The IMAGE staffers share what’s on their summer wishlists
The IMAGE staffers share what’s on their summer wishlists

Sarah Gill

WIN a €150 gift voucher to spend on AVOCA’s new summer collections
WIN a €150 gift voucher to spend on AVOCA’s new summer collections

IMAGE

Real Weddings: Emma and Gavin’s picturesque castle wedding in Co Mayo
Real Weddings: Emma and Gavin’s picturesque castle wedding in Co Mayo

Shayna Sappington

If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Complete Harmony owner Gail Bovenizer
If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Complete Harmony owner Gail Bovenizer

IMAGE

The ultimate family weekend away in Monaghan
The ultimate family weekend away in Monaghan

IMAGE

Alma Kelliher: ‘Success in the arts can look different to success in other fields’
Alma Kelliher: ‘Success in the arts can look different to success in other fields’

Sarah Gill

How one of Ireland’s most iconic mills has evolved for the modern day
How one of Ireland’s most iconic mills has evolved for the modern day

Cliodhna Prendergast

WIN a night in a five-star luxury London hotel (plus afternoon tea for two)
WIN a night in a five-star luxury London hotel (plus afternoon tea for two)

IMAGE

This Glasthule home is an urban seaside sanctuary
This Glasthule home is an urban seaside sanctuary

IMAGE

6 wines to try this summer, according to an expert
6 wines to try this summer, according to an expert

Michelle Lawlor

Image / Editorial

The Once-In-A-Lifetime Christmas Getaway


By Rosie McMeel
19th Dec 2017
The Once-In-A-Lifetime Christmas Getaway

Every once in a while, it’s nice to let someone else host the Yuletide festivities. In the December issue, we feature the perfect Irish homes away from home that offer the ultimate Christmas stay.

 

Ballyfin demesne

WHAT IT OFFERS Trading in long-held family traditions of Christmas at home for a break in the sumptuous surrounds of one of the finest hotels in the world really is a no-brainer, particularly when the hotel in question is Ballyfin Demesne. Previously booked out for the festive period by the one repeat visitor and family, this year is the first one you can book to stay at the luxury Laois location. Considering how well the staff treat their guests on an average day, Christmas will surely be a holiday to cherish forever. Think world-class food, exquisite wine, and lots of personal touches along the way.

FESTIVE FRILLS The Christmas package includes every festive feature you could possibly dream of, including mulled wine, mince pies, carols, movie screenings, board games and even an enchanting horse-drawn carriage ride around the estate. You’ll be hard-pushed to find a merrier offering than this.

PLUS While the rest of the world wakes on Stephen’s Day to a tin of sweets and cold turkey sandwiches in front of the TV, Ballyfin guests can take their pick from a wide range of activities on offer, including Irish coffees in the tower and falconry on the estate. DETAILS From €1,470 per night, ballyfin.com.

For more inspiration on hotel getaways during the festive period, see the December issue of IMAGE Magazine.