Sun. Nov 24th, 2024

Christmas in Northern Ireland Choose Castle or Spa!

Ballygally Castle Christmas Menus

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 Escapes packages are available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing day, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy Christmas without any added stress.

Causeway Coastal Route

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 £150 per night on a B&B basis. For more information on the Christmastime Escape packages visit: www.ballygallycastlehotel.com/christmas/christmas-breaks

Culloden Estate & Spa

This Christmas, Culloden Estate & Spa invites guests to experience an array of 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.

Christmas Eve Palace Escape

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// 028 9042 1066) start from £790 per night and Garden Rooms from £270 per night, including breakfast. For more information on the Christmas offers visit: www.cullodenestateandspa.com/christmas

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

Read next