From Portarlington to Ballina we got you covered
Despite what Hallmark would lead you to believe, the Christmas period can in fact be a stressful one. You’ve got friends and family from far and wide to catch up with, Christmas parties, work deadlines and that’s without the present buying and the decorations.
A break before Christmas is just what you need to keep that festive cheer topped up and the energy levels as high as they can be before the 25th. Naturally, a trip to the airport is the last thing you want to contend with (especially at this time of year whelp) so a staycation is just what the doctor ordered. Bracing walks, mulled wine by roaring fires (that you don’t need to set), meals made by someone else and fresh sheets, a stay at a luxury Irish hotel is always a good idea. Here are some of our favourites to book for a boujee break around this time of year:
6. The Heritage
Killenard, Portarlington, more info here
Not too far from Dublin, the four-star is a great spot to meet up with family and friends from around the country for a weekend. With modern luxe interiors, The Heritage has plenty of room for even the biggest of groups. Known for its afternoon tea and its excellent spa, the spot genuinely has all you need for a girlie weekend away.
5. Ice HouseÂ
Ballina, County Mayo, more info here
Located on the beautiful River Moy Estuary, David Guetta (and the now completely forgotten Sidney Samsom) would no doubt dub this place Riverside Mother F*ckers. The four-star hotel is at its best during the winter months, with plenty of windows to look out and enjoy the austere scenery from. Eclectic interiors that mesh old-world charm and the refreshing sparsity of the new together beautifully, the rooms are large and well-appointed. There’s some great food on offer, with a lovely spa, the place is pristine and the staff pay incredible attention to even the most minute of details.
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4. Ballynahinch Castle
Recess, Connemara, more info here
There’s relaxation and then there’s relaxation surrounded by some of the country’s most incredible scenery. Catch some moments of pure quiet in the rugged surroundings of Connemara, or in Ballynahinch Castle’s famous walled garden. There’s also a hike available from the grounds, if you want to stretch the legs before the crazy Christmas period. You can choose to hike from nearby Diamond Hill, Errisbeg Hill, Ben Lettery or for those avid hikers the Glencoaghan Horseshoe loop, six of the Twelve Bens. Be rewarded with spectacular views and lunch served from your specially packed picnic, with a well-deserved Irish coffee by the fire to recover with!
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3. Lyrath Estate
Lyrath, Kilkenny, more info here
This is a great shout if you want to relax and grab a bit of Christmas shopping in as, despite being set in 170 acres of parkland, it has the benefit of close by the marble city that has some great indie shops. Once you’ve ticked off the shopping list, there are plenty of trails to walk or bike around the grounds, with a great spa to unwind in before grabbing a comfortable seat to catch up and read the paper by the fire in Tupper’s Bar.
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2. Faithlegg Hotel
Faithlegg, Co. Waterford, more info here.Â
Faithlegg is undoubtedly best enjoyed at Christmas time, with luxe interiors, roaring fires and 4-poster beds to live out your best Bridgerton fantasy. It’s the perfect place if you want to stay put and properly relax with everything you need for a great weekend away within the Hotel perimeter, great breakfast and dinners from the hands of the incredible Jenny Flynn, leisure centre and nice grounds (as long as you listen out for a “four!” from the golfers). The personable staff are exceptional, doing their level best to make your visit exceptional.
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1 Glenlo Abbey
Bushypark, Galway, more info here
A couple of minutes away from Galway city, the interiors and exteriors of the five-star are idyllic at Christmas time. The staff of this imposing 18th-century manor house are also super personable and great craic, which always makes the difference this time of year when you are perhaps missing friends and family. They’ve plenty of nooks and crannies by roaring fireplaces where you can sip a mulled wine or two, alongside a glitzy bar with all the best cocktails. If you are heading down, booking a space aboard the Pullman restaurant is a must, great food and even better wine, and there’s the added novelty of feeling like you are on Orient Express (because you kinda are!).
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