Whether you’re in search of a hassle-free Christmas or simply want to indulge in some pre- or post-yuletide time off, these are the ten most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas.
Looking for a festive escape? These are the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas.
As the year comes to an end and the holidays approach, you may be feeling the need to invest in some hard-earned rest and recreation.
Perhaps a break is overdue, or you want to spend some quality time with the family. Maybe you need a little ‘me-time’ before the silly season truly begins, or you want to spend the season in style.
Whatever your reason, these are the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a winter wonderland.
Each offers a little slice of something unique this Christmas, along with bucket loads of charm and merriment in good measure.
The Rundown – our top picks for magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas
Best Luxury Hotel: Kilronan Castle Hotel and Spa, Co. Roscommon
Best Spa Hotel: Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork
Best Budget Hotel: Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge, Co. Wicklow
Best Family Hotel: The K Club, Co. Kildare
Best Hotel on the Coast: Cliff House Hotel, Co. Waterford
Best Hotel in Dublin: The Westin, Co. Dublin
Best Hotel in Cork: Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork
Best Hotel in Northern Ireland: Culloden Hotel and Spa, Co. Down
Best Hotel in Galway: Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway
Most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas – tips and advice
Booking.com: The best site for booking magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas.
When to book: NEVER book last minute! Hotels in Ireland are in high demand at Christmas. Your trip will be much better value, and you will get to stay in the best hotels by booking at least three months in advance.
Where to stay in Ireland at Christmas – for the best festive experience
Dublin: Come Christmastime, Ireland’s capital city is bedecked with beautiful lights along the historic cobblestone streets, revellers spreading merriment, and all-round festive cheer. You can check out the bustling markets that set up in the city and even hope for a blanket of snow across the city.
Cork: Cork is home to some of the very best Christmas markets in Ireland, with GLOW Cork bringing plenty of festive cheer to the city centre. From ancient cathedrals covered in a blanket of snow to beautiful lights hanging above the streets, you won’t regret spending Christmas in Cork.
Northern Ireland: There are plenty of fantastic hotels in Northern Ireland to spend Christmas. Whether you want to visit the Belfast Christmas Markets at City Hall, have a drink in the famous Cathedral Quarter, or catch the winter sun over Belfast Lough, there are plenty of reasons to check out the capital city. Outside of the city, there are lots of great countryside and coastal hotels to enjoy at Christmas.
Galway: Imagine watching the winter sun setting over the beautiful landscape of Connemara… absolute bliss! Visiting the Christmas markets in Galway City Centre is sure to be a wonderful time for the whole family. So, what are you waiting for?
1. Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork – the most magical of Christmas getaways
Overview: The five-star Castlemartyr Resort takes the top spot on our list of most magical Christmas getaways in Ireland.
Only 20 minutes from Cork City, this enchanting estate offers a festive retreat that includes Santa visits, festive treats, music throughout the house, Christmas movie showings, endless feasts, and present-giving. The list just goes on and on.
This hotel is close to… BALLYCOTTON!
This hotel is perfect for… A LUXURY ESCAPE!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute!
Facilities here include:
- Deluxe ensuite rooms and suites
- Various onsite dining options
- Luxury spa facilities, beauty rooms, and health club
- 18-hole golf course
- Garden games and estate activities
Address: Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, P25 X300
2. Powerscourt Hotel, Co. Wicklow – for a Wicklow winter wonderland
Overview: If a Christmas break in a Wicklow wonderland sounds up your alley, we’ve got just the ticket. Powerscourt Hotel is a five-star experience like no other, and it raises the bar even higher at Christmas.
A two-night package boasting four-course feasts, winter woodland walks, Santa visits, and even a falconry display on the front lawn are just some of the reasons this is considered one of the top luxury hotels in Ireland.
This hotel is close to… THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS!
This hotel is perfect for… A COUNTRYSIDE RETREAT!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute!
Facilities here include:
- Five-star deluxe ensuite rooms and suites
- Sika Restaurant, McGill’s Pub, and Sugarloaf Lounge
- Luxury spa, swimming pool, and leisure club
- Access to Powerscourt Golf Course
- Onsite activities, including falconry and cycling
Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
3. Cliff House Hotel, Co. Waterford – for a Michelin-dining Christmas dinner
Overview: Located along the Waterford coast, this five-star stay makes for one of the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas.
Expect all the usual festive offerings, plus Michelin-star food to knock your socks off. Overlooking the wild sea, enjoy mulled wine, afternoon tea, or even a crisp winter walk on the beach. Its spa facilities are pretty dreamy, too.
This hotel is close to… ARDMORE CLIFF HEAD AND BEACH!
This hotel is perfect for… CHRISTMAS BY THE COAST!
Facilities here include:
- Five-star ensuite rooms and suites
- Various onsite restaurants and bars
- Luxury spa facilities, pool, and gym
- Guided land and sea-based wellness activities
Address: Middle Road, Dysert, Ardmore, Co. Waterford, P36 DK38
4. The Westin, Co. Dublin – for a Dublin City Christmas
Overview: Located in the heart of Dublin City is The Westin hotel – one of the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas.
It has devised a unique Christmas programme for its guests, including feasts, music performances, fireside cocktails, and individual presents for its residents.
This hotel is close to… DUBLIN CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TRIP!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute!
Facilities here include:
- Comfortable ensuite rooms and suites
- Morelands Grill, Atrium Lounge, and the Mint Bar
- Well-equipped fitness centre
- Meeting and events spaces
Address: College Green, Westmoreland St, Dublin
5. The K Club, Co. Kildare – the golfer’s Christmas
Overview: The K Club is a five-star resort located in County Kildare, only a short drive from Dublin.
It’s a favourite amongst golfers, and its lavish surroundings make for one of the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas. If golf isn’t your cup of tea, the onsite spa is yours for the taking.
The two- or three-night Christmas package is complete with yuletide dining and Santa visits, and there will even be a Christmas tree in your room!
This hotel is close to… KILDARE VILLAGE!
This hotel is perfect for… CHRISTMAS ON THE GOLF COURSE!
Facilities here include:
- Luxury ensuite bedrooms, suites, and lodges
- Various onsite restaurants, bars, and lounges
- Palmer North and Palmer South golf courses
- Luxury spa facilities, fitness classes, and swimming pool
- Lush woodland gardens
Address: Straffan, Co. Kildare, W23 YX53
6. Kilronan Castle Hotel and Spa, Co. Roscommon – for a fairytale Christmas
Overview: If you’re in search of a fairytale Christmas, look no further than the Kilronan Castle Hotel and Spa in County Roscommon.
Expect performances from the local school choir, fireside readings, homemade mulled wine, and festive snacks as you rest in the lap of luxury.
This hotel is close to… IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS!
This hotel is perfect for… A FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS!
Facilities here include:
- Luxurious rooms, suites, and self-catering accommodation
- Douglas Hyde Restaurant, Casual Dining Drawing Room, and Tunnel Café
- Indulgent spa and leisure facilities
- Various holiday packages
Address: Castletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 R867
7. Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork – for a five-star family Christmas
Overview: If you’re seeking a five-star family Christmas in Cork, look no further. Hayfield Manor is one of the most enchanting country houses on the Emerald Isle.
The kids are bound to be impressed with fireside stories, personal stocking hanging, and the arrival of Santa.
This hotel is close to… CORK CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A FAMILY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY!
Facilities here include:
- Luxury ensuite rooms and suites, including family and interconnecting rooms
- Various onsite restaurants, including fine dining and casual eateries
- Boutique spa facilities
- Inclusive wellness
Address: Perrott Ave, College Rd, Centre, Cork, T12 HT97
8. Culloden Hotel and Spa, Co. Antrim – for a Belfast Christmas break
Overview: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine named the Culloden Hotel and Spa in Belfast, the ‘Best Hotel for Romance’. So, as you can imagine, it is sure to be one of the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas.
From Christmas spa days to festive afternoon tea, there are many yuletide happenings to pepper the season at the Culloden Hotel and Spa.
This hotel is close to… BELFAST CITY!
This hotel is perfect for… A ROMANTIC BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Five-star ensuite rooms, suites, and apartments
- Indulgent spa facilities and treatments
- Health club, vitality pool, and Tylarium
- Complimentary bike hire
- Lough Bar, Vespers, and Cultra Inn
Address: Bangor Rd, Holywood BT18 0EX, United Kingdom
9. The Johnstown Estate, Co. Meath – the two-night New Year’s package
Overview: The 18th-century Johnstown Estate in County Meath is a top place to ring in 2021 with family and friends, old and new. Expect a five-course fine dining dinner, dancing, free-flowing Champagne, and merriment all around.
This hotel is close to… THE ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY!
This hotel is perfect for… AN UNFORGETTABLE NEW YEAR!
Facilities here include:
- Spacious ensuite guestrooms and suites
- Fire & Salt Restaurant and The Coach House Brasserie
- Spa treatments, experiences, therapies, hairdressing, and more
- Onsite leisure club with a 20 m pool
- Soccer, GAA, and Rugby pitches
Address: Johnstown, Enfield, Co. Meath
10. Bellinter House, Co. Meath – for a country house escape
Overview: This four-star country house is one of the most charming postcard-worthy places for couples and solo travellers this Christmas.
Its boutique surroundings are the perfect backdrop for your seasonal stay. With its effortless air of enchantment, its award-winning cuisine, and onsite spa, you’ll be spoiled from start to finish.
This hotel is close to… IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST!
This hotel is perfect for… AN ENCHANTING SPA BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Luxury boutique ensuite rooms
- Drawing Room & Bar and Eden Restaurant
- The Bathhouse Spa
- Dog-friendly accommodation
- Prime location
Address: Bellinter House, Ballinter, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 F2XA
Notable mentions
Best Luxury Hotels: Lough Eske Castle, Co. Donegal; Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny; Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo
Best Spa Hotels: Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, Co. Cork; Ice House Hotel, Co. Mayo; Monart Destination Spa, Co. Wexford
Best Budget Hotels: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa, Co. Galway; Ardboyne Hotel, Co. Meath; Dublin Skylon Hotel, Co. Dublin
Best Family Hotels: Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Co. Wexford; Parknasilla Resort & Spa, Co. Kerry; Ocean Sands Hotel & Apartments, Co. Sligo
Best Hotels on the Coast: The Sandhouse Hotel & Marine Spa, Co, Donegal; Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa, Co. Down; Dingle Benners Hotel, Co. Kerry
Best Hotels in Dublin: Merrion Hotel, Co. Dublin; Shelbourne Hotel, Co. Dublin; Iveagh Garden Hotel, Co. Dublin
Best Hotels in Cork: Eccles Hotel, Co. Cork; Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork; The Montenotte Hotel, Co. Cork
Best Hotels in Northern Ireland: Beech Hill Country House Hotel, Co. Derry; Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh; Grand Central Hotel, Co. Antrim
Best Hotels in Galway: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Co. Galway; Delphi Resort, Co. Galway; The g Hotel and Spa, Co. Galway
FAQs about the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas
What is there to do in Ireland at Christmas?
There is plenty to do all across Ireland at Christmas, from family-friendly fun days and events to pantomimes, Christmas markets, shopping, and more.
Where can I spend Christmas in Northern Ireland?
Belfast is a great place to spend Christmas in Northern Ireland. You can check out the Continental Market at Belfast City Hall, check out the festivities at the Cathedral Quarter, and go shopping on the high street.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Ireland?
Yes! There is plenty going on all across Ireland at Christmas, making it a great time to visit the Emerald Isle, not to mentions some of the most magical hotels in Ireland to spend Christmas.
