From glossy dining experiences to Bridgerton-style galas and boutique hotel stays, glean some inspiration for New Year’s Eve with these recommendations …
The Leinster, Co Dublin
There’s a lovely New Year’s Eve experience in Jean-Georges Restaurant at The Leinster – a five-course meal with a glass of bubbles for €130 – excellent value and a stunning setting. Why not stay over in one of the 55 bedrooms where design elements from statement headboards to carefully curated Assouline coffeetable books and fun amenities (such as Prosecco face masks in the mini bar) will inspire. There’s so much to enjoy in this boutique hotel, especially the Collins Bar which is a great place to start any festive celebrations. Room rates start from €300. www.theleinster.ie
The Eccles Hotel & Spa, Co Cork
Transforming into a Regency-era wonderland, there’s a Bridgerton theme to the New Year at Eccles Hotel & Spa. Guests will be welcomed with a glamorous cocktail reception before indulging in a five-course dinner curated by chef Eddie Atwell, each course paired with fine wines. As music fills the air, the dance floor beckons – whether you’re waltzing in your finest duchess gown or dazzling in your most dashing aristocratic attire, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Lady Whistledown chronicle. There will be prizes for the Best Dressed during the evening. Tickets are from €89 and if you want to stay over, the New Year package costs €378, including the ball. www.eccleshotel.com
The Montenotte, Co Cork
Start the New Year as you mean to go on – in style – which is guaranteed at The Montenotte. The hotel’s executive chef, Janice Casey Bracken, will be curating a diverse six-course Celebration Dinner in the Panorama restaurant, which also includes a glass of bubbles on arrival to start the evening’s festivities. Prices start from €500 per stay including the Celebration dinner, breakfast and late checkout at 2pm. Otherwise, room rates start from €220 and include a complimentary breakfast, free parking, access to both Cameo Cinema (for over 18s only) and The Motion Health Club. www.themontenottehotel.com
The Club Hotel at Goffs, Co Kildare
Ring in the New Year at this boutique hotel where the options include a four-course dinner for €80 per person or five-course dinner with paired wines for €120. Upgrade to an overnight New Year’s Eve stay which includes dinner, champagne, accommodation and breakfast the following morning. It goes without saying that there is a late checkout and guests can also relax on The Deck – a new outdoor hot tub with facilities overlooking the paddock. From €385; www.clubhotel.ie
Clontarf Castle, Co Dublin
Clontarf Castle has layers of history and intrigue where generations of celebrations have played out within its walls. There’s a New Year’s overnight stay with a four-course dinner in Fahrenheit restaurant and a welcome glass of prosecco, in addition to Artisan Castle breakfast on New Year’s Day from €249 per person sharing. www.clontarfcastle.ie
Ice House Hotel, Co Mayo
Check in and savour the stunning views of the River Moy for which the hotel is famous. When night falls, raise a glass to 2024 with a festive five-course meal in the stylish 54° 9° restaurant. After a leisurely lie-in the following morning, wake up to breakfast served until the later time of 11am. Prices start from €600 for one-night stay for two people sharing and includes breakfast, five-course dinner, Champagne toast and midnight snacks. www.theicehouse.ie
The K Club, Co Kildare
This New Year’s Eve, the 550-acre resort has two, two-night packages to choose from, allowing guests to select which best suits their own celebratory style. The Barton package, €825 per night, includes a five-course dinner in the grand, candlelit setting of the resort’s signature restaurant. A Champagne reception will precede fine dining with flair courtesy of Executive Chef Gary O’Hanlon and wine pairings selected from the house’s historic wine cellar by Head Sommelier Lisa O’Doherty. Guests looking for a plush, contemporary soiree will feel right at home in The Palmer Restaurant’s stylish Art Deco surrounds. Arrive to a drinks reception followed by a four-course dinner with live music throughout the evening. Whichever dining option you decide upon, a fizzing grand finale of midnight fireworks in the skies above the country estate will welcome in 2025 with all the spectacle and grandeur it deserves. The following morning, guests can enjoy some bracing walks or bike rides around the estate, or head to the sanctuary of The K Spa and its revitalising pool and hot tubs. The Palmer Package is from €725 per night. www.kclub.ie
Dromoland Castle, Co Clare
For a black tie event in luxurious surroundings, New Year at the Castle will leave all guests feeling like royalty. There are two- or three-night offers available from €2,600 and €3,594 which include breakfast each morning, dinner on the night of your choice and the New Year’s Eve Gastronomic Gala Event. This is an eight-course gourmet experience created by Executive Chef David McCann with specially selected wines in the grand surrounds of Dromoland’s signature restaurant, Earl of Thomond. At midnight, there’s a champagne toast and entertainment provided by the resident band. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed as the hotel was voted the World’s Best for Sleep recently! Guests have access to the estate’s complimentary amenities including a oool and fitness centre, boating, pickleball, tennis, and woodland walks and trails. www.dromoland.ie
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Guests staying at the hotel on December 31 will be welcomed with festive drinks on arrival before enjoying access to the rooftop terrace for the evening, providing 360º views of the city and Dublin Bay. When the clock strikes midnight, the rooftop offers the best vantage point to witness the spectacular fireworks displays which will fill the Dublin sky. The residential package includes a sumptuous four-course dinner at Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, a luxurious breakfast on New Year’s Day and a late check-out to ease into 2024. From €270 per person sharing. www.anantara.com
Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny
A two-night New Year’s Eve break at Lyrath Estate includes entertainment to ring in the year, a six-course dinner in the Yew Restaurant with signature dishes from the culinary team and a glass of prosecco at midnight to toast with your loved ones. The New Year’s Eve two-night stay starts from €405 per person sharing, checking in on December 30 or 31 and includes breakfast both mornings, New Year’s Eve entertainment, a six-course dinner at Yew Restaurant, a glass of prosecco at midnight and complimentary access to the leisure club with indoor pool and gym. www.lyrath.com
The Bushmills Inn, Co Antrim
Set against the Causeway Coast, Bushmills Inn Hotel is the perfect base to explore the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery and more. Enjoy dining at the AA Rosette Restaurant, unwind with a whiskey in the Gas Bar or relax with a movie night. Each bedroom offers comfort and charm, reflected in the hotel’s cosy atmosphere. The New Year’s Eve Gala includes an overnight stay, six-course dinner and breakfast. From £585stg. www.irelands-blue-book.ie
Need to know: The Ivy Collection is hosting a series of Circus-theme extravaganzas in each of its restaurants. Try the three course New Year’s Eve menu in the new Belfast restaurant, from £87.50stg www.ivycollection.com. For where to stay, check out How To Spend 24 Hours in Belfast.
SEE MORE: 10 Festive Getaways To Suit Every Budget
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