[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Many of us are looking to take the stress out of Christmas – and late as it is, it’s not too late to find a great holiday deal at home.
Luckily, we’re spoilt for choice to have many truly first-class hotels and resorts in Ireland, with a Christmas getaway offering the chance for you to get some well-deserved TLC.
Whether close to Dublin or over near the other side of the country, here are a couple of delightful destinations to check out, and consider checking into for a lovely, luxurious Christmas break …
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Escape to the hidden gem that is The Lodge at Ashford Castle, to delight in a truly festive stay, celebrating the best of the magical season indoors and outdoors this Christmas outside Cong, Co Mayo.
Showcasing some of the wonderful country pursuits available in this part of the world, Christmas at the Lodge at Ashford Castle offers options a firsthand look at some of the best of Irish scenery, including falconry, archery, and a jaunt across the countryside with a woodland walk through some of the lush local forests set on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without an array of scrumptious food, and as a guest you’ll find savoury and sweet deliciousness at Wilde’s, expertly run with the inventive and innovative direction of head chef Jonathan Keane.
Enjoy an evening of merry conversation with the crackle of an open fire in the distance and the soft glow of Christmas all around.
Whether it’s yourself, or travelling with a loved one or, indeed, the whole family, guests will be delightfully full as they retire to their rooms for a perfect night’s sleep in the cosy beds at The Lodge, with the whistle of Winter’s chill far in the distance.
Enjoy a one night Christmas stay from now to January 6, including breakfast, dinner in Wilde’s, mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, and a late check-out at 1pm, from €299, with two nights from €369.
Optional extras include trying your hand at the ancient art of falconry with a ‘Hawk Walk’ under the supervision of Ireland’s School of Falconry, upgrades to a suite, and many other additional treats.
For further information, see www.thelodgeac.com, telephone 094 954 5400, or email [email protected].
Hunter’s Yard at Mount Juliet Estate
Closer to home, Co Kilkenny is home to the cosy and comfortable surroundings of Hunter’s Yard, the more casual, laid-back luxury option at Mount Juliet Estate just an hour away from Dublin.
This elegant courtyard, just five minutes’ walk from the Manor House, is home to the bright and spacious rooms of the Hunter’s Yard.
A tranquil hideaway adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus signature-designed golf course, Hunter’s Yard is only a few paces from Mount Juliet Spa with its excellent range of restorative treatments, and is home to the tempting menus of The Hound at Hunter’s Yard, which offers all-day dining.
With plenty of fresh country air to invigorate and exquisite gardens and majestic woodlands across Mount Juliet Estate to explore, with their variety of native and exotic trees, you could just as easily curl up with a good book or read the papers by the fire in the manor house – this is your time to relax.
A two-night stay in Hunter’s Yard from December 27 to January 2, with breakfast each morning, a complimentary bottle of prosecco on arrival, free parking and complimentary WiFi, is available for €445, based on two people sharing.
Enjoy a perfect Irish country Twixmas at Hunter’s Yard – a fresh take on Mount Juliet’s rich heritage of hospitality and make the time between Christmas and the New Year even more memorable this year.
For further information, see www.mountjuliet.ie, telephone 056 777 3010, or email [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
