From glamping and lakeside cabins to hotels and luxe collabs …
The Crystal County
The Hat Maker in Dungarvan, Co Waterford is a new 16-bedroom boutique hotel run by couple Rebecca Queally and David Burke. It’s a supremely stylish base from which guests can cycle the Waterford Greenway, unwind in the nearby HotPod saunas, or explore Ardmore and beyond. Together with interior designer Ann Kirby, the owners have furnished the space with antique and contemporary pieces giving the rooms a maximalist elegance. Mornings begin with pastries from local bakery Dún in the hotel’s café bar. In the evening, charcuterie boards, cocktails and exclusive French wines can be enjoyed indoor or in its charming outdoor courtyard. Overnight stays with breakfast start from €195 per night. @thehatmakerhotel
Take A City Break
Hot on the heels of the opening of Moxy Belfast City, the Moxy Dublin Docklands is perfectly positioned for soaking up the city’s culture – catching a show at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, an art exhibition or indulging in retail therapy. I stayed recently and enjoyed the hotel’s upbeat atmosphere, where fun signs and a lively bar are some of the highlights. It’s also one of the most affordable bases in the city with opening offers applicable, especially for stays of three nights or more. @moxy_dublin_city
Linger Lakeside
Florida Manor is an historic Palladian estate in Co Down outside Killinchy which dates back to 1676. It was purchased by the Lagan family in 2005; their objective was to bring the estate back to life, in addition to investing £1.7m to develop eight design-led Birch Cabins which have just opened. Just 30 minutes from Belfast, these allow guests to unwind in nature without compromising on comfort. Think king size beds, well-equipped kitchenettes, balconies overlooking a tree-lined lake, walk-in rainfall showers and private outdoor wood-burning hot tubs. Details include woven throws from Mourne Textiles, bespoke artworks by Emily McIlwaine Textiles, handmade ceramics by Annadale Brickwork, amenities by Field Day and outdoor furniture by Maven. On the doorstep are popular restaurants such as Daft Eddies, the Poachers Pocket and Balloo House, all located around Strangford Lough. Cabin cost from £250stg. @birchcabins
Best Of Both Worlds
Ballyfin Demense, Co Laois has collaborated with Glenapp Castle, Scotland to launch a new new travel experience – A Tale of Two Estates. This immersive four-day journey invites guests to experience the best of Ireland and Scotland, featuring two nights at each destination. If you’re unfamiliar with Glenapp Castle, it’s a majestic Relais & Châteaux property which boasts the largest penthouse suite in Scotland, and is set within 110 acres of gardens and ancient woodlands overlooking the sea. As part of this collaboration, guests can experience exquisite dining in the Castle’s 3 AA Rosette private dining room or in its newest restaurant The Azalea. Other activity options include a private history tour of the Castle, an afternoon of archery and a Hebridean Sea Safari.
Like Glenapp, Ballyfin aces quiet luxury where activities include guided tours, afternoon tea in the Library or candlelit dinners in the private dining room. This limited-edition package is available on selected dates until 31 March 2026. @glenappcastle @ballyfindemesne
A Greek Odyssey
Fashion collaborations with hotels have been especially popular this year. The latest is between accessories designer Marina Raphael and The Dolli hotel in Athens. Raphael has created a sleek minimalist black clutch bag, a wearable tribute to Athens. It’s a great match for The Dolli boutique hotel downtown in the Plaka neighbourhood where guests will find grandiose décor, art and amazing views, especially from the roof deck restaurant level. Just the ticket for a winter getaway!
Meet The Guinness Family
Following Netflix series House of Guinness, Ashford Castle in Co Mayo is hosting a Guiness History Weekend on December 12 to 14, with four members of the Guinness family in their former ancestral home – Charles Plunkett, Susan Woodruff, Sir Kenelm Guinness and Lord Iveagh. On the opening evening in the hotel’s posh private cinema, esteemed academic and storyteller Dr Kevin Egan will give a talk about Lord and Lady Ardilaun’s life together, their mark on Ashford and the wider community. On Saturday afternoon, guests will join the Guinness family for an intimate gathering during which they will hear personal reflections and family stories that extend beyond the history books. That evening, pre-dinner drinks will be served in the wine cellar, once the servants’ entrance and coal tunnel for the Guinness family, followed by a formal dinner in the Connaught Room, the family’s former Drawing Room. @ashfordcastle
Go Glamping!
Founded in 2012 by Linda and Mike O’Sullivan, Killarney Glamping in Co Kerry pioneered luxury outdoor escapes in the area. Their first site in Ballycasheen at The Grove received a Fáilte Ireland 4-star rating in 2024 and 2025. Their new site, on Ross Road, features family-friendly, fully self-contained, spacious units with king size beds, luxury bathrooms, sitting areas and kitchenettes. Family lodges include open plan living/kitchenette area, a large bathroom and two bedrooms. An onsite reception, private parking and optional breakfast hampers complete the experience. Five units will open by the end of the year, with a full launch of all 15 scheduled for April 2026. As a base, guests can walk or cycle to Killarney town centre in under ten minutes or explore the National Park directly from the racecourse along dedicated cycle paths leading to both Ross Castle and Muckross House. The site also offers easy access to classes at Navé Yoga overlooking the mountains, with discounts at Ross Golf Club, the award-winning Celtic Steps show and the Racecourse Café. @killarneyglamping
A Spring Opening
Online bookings have now gone live for The Grace, Westport Estate, Co Mayo which opens in spring 2026. Set within 430 acres, the new hotel is central to an extensive transformation of the Westport Estate, the aim of which is to create a destination escape along the Wild Atlantic Way where nature, history and hospitality combine. The hotel takes its name and interior design inspiration from Grace O’Malley and Grace Kelly. Comprising over 100 rooms, guests can unwind at the hotel’s luxurious spa or explore beaches nearby, in addition to the rugged beauty of Achill Island.
