Holiday ideas in Ireland this Christmas

Close to home but a world away, Ireland is a fantastic short-haul destination to explore this winter.

Home to a wealth of traditions – including the world famous music and Irish dancing – the island may be small but its culture has developed over 6,000 years to become one of the most distinctive around the world.

Indeed, it has been spread to all corners of the globe with the exportation of the traditional Irish pub – locations which don't just offer a place to have a drink, but a chance to philosophise on the meaning of life, ruminate on global politics, listen to a poetry reading, or just enjoy a pint of Guinness in front of a crackling fire.

The Ireland of the 21st century is a vibrant, culturally rich and ethnically diverse country with an entirely youthful and optimistic outlook – so if you wish to enjoy the real thing, travelbite.co.uk here offers are a selection of possibilities for this winter.

What to do in Ireland this winter

The Kitchen in the Castle is a new cookery school located in the old Georgian kitchen at Howth Castle in Dublin. Classes range in length from a half a day to a full week and run morning, afternoon and evenings, catering for both adults and children.

Situated on the north of Dublin bay, the castle has been the home of the St Lawrence family since 1177 and is still home to family members Christine and Edwina, founders of the school.

Their aim is to share a love and knowledge of food, ingredients and the expertise needed to cook in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Participants cook and then eat together around the kitchen table and the courses enable everyone from the complete beginner to the accomplished home cook, to gain inspiration and learn new skills.

For more information check out the Kitchen in the Castle website.

For something a little more ecologically minded, Tramore Surf School Oceanic Manoeuvres has launched a series of eco-friendly educational walks, catering for all levels of fitness.

Each of the three walking routes – 'Bay of Shipwrecks', 'Dunes and Wild Bird Life Walk' and 'Historical Tramore on the Hill' - is lead by a local guide and is aimed at increasing awareness of local ecological networks and appreciation of biodiversity.

The Waterford coastline is a natural retreat where wilderness, seascapes and farmland coexist, with abundant native birdlife and wildlife such as rare dune grasses, birds and seals.

Take a look at the Surf School website for more details.

For those with a horticultural bent, the new Carlow Garden Trail has been launched.

The attraction links 16 different gardening attractions throughout Co Carlow, including great old gardens that have been lovingly restored and maintained throughout the years, as well as smaller gardens that are maturing beautifully with time.

Award winning garden centres and forest parks complement the enjoyment of a visit and there is plenty to stimulate both the novice and experienced gardener.

While the trail can be driven in a day, visitors are encouraged to stay overnight and enjoy the remarkable beauty of these gardens, garden centres and forest parks at a more leisurely pace.

For further information or to download the Carlow Garden Trail brochure visit Carlow Garden Trail.

Where to stay in Ireland

A brand new design hotel is due to open in the heart of Belfast in March 2009.

With an enviable location beside the Grand Opera House, The Fitzwilliam Hotel will feature 130 bedrooms including six studio suites and a superbly appointed two-bedroom penthouse suite overlooking the city sights.

The hotel is just a short walk to an array of cultural spots including City Hall, the Old Museum Arts Centre, Linen Hall Library and the Crown Liquor Saloon.

It is also close to the central shopping area at Royal Avenue, the soon to be opened Victoria Square Complex and a wide array of restaurants and style bars.

Special offers this Christmas

The Cashel House Hotel, in County Galway, is this year offering guests a quiet, traditional Christmas in Connemara with burning turf fires and good food.

The three night Christmas Package costs from €555 (£481) per person and includes breakfast each morning, two evening meals and Christmas day lunch. The hotel also has a two-night New Year package from €455 (£394).

There is also a chance to celebrate a traditional Christmas at the Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, set on the Lakes of Kilarney in County Kerry.

The three-day package runs from December 24th and 27th and cost from €1050.00 (£910) per person based on two sharing.

Christmas at the K Club in County Kildare sees a tree in every guest room, Santa arriving by horse and cart, wine tasting and duck races.

The Christmas package costs from €950.00 (£823) per person and includes two nights bed and breakfast, evening meal on both nights and Christmas lunch. A two night New Year Experience is also available from €950.00 per person, including a Gala Dinner.

Finally, Harvey’s Point, in County Donegal, is offering a Christmas Break for €549 (£476) per person.

The deal includes three nights bed and breakfast, two dinners and Christmas Day lunch.

The hotel also offers a two night New Years Eve Break from €525 (£455) per person, including dinner on the first night and Harvey’s traditional New Year’s Eve Gala Ball with a six-course gourmet dinner and live music.

Chris O'Toole