Imagine Christmas in Ireland – better yet imagine Christmas in a Castle in Ireland…
If you do fancy spending the holidays in Ireland you should know that as we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving over here and the large majority of the population are Christian this is the biggest holiday in the year. As a result pretty much everything closes down on Christmas Day in Ireland including a lot of the hotels.
The hotels and Castles that do stay open for Christmas in Ireland typically offer 3 day package deals which include all your meals and entertainment to create a magical Irish Christmas experience. Here is Ashford Castle’s Christmas 2012 offering;
Christmas Eve – 24th December:
Check in from 12 noon – Mulled Wine and Mince Pies will be served on your arrival to the Castle.
3.30pm Afternoon Tea Service in the Drawing Room.
7.15pm Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Drawing Room hosted by Niall Rochford, General Manager, Chamber Music from the Ireland West Quartet.
7.45pm Christmas Eve Dinner in the George V Restaurant.
10.00pm Santa Claus arrives with gifts for all guests.
10.30pm Carol Singing by St. Mary’s Church Choir.
10.45pm Jazz Entertainment after Dinner
Christmas Day – 25th December:
8.00am – 10.00am Breakfast in the George V Restaurant.
From 10.00am Morning Activities–Golf Stableford over 9 holes. Cruise on Lough Corrib–Traditional music and hot whiskeys.
1.00pm Festive Buffet lunch in the George V Restaurant.
4.00pm Treasure Hunt in the Grounds or Golf
7.30pm Cocktails with the Ireland West Orchestra in the Drawing Room.
8.00pm Gala dinner in the George V Restaurant.
10.00pm Dancing with the Keith McDonald & the Show Band Show.
12 Midnight Mulled wine and mince pies before bed.
St. Stephen’s Day – 26th December:
9.00am – 1.00pm Jazz Brunch in the George V Restaurant with The Larry Hingerton Jazz Band.
1.00pm Cruise on Lough Corrib with music on board.
1.30pm Cookery demonstration in the castle kitchen
2.30pm Sign-up for a range of afternoon activities.
3.00pm Guided historical walking tour of the grounds and gardens with Mick Maye, local historian.
7.30pm St. Stephen’s Day dinner in the George V Restaurant.
8.30pm The Molloy Brothers will entertain around the Dining Room.
10.00pm Join our resident entertainers in the Dungeon.
This type of package can be incorporated into a more typical sight seeing itinerary with touring of Ireland to be done before and after your relaxing Christmas in an Irish Castle. Choose between our Self Drive or Chauffeur Driven Ireland Vacations.
If you plan to extend your stay and spend New Years in Ireland you will have a wider choice of accommodations as most Hotels and Castles in Ireland re-open for the Irish New Year celebrations. Again you can choose an all inclusive package or choose to stay on a B&B basis. Whatever you decide there is no doubt you will never forget the magic of a Christmas in Ireland.
