The Westbury
Is it really Christmas in Dublin if you haven’t paid a visit to the iconic tree in the Westbury hotel? Afternoon tea with family in the Gallery, brunch with girlfriends in Wilde or one of the best co*cktails in the city with your paramour are all tried and tested ways of celebrating the season in Dublin. Stunning rooms that include the recently upgraded PV Doyle Suite on the sixth floor, which features a bedroom, living room, dining area and fitness and wellbeing space; exceptional service; and fantastic food combine to make this hotel a true icon of Christmas in Dublin. B&B doubles from €420 per night.
Balfe Street, Dublin 2 (doylecollection.com/hotels)
The Shelbourne
Forgo Christmas presents this year for a night in the grande dame of Irish hotels. Shop on Grafton Street, drop your bags back in your room, visit the spa for a de-stressing massage and glass of fizz in the most wonderful relaxation room in town before dressing for dinner and heading down for a preprandial co*cktail in No.27 the Shelbourne Bar (where you’re guaranteed to meet an entertaining character or two). Enjoy a sumptuous meal in the Saddle Room before retiring to a bed that has pillows like clouds. B&B doubles from €499pn.
27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 (theshelbourne.com)
Sure, Vienna, Salzburg and Prague have great Christmas markets but you can have the same experience in Galway without the panic of overweight luggage — 2023 is the 13th year of the Christmas market in the City of Tribes and it is a fun as you would expect from Galway. The perfect place to base yourself is in the Galmont Hotel. Close to the bus and train stations if you don’t want to drive (though there is parking) the hotel is a few minutes’ walk to Eyre Square and far enough removed to be quiet and peaceful on your return. There is great food here, a wonderful spa and leisure centre complete with outdoor hot tub and big comfortable beds to guarantee a great night’s sleep. The breakfast here is excellent — order the waffles, you won’t regret it! B&B doubles from €161pn. A Red-Nosed Reindeer co*cktail at the College Green Hotel’s Mint Bar KRISZTINA BERTA Do you want to be ensconced in five-star cosiness in a lively city with great shopping, food and nightlife? Yes? Then book yourself a break at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. This hotel screams old-school glamour and whether you’re visiting to go shopping, go out or celebrate Christmas is a real must-visit. Berts Jazz Bar has a sophisticated, cool vibe, or grab a nightcap at the pretty co*cktail bar. At Christmas time, the menus at all the hotel’s eateries and bars get a seasonal makeover to rival the festive decor too, making it the ideal winter destination for a night up north. B&B doubles from €289pn. As a sister hotel to the Westbury in Dublin, Cork’s River Lee hotel is a stylish southern belle. Big on sustainability it has a series of Curated Weekends in Cork, which offer itineraries for those new to the city or who want to try something different. With excellent service, a winter break in the River Lee is a splendid way to unwind in a city with a lot to see and do. The hotel is known for its afternoon tea and we can think of no better way to start a weekend away than sipping some Earl Grey from the Doyle Collection signature striped china. B&B doubles from €270pn. There’s something truly wonderful about a hotel that knows what it is. Sitting as an unrivalled landmark in the centre of the pedestrianised zone in Cork city, the Imperial Hotel is as distinctive as it is fabulous. A stay at the Imperial is a walk through history, from afternoon tea in the majestic setting of Lafayette’s, with its ornate ceiling and walls, to sleeping in the Michael Collins Suite (where the big man stayed before his assassination in 1922). But this isn’t a hotel resting on its historical laurels, it’s leaping forward too with its fun restaurant Sketch and excellent bar (with an even more excellent wine list) No.76. B&B doubles from €201pn. Being able to walk straight off your train and into your hotel feels like the height of luxury. It’s reminiscent of times gone by (although you probably didn’t have to navigate rowdy hens in the heyday of train travel!) and takes so much pressure off your precious time off. The Great Southern Killarney continues your period drama dreams the moment you step into it. Stunning, welcoming and, over the festive period, full of twinkly lights, giant Christmas trees and a team of staff who are happy to see you. Nestled in its own beautiful grounds near the heart of town, the hotel is both in the middle of the action and just the spot for a quiet winter break. You’ll love it for the sumptuous decor and the aforementioned fabulous staff. B&B doubles from €169pn. Enjoy a celebratory drink in the sleek surroundings of No27 the Shelbourne Bar BARRY MURPHY The Westin hotel on Dublin’s Westmoreland Street has this month become the College Green Hotel Dublin, part of the Autograph Collection which also includes properties such as the Shelbourne, Powerscourt Hotel in Co Wicklow and Co Kilkenny’s Mount Juliet Estate in the group. Created within three historical buildings that have been restored and refined while retaining original artefacts and features, the hotel blends evocative grandeur with modern chic. This is the perfect location for a weekend break in Dublin as it straddles both sides of the city. Steps from O’Connell Bridge you can easily shop in both Arnotts on the northside and Brown Thomas on the southside, while being mere moments from Temple Bar. Suites start at €1,200pn. Limerick shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re planning a short break away this winter and we recommend that you stay in the Savoy when you visit. A five-star hotel in the centre of the city, it has everything you expect from a luxury break. Think beautiful beds with Egyptian cotton sheets; the VB Spa, which offers bespoke full and half-day packages; a choice of dining options; and a very warm welcome. Visit King John’s Castle or the International Rugby Experience (if you can bear to after the World Cup . . .) or do some shopping in the city’s many boutiques. B&B doubles from €187pn. A family-run boutique hotel in the heart of Dublin 4, Ariel House is a home away from home and ideal for a cosy winter break. Part of the iNUA Collection, the designer Adrian McCarthy recently updated its 14 bedrooms and the entire ground floor, including the drawing room and conservatory. The result is super-stylish, with rich statement colours and stunning furnishings. A stay in Ariel House now is like taking a step back in time to the grandeur of old Victorian Dublin but with all the polish, comfort and conveniences of the most modern of eras. We think this is perfect for a visit to the city just out of the hubbub of the centre. B&B doubles from €130pn. Enjoy an exquisite Christmas lunch at Sheen Falls Lodge, Co Kerry BARRY MURPHY Let someone else create the magic for you this year with a luxury stay on Irish shores or across the Pond The decadent Christmas in your mind’s eye is made a reality at Hayfield Manor. This historic building was once owned by the well-known Cork merchants the Musgraves before being renovated and opened as a hotel by the Scally family in 1996. In that relatively short time, Hayfield has become synonymous with luxury and at Christmas, it goes above and beyond to create something special for guests. Traditional decor, unparalleled service and an exceptional feast await, whether booking in for a festive afternoon tea, €48pp, or the three-day Christmas experience, from €1,750pp, based on two sharing. Dedicated co-ordinators take care of every detail, ensuring your stay feels magical, with cosy drinks receptions, carols and a visit from Santa Claus. Possessing one of the most spectacular backdrops in the country, the Europe Hotel & Resort is sure to elicit a happy sigh from arriving guests, with floor to ceiling windows maximising the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Its location just five minutes outside the town means guests can pop in to soak up the renowned atmosphere but still feel like they are worlds away when it is time to unwind at the spacious spa. While it’s not open for Christmas, this is where we’d love to wake up in that time between Christmas and New Year — going for strolls by the lake, dining at Riva or the Panorama Restaurant and popping into Killarney for some live music. Dine like royalty at Carton House, once frequented by Queen Victoria and Princess Grace. Following a multimillion-euro refurbishment, it is now one of Ireland’s top resorts. Spend Christmas here and you are promised a full itinerary of food and entertainment in the lavish surroundings. Guests can choose between the beautiful bedrooms in the garden wing, a state room in the Palladian-style manor house or a suite that will have its own Christmas tree. Enjoy canapés while being serenaded by Maynooth Gospel Choir on arrival on Christmas Eve, a special festive breakfast buffet and a five-course festive lunch served in the reception rooms of the house. From €2,230 total stay for a deluxe king room from December 24-26. With its distinctive Palladian-style architecture and epic location in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is a destination with grandeur. With its namesake house and gardens nearby, its location in the Garden of Ireland is hard to beat. At Christmas time, the three-day package combines festive luxury with thoughtful details to make the celebration special for all the family. Kids will receive reindeer dust and carrots to leave out for Rudolph and co while parents enjoy a nightcap. During Christmas lunch, Santa will pay a visit, and you can explore the grounds by horse-drawn carriage, with hot chocolate to keep everyone toasty. From €1,485pp. Begin your Christmas break with a wander through the woodlands of Castlemartyr Resort, before a enjoying glass of mulled wine and mince pies. Castlemartyr is a haven of nature and luxury in east Cork, with an excellent golf course and stately bedrooms. The beautiful 17th-century manor house and 13th-century ruins of a castle on the grounds are atmospheric and complemented seamlessly with modern luxuries, from the cutting-edge treatments at the spa to the Michelin-star Terre restaurant. Check in for Christmas, from €2,400 for a two-night stay for two. Located near Antrim’s scenic Coast Road, Ballygally Castle is a beautiful 17th-century building overlooking the sea. If you want to wake up somewhere special on Christmas morning, the Christmas Eve Escape package (€400 for one night for two) will make the build-up to the big day magnificent. After a three-course dinner and luxurious overnight accommodation, you’ll start the day feeling refreshed and ready for whatever it holds for you. With a huge wood-burning stove and a traditionally styled interior, it’s perfect for a cosy, restorative night away. The serene setting, beautiful accommodation and exemplary service of Sheen Falls Lodge promises a warm welcome at any time of year. But at Christmas, the hotel’s elegant decor gets a sprinkle of seasonal splendour. With a valet service followed by a festive afternoon tea on arrival, a break here is blissful, stress-free and cheering. Spend a leisurely few days enjoying hot drinks by the fire, an exquisite Christmas lunch and a light supper in the evening. You’ll be pleasantly stuffed and ready to fall into one of the deep, comfy armchairs and soak up the ambience. B&B doubles from €380pn. Celebrations feel epic at Glenlo Abbey at Christmas time, thanks to the building’s old-world glamour. With reception rooms looking particularly inviting at this time of year, it is a memorable place to gather with your loved ones to mark the season or ring in the new year. The epic estate offers plush accommodation, as well the chance to dine at the celebrated Pullman Restaurant and there’s also the Abbey Movie Theatre, where you can cosy up to watch a festive classic. The Christmas two-night stay starts from €1,200pps. Rollerskating under the big tree at the Rockefeller Center, ogling the window display at Saks and Bloomingdale’s and Central Park in the snow all make for an enchanting Christmas. You’ll find a warm welcome at Fitzpatrick Manhattan, owned by the Dubliner John Fitzpatrick since 1991. Along with its sister hotel the Fitzpatrick Grand Central, these are the only Irish-owned and operated properties in Manhattan. B&B doubles from €178pn. Washington DC is a fabulous city and beautiful in winter. Bundle up and make your way through the historic sites, architecture and world-class museums. When it’s time to head back to your hotel for a well-earned co*cktail, the Dupont Circle will make you feel as if you’re a local in the know. It’s a Doyle Collection hotel, so you can expect the style and service of the Westbury and its popularity with the after-work crowd will give you a taste of the buzz. B&B doubles from €308pn. The Library at Ballynahinch Castle BARRY MURPHY Step in the footsteps of kings, queens and the landed gentry in a majestic castle, manor or ancestral home Positioning itself as “Ireland’s most magical address”, the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. Leaning into the grandeur, the decor is lavish, the dining is decadent and the views are spectacular across the 450-acre estate. What more could you expect from a historic castle? Take hawk walks with the falconers, stroll or cycle the grounds, tee off on the world-class golf course and academy, shop at the Charlotte & Co boutique of curated Irish designers on site or take a serene trip to the lavish spa nestled in the castle’s stone walls. Stay in a Queen Anne classic room from €405pn. While hotels are popping up on most Dublin city centre corners, there’s few that could compete with a castle stay with the capital on your doorstep. A short 20-minute hop from town, the first thing you notice about Clontarf Castle Hotel is the eclectic art and historical stylings offset by modern details. Find four-poster beds and Jacquard fabrics in the lavishly appointed suites. The Christmas spirit is always alive and well here, with decorations adorning the castle walls. And the breakfast spread is one of the best in the city. B&B doubles from €159pn. Would “spellbinding” be an understatement? Perhaps applied to anywhere in the land except Adare Manor. The endlessly award-winning property in the postcard-perfect town of Adare really needs little introduction. Like Balmoral outside, Hogwarts inside, and decked out to rival Versailles, it’s a pinnacle of five-star luxury in Ireland. As imposing and grand an estate as it is, it reveals itself gently in quiet moments. The warm familiarity, the thoughtful suggestions, the endless detail. Sure, it’s eye-wateringly expensive, from €825pn, and for this it makes no apologies, but it remains a once-in-a-lifetime fairytale stay for most. Lough Eske Castle, which was built in 1861 A hidden oasis of grandeur in the depths of Connemara, there is a magic to Ballynahinch. Set in 700 acres of a private estate, backed by the Twelve Bens and offering one of Ireland’s finest fly fishing experiences, the estate is rich in history and the atmosphere is relaxing from the moment you step inside. The breakfast at Ballynahinch is one of the best in Ireland, not least because the centrepiece of the buffet is a full roast ham that guests can help themselves to. Don’t miss Danni Barry’s stellar fine-dining service at the Owenmore Restaurant, overlooking the magnificent terraces. A B&B stay in a classic room from €305pn. The history of Lough Eske Castle can be traced back to the 14th century, when powerful local clans ruled the lands the castle now stands on, and this five-star resort has stood the test of time, even if it almost perished in a 1939 blaze. And after a €40 million investment 16 years ago it now bears its full, fitting regalia. Fifteen minutes outside Donegal town and nestled in 43 acres of woodland by the shore of Lough Eske and overlooked by the Blue Stack Mountains, it’s the perfect spot to explore Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way. Plus, stay two nights in a courtyard guest room and get a third free, from €525. On a sprawling 300 acres in lovely Co Leitrim, Lough Rynn marries old-world elegance with contemporary luxury. This 19th-century castle, the ancestral home of the Clements family and the infamous Lord Leitrim, has an abundance of secret corners, rooms and stairwells within its ancient walls, such as the secret entrance to the Dungeon Bar for great co*cktails. Past suits of armour, medieval staircases and walls adorned in gothic artefacts, explore the Baronial Hall or the John McGahern Library. Lough Rynn is also a gourmet destination, with fine dining at the 2AA Rosette-awarded Sandstone Restaurant. B&B doubles from €149pn. One of Ireland’s oldest inhabited castles (circa 1180), Kilkea Castle was once the medieval stronghold of the earls of Kildare, the FitzGeralds. Today it’s a 140-bedroom resort set on 180 acres of landscaped gardens and ancient woodland just an hour’s drive from Dublin, but if you have pockets deep enough you can hire the entire place. Tastefully decorated in rich fabrics and sleek finishes, the hotel is still family-owned — by Jay and Christy Cashman — and also offers a tranquil Elemis spa and a challenging 18-hole championship golf course. Why not also take the drive of your life on the unique 4x4 off-road experience? B&B doubles from €144pn. Sink into the gothic stylings of this 18th-century castle in rural Roscommon, between a secluded forest and the lapping waters of Lough Meelagh. Something about this time of year makes Kilronan Castle an unbeatable prospect, with its open fires, banquet-worthy dishes and cosy atmosphere. Incredible to think that less than 20 years ago this same building was in such disrepair it bore no roof and only perimeter walls. Now Kilronan is relishing in its regality once again. The executive head chef Daniel Willimont’s dishes in the Douglas Hyde Restaurant pair French technique with local flavours. B&B doubles from €159pn. Set on 100 acres of parkland and gardens, with the magnificent backdrop of Dun a Ri Forest Park, Cabra Castle in Co Cavan oozes old-world charm and is one of the most popular wedding venues in the country but it’s also prime for a cosy end-of-year escape. With more than 100 bedrooms, a mix between castle and courtyard, for more private stays consider a cottage or renovated gate lodge. The Taste of Christmas package starts at €199pn and includes mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, a courtyard superior room stay with a full Irish to wake up to. Set on not ten, not a hundred, but one thousand acres of undulating Irish countryside, Castle Leslie Estate remains one of the greatest Irish castle stays imaginable. Expect old-school hospitality in the service and rich, old-world glamour in the stylings. This is check-in to check out territory. Picture this: beautiful boudoirs, antiques and heirlooms, throne toilets, log fires, a grand piano, afternoon tea in the drawing room, boating on the lake, horse-drawn carriage rides . . . Need we go on? Stay from €185. Try your hand at archery or hit the spa at Mount Falcon hotel BARRY MURPHY From fairy trails for the little ones to sporty fun for teens and adult kids, there’s something for all the clan It may have a Michelin-starred restaurant but Mount Juliet’s kids’ menu is mercifully designed to please even the pickiest of eaters. Similarly, a whimsical children’s afternoon tea is a real treat, while if parents are celebrating a special occasion, the in-house team of babysitters are on hand. Check in for a two-night winter break with a family room at the casual Hunter’s Yard and enjoy the Mount Juliet Juniors Club, pool, health club access and dinner on one evening, from €499pn. The playground is also an unmissable adventure for kids with a zip wire, swings and slides, while the delightful Fairy Garden sits right alongside it. There’s a reason families keep going back to the Dunloe and it’s not complicated: keep the kids happy and the parents always seem to return. Striking the right balance between five-star luxury design and service while keenly conscious about catering to younger guests, the Dunloe is a spoil for the whole family. With a stunning setting and spacious family rooms, the range of activities is unbeatable: adventure playground, kids’ clubs and movie nights, a heated indoor pool, pony treks, Co Kerry’s largest fairy trail and fishing excursions. Take the time to explore the 64 acres of parklands, arboretum and the ruins of the 13th-century Dunloe Castle. Stay from €290pn. From November to January, Center Parcs in Longford Forest transforms into a winter wonderland. From the festive setting to the daily activities, the little ones are treated to a magical adventure, while the hearts of even the grinchiest of parents will soften with seasonal cheer. Take walks in the enchanted garden full of twinkling lights before storytime with Nutmeg the reindeer. Discover Santa’s Woodland Village then wave at the man himself as he passes by each evening on his sleigh. Meet the elves and collect stickers for your elf passport, plus there are choir performances and toymaking workshops. Stay in a three-bedroom lodge from €1149 for three nights. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then — if you’ll excuse the pun — a Fota is worth a thousand memories. Imagine a private island resort with a great big wildlife park plus an adventure centre where you can spend hours of family fun learning bushcraft, navigating obstacle courses and fine-tuning your archery skills and you get the idea — it’s the stuff of legend for little ones. Not to mention the fairy trails, golf course and pool. Book into either the 131-room hotel or the luxury self-catering lodges. There are restaurants on site or you’re a 30-minute drive from the centre of Cork city and its array of cool eateries. B&B doubles from €199pn. An island resort on 310 acres just ten minutes from Waterford city and accessed via a two-minute ferry ride, Waterford Castle offers not only history and heritage but a vast scale of activities — from tennis and basketball to an 18-hole championship golf course, driving range and lawn croquet. Don’t miss Eliza the fairy on the new woodland walk, definitely prioritise some time to check out the playground and consider exploring the brilliant Waterford Greenway cycling and hiking track near by. The three-bedroom self-catering lodges, overlooking the golf course with private patios, are a great option for families, from €200pn. Did you know that children under 12 stay free with their parents at the Lodge at Ashford Castle? Around Halloween, kids are catered for with a special two-night family package including treasure hunts, movie screenings, baking classes and arts and crafts. The Lodge offers country house charm on the vast 350 acres of the castle’s estate in Cong, while for foodie families it’s perfect, with much of the produce seasonally sourced or grown on site. In December a festive package offers a three-course Harbour Ballroom lunch (€55 per adult, €25 per child) followed by a magical visit to Santa’s grotto. B&B doubles from €195pn. Turf fires, lake views, nature trails and flocking to where falcons, hawks and owls are found — for a luxury rural escape with a grown-up family, teenagers or adult kids, Mount Falcon is an idyll set among 100 acres of mature woodland. Equidistant between Ballina and Foxford, and just 15 minutes from Lough Conn, choose between the luxury rooms in the 19th-century manor or one of the 45 luxury lodges. And when it comes to activities, Mount Falcon has it all, whether you want a spa break, a gourmet escape or a bracing immersion in nature with golf, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and archery on offer, plus a range of walks. B&B doubles from €230pn. This four-star hotel in Gorey prides itself on being zoned in on kids’ entertainment: its tireless itinerary of activities offers them ample enjoyment (and elicits a sigh of relief from parents), from birds of prey displays, reptile shows and a petting farm to go-karting, archery and mini golf. And don’t miss the vibrant Amber Park (open daily from 9am to sunset) and the Amber Express train, which also has seasonal Halloween and Christmas experiences. On rainy days and cold evenings the fun doesn’t stop, with lots of indoor activities, from dancing and movie nights to the teen chillout room, pool and spa. B&B doubles from €185pn. Fresh from a €1 million refurbishment of its signature lounges, co*cktail bar and reimagined Geo restaurant, Galway’s hippest designer hotel continues to retain that five-star feeling. Conveniently located away from the bustle of the city, if you’re planning a trip to the Galway Christmas Market on Eyre Square, why not grab a hot chocolate at check-in before hopping on the daily shuttle to the market (for stays between November 11 and December 22, €193pn) where a variety of entertainment and stalls await, from amusem*nt rides and a Santa Express Train to live music and seasonal food. Step back in time and check into a hotel with a legendary location. Titanic Hotel Belfast is only steps from the museum that charts the rise and demise of the luxury liner that was built by Harland & Wolff in this very city. Really half-hotel and half-museum, all luxury nautical stylings and memorabilia, it is set in the former H&W headquarters and drawing offices. Santa pops by on the weekend in December, while a seasonal menu is served in the Wolff Grill restaurant. B&B doubles from €160pn. The InterContinental Dublin is known for its Christmas decorations If you’re after super-luxe spas, cookery schools and swanky bars, head to these hotspots for indulgent end of year catch-ups with family and friends The town of Athlone has never been more alluring for a getaway now that the Press Up hospitality group has rejuvenated Glasson Lakehouse. It’s set on the shores of Lough Ree, and there’s something for everyone, from teeing off at the golf course and taking to the lake for kayaking or paddleboarding to the serene surrounds of the Brooks & Co spa. The restaurant Bonnie’s offers a chic dinner setting, complemented by pints and traditional food at Tom’s Fish & Tackle bar. Rooms run the gamut from lake-view luxury to family suites, plus one-bedroom outdoor cabins. The hotel is dog-friendly too. B&B doubles from €209pn. Timeless and elegant, at Dublin’s five-star urban resort on Simmonscourt Road in Ballsbridge you can expect a stunning festive foyer each winter. In December the pastry chef Orna Larkin’s champagne afternoon tea, €85pp, is served daily in the lobby lounge, while the chef Alberto Rossi’s winter menu and accompanying wine list is ideal for sparkling celebrations. For a low-key winter overnight stay or daycation, retire to the spa and heated indoor pool for ultimate relaxation and a choice of treatments — particularly the hot-stone massage and Harvest Mood facial, from €140 to €160 per person. B&B doubles from €320pn. Rock on into Dublin’s premium music-imbued abode, colourfully decorated and filled with dedications to Irish and international musicians, including outfits, instruments and memorabilia. There’s a soundtrack to suit every rock vibe with the in-room playlists, and you can even choose an electric guitar to be delivered to your digs, to jam to your heart’s content. Bedrooms range from luxuriously styled superior rooms right up to the penthouse rock star suite, which has a private terrace, barbecue and lounge. Located near Dublin City Hall, don’t miss the Zampas restaurant for its take on Peruvian dishes. B&B doubles from €215pn. The bridal suite at Glasson Lakehouse Neat, petite and set on Ranelagh’s main street, the Devlin may be a boutique bolt hole with 40 cosy rooms but it’s big on top-to-bottom detail, from a rooftop restaurant, with its vista of the Dublin mountains, to a subterranean cinema. The hotel’s Wrapped Up package, from €149pp B&B, is perfect for the chilly season, kicking off with co*cktails at the Americana bar, then a three-course dinner at Layla’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, followed by a late-night film with popcorn at the underground Stella cinema. In the morning enjoy a slap-up breakfast. B&B doubles from €170pn. Kick back in Kildare at the Club at Goffs, which aside from being set in the heart of thoroughbred county offers Michelin-quality dining at the restaurant overseen by the celebrated chef Derry Clarke. It’s located outside the town of Naas, and the setting offers country club comfort, while there are bountiful options nearby to bulk out a winter break itinerary, from walks and trails to the 240-acre Abbeyfield Farm. Or try your hand at firing an air rifle or some archery. Visit the Irish National Stud and Gardens, drop into Newbridge Silverware and peruse the boutiques at Kildare Village shopping centre. B&B doubles from €170pn. The Rabbit is the laid-back sister property of the Galgorm hotel and spa. This Templepatrick retreat, 20 minutes’ drive from Belfast and ten minutes from Belfast airport, offers a Getaway B&B package from £285 a room, which includes spa access, a private duo clay ritual and a three-course dinner at the Rabbit Restaurant. Choose between Scandi-style snugs, light and airy Comfy rooms (some with outdoor tubs), an XL-sized attic suite or lake and garden-view luxe rooms. Keep an eye out for the hotel’s Santa Sundays during the festive period. Pooches are welcome too. B&B doubles from €195pn. The first word in destination spa retreats in Ireland. For a pampering getaway with a difference Monart offers an ultimate adults-only oasis for rest and rejuvenation. Nestled in more than 100 acres of countryside in Co Wexford, the property has 68 deluxe bedrooms with lake or woodland views plus two luxury suites in the 18th-century manor house. And it offers one of the most comprehensive and contemporary thermal suites in the land. Venture through each of the nine rooms — from sauna to salt grotto — or prepare to be spoilt for choice by the goodies on offer in the 15 treatment rooms. B&B doubles from €358pn. In the centre of Georgian Dublin between galleries, studios and museums lies the Leinster. New to the market this November with an old-world charm, it is where to see and be seen this winter, especially with a martini in hand at the destination bar, which offers a dash of the Roaring Twenties. With 55 rooms and suites, the aesthetic throughout the hotel is timeless elegance, inspired by Merrion Square’s Georgian heritage, while the menu at the Collins Club traverses the globe. B&B doubles from €309pn. Culinary adventurers and groups of foodies should consider decamping to Dunbrody House, set in 300 acres of parkland on Wexford’s Hook Peninsula, for a winter catch-up. Combine an overnight package with a class at the cookery school, run by the celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, or savour a long, lavish dinner with friends feasting on a menu devout to local, seasonal flavours. For New Year’s Eve, dust off the feathers and fedoras for the most lavish prohibition party, kicking off with co*cktails followed by a vintage gala dinner and dancing. B&B doubles from €125pn. Neven Maguire needs no introduction but it’s a tight-knit team effort at MacNean House in Blacklion, where the celebrity chef and his wife, Amelda, offer an unrivalled and boutique culinary experience. From the famous nine-course tasting menu to the private Chef’s Table for groups of between 10 and 20 guests as well as half-day, hands-on but relaxed courses at the cookery school, food lovers are spoilt for choice. Rooms are available in the house, while a three-bedroom townhouse sleeping five is also bookable and ideal for groups or families. Don’t miss the famous MacNean porridge! B&B doubles from €150pn. Ballymaloe House has a long-established reputation for fine dining, style and service Snuggle up in cosy inns and country houses that mix traditional touches with modern flourishes For those yet to hit the road and drive the breathtaking Causeway Coast for the first time, consider us jealous. That first trip is magic — exploring the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle through towns such as Bushmills, Portrush and Portstewart. The Bushmills Inn, a 1600s former coaching inn that is now a four-star boutique hotel and restaurant, makes for a wonderful winter retreat. Be sure to cosy up next to a fireplace with a glass of mulled wine. B&B doubles from €190pn. Self-catering for a group trip can sometimes mean compromise but not if you book the Quay House in Clifden. This 200-year-old property, originally built for the harbour master, is cosy, comfortable and welcoming. It operates as a B&B and there is a private rental next door, where you take over the seven bedrooms, sleeping up to 18 guests, which we love for a group trip. The owners, Paddy and Julia Foyle, are always on hand with local knowledge and the house is just a seven-minute walk from the centre of Clifden, with its lively bars and restaurants. From €809 for the house rental in December. Dating back to 1727 and, as they say, a “tree length” from medieval Carlingford, Ghan House is the perfect jumping point to Sea Louth, a seafood trail around the wee county’s coast, from Fisherman’s Catch to the Glyde Inn to supping Carlingford oysters right at source. This family-run Georgian house with just 11 guest rooms has won multiple awards. It is set in three acres of walled, mature gardens with a further eight acres of stables and fields. The food offering is particularly popular; the menu uses produce grown by the hotel as well as by local suppliers. B&B doubles from €210pn. The open fire at Ballymaloe House In well-explored Connemara, finding that little off-the-beaten-track gem is sometimes a challenge, but that’s where Lough Inagh Lodge comes in. As it is set picturesquely between mountain and lake, the landscape is the real draw, but the hospitality charmingly complements the pretty setting. Formerly a fishing lodge, it is now a lovingly furnished country retreat. The menu draws from the local larder, while in Connemara outdoor exploits are aplenty, from fishing and pony trekking to woodland trails and hikes. If snuggling up in Connemara in the depths of winter is your dream, pull up an armchair by the fire. B&B doubles from €190pn. With lighthouses, castles and townhouses to choose from, all the Irish Landmark Trust properties are special in their own way, but if you want to live out your cosy Jane Austen fantasies we can think of no better place than the Gatehouse at Castletown in Celbridge, Co Kildare. One of the three gatehouses that mark the entrance to the magnificent Castletown House, one of the most important 18th-century estates in Ireland, to stay here is to experience a tiny piece of history. An open fire, a bijou kitchen and cast-iron beds will make you feel like a Dashwood sister waiting to meet Colonel Brandon. A two-night winter break costs €488. Beach breaks and seaside sojourns aren’t strictly the preserve of summer — the colder months offer every opportunity for wrapping up for brisk walks on the beach or grabbing the togs for a chilly dip, eating fish and chips by the sea and falling asleep and waking up to the sound of crashing waves. Overlooking the postcard-pretty Dunmore East beach, this boutique, beachside bolt hole is an old-school idyll hotel that’s been lovingly run (and kept updated) by a family for three generations. It offers unrivalled sea views and, naturally, the local catch takes top billing on the menu. B&B doubles from €180pn. If Cork is the culinary hotbed of Irish cuisine right now and west Cork gets a majority share of the spotlight, then Cush in Ballycotton leads the charge for east Cork. Comprising a traditional seaside pub, Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant and a family-run guesthouse, this is one for the food lovers and destination diners who will delight at Dan Guerin’s seasonal Irish menu. Truly a paean to local produce on the plate, Guerin demonstrates exacting skill across a range of bright flavours. Why not make a night of it? The cosy guesthouse overlooking the harbour starts at €110 per room. You might think Rosses Point and boutique hotel don’t go in the same sentence but the Driftwood is changing that perception. In 2017 this charming, design-led restaurant bar and boutique B&B created a modern and cosy addition to the town, which sits on the Wild Atlantic Way. Each individually designed guest room shines in character, the devil being in the detail of course — think cast-iron rolltop baths, parquet flooring and reclaimed barn doors. The hotel’s Driftwood Smokehouse restaurant has a tempting menu running from Sligo Bay oysters and seafood chowder to confit duck, scampi tacos and chicken paillard. Stay from €85pn, room only. If in any doubt about the naming credentials here, this inn dates back more than 400 years to the early 17th century, but you wouldn’t think it from the modern treetop spa, the designer restaurant with its global menu, or the co*cktails at the 1614 bar. Here’s a spot — just five minutes from Bangor and fifteen minutes from Belfast — that marries modern and medieval brilliantly. Winter may be the best time of year to stay here for fireside gatherings, reading a book in a nook with a nip of whiskey or mug of hot chocolate, and later in the season even a spot of carolling. Tidings of great joy all around. B&B doubles from €184pn. Ballymaloe is all about the classics. Classic in food, style and service, and little has changed in that approach over the 60 years since the chef Myrtle Allen single-handedly enshrined Ballymaloe as the last word in Irish fine dining when she flung open the doors of her family home and became the first Irishwoman to attain a Michelin star. In winter sublime levels of cosiness are on offer at this fine example of a country house hotel. Fridays, when starters are scrapped for a gargantuan table of hors d’oeuvres, are particulary special. B&B doubles from €270pn.The Galmont Hotel & Spa
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