Autumn has checked-out! The Halloween costumes are being packed away for another year and the last evidence of trick or treating is the endless sweet wrappers you’ll be finding in your pockets and stuffed down the side of your sofa for the next few weeks. Winter is officially upon us, but you need not worry. Finding the right ways to embrace these darker days is key to a fun and memorable Wintertime. To make things even more inviting our SuperDeal offer means you can get an additional €20 off 2 night breaks when you use the promocode SUPERDEAL23 when you book this month.

From a takeaway hot coffee on crisp morning walk, to a bowl of hearty homemade soup at an undiscovered café to catching up with friends next to a roaring fire at your local pub, appreciating these smaller moments make for a great winter.

Christmas activities around the country will start sooner than you realise but now is the perfect time to start your planning. This is truly a great time of year for a hotel break in Ireland, as the influx of international visitors gradually decreases hotel prices drop and availability of rooms increases, meaning you have more chances to find that deal to suit your budget at the right time.

This month we’ll be looking at some things to do across the country on the lead up to Christmas and on those preceding days after where all you want to do is get out of the house for a few days.

Winterval Festival – Waterford (Nov 17^th – Dec 23^rd)

One of the country’s largest Christmas festival returns to the streets of Waterford in November with Winterval kicking off on November 17^th. A mixture of music, exhibitions, food, carnival and performances makes Winterval one not to be missed. One of the major selling points of this festival is that it takes place in Waterford City centre, meaning it is easily accessible on foot if you’re staying around the city.

Places to stay in Waterford

If you are looking for weekend break for two, Granville Hotel is our top pick hotel in Waterford City. Located on the quays and within walking distance of the train station, you can book a 2-night stay in December for €300. This elegant hotel offers an award-winning restaurant as well as classy and stylish décor throughout. Click here to book.

If a midweek break is more your style, then we have fantastic deals at one of Waterford’s most popular hotels. Treacy's Hotel Waterford offers great spa and leisure facilities as well as a selection of deals starting at just €150 for 2 nights B&B midweek. You can add dinner on one night for just €29. Book you Waterford hotel here.

Wild Arctic Experience – Muff, Donegal (Dec 1^st – Dec 23^rd)

Wild Ireland animal in sanctuary in Donegal will once again be transforming itself into a Christmas wonderland for it’s Wild Artic Experience. Although the resident bears may be in hibernation, you’ll still get the chance to meet reindeer, foxes, owls and artic wolves. In addition to the great wildlife you’ll see there will also be a chance to visit their amazing Artic Wonderland and lights show and meet the big man himself and his elves.

Places to stay in Donegal

With Wild Artic Experience taking place in the town of Muff, nearby hotels are scare however Letterkenny is just a 30min drive away and the Station House Hotel Letterkenny has the perfect weekend B&B Family Break for 2 adults and 2 children for €199 per night with additional dining options. Book you Donegal hotel here.

Glow Festival, Cork City (Nov 24^th – Jan 4^th)

Glow Festival runs Fri – Sun from late November to early January. Although the finer details of the festival are yet to published it will include a host of events, Ferris wheel, food and craft market and performances in Cork city. This festival is popular amongst both couple and family at Christmas.

Places to Stay in Cork

There are some great midweek and weekend deals to be found this winter in Cork’s hotel but our top recommendation if for a family break for 2 adults and 2 children at the Clayton Hotel Silver Spring. With family rooms available from €149 per night and currently with strong availability right up to Dec 21^st as well as post-Christmas. The hotel is just 5 mins from Cork city and offers discounted rates on nearby leisure centre.

Double rooms are also available from €139per night in November and €150 per night in December. Book you stay at Clayton Hotel Silver Springs here.

Another great option for couples is Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas. Approximately 15 min drive to Cork city the hotel provides a modern feel with top leisure centre facilities and a great chance to unwind in their Health and Beauty Suites. Stay from €189 per night B&B in November or €149 per night in December. Book a stay at Rochestown Park here.

Search all Cork hotels here

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival, Dublin (Dec 26^th – 29^th)

One aimed slightly more at the adults in the room is The Leopardstown Christmas Festival. What better way to get out of the house than with a trip to one of the most popular horse racing events of the year. An annual pilgrimage for many the event even has early bird ticket prices if you buy before November 27^th. With live music and plenty of entertainment on show as well it’s the perfect excuse to dawn your best outfit for a little post-Christmas excitement.

Where to Stay in Dublin

Our top pick of where to stay is The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan available from just €169 per night on December 26^th and 27^th with breakfast included. The hotel is on a direct bus route to Dublin city centre and only a 10 min taxi to Leopardstown Racecourse. Click here to book your hotel stay.

Search all Dublin Hotels here.

SuperDeal

Our SuperDeal offer runs until December 3^rd and will give you an additional €20 off 2 night minimum stays when you use the promocode SUPERDEAL23 at check out. Stay up until March 31^st to avail. Please note the offer excludes all Maldron and Clayton hotels. T&Cs apply.