Stella Maris
We love the quiet, understated charm of this family-run, seaside hotel, especially in winter when the glorious ruggedness of Loop Head is at its most austere and beautiful. Really nice country cooking, too. Basically Stella Maris never closes, so always a good option off season. (Kilkee, Co Clare More Information)
Greenmount House
The Curran family opened their doors to their B&B way, way back in 1977, as a response to visitors literally knocking on this doors and asking if they had a room. Today, the Curran family demonstrate dazzling standards of cooking and housekeeping, and what Gary Curran doesn’t know about the Dingle Peninsula isn’t worth knowing. They are open from 28th Dec-Jan 8th, when they close briefly for window replacement. (Upper John Street, Gortonora, Dingle More Information)
Brook Lane Kenmare
Last year a whole bunch of us decamped down to the Brook Lane Hotel in Kemmare for a few post-Xmas days, and everything we experienced was a simple delight. A great team prepare lovely food, pour good drinks, and make you feel super-welcome. A real treasure in Kerry’s crown. (Kenmare, Co Kerry More Information)
Limerick Strand Hotel
A mighty crew of dedicated people have been responsible for driving the Strand to the top of the hospitality tree in Limerick over the last few years. Head chef Tom Flavin is a dynamic character, and you will enjoy some seriously imaginative food here. Celebrating in the Strand at New Year's Eve sounds like a pretty special way to bring in the New Year. (Ennis Road, Limerick More Information)
Belleek Castle
The team in Belleek are blessed with a quiet confidence, thanks to both the rich historical tapestry of the castle itself and, especially, thanks to head chef Stephen Lenahan’s excellent modern country house cooking. (Ballina, Co Mayo More Information)
Mulranny Park
In Mulranny, you have the Wild Atlantic Way on one side of you, and the Great Western Greenway on the other. And, if you are like us, you just might ignore both in favour of swaddling up in this great hotel for a few days, as manager Dermot Madigan and his team spoil you rotten. Look out for their three night post-Christmas family package. (Mulranny, Co Mayo More Information)
The Riverside Sligo
The lovely riverside location gifts the rooms and the dining room of Joe Grogan’s Riverside Hotel with enchanting, mesmerising views of the Garavogue River, whilst the generous size of the rooms makes this the perfect place to settle in for a few days exploring the beauties of Sligo town and county. (Riverside, Sligo More Information)
Brook's Hotel
The wonderful Brook's Hotel stays open throughout Christmas and New Year. What better place to see in 2017 than this sublimely comfortable oasis with Pat McLarnon's polished, faithful cooking. (Drury Street, Dublin More Information)
MacNean House and Restaurant
Who doesn’t need a Chocolate Sensation in their life? Well, we certainly do, so the thought of dessert – and all of the delicious things that will preceed it – will be in the forefont of of our thoughts as we drive to lovely little Blacklion to enjoy Neven Maguire’s fantastic food. (Blacklion, Co Cavan More Information)
The Courthouse
Nobody cooks better Italian food than Piero Melis and, with his charming restaurant siutated just a few miles from Bundoran, any winter surfers who want the consolation of lovely food after a day on the waves should nip over the border to Kinlough. Great Sardinian wines, too. Open Thurs-Sun off season, with cute rooms above the restaurant. (Main Street, Kinlough, Co Leitrim More Information)
