The top venues in Ireland to celebrate Christmas

Relocated to Athlone in 2015, this award-winning restaurant has continued to source locally, in season produce. Husband and wife team, Feargal and Fiona O’Donnell work alongside head chef Julian Pedraza to ensure customers have an enjoyable experience. This year a Christmas menu offers an impressive selection for three courses. Expect mouthwatering options like pan-fried breast of wild Irish pheasant with Morteau sausage, juniper pickled red cabbage and anise jus, and 14 hour treacle braised John Stone beef cheek with fondant potato, thyme and chestnut mushroom, and horseradish aioli.

NINE is a neighbourhood restaurant serving all day brunch seven days a week, as well as a set dinner menu Friday and Saturday nights, which is great for an evening out with your other half. Brunch is the best here though, with tempting bites such as the Breakfast burrito with scrambled egg, chorizo, potato, avocado and hot sauce. This will certainly provide the fuel you’ll need for all the Christmas shopping to follow afterwards!

You’ve been invited onboard the Rathwood Express train for a magical journey through Rathwood’s festive forest, which is sure to be Christmas music to your little one’s ears. Rathwood’s award-winning Santa Train Adventure is Ireland’s most popular Santa Experience. Families are invited to share in the magic of Christmas and join in on a journey through the Enchanted Forest to visit Santa as he prepares for the most wonderful time of the year! Either before or after the magical experience, make sure to visit The Merrytree for a knockout carvery so the whole family can head feeling very happy.

Family nights and pizza go hand-in-hand, so take the family out to Croft Alley in Portlaoise. From vegetarian slices to meatier options featuring ‘nduja, salami or mortadella, Croft Alley is a buzzy wood-fired pizza restaurant using only the best local and authentic Italian produce. Not one to miss this festive season – just remember to book ahead!

Gather all your friends and head down to The Smugglers Rest for a festive shindig. From the team that brought you Ireland’s first Seafood, Music and Arts festival ‘SeaFoodRocks’ comes an exciting new establishment and a wonderfully unique twist on the casual dining experience. Located in Clogherhead, Co. Louth, ​The Smugglers Rest brings the fresh taste of Port Oriel and The Boyne Valley to your plate while serving up the finest local beers and spirits as well as the old favourites. The Top Deck Room will transport you into a hull of an 18th century merchant vessel fully equipped for food, drinks and party catering. There are party menus available for your group including the Port Package, Starboard Package and The Stern Package; each platter serves up to five people.

Why not go all out with your pals this Christmas? The windows of Trim Castle Hotel will be glittering this festive season, with headline seasonal packages and discounted accommodation. Make a night a of it and book your stay, so you and your pals can let the bubbles flow. Options include Festive Afternoon Tea or a Midweek Dinner Break with a hotel stay.

If you’re in Waterford this Christmas, there’s only one place for you and your pals: Burzza. Fine organic Italian flour, fresh yeast, slow proving dough and organic Italian tomatoes are used for the amazing pizzas, with toppings sourced from artisan Italian and Irish suppliers. The dough is made in-house and traditionally formed. It’s then cooked Neapolitan style in a traditional wood-fired oven. Burgers, meanwhile, are made daily with a secret recipe by Tom Kearney, who uses the finest meat and nothing else. The burgers are placed in a fresh brioche bun and served with skinny fries for ultimate satisfaction.

Cousins Lubo and Daniel opened their first restaurant People’s in Cavan in 2016 and since then have brought their own brand of fine casual dining to a growing and loyal customer base. Christmas lunch will be available all month of December at Luvida for groups of 20+, making this one of the best places for you and your colleagues. There are usually two menus to choose from as well: the Christmas Menu and the Luxury Christmas Menu.

Crawford & Co is Cork’s No.1 Christmas party venue. Whether it’s a party with friends and family or your annual corporate Christmas night out, these guys have got you covered. The office Christmas party will be perfect here because the venue offers party food for 20 people for €22! The Party Menu includes three options (including vegetarian), starting at €12.50 per person. Hello Southern Fried Turkey Sliders with cranberry mayo!

You’re probably going to crave something other than the usual festive menus that are out this time of year, so why don’t you and your date sink your teeth into a juicy burger or moreish steak? Butcher in the heart of Kilkenny city offers some incredible dishes, from Hot Chicken Wings starters to the legendary Farmer Burger or your choice of steak; we love the 16oz Cowboy – a ribeye with flavours enhanced by its cooking on the bone. Absolutely delicious.

Eating at The Merry Ploughboy is all about a pub dining experience that offers delicious and remarkable food, and drinks that meet the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality. This Christmas there’s gastropub dining for lunch and evenings, including group set menus. Make sure you book a table for you and your date on a Friday or Saturday so you can enjoy the award-winning traditional Irish night with dinner and a show.