore and in-house entertainment, including the famous Glenlo Festive Quiz, there's no shortage of things to do.

Powerscourt Hotel
Powercourt Estate Enniskerry Co Wicklow

Scenically located just a short drive south of Dublin, the Powerscourt Hotel offers a glamorous location without having too far to travel from the city. Situated within the world famous Powercourt Estate, with views of the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain from some rooms, it is well placed for golf, walking and exploring the beautiful Wicklow Hills, while the excellent on-site amenities include a destination ESPA spa as well as a leisure centre with swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The festive offers are attractively priced, given the type of hotel and its setting - the 2-night Christmas package costs from €1,325 per person sharing. (or 3 nights from €1,665pps) and there's also a 2-night New Year package from €1,232 per room. Both include dinners in the hotel's destination Sika Restaurant as well as the main festive meal and you can expect a good breakfast too. Festive Afternoon Tea is also an option (reservations required) and, with Powerscourt House and Gardens, the Powerscourt Distillery, Avoca, Powerscourt Waterfall, Powerscourt Golf Club and the whole of glorious Wicklow on the doorstep, there is masses to see and do.

Limerick Strand Hotel 
Ennis Road Limerick

Limerick Strand Hotel 
worth enquiring about the popular and exceptionally fairly priced festive packages at this attractive city centre hotel on the west bank of the Shannon. Offers include a 2-night residential package from €535pps, with meals in the waterside River Bar & Restaurant, including dinner on Christmas Eve and a 5-course Christmas Day lunch, designed by their excellent executive chef Paddy Anslow. And children staying over Christmas will also receive milk, cookies and carrot on December 24th for Santa and Rudolph’s visit… For Party night packages too, and a whole range of festive dining options for non-residents, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Festive Afternoon Tea is available as well (must be pre-booked; €39.50 per adult or €42 with a glass of prosecco, and €16.55 per child over 5). There’s also an overnight New Year package (from €215pps including Bucks Fizz breakfast) and a 4-course New Year Dinner (€59) for non-resident is offered too at this very guest-friendly – and pet friendly - hotel.

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
Killarney Co Kerry

Renowned for its stunning views of Killarney’s famous lakes and the mountains beyond, this stylish contemporary five-star also overlooks the town’s two 18-hole championship golf courses. It is one of the country’s most luxurious hotels and, with its magical setting, a destination spa and welcoming staff, it is a very special place at any time – and never more so than for a relaxing festive break. Good food has always been a feature of the hotel and the view from the restaurant, lounge and bar is wonderful – so, not only do you have exceptional amenities on-site, but the best of Kerry is laid out before you. A 3-night break is available from 24th-27th December and, costing from about €2600 per adult for the total stay, it offers good value for the high standard. A 2-night Christmas package is also offered from €1780pps (total stay) and a post-Christmas 2-night break, from €890pps. Festive Afternoon Tea is also offered at weekends (must pre-book) and, for New Year, an attractive break with a minimum 2-night stay includes New Year’s Eve dinner in the Lake Room Restaurant and complimentary bubbles, from €549pps (total stay from c.€1,098).

Ashford Castle

Cong Co Mayo  

Ireland’s most famous castle is especially alluring when dressed up for Christmas and – although undeniably expensive - it’s one of the country’s most popular Christmas destinations and books up very quickly, which is a vote of confidence in how well things are done here (and there is a cancellation list). Aside from luxury, they are pet friendly and offer an exceptional range of activities on the Estate (some of which are available at Christmas). And then there is the food. Executive Head Chef Liam Finnegan presides over a wide range of dining options, including the opulent Georges V Dining Room, while Director of Chocolate & Patisserie, Paula Stakelum oversees the ritual of Afternoon Tea, which is served in the gorgeous Connaught Room, overlooking Lough Corrib. And, from GM Niall Rochford to the housekeepers who greet you in the corridors, all the staff are just great. If they are fully-booked, or beyond the budget, more accessible breaks are offered at The Lodge at Ashford Castle which is beautifully located in the castle grounds and also pet friendly. Although not open for Christmas Day, their one - and two-night Festive Stays on selected dates start at a very reasonable €386 and the food by Chef Jonathan Keane and his team is excellent. Santa’s Grotto Lunch (adult €55, child €25) and a special Christmas Sunday Lunch are available on selected dates. Lodge guests can also book other activities on the Estate, including the Hawk Walk - and treats, including Afternoon Tea at the Castle (from €86.25pp), of course, which is available from 1st December 2024 to 5th January 2025 and must be pre-booked)