Home, sweet home
The Johnstown Estate's festive gingerbread village has arrived at the Co Meath country house hotel. Created by chef Waduge Fernando, the elaborate decoration includes a church, school, homes, a railway, and villagers going about their Christmas business. You can cast your gaze on the sweet masterpiece when you enjoy a festive afternoon tea, served daily from noon-6pm, until January 6th, €60 for two or €76 for two with prosecco; thejohnstownestate.com
Port of call
For those in need of a last-minute escape before the festive season kicks off in earnest, look to Wineport Lodge's pre-Christmas package. A two-night escape at the Westmeath hotel comes with a spa treatment, Champagne, chocolate truffles and luxury bath basket awaiting you when you arrive, dinner in the restaurant and breakfast in bed. Starting from €410 per night, see wineport.ie
Mainly Malta
A new Ryanair route to Malta from Cork Airport will commence on April 4th, 2019. The service will operate twice weekly departing and return to Cork on Thursdays and Sundays. Visit maltaireland.com for holiday ideas and Ryanair.com for flight information.
Festive west
The Galmont hotel in Galway's city centre offers guests a selection of festive solutions. Enjoy Christmas Day at the four-star from €125pp complete with bubbles and canapes, a traditional Christmas dinner as well as games and movies to keep little ones busy. Sleep over with a two-night break from €425pps including breakfast, dinner on Christmas Eve, and lunch as well as a light supper on Christmas Day. When New Year's Eve rolls around, enjoy a prosecco reception, four-course dinner, a Flashback Quiz and Countdown Party from €59. For all bookings and more packages and offers see thegalmont.com