A well-earned Christmas hotel break may seem like an indulgence too far, but it could be better value than you think when the savings are taken into account– no over-buying for those festive meals, for a start… And, if Christmas itself is too much or doesn’t work out, other options to consider include offers throughout the festive season as well as those good value Twixmas breaks.
1. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Galway
Abbeyglen’s parrot, Froda
Set romantically in its own parkland valley overlooking Clifden and the sea, the crenellated Abbeyglen Hotel is family-owned and run in uniquely hands-on style by legendary hotelier brothers, Ronan and Brian Hughes, ably assisted by their most famous resident, Froda the parrot, who keeps an eye on all the comings and goings at reception.
Famed as a one-off destination, it’s one you just have to experience for yourself: the open fires, friendly bar, music, and the craic are always sure to win new friends. There’s loads of fun to be had, including a scenic Connemara car treasure hunt on St Stephen’s Day, and dinner is the main meal each day, so daytime choices are your own. 2-night Christmas Celebration from €1,050pps.
2. Clontarf Castle, Dublin
A cleverly renovated 12th century castle that combines the charm of the old with the comfort of the new, Clontarf Castle is welcoming, stylish and while convenient to both the airport and city centre it’s just a short walk to the seafront at Clontarf. The lantern-lit driveway and twinkling fairy lights set the tone, with open fires, traditional decoration, and that special castle ambience adding up to ‘Christmas as it should be!’ Two- three- or four-night stays are offered and prices are reasonable, so it’s well worth considering a longer break to take advantage of attractions in the immediate area (Dollymount Beach, Bull Island, St Anne’s Park) and handy access to the city centre. 2-night stay, 24-26 December, from €899pps.
3. Farnham Estate, Cavan
Irish Coffee at Farnham Estate
A winding driveway through parkland and greenways brings you to the dramatic entrance of Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort. A giant glass atrium links the classical 1810 house to its striking 21st century extension – impressive by any standards and what a grand entrance for a luxurious festive escape. Inside is warmth, elegance and festive charm, a place where fine food, cosy surroundings, and festive celebrations come together very nicely indeed.
The exterior of Farnham Estate Spa and Golf resort in Cavan
Two- and three-night festive packages begin well, with welcome drinks and Christmas Eve dinner in the restaurant (must book) while the main Christmas meal is a traditional lunch, so also allow time over your stay to make the most of the 1,300 acre estate, golf and (adult only) destination spa. 2/3-night package from €650/890pps.
4. Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford
Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford
A lovely location overlooking the Slaney estuary is its most famous USP, but this stylish modern sister property to Hotel Kilkenny and the nearby destination spa, Monart, is much more than a pretty setting. Popular with all ages, it has excellent amenities, including a superb health and fitness club, and cleverly combines on-site activities and the added interest of seasonal festivities in nearby Wexford town, including Wexford on Ice (November 27- January 3).
Promising a relaxing ‘Home Away from Home’ atmosphere and “the sound of the river birds, Ferrycarrig’s own alarm clock” the enticing two- and three-night Christmas stays include meals in their renowned Reeds Restaurant and music in the atmospheric Dry Dock Bar. 2/3 night package from €599pps; can upgrade to newly re-developed ‘Plus’ Rooms.
5. Harvey’s Point Hotel, Donegal
Harvey’s Point, Donegal
Blessed with one of Ireland’s most beautiful locations, this well-managed and luxuriously appointed hotel on the shores of Lough Eske was first opened by the Gysling family in 1989 and, although ownership changed in 2019, the wonderful staff remain its greatest strength – and perhaps especially at Christmas time, when the legendary Donegal hospitality is in full flight.
A four-night residential package is on offer and you’ll need every minute of it to fit in some exploration of this magical county as well as all the great food (including two 5-course dinners in the beautifully located Lakeside Restaurant) and activities that this experienced team have lined up for the festivities. 4-night package December 23-27 from €675 per night for two (€2,700 incl).
6. Hayfield Manor, Cork
Hayfield Manor in Co. Cork
Cork is the place for good food and celebrations, and with secluded gardens within walking distance of the city centre Hayfield Manor’s ‘Ultimate Christmas Experience’, it offers an enticing combination of great food, luxury and imaginative activities in an atmospheric big house setting.
A ’world of cheerfulness and peace’ is the promise – and Santa will visit the children, of course – but with The Drawing Room, The Library, The Manor Bar, Orchids Restaurant, Perrotts Garden Bistro, Bloom, and the sanctuary of The Beautique Spa (and swimming pool) on-site there’s no shortage of grown-up hideaways. Sister hotels Killarney Great Southern, Killarney Royal Townhouse and St Helen’s Dublin also offer festive options too. 3-night package from €3,900 for two; extra nights from €488.
7. Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick
Limerick Strand hotel
Its great riverside location, just across the Sarsfield Bridge and the heart of Limerick– is a major USP for this highly regarded modern hotel, which has great views of the Shannon and King John’s Castle from the upper floors – and a commendable focus on local and regional foods. Renowned for their festive breaks, the Christmas Residential Package ticks all the boxes: mulled wine and mince pies, festive dinner and live music on Christmas Eve; Bucks Fizz breakfast and five-course Christmas Day lunch; evening entertainment and supper, plus access to the hotel’s excellent leisure facilities (Note that a Panto Package is offered before and after Christmas. See also offers at sister hotels at mhlhotelcollection.com. 2-night package, from €561pps.
8. Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny
Newpark hotel Kilkenny
Very much at the heart of local activities and just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, the Flynn family’s recently renovated 1960s hotel enjoys a well-earned reputation as a family destination. Popular for multi- generational Christmas stays, it has dedicated family and interconnecting rooms, along with playgrounds for children of all ages, a Kids’ Camp, Jurassic Newpark (the place to meet Santa himself), and festive family movies – but also an adults-only outdoor infinity pool and fireside spots for grown-ups to relax with a glass of mulled wine.
And, from a walk to Kilkenny Castle or a drive out to Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny’s top attractions are all nearby. 3-night Christmas Experience from €633pps per night. (See also sister hotels Park Hotel Dungarvan and The Old Ground Ennis.)
9. Roe Valley Resort, Derry
Roe Valley Resort, Derry
Set in the lovely Roe Valley Country Park just outside Limavady and overlooking its own 18 hole golf course, Roe Valley Resort is now in the Galgorm Collection and – while already known as a golf and spa resort and since it was upgraded – they have transformed the kids activities to create an exceptional family destination (winner of the Georgina Campbell Family Friendly Hotel of the Year 2026), which translates into a very special Christmas offer. The programme may sound familiar enough, but the amenities and the welcome are exceptional.
It’s not all about kids either and there’s a thoughtfully organised offer for couples too, and all less than half an hour from the buzz of festivities in Derry. Adults from £650pps, kids under 12 £185.
10. Sheen Falls Lodge, Kerry
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kerry
A Kerry gem since 1991, the waterside location of this quietly luxurious and stylish hotel just across the river from Kenmare town is beautiful at any time of year and never more so than at Christmas, when new and returning guests enjoy watching the light fade over snow-capped mountains while anticipating an excellent dinner in the atmospheric Stables Restaurant or the famed riverside Falls Restaurant.
Welcoming fires do their work well in the handsome foyer and the festive package offers treats – including some dog-friendly rooms and a final Gala Dinner on December 26. Promising that ‘a sense of tranquillity and enchantment awaits you’ may sound a tall order, but Sheen Falls can deliver. 3-night package for two from €1,260 per night.