The Best Christmas Getaways in Northern Ireland

What better way to spend the festive season than in a castle? We’ve got two fantastic wintertime offers from Ballygally Castle and the Culloden Estate & Spa to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Christmas at Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland

This festive season, Ballygally Castle is offering a wide selection of events and dining experiences for their guests. Christmas menus are carefully curated for festive get togethers and are available for Christmas and Boxing Day lunches. Available on Sundays throughout December, guests can enjoy buffet lunches with an extra special serving of Christmas magic at the Santa Sunday Buffet Lunches or indulge in the many festive afternoon tea offerings throughout the season. Additionally, guests have a chance to be creative and take part in a festive wreath making workshop, led by celebrity florist, David McConkey. For guests wishing to spend their holiday at the hotel, their Christmastime Escapespackages are available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing day, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy Christmas without any added stress.

The hotel is one of the largest on the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route. The castle dates back to 1625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. It is ideally situated near the Norman – Carrickfergus Castle and Carnfunnock Country Park, a 191-hectare park located between Drains Bay and Ballygally perfectly suited for a stroll through the blooming flowers.

Ballygally Castle offers Superior Rooms from €180 per night on a B&B basis. For more information on the Christmastime Escape packages visit:www.ballygallycastlehotel.com/christmas/christmas-breaks

Christmas at Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland

This Christmas, Culloden Estate & Spa invites guests to experience their festive events and dining experiences. To start the season, guests are invited to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event held in the grounds of the estate beside the Cultra Inn where festivities can then continue with the festive dining offer available at their esteemed hotel restaurant, Vespers. Available on Sundays throughout December, guests can savour the Christmas magic with the Santa Sunday Lunches or indulge in the numerous festive afternoon tea offerings throughout the season. On the first Sunday and Monday of December, guests have a chance to be creative and take part in a festive wreath making workshop, led by celebrity florist, David McConkey. This workshop caters to all skill levels, making it an enjoyable afternoon for all. 

For those looking to spend their holidays at the hotel, the Christmas Eve Palace Escape (2 nights) is the perfect holiday retreat with an exciting itinerary on offer including carol singing, a 7-course tasting menu, a Christmas lunch and a Boxing Day breakfast.

The five-star hotel stands on the forested slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the glorious County Antrim coastline. Part of the Hastings Hotels Group, the Culloden is the most prestigious luxury five-star hotel in Northern Ireland. Standing in twelve acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland.

Suites at Culloden Estate & Spa https://www.cullodenestateandspa.com/ start from €940 per night and Garden Rooms from €320 per night, including breakfast. For more information on the Christmas offers visit:www.cullodenestateandspa.com/christmas