Give the gift of discovery this Christmas with a voucher for one of Ireland’s amazing hotels and restaurants.
After all, does anyone really need more stuff? In contrast great experiences turn into stories that you might recount for generations.
What’s more, a voucher gives you way more than you bargain for, from the joy of those receiving it to the fun of planning their escape. Then there’s the experience itself, followed by memories that linger long after they’ve come back home.
It really is the gift that keeps on giving.
There’s a wonderful selection of hotels and restaurants to choose from and you’ll be supporting great Irish businesses too. From well-known names to hidden gems, from buzzing tourist venues to off the beaten track hideaways. The choice is yours – and theirs.
Favours for foodies
Ireland is a cornucopia of hotels and restaurants offering fresh and seasonal locally sourced produce. How about a voucher for Blue Haven Hotel in picturesque Kinsale, Co Cork, where a passion for culinary excellence is always on the menu. Its Rare restaurant, headed up by chef Meeran Manzoor, is a terrific spot for intimate, multi-course fine dining. Or how about letting them indulge in a sunset hot tub soak at the Wineport Lodge, in Co Westmeath? Not alone does the wine list thrill, but its restaurant will be familiar to TV fans as the location of small screen series The Restaurant, to which it played host.
Lovers of luxury
Gift your loved ones an escape to The Cliff House in Ardmore, Co Waterford, where they can sleep like a princess, or prince, on the finest bespoke mattresses with snuggly goose down toppers, after having dined like a king at its Michelin starred House Restaurant. Or let them make a beeline for the beautiful Burren with a stay at swish Gregan’s Castle, in the Co Clare landscape that inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. The dining room here is presided over by head chef Robbie McCauley and his team, and serves up creative modern dishes using fresh produce from its own organic garden and local artisans.
Ready, steady, ramble
If you have someone who loves to ramble on your present list then insert a voucher for a getaway to handsome Lough Eske Castle on the outskirts of Donegal town, into a pair of socks to add the element of surprise to it. The recipient can fill their days with adventure, including day trips to Slieve League and hikes around Glenveagh National Park. A visit to Killybegs is a must for lovers of seafood, and where better to find it than Anderson’s Boathouse Restaurant. It was opened by Garry and Mairead Anderson in December 2019. Run by the McHugh family for seven generations Nancy’s Bar in Ardara is another option offering gastropub fare, live music and a warm welcome.
Great wide open
Work off some of the Christmas weight gain with a walk or cycle adventure in the kingdom of Kerry. Give the gift of boat rides on the lake, a trip back in time at Muckross Traditional Farms and a tramp up to the stunning Gap of Dunloe, on shanks mare or on wheels, followed by a restorative meal at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Ardree House, a beautiful family run B&B in Killarney is a great place to rest up afterwards. The walker in your life would love a chance to explore the old miners’ paths on the hills joining Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo. The former tracks used by miners on their way to work at Arigna Coal Mine crisscross the hills and are a wonderful way to explore this quiet and beautiful part of the country. A voucher for the Sligo Park Hotel will give them a great touring base for the wider area, with pool, jacuzzi, sauna and muscle-relaxing steam room.
Adventure time
A voucher is a great way to unlock an adventure. Gift one for Trooperstown Lodge, a luxury guest accommodation set in the scenic Wicklow Mountains. It’s the perfect place from which to enjoy the tracks and trails of Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough and to experience the wonderful new visitor attraction Beyond the Trees at Avondale Forest Park. Or how about providing the spark for a kayaking adventure with Suir Valley Adventures in Tipperary, with a voucher to stay at the sumptuously restored Cashel Palace Hotel.
Sea swimmers
Ireland is blessed with great beaches so stay close by so you can go sea swimming and then warm up in comfort. The Shandon Hotel in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal overlooks Marble Hill beach, a wonderful bathing spot surrounded by woodlands. Or soak up the sea views from Dunmore House, a fourth-generation family-owned hotel on the shores of Clonakilty Bay which has 10 beaches within 10 minutes’ drive. In Dublin those looking for a salty break can jump on the Dart to Howth and check into the King Sitric which overlooks the harbour and is in the heart of the action. Sea swimmers like its proximity to Balscadden Bay, best for sunset swims, while across the harbour you can get on the water without getting very wet on an afternoon adventure out to Ireland’s Eye with Shearwater Kayaking. On an overnight stay you can warm up afterwards with a hot walk-in shower and a hot chocolate laced with Baileys or a hot port followed by stately seafood.
Culture lovers
Or how about footing the bill for one of Kilkenny’s fabulous hotels, restaurants and inns, the perfect destination for a fun- filled break. Gift them a chance to tour Kilkenny Castle, enjoy the Medieval Mile Museum, or soak up the historic atmosphere at Rothe House. They can stay at Mount Juliet for golf or tour of the lost village of Newtown Jerpoint or enjoy the nightlife in the city centre. Choose the Ormonde Hotel right in the heart of the action or at the Rivercourt Hotel, which is surrounded by the city’s medieval architecture.
Family fun
Give the whole family the gift of a great escape at one of Ireland’s family-friendly hotels. Whether it’s a splash in the pool at the Longford Arms Hotel, the Heritage Hotel in Laois or the Strand Hotel in Limerick, they’ll be making precious memories together. At the Mulranny Park Hotel they can also cycle or hike the Great Western Greenway or stay at the Westport Woods Hotel where you can saddle up and ride out with Go Trekking around the foot of Croagh Patrick or along Clew Bay’s pristine strands. At seaside resorts like Tramore, Co Waterford, they can try their hand at surfing, and enjoy sea views at Majestic Hotel overlooking the bay and lunch out on fish and chips while enjoying its five kilometres of golden beaches. Another way to enjoy fresh air is on wheels, biking the Boyne and overnighting at Station House Hotel in Co Meath, which can supply you with a picnic of homemade goodies as fuel.
With so many kinds of break to choose from, and so many beautiful places to stay, a voucher for a great Irish hotel or restaurant really does offer something for everyone this Christmas.
Get more inspiring and easy-to-wrap ideas at DiscoverIreland.ie.