The festive season is nearly upon us and, while last year Christmas parties were off the menu, this year the sequins and heels are back in person — albeit with health and safety guidelines. Social distancing, Covid vaccine certificates and masks aside, most people will be more than excited at the prospect of getting their hair done, deliberating over the right outfit and meeting for a few drinks before a night out with colleagues, WhatsApp groups or friends. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of venues across the country where groups of Christmas revellers can eat, drink and be merry — together.
Grand Central Hotel
Belfast
The Panorama Lounge, which has incredible views of the city centre, offers private party bookings for up to 80 people. Bespoke festive menus can be curated in partnership with the hotel from £55pp, with options including welcome cocktails, canapés and a four-course menu. The hotel can help to recommend and organise entertainment options for the event, from harpists to DJs. grandcentralhotelbelfast.com
Macnean House
Co Cavan
For a Christmas party with a difference, Neven Maguire’s MacNean House in Blacklion will be hosting the Chef’s Table for groups of between 10 and 20 people, depending on Covid restrictions. The cost is €145pp or €200pp, including wine pairings. nevenmaguire.com
https://www.nevenmaguire.com/ Henry’s Bistro and Wine Bar
Co Clare
Party numbers will be remaining low at this Ennis venue as it continues to adhere to social distancing guidelines. It will be offering an à la carte menu to groups of up to six people for €45pp. henrysbistroandwinebar.ie
Nash 19
Cork
The gallery setting at Nash 19 in Cork city can host parties of up to 20 people, and it is available for anything from small gatherings to exclusive reservation of the whole restaurant. Main courses from its à la carte menu cost from €11. nash19.com
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The Rusty Mackerel
Co Donegal
Nestled at the foot of Sliabh Liag, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, the Rusty Mackerel in Co Donegal is offering Christmas packages for guests from noon until 8pm, with live entertainment at weekends. The traditional bar, with flagstone floor, can cater for parties of up to 40 people. A three-course menu with coffee and chocolates costs €32pp. therustymackerel.com
Culloden Estate & Spa
Co Down
This luxurious five-star resort in Holywood has several private dining spaces to suit parties of 10 to 100 people. These include the Ailsa Suite (from £400) and the Balmoral Suite for smaller events, the Drawing Room with views of the gardens and coastline, and the hotel’s most exclusive venue, the Holywood Suite, which has a private bar and terrace. The Christmas menu costs from £75pp. cullodenestateandspa.com
Brother Hubbard North
Dublin 1
The Capel Street location of Brother Hubbard can cater for parties of up to 120, with private and separate areas — and it is also available for exclusive hire. Party packages start at €31.95pp for lunch and €42.50pp for dinner; menus can be tailored to suit. Email reservations@brotherhubbard.iemailto:reservations@brotherhubbard.ie
Urban Brewing & Stack A
Dublin 1
For those who would like to party in alternative surroundings, Urban Brewing & Stack A Restaurant in Custom House Quay is available for Christmas parties of between 10 and 100 people with a varied set menu. A two-course option costs from €26.50pp for lunch and €55pp for dinner; early booking is advised. urbanbrewing.ie
Ely Wine Bar
Dublin 2
There’s a mantra of “wine first” at Ely Wine Bar, to allow guests to get the maximum enjoyment from the extensive wine list, but its head chef also brings a touch of Italian heritage to the festive menu. The venue can accommodate 95 guests in total, and with several private and semi-private rooms, parties of between 20 and 45 can be catered for at one time. Christmas menus cost from €42pp to €65pp and wine starts at €30 a bottle. elywinebar.ie
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Gourmet Burger Kitchen
Dublin 2
The South William Street and South Anne Street branches of the burger chain have private dining rooms, which can welcome between 24 and 50 people this festive season. They are free to reserve, provided that all guests are eating, and the minimum booking is 20 per room — otherwise a charge of €400 applies. Prices for platters start at €29.50pp, but party guests can order from the main menu and packages can be arranged. Phone 01 679 0537 or 01 890 2422
La Peniche
Dublin 4
Step aboard La Peniche, a floating barge restaurant on the Grand Canal, for a very different party experience. With indoor and outdoor deck space, the venue, which is available for exclusive hire, can seat 50 outside and 30 inside, and entertainment can be tailored to suit. Christmas party packages cost €35pp for two courses and €42pp for three courses; both options include a welcome glass of prosecco. lapeniche.ie
Hyatt Centric
Dublin 8
The Poddle Garden at the Dublin Liberties hotel is being is transformed into an après ski experience this winter. Its festive party offering includes a drinks reception, casual dining experience and late DJ. Party packages range from €49pp to €69pp, and its semi-private dining areas can be booked; menus are designed to suit groups or small budgets. The Christmas lunch menu costs from €29pp. Email salesmanager@hyattcentricdublin.ie
Connacht Hotel
Galway
Christmas parties with all the trimmings are on offer at the Connacht, including a drinks and canapés reception, four-course meal, live band and DJ, and photo booth for €45pp. Festive lunches and dinners are also available from €28pp. Email christmas@theconnacht.ie
Galmont Hotel and Spa
Galway
The city centre hotel is hosting shared party nights throughout December. A prosecco reception, followed by a four-course meal, party games, band, DJ and late bar costs €65pp. It can also accommodate groups of 70 to 120 people in its private rooms. thegalmont.com
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Galway Bay Hotel
Galway
A welcome reception consisting of “bubbles”, Christmas cocktails and tapas on arrival will kick off party nights at the Galway Bay Hotel, followed by a four-course festive feast, live entertainment, novelty games and spot prizes. Tickets are booking up fast — they cost €49pp or €109pp with B&B. Private party packages cost from €35pp. Email events@galwaybayhotel.com
Hyde Bar
Galway
The casual chic venue, which specialises in gin — it has more than 500 varieties to choose from — has availability for lunch and dinner parties this festive season starting at €22pp. hydebargalway.ie
John Keogh’s Gastropub
Galway
Reserved and semi-private areas for parties of between 20 and 50 people are available at John Keogh’s Gastropub in Galway city. It also has a private room, which can host between 50 and 120 guests, and packages are tailor-made, with live music, DJ and finger food. Groups of up to ten can enjoy the à la carte menu. The venue will also run party nights on several dates in December, which include a mulled wine reception, festive four-course meal, glass of wine and entertainment at €49pp. Email info@johnkeoghs.ie
Pillo Hotel
Co Meath
A traditional Christmas party night will be running on Friday and Saturday nights in December at Pillo Hotel in Ashbourne. They will include a cocktail reception, festive photo shoot, DJ, entertainment and late bar. Tickets cost €59pp. Email events@pillohotelashbourne.com
Deansgrove Steakhouse
Co Tipperary
In the grounds of Dundrum House Hotel and Golf Resort, Deansgrove Steakhouse offers a “paddock to plate” festive steak menu on Friday and Saturday nights for €49pp. Places are limited, but there are still some available. Email reservations@dundrumhouse.ie. dundrumhousehotel.com
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Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen
Co Tipperary
There are a number of options at Mikey Ryan’s in Cashel, including the main restaurant, which has a 50-person capacity, the Glass Well, which can be hired for up to 12 people, Upstairs At Mikey’s, which can hold up to 28, and the Secret Garden, for up to 50 guests. Main courses from the à la carte menu cost from €16.95. Email hello@mikeyryans.ie
Nadur
Co Sligo
Groups of up to 40 are welcome at Nadur in Co Sligo. Its festive menu costs from €40pp and includes four courses with coffee, petit fours and a cocktail to start the evening off with a bang. nadursligo.com
Walker 1781
Sligo
An à la carte menu and a group party menu, from €20pp, is available at Walker 1781, a new bar and restaurant in Sligo. Bookings of various sizes are catered for, and entertainment can be arranged. Email info@walker1781.com