From Connemara to Sweden and Belfast to Barcelona, find out where expert insiders spend Christmas and New Year …
Fergal O’Connell, General Manager, The Fitzwilliam, Dublin
I work up to Christmas Eve, normally leaving the hotel around 7pm. I always enjoy that journey home, knowing that another season is almost behind us and I can look forward to spending Christmas day with my family. I always take some time off in January to go hiking or cycling. Connemara is a favourite – it’s magical at this time of year, especially cycling through the Mamm Valley and stopping off for numerous cups of coffee! I also love to go to Antibes in the south of France where I enjoy wandering through the old town and indulging in a glass of wine or two. A trip helps me reset then after a week I’m ready for the year ahead.
Sarah Flavin, GM, Clontarf Castle, Co Dublin
The castle is magical at Christmas. We have a full house of guests on our residential Christmas package and over 100 non-residents for Christmas lunch. It’s all hands on deck to ensure that all of our guests have a perfect day! My own family Christmas starts on St Stephens’s Day when I drive to my family home in Co Limerick. I also take time to plan some overseas travel, especially for sunshine. Lagos and the Algarve are my go-to spots.
Doiran Kavanagh, GM, Brooks Hotel, Dublin
Following a very busy Christmas period, I’ll fly out to ring in the New Year in Toronto followed by some time in the Caribbean with a group of friends. Hopefully, I’ll return full recharged in mid-January!
Jakub Majewski, GM, The Hat Maker, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
After a busy season, I’m taking a few quiet days to reset before heading off on a long-standing bucket-list trip: a ten-day winter driving tour around Iceland. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and dramatic scenery – waterfalls, ice caves and volcanic landscapes – an ideal active winter escape. For anyone looking for something similar, I’d recommend staying in the Aurora Igloos which offer incredible views of the Northern Lights and a unique way to experience Iceland’s landscapes.
Grace O’Connor, GM, Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co Kerry
As a hotelier, Christmas is our most magical and busiest time of year. Once the celebrations wind down, I’m looking forward to taking a little time to reset at our sister property, Dromgarriff Rainforest, a remarkable ancient Irish oakwood rainforest on the shores of Bantry Bay. For me, the perfect post-Christmas break is all about slowing down with long walks through the woods and lively board game evenings with the family, ideally accompanied by a good Cabernet Sauvignon! Starting the day with a sea swim and sauna, the most invigorating way to relax.
Peter Barrett, GM, Dunmore House, Co Cork
We always have a couple of weddings before closing up for a week. As a family, we normally celebrate with our friend Ahmet Dede in the Customs House in Baltimore for a special meal, or organise a meal for our extended family in Monks Lane in Timoleague which has a fantastic festive ambiance. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a morning swim on Duneen Strand!
Another family tradition is to go skiing every year. This year, we booked a trip to Val d’Isere in the Alps. There’ll be ten of us in a chalet including my two-year-old nephews, so I’m looking forward to seeing them hit the slopes. I’ve heard great things about Les Barmes de L’Ours, so that’s definitely on the list. I always like to see what other hotels and properties are like when we go away!
Juan Tudela, GM, The Montenotte, Cork City
I’ll be spending the holidays this year with my wife and family in Barcelona. You’ll most likely find us gathered around a big table and gorging on all our favourite Spanish specialties. Traditionally, we all get together for lunch on Christmas Day to have some picoteo con jamon, berberechos and mussels before the main meal. We then have a type of pasta in a rich broth called Galets, followed by Escudella I Carn d’Olla which is a traditional meatball (pilota) and vegetable stew. Dessert is a crunchy sweet pastry – Coca de Vidre.
There are always fireworks at the beach that evening, so we end our meal with some Cava and make our way there to soak up all the celebratory atmosphere. On December 26, we have another family lunch featuring cannelloni filled with any leftover Christmas dinner in a light béchamel sauce – it’s such a delicious way to enjoy leftovers – you should try it even if you aren’t in Spain!
Gemma Connor, GM, Moxy Belfast City
This year has been an exciting one, especially with the opening of Moxy Belfast City in September. During the festive season, I find myself craving the simple things, spending quality time with my family and friends, and taking leisurely afternoon walks by the sea. Murlough Bay is a favourite spot.
I always love taking a day to enjoy Belfast after the Christmas rush, from catching the pantomime at the Grand Opera House to enjoying some shopping in Victoria Square. It’s always great to sample the fantastic food and drink offering Belfast has to offer, and I can highly recommend a cocktail (or two) at our bar where Room Key & Run is my favourite! It’s a great spot to people-watch before moving on to Amelia Hall for a delicious evening meal.
SEE MORE: 8 Stylish Club Experiences For Christmas Get-Togethers
James Coughlan, CEO, Travel Department
Every couple of years, we head off to Sweden to visit my wife’s family who are based in and around Kristinehamn, located at the top of Lake Vänern which is the largest lake in the EU and normally frozen over to the delight of skaters during the festive period. There are a number of things which are guaranteed at Christmas in Sweden – Julskinka (Christmas ham), Schnapps (plenty of it!), snow (lots of it!), gravlax, drinking songs and a visit from Santa himself (normally a well disguised neighbour). If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget that the big day is marked on December 24, which gives an excuse for a double celebration.
