Staycations: A look at the cosiest hotel breaks Ireland has to offer
As the dark evenings draw in, rounds up the cosiest hotel breaks
LUXE FOR LESS
If you’ve always wanted to stay at The Europe in Killarney (and let’s face it – who hasn’t), then their winter midweek offering may be of interest to you. Available every Thursday from November 7 to 28, guests can stay overnight in the renowned five-star resort for €220 per room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Most bedrooms at The Europe overlook the Lakes of Killarney, and all are spacious and just as luxurious as you would expect. A trip to the onsite ESPA spa is a must – it has won myriad awards and it’s easy to see why – its indoor and outdoor vitality pools are worth all of the hype.
While staying in such a gorgeous hotel, it’s easy to forget that you have some of the most arresting scenery to be found in Ireland right on your doorstep, so it would be a shame to miss out on a walk to the dock on the hotel grounds to take in the majesty of the lake.
The November Thursday offer costs from €220 for two guests sharing and includes bed and breakfast and an early check in from 1pm.
www.theeurope.com
CULTURE & THE CITY
Explore all that Limerick has to offer with a two-night stay at the Radisson Hotel & Spa, Limerick this winter. Historians will love this package, which allows you to pick an experience of your choice to enjoy during your stay.
Choose from heading to the 13th century at King John’s Castle, examining pre-historic Irish artefacts at The Hunt Museum or learning about some of the city’s oldest buildings on Limerick Civic Trust’s Medieval Walking Tour.
After a day spent walking around this fascinating city, head back to the hotel and take advantage of its stellar fitness and leisure facilities (we recommend a dip in the outdoor hot tub) before enjoying a three-course dinner at Porter’s Restaurant.
The ‘Culture & The City’ stay is available from €125 per person sharing at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick and includes two nights B&B, a Discover Limerick goodie bag on arrival, dinner on a night of your choice as well as one cultural experience of your choice.
The offer is valid until March 31 and also includes €20 off treatments at the Rain Spa when you spend €70. www.radlimerick.com
STREET SMARTS
Situated just off Dublin’s Smithfield Square, The Hendrick is achingly hip. Billed as Ireland’s first street arthotel, it’s home to a collection of art curated by Irish street artist James Earley.
The collection on show throughout this super modern hotel includes installations from the darlings of the capital’s street art scene.
The hotel is modern and stylish, boasting 146 rooms, with self-check in and out technology.
Rooms are economically spaced but boast excellent showers and King Koil beds, offering an ideal base for a weekend exploring the city’s cultural delights. One night at The Hendrick starts from €119 per room per night. www.hendrickdublin.ie
SLEEP EASY
A good night’s shut eye is the commodity we all seem to be chasing, and the four star Cathernane House Hotel in Killarney is running a package in conjunction with holistic sleep therapist Deirdre O’Connor, designed to reset the way you approach your sleep pattern.
This two night package has been created by Deirdre and the team at Cahernane House Hotel to incorporate practical tips and effective interventions to optimise sleep.
As well as dinners including ingredients well known for their sleep conducive properties, guests will take part in yoga sessions, somatic brain retraining, learn massage techniques and attend a talk where they’ll learn how to switch from wired to tired.
Consider this your ticket to deep, nourishing sleep. The Sleep Coach Package takes place from November 15 - 17 and costs €320 per person and includes two nights bed and breakfast and two dinners. www.cahernane.com
LIVE LIKE LOWRY
The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore is capitalising on the success of Offaly native Shane Lowry with a fantastic golf and whiskey break this season.
Situated ten minutes away from Esker Hills Golf Courses, one of our most popular inland courses and home of course to Lowry himself, the four star hotel is ideally placed to offer a break for any golf enthusiast.
The package includes a round of golf for two at Esker Hills, followed by a visit to Tullamore D.E.W. visitor centre, where you can learn all about the county’s famous tipple before sampling some for yourself.
Back at Bridge House, you’ll enjoy dinner at Balcone Italiano Restaurant, where you’ll be invited to cook your own aged steak on a hot stone delivered to your table.
Enjoy the hotel’s leisure facilities including a wonderful outdoor hot tub, before tucking into a delicious breakfast each morning. The Whiskey & Golf Break costs from €160 per person sharing midweek and €235 per person sharing at weekends.
www.bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie
