A little luxury at Christmas is the best gift you can give yourself, so why not book a hotel stay in a premier hotel on the island of Ireland and enjoy the best the season has to offer.
Whether you want a break on the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, fancy a city stay in Dublin, a visit to Ireland’s Ancient East or a trip to a premier golfing resort, you will find fabulous hotels full of the holiday spirit.
The Shelbourne
For a classic Dublin stay head to The Shelbourne, which has been the centre of the city’s cultural and social life for over 200 years. Beautifully adorned at Christmas, its elegant rooms are the perfect place to relax with a signature cocktail, indulge in fine dining and rediscover the enchantment of the season.
The Cashel Palace
Perhaps a Palladian manor in picturesque County Tipperary appeals. The Cashel Palace near the world-famous Rock of Cashel has been recently refurbished and its sumptuous rooms will be decked with spruce trees and garlands. The hotel’s Christmas package includes feasting, carols, champagne receptions and festive movies.
Lough Eske
Who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas in a castle. At Lough Eske, County Donegal, you can relax in a seventeenth-century castle on the shores of a lake and enjoy mince pies, mulled wine and a lavish Christmas dinner. Walk off the indulgence with a stroll through the beautiful grounds and then cosy up by an open fire in the drawing room.
Slieve Donard
Golfers may like to combine a luxury Christmas break with the chance to play on one of the world’s great golf courses. Magnificent Slieve Donard, County Down, is framed by a golden beach on one side and the Royal County Down golf course on the other. Christmas activities at the hotel include horse-and-carriage rides around the estate, treasure hunt, fireworks and tastings of local cheese, gin and whiskey.
Falls Hotel
Christmas on the Wild Atlantic Way is sure to be breath-taking in more ways than one. At the family-run Falls Hotel, County Clare, you will receive the warmest of welcomes and will be served wonderful hearty food. The hotel’s River Spa offers rejuvenating treatments and it’s just a short trip to the coast for a bracing Atlantic walk.
Glasson Lakehouse
For Christmas with a twist consider the Glasson Lakehouse, County Westmeath. This is laid back luxury in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. As well as enjoying festive food, you can luxuriate in an outdoor hot tub, swim in an outdoor heated pool, cycle the woodlands or just relax by an open fire.
Mount Juliet
Ireland’s Ancient East is brimming with brilliant hotel options. Mount Juliet, County Kilkenny, is a magnificent Georgian manor that offers the ultimate indulgence for the Christmas season. Stay in either the manor house itself or in the courtyard rooms of Hunter’s Yard and indulge in the finest of food in the most opulent surroundings.
Powerscourt Hotel & Spa
With a stunning location in the Wicklow mountains, Powerscourt Hotel &Spa offers breath-taking vistas outside to rival the grandeur within. Christmas here is a superlative experience with divinely decorated rooms, five-star dining, and a top-class spa.
Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, County Antrim
Voted Northern Ireland’s Hotel of the Year in 2022, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat offers Scandi-style bedrooms and an open-air spa with a lakeside hot tub. A Christmas stay will feature delicious food and top-class entertainment.
www.ireland.com