The government's
Stay and Spend scheme launched today meaning that taxpayers can now claim tax credits on their spending in the hospitality sector. As good a reason as any to consider booking a quick trip away if you ask us.
Encouraging people to continue supporting Irish businesses with their custom, there are plenty of hotels around the country partaking in the scheme and we've rounded up 13 of the best deals below.
The Shelbourne - Dublin
One of Dublin's, nay Ireland's, most well-recognised hotels, The Shelbourne exudes glamour and opulence. A five-star hotel, they've teamed up with Brown Thomas for a shopping break that would be perfect in the run-up to Christmas.
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Priced from €399 for two people sharing, the package includes an overnight stay, a three-course dinner and breakfast the next morning. Along with a glamorous 'blow day' in The Salon at The Shelbourne and a personal shopping appointment (with refreshments) in Brown Thomas.
The Heritage - Laois
A great shout if you're in need of some R&R, The Heritage is running a 'chill and thrill' package that promises a hefty dose of just that. Think relaxing
spa treatments, glasses of bubbles and a movie night (complete with cocktail and popcorn) at the hotel's onsite cinema.
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Available from €199 for two people sharing. More info
here.
The K Club Hotel - Kildare
One for the sports fans, golfers in particular, as the K Club offers guests the change to stay overnight after a round on one of the country's top golf courses.
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Bed & Breakfast now available from €229 per night.
The Galmont - Galway
The Galmont is playing into Galway's reputation as being an up and coming foodie destination, offering visitors a new
autumn dine package (from €165 per person sharing) that includes a two-night stay with breakfast each morning and dinner in Marina's restaurant.
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Make sure to try out the new
self-guided Galway food tour while you're down there... your taste buds will thank you.
Cliff House Hotel - Waterford
Having welcomed a new chef to the team, the Cliff House Hotel is another must-visit for foodies. Home to a Michelin star House Restaurant, book in and you'll be treated to an eight-course (yes... EIGHT courses!!!) seafood-focused tasting menu.
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Also including overnight accommodation in a sea view room and a full Irish the next morning.
Starting from €439 (for two people), it's a little pricier but it definitely won't disappoint should you decide to treat yourself and a loved one.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel - Galway
Another Galway spot on the list (I may be a little biased when it comes to the
City of Tribes), Ballynahinch Castle can be found out in the picturesque surrounds of Connemara.
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Running a special
two-night midweek escape (from €255 per person), the luxury castle is set to the backdrop of a secluded woodland and is an ideal spot to get away from it all... for a little while at least.
Faithlegg House Hotel - Waterford
Wrap and head to the Crystal County where you'll find over 46km of glorious car-free trails to explore. Home to the Waterford Greenway, it's a haven for those looking to explore our beautiful Emerald Isle... and returning to the Faithlegg Hotel would be a very well-deserved treat after a long day of cycling.
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An overnight stay with dinner in Roseville Room Restaurant and breakfast the next morning starts from €159 per person sharing. More info
here.
Cliff at Lyons - Kildare
If you plan your trips around your food then this is most definitely the one for you.
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Combining an overnight stay at the luxurious Cliff at Lyons, the package also includes a lunch tasting menu at the Michelin star Aimsir restaurant - winner of the prestigious '
Restaurant of the Year' Georgina Campbell award last year.
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One of the more
high-end packages on this list, the deal is priced from €865 for two people sharing and includes a mini-spa treatment each, three-course dinner in Trellis on Friday night, an overnight stay with full breakfast at Cliff at Lyons and an 18-course tasting menu for two in Aimsir Restaurant. Best be hungry if you're to get through all that.
Ice House Hotel - Mayo
Running a new 'explore your shores' deal, Mayo's Ice House Hotel is offering guests two night's accommodation with breakfast on both mornings and dinner on one evening overlooking the River Moy.
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Appealing to the nation's newfound love of ignoring the cold and diving headfirst into the sea, guests will also be brought on a little adventure along the Mayo waterways thanks to a 90-minute paddleboard session along the River Moy or Enniscrone Pier with Harbour Sup and Sail.
Available from €570 in total based on two people sharing.
Muckross Park Hotel & Spa - Kerry
If you have yet to visit the Kingdom, then consider this a sign to pack up the car and head south. Make a beeline for the Muckross Park Hotel where you'll find some of the best views in all the land.
Sign up for the Fall Into Killarney experience which includes an overnight stay with breakfast, and the concierge service will sort you out with bike hire so you can go explore the lakes of Killarney and the spectacular surroundings of Killarney National Park.
They also offer tailored add ons such as the below gourmet picnic basket. Necessary, non?
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Available from €199 per room per night.
Farnham Estate - Cavan
Tucked away in the former walled gardens of the estate, Farnham Resort Houses are a blend of stylish two, three and four-bedroom houses - ideally suited for a range of different needs, from family holidays to couples getaways.
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A stay in a two bed house for two nights starts from €419. Further details
here.
Dunmore House - Cork
A family-owned and managed 4-star hotel in Clonakilty, Dunmore House overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on the Wild Atlantic Way... and breath-taking sea views are just the tip of the iceberg. Idyllically located, there are ten beaches within ten minutes of the place so don't forget your togs.
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Rooms start from €189 for overnight accommodation with breakfast, while superior ocean view rooms (they're also dog-friendly) start from €265. Full info
here.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa - Sligo
Whichever Radisson Blu Hotel you choose, you can rest assured that you'll be in good hands. Head to
Yeats County though and you can enjoy a
four-night break with breakfast each morning, dinner on two evenings and a €20 credit from €625.
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Chocolates to your room on arrival and a late checkout until 1pm also included. If it's good enough for Connell and Marianne...
