Whether your family is the one with the Christmas countdown beginning in January or you’ve just vowed not to get behind on holiday plans this year, you’re in luck — some like-minded stays are already getting a jump on the holidays.
For all the traditional trimmings paired with a family vacation to Ireland, Carton House should be on your radar for Christmas.
Picture family Christmas set in a historic building on 100 acres of rolling hills and quintessential Irish countryside. This estate offers scenic views of Maynooth in County Kildare and is a 25-minute drive from Dublin. An easy drive to and from the airport is a game-changer for family travel.
Hosting an over-the-top Christmas is no new task for the Carton House. In fact, festive family traditions have been a mainstay for the property for more than 800 years, as it dates back to 1176 when the lush grounds belonged to the Fitzgerald family — a prominent and influential family in Irish history. The Manor House is a little newer, dating to 1739 when it was commissioned by Earl Fitzgerald.

Carton House, County Kildare. Photo: Radovan Mlatec | Dreamstime.com
Enjoy a traditional family Christmas with Irish touches, including a seasonal menu this holiday, festivities and seasonal fun for all ages — guests and locals.
Christmas Eve celebrations kick off with spiced mulled wine, a local favorite, and glowing reception, complete with singing carolers and a three-course meal. Christmas Day is celebrated with holiday guests only and features more food, fun and seasonal tidings.
Choose from two new packages designed for families seeking a fun getaway for the holidays. The two-night option, Nights Carton Christmas Experience includes two-night accommodations in a superior guestroom, a Christmas Eve reception, a seasonal feast, buffet breakfast on Christmas morning, Christmas cocktails and lunch gala, Christmas dinner and a welcome gift from the Carton House. This option is available Dec. 23–26 for $1,497 per room.
The three-night option of the Nights Carton Christmas Experience brings families all the same fun and festivities for one day longer, available Dec. 23–27, for $1,743 per room.
Double up with the kids and enjoy a good old-fashioned Christmas in a new location. Expect live music and all the traditional trimmings of an Irish Christmas, with more time relax and enjoy the holiday with the kids.
If you have a little extra time after your trip, make your way to Dublin for New Year’s. The fireworks and festivities are a great send-off from one year to the next. It’s never too early to plan a fun time away with the family.
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