Seven alternative Christmas ideas if you’ve tired of 12 pubs

A night at the theatre 

The Westbury has a new package for over Christmas, teaming up with The Abbey Theatre to offer visitors the chance to enjoy an overnight stay, pre or post-show dinner at Wilde, two tickets to the seasonal gem The Long Christmas Dinner at the Abbey Theatre, plus complimentary breakfast the following morning. This heart-warming family drama happens over a seamless 50 minutes, with two evening performances to choose from (6:30pm and 8:30pm). Prices start from €540 and the package is available from December 13 to 23 and December 28 to 31 (not available Fridays and Saturdays). More information here. 

A very Currabinny Christmas 

Join William Murray and James Kavanagh for a delicious festive feast this Sunday. Set in the beautiful surrounds of a floor-to-ceiling heated glass mansion at Dublin’s Royal Kilmainham Hospital, tickets cost €55 and include a welcome cocktail, a four-course dinner and music from a live string quartet. After that, it’s time for the big sound of the Brass Kings before DJ Billy Bunzari ends the night. 

Spanish wine night 

For those out west, the bodegas of the Spanish wine region of Rueda are hosting a special wine night on Thursday, December 15th and it’s not to be missed. Taking place at The Twelve in Galway, attendees will get to sample six different wines from the region served alongside a seasonal six-course tasting menu created especially for the occasion by head chef Nathan Hindmarsh. Fergus O’Halloran, one of Ireland’s top sommeliers, will be joined by Irish Times wine writer John Wilson to take you through each choice so you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands – when it comes to wine, there is nothing these two won’t be able to tell you! Tickets cost €85 per person.

Irish coffee masterclass at Slane Distillery 

Book in for a coffee masterclass at Slane Distillery and resident bartender Barry Farrell will teach you how to construct Slane Irish Whiskey’s signature Slane Irish Coffee from start to finish. Enjoy with a specially selected local chocolate and take home the recipe card so you can practice, practice, practice! The masterclass costs €20 per person and booking in advance is essential. Find more details here. 

Spa day at The Heritage Hotel 

Christmas can be chaotic, so why not rally the troops and head down to The Heritage Hotel for a relaxing getaway? The Afternoon Retreat package includes the hotel’s signature Afternoon Tea along with pampering time in the spa (€125 midweek or €145 at the weekend). A hot stone massage followed by dainty finger food (and possibly a glass of bubbles) sounds like a recipe for utter bliss if ever we heard one.

Christmas crafts workshop 

In Rebel County, Test Site is hosting a series of crafting workshops this month including a paper craft workshop, a lino printing workshop and a table centrepiece workshop. Taking place down at Kyrl’s Quay, bookings are now open for this weekend. Make your own handcrafted Christmas decorations and catch up with friends at the same time… two birds, one stone. 

Cabaret supper club 

Cabaret Supper Club is the longest-running, and best-loved, supper club in Belfast… so you know that any night there, is going be good. Specialising in sumptuous food, exceptional service and wondrous entertainment, there are still some tickets left for this month’s calendar of events which includes Christmas lunches, dinners and more.