This Christmas, lucky visitors can enjoy a luxury stay in a hotel on the island of Ireland.

Ireland is the perfect escape from the busyness of Christmas, where luxury hotels with opulent comfort, fabulous festive food and entertainment, and the warmest of welcomes await.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo 

Sitting by the shores of Lough Corrib, magnificent five-star Ashford Castle is the pinnacle of luxury with richly decorated rooms, and award-winning restaurants and spa. At Christmas, the lush decorations add to the castle’s fairytale charm. Visitors will enjoy a special three-day Christmas package (24–27 December) including Christmas Eve dinner, a Christmas morning cruise with traditional music and hot whiskies, wine and gin tasting in the afternoon, festive movies in the cinema and the finest seasonal food served for lunches and dinners throughout. Seasonal entertainment and the chance to try outdoor experiences such as falconry or archery in the castle’s 350-acre estate are also included in the package.

The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, County Down

Dating from 1614, this charming boutique hotel is the perfect place to spend an old-fashioned Christmas. Old world charm combines with modern-day luxury essentials to create a haven which is firmly rooted in sustainable practices and has achieved a Green Tourism Silver award. The hotel offers A Merry Little Christmas Package that includes Christmas cocktails and canapes on Christmas Eve, a Christmas morning champagne breakfast and hearty traditional fare for lunch. Visitors can enjoy carols around the Christmas tree while sipping mulled wine and luxuriate in the Treetop Spa with forest views. For the bravehearted, there is also the option of a Christmas Day sea swim at nearby Helen’s Bay beach.

Glasson Lakehouse, County Westmeath

For those who long to get away from the Christmas madness, they can head to the tranquillity of Glasson Lakehouse in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands for some laidback luxury. Warmth and wellness are the essence of the two- or three-night Christmas packages that combine festive food with quiet relaxation. On arrival, visitors enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. A Christmas Eve three-course meal and a five-course Christmas Day lunch are the stars of the culinary delights but a range of festive activities and treats are on hand throughout their stay. Options include enjoying a board game, relaxing in front of a Christmas movie or working off the festive indulgence in the outdoor heated pool or with a cycle through the woodlands.

Marine & Lawn Slieve Donard, County Down

The opulent period elegance of the Slieve Donard hotel is matched by the spectacular beauty on its doorstep. A golden beach runs on one side, one of the world’s top golf courses, Royal County Down, is on the other and all are overlooked by the majestic Mourne Mountains. At Christmas the lavishly decorated hotel is a sight to behold. The hotel is offering a range of Christmas packages that include festive afternoon tea, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch, and an evening grazing buffet all using the best local produce such as langoustines, dry-aged sirloin of beef and County Down turkey. Santa will make an appearance, of course, and keen golfers can give themselves the gift of a round on the championship links.

Killeavy Castle Estate, County Armagh

Award-winning Killeavy Castle Estate set in 350 acres of woodlands in the foothills of the Slieve Gullion mountain has as its centrepiece the gorgeous nineteenth-century castle. There is also a 45-guestroom boutique style hotel, a luxury gate lodge, and a first-class spa. In the run-up to Christmas the hotel is offering a range of festive dining options including afternoon tea in the castle beside a crackling fire in the hearth, and with live music. A special residential Boxing Day package lets guests continue the Christmas festivities or take time to relax. Dinner, bed and breakfast, use of the spa and evening entertainment are included, and they can hire e-bikes to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Words & Pictures: www.ireland.com