By Eoin Higgins
19th Nov 2020
19th Nov 2020
Buy Irish, support Irish – this year, more than ever, the appetite to #ShopIrish is strong. Here’s our bumper round-up of the best Irish stays, experiences and vouchers to show some love to this Christmas.
1 Kilkea Castle
Prepare to feel like royalty when you enter the grounds of one of the oldest inhabited Castles in Ireland. With history dating back to 1180, Kilkea Castle captures the mystical charm of the 12th Century with a patina of timeless sophistication and style. After a major renovation, Kilkea is delighted to welcome you and yours. Gift vouchers come in all shapes and sizes, focusing on foodie, golf, or spa enhanced stays. less than an hour from Dublin. kilkeacastle.ie
2 Wild Soul Yoga & Wellness
Keep your bestie or your fam in tip-top shape with the gift of yoga. Or, as the website suggests, “have yourself a yogic little Christmas”. Whatever it is, Wild Soul Yoga & Wellness have you covered for vouchers for wellness workshops, private yoga sessions and lots more lovely zen stuff. wildsoul.ie
3 Dromoland Castle
Ireland’s most magical address, Dromoland Castle in Co Clare has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. The ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland, they’ve got nobility and hospitality in their DNA. Vouchers cover everything from afternoon tea to luxurious overnight stays. dromoland.ie
4 Eden One
Touted as Dublin’s “finest health club and spa”, Eden One offers spa day packages that includes the Pure Indulgence Day Spa Experience. Nurturing tired and aching muscles with a fusion of massages and stretches before experiencing Natura Bissé’s most effective and innovative facial treatment, the Diamond Experience Life Infusion Ritual. This specialised massage combined with Natura Bissé’s “red carpet facial” is a perfectly soothing gift. edenone.ie
5 Lough Eske Castle Estate
The gorgeous Lough Eske in the wilds of Donegal is a bolthole to revel and relax in with style. The five-star accommodation comprises spa, pool, excellent restaurant and lodges, suites and much more. The one-night “Luxury Spa Eskape” ticks all the right boxes for a special gift to a loved one or friend. lougheskecastlehotel.com
6 Powerscourt Hotel & Spa
Christmas stay deals abound at the beautiful Powerscourt Hotel in this stunning part of the country. A Classic Powerscourt Christmas Experience encompasses two days and nights of the best of luxury accommodation, dining and entertainment. Let the festive backdrop and ambiance captivate you on arrival, as carol singers entertain whilst you sit back and enjoy mince pies and mulled wine. powerscourthotel.com
7 Rathmullan House
Spend your time in total relaxation and serenity, with Rathmullen’s uniquely decorated rooms. Indulge your palate in either of the two award-winning restaurants on-site and find out more about this handsome Georgian house, built in the 1760s by the local bishop and tastefully extended over the last 250 years. Spring break stays and dinner for two vouchers available. rathmullanhouse.com
8 Nesbitt Arms Hotel
Nestled in a valley surrounded by spectacular scenery along the Co Donegal stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel is an ideal haven to relax after a day exploring all that the unique coastline has to offer. Vouchers start at €50 and can be purchased online. nesbittarms.com
9 The Westbury Hotel
Christmas treats abound at Dublin’s Westbury where the festive atmosphere is always ramped up. Treat someone special this season to a luxurious overnight suite experience. The ‘Suite Celebration’ voucher includes one night’s accommodation in a beautifully-appointed suite, full breakfast in-room or in glamourous WILDE restaurant and a bottle of chilled Champagne (in-room upon arrival). doylecollection.com
10 The Mustard Seed
Tasteful, elegant and brimming with a focused attention to detail, The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge in Co Limerick is a staycation destination to savour. Think acres of manicured lawns, an orchard, a working kitchen garden, a multi award-winning kitchen, and sumptuous interiors. This eclectic, heritage hideaway is the perfect house to escape from it all. Overnight gift vouchers from €290. mustardseed.ie
11 Monart Spa
Gifting five-star style has never been easier than with Monart Destination Spa. Monart, whose versatile gift cards can be used towards payment for accommodation, their day spa, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or treatments. The minimum value is €50 with incremental increases of €50. Purchasers will receive a payment confirmation by email and the gift card will arrive by post. Meanwhile, there is no expiry date on Monart gift cards. monart.ie
12 The Merrion
The Merrion is the capital’s most tasteful five-star hotel, as welcoming as it is stylish. An impeccable restoration of four Georgian townhouses, it is a marriage of comfort, relaxed elegance and advanced guest facilities, including an 18m pool, spa and gym. It’s also home to the two-star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, The Cellar Bar, The Garden Room, and the intimate No. 23 Cocktail Bar … beautifully presented, its gift vouchers, which are available via post, are a joy to receive. The ‘5-Star Steal’ (€370) comprises dinner for two in the Garden Room restaurant followed by an overnight stay with breakfast. merrionhotel.com
13 Knockranny House Hotel
Yoga heaven can be found at Knockranny House Hotel in marvellous Co Mayo, the best way to kick-start a new year, combined with the cosy surroundings and warm hospitality of the popular accommodation. Taking place (January 22-24), check in on Friday evening for an introduction and wellness talk from Carrie Cann, manager of the hotel’s award winning Spa Salveo and Derrick Dark of The Yoga Root. Available from €205 per person sharing, the Yoga Weekend includes two nights bed & breakfast with dinner in the award-winning La Fougère Restaurant, together with one wellness talk and two restorative yoga classes. knockrannyhousehotel.ie
14 Cliff House Hotel
With an exciting new chef at the helm, Cliff House Hotel, where The House restaurant holds a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes, a gourmet break to this beautiful hotel is more tempting than ever. Ian Doyle comes to Cliff House after a period working at two-Michelin star Oaxen Krog in Stockholm, and prior to that in the world-renowned Noma. You can enjoy a delicious eight-course seafood-focused menu, including overnight accommodation in a Sea View Room and a full Irish breakfast, costing from €439 for two people sharing. cliffhousehotel.ie
15 Castleknock Hotel
Some much-needed rest and relaxation is the top of everyone’s Christmas list this year and Castleknock Hotel has just the gift with their new ‘Relaxation to a Tea’ experience. A lovely gift to yourself or someone in need of a little time out, enjoy a back, neck and shoulder massage followed by a Taster Elemis Spa facial and afternoon tea to finish off a memorable away day. €105pp and vouchers are valid for five years. castleknockhotel.com
16 Ice House Hotel
For those that couldn’t say ‘I do’ in 2020, the acclaimed Ice House Hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way is on hand to offer some much-needed romance and relaxation with their new experience: ‘Minimoons on the Moy’ … a luxurious two-night stay, with bubbles, chocolates and an in-room bubble bath on arrival, a petal turndown on one evening and the option to enjoy breakfast in bed each morning. From €580. icehousehotel.ie
17 The Heritage
A Christmas present to look forward to, gift the Afternoon Retreat at Laois get-away The Heritage to someone special and they can enjoy a decadent afternoon enjoying a signature Afternoon Tea along with pampering time in the spa. Unwind in the thermal suite while you enjoy ‘The Heritage Spa Experience’ followed by a bespoke mini facial to leave your skin feeling fresh and radiant, finishing up with a Muscle Melting Back Massage to relax, restore and revitalise the body. Feeling fully relaxed and rejuvenated, the next treat is Afternoon Tea. The Heritage Afternoon Retreat is available to purchase as a Gift Voucher for €110 (to be used midweek) or €130 (weekend use). theheritage.com
18 Classic Afternoon Tea at The Shelbourne
The Lord Mayor’s Lounge at The Shelbourne is home to one of the most pleasurable of rituals at Dublin’s favourite five-star hotel – afternoon tea. The Classic Afternoon Tea includes all the essential elements of a traditional afternoon tea, with the selection of impeccably dainty sandwiches and homemade buttermilk scones with clotted cream and jams and exquisite pastries created by Executive Chef Garry Hughes. Available for €52 per person, with Champagne Afternoon Tea from €68 per person. theshelbourne.com
19 Ballynahinch Castle
The best memories await at Ballynahninch Castle, one of Ireland’s favourite luxury hideaways. For music lovers, rest, recharge and take a leaf from the Ballynahinch book of life as you experience the hotel’s ‘Vinyl Package’, which includes an overnight stay with a turntable of choice in your room and a choice of albums from the castle’s extensive music collection. Put your feet up and enjoy the soundtrack to your evening with a specially prepared cocktail to match your music choice before room service dinner is served as you watch night fall over the estate. The Vinyl Package experience is available to gift this Christmas from €430 based on two people sharing. ballynahinch-castle.com
20 Killakee Christmas Tree Farm
Enjoy family fun and fresh air while picking the perfect Christmas Tree at the Killakee Christmas Tree Farm. Enjoy some fresh air, stay socially distant and have some much needed fun. This family run, sustainable Christmas tree farm, nestled in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, has been welcoming visitors to its farm for over a decade. Bookings can be now! christmastreefarm.ie
21 Number 31
Number 31 is one of the most beloved luxury boltholes in Dublin City and a night there is a unique gift. Guests can book into one of the elegant Georgian or modernist mews rooms, then enjoy a tipple or two from the honesty bar while relaxing in the sunken lounge in front of a welcoming fire. The following morning they will be greeted by Delia’s award-winning breakfast, the most delicious way to start the day. Gift vouchers for an overnight stay for two with breakfast start from €170.
22 Stauntons on the Green
A night away in one of Dublin’s most coveted literary hotels is a fantastic way to show ’em some love this Christmas. Treat your special someone to a one-night stay in a beautiful Deluxe Double room located in the heart of Dublin city, overlooking St Stephen’s Green, and enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the morning. Gift voucher prices for bed and breakfast start from €145. stauntonsonthegreen.ie
23 Eccles Hotel & Spa
Give the gift of escapism with a night in West Cork’s Eccles Hotel & Spa. An artisan three-course dinner with locally foraged produce by Head Chef Eddie Attwell, followed by a peaceful night’s sleep and an award-winning breakfast in the morning is a treat for all the senses. With a glass of festive mulled wine on arrival, sipped next to a roaring fire, Eccles Hotel & Spa is the perfect escape. eccleshotel.com
24 Wineport Lodge
Give the gift of tranquillity and luxury with a one-night getaway to Wineport. Situated on the banks of Lough Ree, an escape in the heart of Ireland to relax, savour a delicious dinner and enjoy a lazy breakfast in bed is the perfect gift this Christmas. Guests can dust off the cobwebs and borrow a bike from the Lodge to explore the Glasson countryside, then they can enjoy a tempting meal in the award-winning lakeview restaurant. Following a peaceful night’s sleep, guests can rejuvenate in the lakeside hot tub, a most relaxing way to start the day. Prices for this one-night cosy getaway with dinner and breakfast start from €375. wineport.ie
25 The K Club
For golfers of every ability there’s a superb range of gift options to suit all levels at the five-star K Club in Co Kildare. Enjoy the challenge of playing the two outdoor courses regularly as a lucky member or improve your game playing some of the best courses in the world in the exciting and sophisticated new K Golf World concept at the resort. Vouchers are available for K Golf World from €50. kgolfworld.ie
26 The River Lee hotel
Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Lee, overlooking the colourful Cork cityscape, check in to The River Lee in 2021 and enjoy some much needed me-time, switching off from the new normal and taking time to catch-up with someone special. The ‘Rosé & Stay’ overnight escape is priced at €170 per room Sunday to Thursday and €190 per room Friday and Saturday. Price is based on two people sharing. thedoylecollection.com
27 Fire and Ice at Velvære Spa
Created in Beverly Hills and known as ‘The Red Carpet Facial’, give the gift of great skin with Velvære (pronounced vel-va-ray), at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin. Loved by A-listers, iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial is an intensive medi-facial clinically formulated with the purest pharmaceutical grade ingredients. velvaerespa.ie
28 Hard Rock Hotel Dublin
The stage is set for the perfect gift to impress the music lover in your life – an overnight stay in the exclusive Rock Star Suite on the top floor of the Hard Rock Hotel. An overnight stay in the Rock Star Suite with dinner and cocktails in Zampas Bar & Restaurant and breakfast the following morning, plus all music experiences, is available from €750 per night based on two people sharing. hardrockhotels.com
29 Faithlegg
Whether it’s a romantic weekend away, a girly afternoon of treatments and bubbly, a special birthday celebrated over afternoon tea or fresh air and chats on the golf course, this Christmas give the gift of Faithlegg to a loved one and make sure they have something fabulous to look forward to in 2021. There are a wide range of experiences to choose from – Afternoon Tea Experience for two to midweek golf –from €56. faithlegg.com
30 CLIFF experiences
There is nothing nicer to get for Christmas than an overnight stay in Cliff at Lyons with dinner in their two Michelin starred Aimsir restaurant (from €635) you can select a voucher at any monetary value or opt for one of the various set packages. Meanwhile, the Seascape package at Cliff House Hotel includes accommodation for two people in a deluxe sea view room, an outdoor bathing therapy in The Well by the Sea spa and dinner in The Bar Restaurant, from €559 for two people sharing. cliff.ie
31 Lough Erne Resort
The 5-Star Lough Erne Resort has just launched a great range of vouchers, available to use throughout the resort to stay, spa, golf or dine. The majestic and tranquil 600-acre peninsula is a world apart and the perfect tonic for those seeking to escape from life’s stresses. As an added bonus, Lough Erne Resort will be gifting one lucky couple the ultimate weekend experience laden with 5-star indulgence. Once a voucher has been purchased, customers will be given a golden raffle ticket and entered into a grand prize draw. lougherneresort.com
32 Hotel Kilkenny
Indulge in an adults-only Christmas escape and vouchers for 2021 on offer at Hotel Kilkenny. The two-night Christmas package includes all meals as well as some extra treats. The four-star hotel is a member of the Griffin Hotel Group, who also own the renowned Monart Destination Spa, so one can expect high standards and luxurious touches right in the heart of buzzy Kilkenny. hotelkilkenny.ie
33 Fota Island Resort
Check out Fota Island’s recently launched Pamper and Rejuvenate package. Indulge in a luxurious welcome back, neck and shoulder massage and a Skin Regimen Urban Longevity facial, the perfect antidote to fatigue and a busy lifestyle. Lasting 65 minutes, the treatment costs €110 and is valid until December 24, Monday to Friday only. fotaisland.ie
34 Ireland’s Blue Book
Can’t decide which hotel to gift vouchers for to that special someone? Gve them the gift of choice with a voucher for Ireland’s Blue Book collection of superb places to stay. From elegant Georgian manors, stately castles, historic hotels, cosy bed and breakfast accommodation, luxury boutique hotels and designer lodges, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes and requirements. Also included in the collection are five of Ireland’s finest Michelin star restaurants, including three in Dublin City. irelands-blue-book.ie
35 Spindizzy Records
Indulge the vinyl head in your life with what they love most, delicious, fresh records. Andgive them the chance to indulge in one of the capital’s longest established and best stocked shops, Spindizzy Records in George’s Arcade. Vouchers, up to any value, can be redeemed both in-store and online. spindizzyrecords.com
36 The Zone
For speed freak friends and competitive chums The Zone Extreme Activity Centre in Co Meath is a perfect voucher option. The centre was opened in October 2008 and houses several activities including indoor karting, bowling, laser tag, archery and many others. Vouchers start at €24 for a 20-minute junior karting experience, and climb up to a one-for-all €100 option. thezone.ie
37 Lahinch Surf Experience
From kids’ surf camps, to beginners lessons, to advanced and private lessons, Lahinch Surf Experience is a one-stop-shop for those who wish to and those who love to rip it up on the ocean waves. The beautiful location is another draw giving the surf head’s nearest and dearest plenty of alternative activities to get doing. Adult surf lessons start at €35. lahinchsurfexperience.com
38 Biking.ie
They have two locations in the Dublin and Wicklow hills, which are a mecca for mountain biking and all things outdoors. From there, Biking.ie offer bike rentals, guided tours, lessons and serve surprisingly good barista coffee with delicious home baked goodies in their café. But two wheel exhilaration is where the real action lies. Vouchers from €30 for a half-day front suspension bike rental. biking.ie
39 Mondello Park
The home of Irish motorsport, Mondello is also where the best driving experiences in the country can be had. There are a number of gift options for the perplhead in your life. From the Motor Race Experience, the closest you’ll get to F1, to the Supercar Experience, which allows drivers to get to grips with a high-performance Porsche, on a racing track, driving dreams are made of this. mondellopark.ie
40 Kippure Adventure Centre
They’re one of Ireland’s premier outdoor activity centres, set in the stunning Wicklow Mountains and only 30 minutes from Dublin. For almost 20 years, Kippure have offered a cross section of exciting activities for people of all abilities, including outdoor activity days with experienced instructors who are fully trained and highly qualified in their respective fields. adventurewicklow.com
41 Pure Magic
Whatever your needs, from taking lessons in kiting or stand-up paddle boarding, from total beginner to most advanced rider, from buying the latest gear and equipment to organising an afternoon activity with your mates, Pure Magic are there to answer all your questions and give you a memorable experience. The ’12-hour Pack’ (spread over four sessions) is a surefire way to get to grips with kite-surfing and lessons can be take in Dublin, or on Achill Island. puremagic.ie
42 Irish Landmark Trust
In addition to offering simple joys like peace and quiet, roaring open fires and stunning locations, Irish Landmark properties have earned the reputation of offering not just a holiday but an experience to be remembered and cherished, offering guests the opportunity to step back in time (but with modern comforts), re-connect and chill out. Vouchers from €50. irishlandmark.com
43 Falconry Ireland
Falconry Ireland offers visitors the opportunity to engage hands-on in this most ancient of field sports. Watch the fascinating sport of falconry come alive in the beautiful surroundings of Woodenbridge, deep in the Garden of Ireland, aka Co WIcklow. This is a uniquely memorable gift and perfect for you’re nearest animal lover. A two-hour falconry experience starts at €100. falconryofireland.ie
44 Dublin Zoo
Purchasing an annual pass to Dublin zoo is a good way to funnel much-needed funds to the park at this difficult time. It’s also a national treasure, which should be championed as much as possible, as anyone who has seen an episode RTÉ’s The Zoo will tell you. Individual passes from €130. dublinzoo.ie
45 Delphi Resort
Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Delphi valley, Delphi Resort is immersed within the wilderness of Connemara and South Mayo. Breathtaking mountain vistas provide a dramatic backdrop to the four-star resort.From day spa vouchers, to two-night accommodation pacakges, to full-day adventure options, Delphi has no shortage of options and combinations to tailor your gift perfectly to your recipient. delphiadventureresort.com
46 Dunbrody House Hotel
Dunbrody Country House is a smart boutique hotel in Co Wexford, located on the dramatic Hook Peninsula. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Kevin and Catherine Dundon, this bolthole hotel reflects their joint passion for fine food, friendly, relaxed service combined with luxe accommodation. All comprised within the centuries-old walls of a beautiful Georgian property. Gift vouchers cover the gamut from online private cookery classes with Kevin to a five-day masterclass. dunbrodyhouse.com
47 Adventure001 Ireland
“Get to the chopper!”, as Arnie might say if he was gifted with the power of flight with Adventure001 Ireland. Providing amazing aerial helicopter experiences, travelling from ten to 75km distances over the Irish landscape, trips and vouchers begin at €39. adventure001.ie
48 Wine & Brine
Book in a masterclass with Chris McGowan at his acclaimed Wine & Brine restaurant in Moira, Co Down and gain the skills required to produce food which looks and tastes amazing. Chris trained under Pierre Koffmann and Gary Rhodes before working with Irish veteran Richard Corrigan. Price £130 (includes masterclass, apron and three-course lunch). Booking via telephone only. +44 (0)28 9261 0500.
49 Moonlight Kayaking
Take to the gentle waves with Atlantic Sea Kayaking in West Cork. The Moonlight/Starlight Kayaking Experience is an incredible experience that will live long in the memory of anyone who takes part. This trip is run in two different locations, Reen Pier, Castlehaven Bay which is a sheltered bay 1.5 miles from the village of Union Hall and Lough Hyne which is a salt water lake located between Skibbereen and Baltimore. Both locations have similar water and wildlife conditions, and provide an equally magical experience. The experience costs €65 per person. atlanticseakayaking.com
50 Voya Seaweed Baths
Based on a sound knowledge and respect for the local tradition of seaweed baths, and with emphasis on ensuring environmental sustainability, Voya Seaweed Baths share with their visitors the full therapeutic power of nature in its purest form through an offering of seaweed baths and therapy. Give the gift of perfectly rejuvenating relaxation at a spectacular destination. voyaseaweedbaths.com
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