From grande dame locations to relaxing spa resorts, gift someone special a festive break, or why not treat yourself …
Glasson Lakehouse, Co Westmeath
Woodland walks, outdoor hot tubs, invigorating spa treatments and great food – Glasson Lakehouse has all the ingredients for a great countryside escape. If this sounds tempting, why not book the Glasson Winter Escape one night stay, from €169 per person, that includes dinner in Bonnie’s, and breakfast the next morning. Also avail of €10 resort credit and access to the hotel’s outdoor heated pool and golf academy driving range, with lots of complimentary bikes and board games to enjoy. www.glassonlakehouse.ie
Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara
There’s still time to book a Christmas floral workshop by Mark Grehan of The Garden on November 23, which offers participants an inspiring day combining floral artistry and nature walks. The workshop (11am to 4.30pm, €110) includes lunch, materials and a handmade arrangement on departure. For those wishing to stay over the holiday period, indulge in a three-day Christmas experience that includes treats, cocktails, canapés, a gourmet dinner on Christmas Eve, lavish breakfast on Christmas Day and a festive lunch, accompanied by seasonal entertainment. On St Stephen’s Day, guests can explore the estate with guided walks and a garden tour available, followed by a light lunch. This three-night experience starts from €3,200. Twixmas breaks start from €385 per room per night bed and breakfast. www.ballynahinch-castle.com
The Station House Hotel, Co Meath
For a pre-Christmas “Feasting Break”, I recommend a stay at The Station House Hotel, which is celebrating its inclusion in the 2025 edition of Ireland’s Blue Book. As a haven of calm, cuisine and chic interior design inspiration, book the two-night break on December 19 and 20, from €310 per person sharing. This includes a mini-afternoon tea on arrival and its acclaimed Boyne Valley Tasting dinner on December 20 (wine pairing can be added for an additional €50). There’s plenty of scope for walks or cycles – guests are in a prime position to visit Bective Abbey or the Hill of Tara. www.stationhousehotel.ie
Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal
For a five-star break, choose from a two-night to four-night festive package at Lough Eske Castle, where pampering is guaranteed. The two-night package begins on Christmas Eve with a mince pie and mulled wine reception, a three-course dinner in the castle’s award-winning Cedars Restaurant or live music and entertainment in the Gallery Bar. Children can enjoy a complimentary carriage ride around the grounds, with Santa’s little helpers hosting activities before and after dinner that evening. On Christmas Day, a sumptuous buffet lunch includes a seafood station and carvery served in the Castle Ballroom, followed by entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. After lunch, there’s time to borrow hotel bicycles or explore the area, ending with Christmas night supper in the Gallery Bar. The two-night package starts from €845 per person sharing in a courtyard room. www.lougheskecastlehotel.com
Hotel Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny
For an adults only Christmas, Hotel Kilkenny is offering two, three or four-night breaks from €599 per person sharing. Guests can expect mulled wine and mince pies at check-in before an indulgent evening meal in the hotel’s Taste Restaurant on Christmas Eve, where the traditional Christmas Day lunch is also served. (Magician Andy James will be entertaining guests in the renovated 1831 Rosehill Bar). There’s plenty of places to walk off any excess too, only a ten-minute walk from Kilkenny City Centre. With its historic Kilkenny Castle, winding narrow lanes and Medieval Mile, it’s a scenic setting for the holidays. The onsite health club, pool and steam room are part of its Active Club. www.hotelkilkenny.ie
The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin
During November and December, The Fitzwilliam Hotel invites couples to dive into the delights of the capital with an exclusive “Couples Christmas” overnight stay with breakfast. There’s the option of checking into one of the newly refurbished Deluxe Premium Balcony rooms, from €499, with Juliet balconies or larger terraces, which offer wonderful views of St Stephen’s Green, or alternative double rooms, from €229. Bubbles are offered on arrival. Check out the newly opened lounge on the ground floor with its velvet chairs, Art Deco-inspired decor and mirrored antique walls. The perfect spot for people watching! www.fitzwilliamhoteldublin.com
Cahernane House, Co Kerry
The Festive Delights package at Cahernane invites guests to escape during Christmas week, for a one- or two-night stay. This package includes breakfast, a glass of Prosecco, a three-course evening meal with a bottle of house wine in Herbert’s Restaurant, with late check-out. Choose between the elegant rooms in the original Manor House or in the Garden Wing and Coach House. I highly recommend the latter, originally built in 1877 to house the horse-drawn carriages of the Herbert family, the original residents of Cahernane House. Rooms are charming, as are the cosy library and drawing rooms, where afternoon tea and great views can be enjoyed in peace. Head to the nearby Killarney National Park to work up an appetite before dinner, created by chef Cormac Vesey and his team, in either the Herbert Restaurant or Cellar Bar. From €338 per person sharing. www.cahernane.com
Slieve Donard, Co Down
For an immersive experience, Marine & Lawn’s Slieve Donard is unveiling a dazzling daily light and sound show from December 12 to 19, from 2.30pm to 9.30pm, in addition to an outdoor Christmas market on the hotel grounds. Guests can take a self-guided tour around different themed rooms, from an Ice Cave to a Northern Light experience, or book Santa Sunday lunch throughout December in JJ Farrall’s restaurant. Tickets to the new light experience start at £20stg for children and £32stg for adults. Guests will also receive an exclusive code upon purchase for 40 per cent off overnight stays, starting at £203stg per night including breakfast based on two adults sharing. www.marineandlawn.com/slievedonard/
The Shelbourne, Dublin
Dublin’s grande dame is celebrating its 200th Christmas, so where better to spoil yourself. A one-night Christmas Day stay with breakfast and a lavish five-course lunch or dinner starts from €1,230 per room in a deluxe king room based on two people sharing (€125 per child under 12, €150 per child under 16 sharing a parent’s room) and includes a visit from Santa in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge. Stay for two nights from €890 per room per night (€350 supplement per child under 16 sharing a parent’s room). As a gift, I recommend the special Grande Dame Candle, €35, created by Cloon Keen. The scent is a gorgeous mix of blackcurrant, peppermint, jasmine, cedar wood and vetiver, among other notes. www.theshelbourne.com
Ballygally Castle, Co Antrim
With uninterrupted panoramic views of Ballygally Bay and the Antrim coastline, the coastal deluxe bedrooms in Ballygally Castle are a haven for sea lovers. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Mull of Kintyre and the Scottish coastline. For those brave enough to take a dip, the hotel’s “Sea Dips and Hot Sips” package offers guests dry robes, a hot water bottle, slippers and flask filled with a hot drink. The Glenarm package offers exclusive access to Glenarm Castle’s stunning grounds and walled garden. Rooms from €179 for two adults with breakfast. www.ballygallycastlehotel.com