Soak up the atmosphere at these seasonal events …
Art Source, RDS Dublin
Savvy art enthusiasts can snap up an original piece at an affordable price this weekend. “The 100 for €100 is something we did from the very first show 16 years ago, and remains one of the Irish art scene’s best kept secrets,” says Art Source organiser Patrick O’Sullivan. “It’s a more accessible way for people to start their art collections and makes the show less intimidating for anyone who may otherwise be daunted by the art world.” For connoisseurs, there are also works by contemporary icons such as Andy Warhol, Banksy, Tracey Emin, Francis Bacon and our own John Redmond. @artsourcerds
The InterContinental Dublin’s Winter Moments one-night stay includes overnight accommodation for two with a guaranteed upgrade, chilled bottle of Prosecco on arrival, breakfast in Seasons Restaurant, complimentary parking, late checkout and ten per cent discount off spa treatments. This offer runs until December 20, so there’s time to check out the Dublin Castle Winter Market too! @intercondublin @dublincastleopw
Ballymaloe Craft Fair, Co Cork
With more than 200 exhibitors, Ballymaloe Craft Fair straddles two weekends in November (14 to 16 and 21 to 23) and always provides inspiration for thoughtful Irish-made gifts, from ceramics to jewellery, art and decorations. Festive music and great food are further highlights, as is a Brickx Club Lego workshop for children to enjoy while adults browse the wares. Free parking is available onsite, with a free shuttle bus from Midleton to Ballycotton. Afterwards, visit the Salty Dog café and restaurant on the pier. The cosy pub has live music every weekend and six guest rooms offering a boutique hotel experience. @ballymaloe_grainstore
Stay at The Kingsley, a popular pet-friendly hotel that’s hosting a Santa Paws event on November 22 to raise money for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, a charity providing highly trained service dogs to children with autism. Pop into The Perch with your furry friend to meet Santa and have the moment captured by a professional photographer. @thekingsleyhotel
Killruddery, Co Wicklow
For fans of a slow Christmas, Killruddery Yard in Bray becomes a festive hub from November 19 to January 4. The Farm Shop & Cafe serves mince pies, mulled wine and seasonal sandwiches, while the wood-fired ovens bake sourdough pizzas. Other highlights include Christmas Wreath Making Workshops with Fionnuala Brabazon and Hanka Miziova, and the Made-Well Weekend (November 21 to 23) when it stays open late for festive browsing. At the weekend, Searsons Wines will host tastings of their seasonal selections. @killruddery
For an overnight treat, book BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, a picturesque stay where guests will also find the authentic Italian Restaurant, La Taverna Armento, serving Southern Italian cuisine. @macreddin
Winterval, Co Waterford
The Winterval Christmas Market opens on November 21, turning Waterford into a twinkling wonderland. Special features include a Glow Fairylight Garden and Sky Spectacular Drone Show. The market stretches from Michael Street through John Roberts’ Square onto George’s Street through Hanover Street, onto O’Connell Street and Gladstone Street. Highlights include Adele Stanley’s tableware, Silks by Mauney scarves, Gwen Dunne jewellery and bespoke skateboards by Copper Coast Woodcrafts to tick off the Glossy Gift Guide list.
Book a getaway to Mount Congreve where its family eco cabins and pet-friendly gate lodges come with private access to the gardens after-hours. From the end of November, the Estate is also hosting a Winter Market until December 23, part of the Christmas programme that includes candle-making, wreath-making and calligraphy workshops, in addition to Santa’s visit in the east wing of the house, not to mention festive afternoon teas served in Stables Café. @mountcongreve
Yulefest, Co Kilkenny
Head to Kilkenny from November 29 to December 23 for festive markets, music and Santa travelling by boat along the River Nore! Internationally renowned art collective Luxmuralis will make its Irish debut with Starlight, an immersive experience of light, sound and fine-art projection inside the 800-year-old interior of St Canice’s Cathedral. @kilkennyyulefest
If staying over, book Lyrath Estate where rooms overlook the manicured mature gardens. Not to be missed is its superb spa, or afternoon tea in the original drawing rooms of the manor house. @lyrathestate
Armagh City Georgian Festival
This four-day heritage fest starts on November 27, offering an immersive glimpse into 18th-century life with artisan markets, lightshows and a performance by Northern Ireland Opera in the intimate surrounds of the Primate’s Chapel. Unlike other markets and fairs, the festival places history centre stage, as one of the living history characters explains. Shelia Rooney says, “Playing a Georgian character might seem like a peculiar job, but it’s endlessly fun – exploring its fashions and discovering the eccentricities of the people who built this city.” There’s also a new Georgian Gourmet Food Tour. @discoverni
I recommend Newforge House as a base. This five-star Georgian country house, owned by John and Lou Mathers, blends hospitality with superb food in peaceful surroundings. Look out for midweek, weekend and and dusk ‘till dawn offers.
