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 challenges, and some have again 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.

Mount Congreve
Kilmeaden, Co Waterford

The wonderful Mount Congreve Estate may be best known for its world class gardens, but this gorgeous place is a work in progress and it is continually bringing on new amenities and experiences. Leading up to Christmas there is lots to do, including festive workshops, and Santa Claus makes a first appearance on Saturday November 22nd to switch on the Christmas lights at 2pm. The Foxford shop offers unique gifts, there’s festive dining in the Stables Café and the magnificent gardens there to enjoy except for short closures (closing 2pm 24th December, reopens 27th- 31st and January 2nd-4th; reopens 30th January). And then there are the Christmas stays, which include Christmas packages include family breaks in a forest eco-cabin, complete with a Christmas tree and a hamper of local treats, while couples can also opt for a romantic stay in a Gate Lodge or Courtyard Suite, with Prosecco and handmade chocolates on arrival. Guests have access to the gardens and also the Silver Exhibition in Mount Congreve House. Festive stays available December 12th-January 4th, with some tailored for weekends and Christmas or New Year breaks. 2-night min stay (5 nights over Christmas / New Year); Forest eco-cabins from €435 per night for a family of 4, couples from €399 per night. https://mountcongreve.com/
 

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 €450pps, including a spa treatment) is understandably popular. Always a winner too is the post-Christmas Racing Break €450, 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 €1150 for two). Unexpectedly, perhaps, The Merrion is also a very family-friendly hotel and their Family Winter Getaway offers a short break in interconnecting 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 €550pps including champagne and a celebratory dinner in The Garden Room restaurant (plus dinner for non-residents at €180) both of which are good value for a hotel (and outing) of this calibre and they sell out quickly. Festive Afternoon Tea is offered from €75, and Lunch or Dinner for non-residents on Christmas Day €275. Gift packages are also available - including vouchers for the famous Merrion Art Afternoon Tea (from €150 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. Priced by type of room, their ‘Ultimate Christmas Experience’ in a Manor King room costs from about €3900 for two for a 3-night package. It all 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 offered from about €525 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

Now in the caring hands of a new owner, the businessman and art collector Bryan Meehan, this 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 seriously delicious breakfasts and Christmas fare in the handsome Sean Scully Room restaurant. Unusually, the main meals are in the evening, leaving the days free for other activities, and the programme offers a nice balance of carols, conviviality and fine dining, old fashioned fun (in-house competitions, Christmas Classic films in the cinema), fresh air and exercise (including woodland walks, bikes, tennis, Fitness Room, croquet…) or ‘the serenity of SÁMAS’, their Destination Spa. Running from 24th-27th December, the 3-day programme costs from €3,562.98 for two in a Classic Queen Room and there’s a 2-night New Year package from €1,840 for two including a gala dinner – and a Family Room with terrace, is available from €1,860. But guests staying over Twixmas (27th-30th December) can avail of less structured breaks such as Dinner B&B for two at around €865, in a Classic Queen Room.

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 €1,700 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 (with a choice of having Lunch or Dinner on Christmas Day)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 (supplement applies). Dinner for non-residents is also available, plus fireside Festive Afternoon Tea (daily in December by reservation, except 24th-26th, from €70 per adult) 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 one of the best-loved, in the care of new Resort General Manager Mark McSorley and his team. 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 €1,465 per night (depending on the room), with tailored options for children, while a New Year break could offer good value. 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.

Dunraven Arms Hotel
Adare Co Limerick

In the heart of Adare Village, the charming Dunraven Arms is one of Ireland’s most popular destinations for short breaks and their famous festive getaways. Early booking is advised as key dates sell out quickly, but cancellations do occur and - with fireside treats, Champagne receptions hosted by Louis and Hugh Murphy, excellent dining, and a visit from Santa on horseback in the mix - it is always worth getting onto the waiting list. And it’s also worth considering a different time for that winter break, as prices on certain dates outside of the festive season are extremely attractive and there is something especially charming about Adare at quieter times – there’s a 2-night winter break for example, for as little as €169 per person, including their renowned breakfast on both mornings and dinner in the Maigue Restaurant on one evening, and there are always other offers too including a very popular Sunday night Piano & Prosecco Package that’s available rom just €109 per person. At any time The Dunraven promises a relaxing stay filled with tradition, live music, and local activities For further details of their festive packages and availability, email: reservations@dunravenhotel.com or call 061 605900, for brochure and rates

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 understatedly 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 €2,900 for two, it offers good value for the high standard. A 2-night Christmas package is also offered from about €2,100 and Festive Afternoon Tea is also available at weekends (must pre-book). If Twixmas suits you better, there’s a 2-night break from €572pps and then 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 €572pps (total stay from c.€998). The hotel is lovely, the views are stupendous and there is so much to do in the area – just the spot for a proper getaway. www.aghadoeheights.com.

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 (from about €3,727.50 per person for the 3-night festive programme) 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 short breaks are always worth checking out. And the food by Chef Jonathan Keane and his team – which include a Santa’s Grotto Lunch (adult €55, child €25) and a special Christmas Sunday Lunch on selected dates - is excellent. Lodge guests can also book other activities on the Estate, including the Hawk Walk - and treats, including Afternoon Tea at the Castle (from about €60 per person), which must be pre-booked)