The fire is so delightful...Eight luxurious winter breaks from Ireland’s Blue Book

When planning your winter escape, Ireland’s Blue Book is the perfect place to start. Whether you are looking for a luxury spa break, a gourmet meal or simply a chance to unwind in comfort and leave the everyday behind, we have selected the perfect cosy winter escapes to help you rest and recharge. Treat yourself to a break away from the ordinary or delight a loved one with a gift voucher this Christmas.

Castle Leslie Estate, Co Monaghan

Castle Leslie is nestled on 1,000 glorious acres of sweeping lawns, wintery woodlands and glittering lakes, placing you a world away from the stresses and pressures of everyday life.

Stay in the castle itself and immerse yourself fully in the history of the Leslie family. Explore the impressive library and drawing rooms for historical treasures and choose from a selection of beautifully renovated and luxurious bedrooms that belonged to generations of the family. Or choose to stay at The Lodge, home to the 2 AA Rosette-winning Snaffles restaurant and chic and comfortable rooms, designed in keeping with the period of the property.

Explore the estate on horseback and enjoy some of the many other activities on offer including clay target shooting, archery, the spa or horse drawn carriage rides.

Offer: Enchanting One Night Castle Break featuring dinner, B&B with bubbly and chocolates in your room on arrival.
Valid until: 31.3.2022
Price: From €240 per person
Click here to book or call Castle Leslie directly on 047-88100

Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry

Embrace the Festive Season in the Walled City! Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry city’s Cathedral Quarter.

This luxury boutique hotel blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities, which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building while exceeding the contemporary needs and desires of its guests.

The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar & Restaurant in the heart of the hotel offers a superb, informal all-day dining experience using locally sourced seasonal produce across a range of classic style dishes, along with an extensive and unique drinks and cocktail menu.

Offer: Festive Shopping Break, One Night featuring dinner, B&B and a festive sweet plate in your room.
Valid until: 24.12.2021
Price: From £159 per night.
Click here to book or call Bishop's Gate directly on 048-71140300

Glenlo Abbey Estate, Co Galway

Majestically rising from the still waters of Lough Corrib and dating back to the 18th century, the 5-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is where old-world charm meets contemporary elegance.

The warmly lit trees glitter as they greet you from the main gates to the front door of the hotel, where you will be greeted by the warmest of hospitality.

Glenlo is home to the Pullman Restaurant – two former carriages from the Orient Express, each with their own distinct history and style. This two AA Rosette Restaurant is a unique dining experience. The River Room Restaurant in the main hotel offers magnificent views from the bay windows overlooking the estate and Lough Corrib, while private dining can be arranged in the unique reception rooms of the main house and abbey.

With a 138-acre lakeside golf estate, golf among other activities is on your doorstep to enjoy.

Offer: The Winter Orient Express, One Night featuring dinner on the Pullman Restaurant, B&B and a festive cocktail on arrival
Valid until: 28.02.2022
Price: From €360 based on two people sharing
Click here to book or call Glenlo Abbey directly on 091-519600

Butler House, Co Kilkenny

Butler House is the charming Dower House of Kilkenny Castle since 1786. A sanctuary in the heart of vibrant medieval Kilkenny, Butler House brings history, charm, romance and a warm welcome to all those who visit. Sleep, dine or celebrate those milestones in life in timeless surroundings.

When dining in The Restaurant, overnight guests will enjoy the historic setting of Butler House with the splendour of the large bow windows, original plastered ceilings, castle views and the finest locally sourced food. The walls are adorned with magnificent pieces of art from the Basil Goulding Collection.

Christmas festivities have a begun in the garden at Butler House,. which transforms at dusk as light installations come to life. Enjoy festive fare from the Orangerie in the Garden, which is  open Wednesday-Sunday from noon-6pm up until Christmas.

Offer: One Nights B&B and Dinner featuring B&B and a 4-course dinner.
Valid until: 28.02.2022
Price: From €260 total stay
Click here to book or call Butler House directly on 056-7722828

The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin city

Located on tree-lined Adelaide Road in one of Dublin’s most affluent neighbourhoods, The Wilder is a residents-only boutique townhouse, a city hideaway close to St Stephens Green and Dublin’s main city attractions, including the beautiful Christmas lights display on Grafton Street.

Steeped in history and dating from the Victorian era with its stunning redbrick facade, The Wilder Townhouse evokes a real sense of history, perfectly combining its rich heritage with modern elegance and comforts.

Every detail has been carefully considered. Delicious home-cooked breakfast is served daily and, in the evening, The Gin and Tea Rooms provides the perfect haven to relax with a drink.

Offer: B&B featuring luxury overnight accommodation and a home-cooked breakfast the next morning
Valid until: 28.02.2022
Price: From €159 per night
Click here to book or call The Wilder directly on 01-9696598

Hayfield Manor, Cork city

Nestled within secluded gardens, Hayfield Manor provides the charm of a country house within the vibrant city of Cork. Splendid suites and rooms are classically styled and individually decorated.

Guests with a penchant for exquisite food should sample the local fare showcased in the gourmet restaurant, Orchids, and in the contemporary dining space, Perrotts Garden Bistro. A delightful white-glove afternoon tea is also served daily.

The Beautique Spa features Elemis spa products and GROUND Wellbeing. Unwind in the relaxation poolside lounge or with a magazine by the indoor heated pool. Complete your Beautique Spa experience in the bubbling jets of the outdoor jacuzzi or the revitalising steam room. Or why not opt for the detoxifying sauna?

Christmas is a magical time at Hayfield Manor, with glistening Christmas trees dotted around and warm log fires alight.

Offer: Two Night Dining Delight featuring B&B and dinner on one evening
Valid until: 1.01.2023
Price: From €340 per night
Click here to book or call Hayfield Manor directly on 021-4845900

No 1 Pery Square, Limerick city

Overlooking the handsome, tree-lined Peoples Park in Limerick’s historic Georgian neighbourhood, No 1 Pery Square is a luxurious and intimate boutique townhouse situated just a five-minute walk from Limerick city centre and bus station.

The house compromises  20 bedrooms, all individually decorated and styled. Delicious food and wine are served daily and a tempting afternoon tea is available on weekends. A beautiful festive dinner is available at Sash Restaurant throughout December.

For some pampering, No 1 Heritage Spa is in the original 1830s basement vaults, which have been sensitively restored into a polished holistic spa destination for your wellness experience. On offer is an extensive range of organic and holistic treatments for men and women designed to fulfil every need.

Offer: A Georgian Festive City Escape, Two Nights featuring B&B, a festive dinner on one evening and hot port on arrival.
Valid until: 31.12.2021
Price: From €598 Total Stay
Click here to book or call No 1 Pery Square directly on 061-402402

Cahernane House Hotel, Co Kerry

Located adjacent to Killarney National Park and just a 20-minute walk from Killarney town, Cahernane House Hotel exudes a sense of relaxation and tranquillity, a  retreat from the hectic pace of life into a cocoon of calm. The hotel is a unique experience of old Irish history mixed with modern luxuries.

Dine on the local produce in the 2AA Rosettes-awarded Herbert Restaurant, which epitomises the style and grandeur of the original house with beautiful views over the gardens and mountains beyond.

The Cellar Bar, located in the basement, has been renovated into a stylish and welcoming space where you can enjoy an extensive selection of beers, spirits, wines and cocktails.

Offer: Festive Nights, Cahernane Delights – 2 Night Escape featuring B&B, dinner and house wine on one evening and a glass of prosecco each on arrival. 
Valid from: Available  December 28th-30th
Price: From €289 per person 
Click here to book or call Cahernane House directly on 064-6631895

Ireland’s Blue Book is a luxurious collection of country houses, historic hotels, castles and restaurants around the island. Ireland’s Blue Book Gift Vouchers can be used in more than 50 unique properties for weekend breaks, midweek escapes, spa treatments, dining and more.

For more information, visit www.irelandsbluebook.com