Travel Festive hotel breaks
Treat yourself and a loved one to a bit of festive luxury at one of these hotels putting on the Ritz for Christmas
Afternoon Tea at Dromoland
Set on the shores of its own lake, just outside Newmarket-on-Fergus in Co. Clare, this has to be one of the country’s most majestic hotel resorts. Enjoy a pre-Christmas treat with Dromoland’s special festive afternoon tea. Luxuriate in deep sofas beside a crackling open fire and relish the creations of executive head chef David McCann. With the festive twist of mulled wine, enjoy a variety of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with home-made jams and clotted cream, festive pastries, mince pies, chocolate roulade and delicious seasonal treats, all washed down with Dromoland’s house blend of tea. Available from December 1 to January 2, at €47.50 per person. dromoland.ie or call 061-346 7007.
Christmas at the Dylan
Just off Upper Baggot Street in Dublin’s salubrious southside, the five-star Dylan Hotel is a perfectly located hideaway for a shopping trip or a cosy catch-up with friends. Try some seasonal fine dining at Tavern restaurant or a sumptuous afternoon tea with a selection of decadent delights. Dylan’s expert mixologists will also prepare favourite Christmas cocktails. Right now, the Dylan has one and two-night packages for Christmas Day stays, something many of us might wish for as we face the mountain of catering the year’s biggest meal often entails. Festivities begin with a mulled wine reception on Christmas Eve for guests, with a four-course Christmas dinner, a bespoke Christmas gift and board games by the fire. Christmas packages start at €572 per room for a one-night stay For more information, visit dylan.ie.
In the heart of County Meath
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa lies in picturesque Co Meath just outside Dublin, a great spot for a cosy winter escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Seoíd Spa is home to a range of premium spa treatments and a Thermal Suite, with a hydrotherapy pool, the laconium, steam room, sauna, heated loungers and outdoor hot tub.
A Christmas-inspired afternoon tea is served in the terrace lounge or in the private dining room for a more intimate affair. On Christmas Eve, guests are welcomed with mulled wine and sweet pastries. Start Christmas morning with breakfast and bubbles, before settling down for a morning beside a roaring fire. Christmas dinner will be served in the IVY restaurant, with live music and dancing in the Sadlier bar. Dunboyne Castle Christmas package starts at €490 per person sharing. See dunboynecastlehotel.com
Adults only Christmas break at Hotel Kilkenny
Enjoy the medieval city of Kilkenny in a peaceful adults-only environment, with a stay at the four-star Hotel Kilkenny. Start with a Christmas Eve meal in the elegant Taste Restaurant, followed by live entertainment in Pure Bar. On Christmas Day, breakfast with prosecco and enjoy an invigorating swim or steam in the five-star Active Club, before a traditional Christmas lunch in Taste Restaurant, with a visit from magician Andy James. Christmas is a family occasion, so the hotel allows children at the 12.30pm lunch sitting, but the 3.30pm sitting is for adult residents only. Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed late breakfast on St. Stephen›s Day. Two and three-night stays at Hotel Kilkenny this Christmas start at €389-499 per person sharing. See hotelkilkenny.ie