If you’re visiting Ireland over the Christmas period, you’re in for a treat – there is nothing like the atmosphere of Christmas in Ireland! The weather is crisp, the fires are roaring, the food is just superb and, of course, festive cheer abounds wherever you go.

If you are spending Christmas and New Year’s in Ireland, these are the top 5 places we recommend staying:

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

Christmas at Hayfield Manor
Christmas at Hayfield Manor

Hayfield Manor Hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel in Cork city centre in Ireland. A stay at this Cork boutique hotel, which is an experience in itself, is particularly special during the Christmas period, with an exceptionally festive backdrop and ambiance from the moment you come through the front door.

Let the festivities begin with a seasonally themed Afternoon Tea service. As afternoon becomes Eve, soak up the cheerful atmosphere while sipping warmed mulled wine and being serenaded with heartwarming Christmas carols by the local choir.  Your evening celebrations continue with a festive meal of the finest local fare.

Following evening ceremonies or as a nightcap, enjoy warming hot port and mince pies in front of an open fire. 

Roaring Fires and Festive Cheer at Hayfield Manor Hotel

Christmas Day begins with Hayfield Manor’s famous Irish breakfast. Spend the morning relaxing in the luxury of your room or in a cozy corner in one of the resident lounges.  Christmas Day celebrations commence in earnest with a Champagne toast which precedes a Traditional Christmas Lunch – a gourmet spectacle featuring all your traditional festive favorites. The evening culminates with a light buffet supper. After that, relax by the fire with family and new-found friends to enjoy the enchanting tones of classical piano, or retire to the peace and luxury of your room for the final hours of Christmas Night. 

St Stephen’s Day, as we call it December 26th, begins with a leisurely breakfast. Then opt to visit The Beautique Spa for some rejuvenating therapies or perhaps take to the city’s streets to enjoy the excitement of the commencement of the sales season.

In the evening, musical entertainment will add a lively note to the enjoyment of your St Stephen’s Night dinner. As bedtime beckons, slip away for a peaceful last night’s slumber at Hayfield Manor. Christmastime at Hayfield Manor is a truly magical experience!

Cashel Palace

Cashel Palace

Experience the enchantment of Christmas in the magical surroundings of Cashel Palace. Nestled between town and the countryside, this Palladian Manor is the perfect settling place to spend the festive period this year.

Bauble-laden spruces shall tower around the reception rooms and the halls will be decked with yuletide cheer. Enter a realm of peace and joy and let their Palace People take care of your every Christmas wish during a decadent three-day escape.

Once you have experienced A Cashel Palace Christmas, you will never want to spend it anywhere else!

Castlemartyr Resort

Christmas-Stays-at-Castlemartyr-Cork
Christmas at Castlemartyr Resort

A festive retreat like no other, there are many reasons to choose Castlemartyr Resort this Christmas – the exceptional level of service, the unsurpassed attention to detail, the magnificent grandeur of the Manor House, the lavish array of delicious seasonal food, the indulgent element of escape and the pleasure of Christmas spent in beautiful Cork countryside.

Castlemartyr Resort has plenty for you to enjoy this Christmas. On arrival, warm up with a glass of mulled wine, then wrap up and take a stroll around the beautiful formal gardens, the castle grounds, and the surrounding woodlands that encompass the 220-acre estate.

Christmas Eve begins with a welcome cocktail reception in The Manor House with festive carols from our local choir. This is followed by a delectable 5-course meal. Post dinner, delight in the festive atmosphere beneath the magnificent Lafranchini ceiling of The Knights Bar.

For our Junior Guests, we will have a very special visitor, who is sure to bring a burst of festive cheer to the young and the young at heart.

Awaken on Christmas morning to join us for breakfast in Canopy. Enjoy the magical settings of the many spacious guest lounges of Castlemartyr Resort on Christmas Day, find a cozy corner for opening gifts while listening to joyous melodies, or take to the outdoors to work up a hearty appetite.

Then it’s time for the main event – your Christmas meal prepared by the Executive Chef and is a feast of festive and indulgent delicious delights.

Following your Christmas Day meal experience, retire to Canopy Bar, The Knights Bar, or to The Library to relax and unwind or perhaps get into the fun competitive spirit with our selection of board games or cozy up to watch a selection of classic Christmas movies-a delight for all ages.

Later that evening, a light buffet supper will be served for you to enjoy at your leisure; the perfect end to an enchanting Christmas day.

The Merrion

The Merrion Hotel at Christmas
Christmas at the Merrion Hotel in Dubin

Crackling open fires, rich Georgian Drawing Rooms, deep sofas, and a glass of champagne with Father Christmas – Let the five-star Merrion Hotel warmly welcome you to a wonderful Christmas in Dublin.

The Merrion, located in the heart of Dublin city center, is the capital’s most luxurious five-star hotel, and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The 142-bedroom and suite hotel is as welcoming as it is stylish. An impeccable restoration of four Georgian townhouses, The Merrion is a marriage of exquisite comfort, relaxed elegance, and advanced guest facilities, including free Wi-Fi, an 18m pool, spa, and gym.

The Merrion is home to the 2-star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, The Cellar Bar, The Garden Room, and the intimate No. 23 Cocktail Bar.

This 5-star luxury hotel is to be found in the heart of Georgian Dublin, opposite Government Buildings and a few minutes’ walk from galleries, museums, the I.F.S.C, Dublin Convention Centre, pubs, restaurants, and the shops of Grafton Street.

Mount Juliet

A White Christmas at Mount Juliet
A White Christmas at Mount Juliet

Mount Juliet Estate is a beautifully luxurious 5-star hotel located in Co. Kilkenny. Mount Juliet at Christmas is a winter wonderland and there is no finer way to celebrate Christmas 2022 than to visit for a magical stay. Warm crackling fires and delicious cuisine will make your Christmas a special and memorable event.

A truly enchanting setting that captures the magic of Christmas with impeccable service throughout your stay. Spoil yourself and your family with a relaxing Christmas stay and experience the magic that Mount Juliet Estate can offer.

Contact us now to arrange your vacation to Ireland at Christmas and New Year 2022. We offer a full service, from suggesting itineraries, booking hotels, restaurants, and experiences, to our renowned Driver Guides escorting you around Ireland on a trip of a lifetime in our luxurious vehicles .