Christmas and New Year at Dublin's Merrion Hotel

The four restored Georgian townhouses that comprise the hotel are decorated lavishly with trees, garlands, wreaths, ornate Christmas trimmings and twinkling lights. Crackling log fires burn in the drawing rooms (a perfect place to enjoy a glass of mulled wine) and add to the picturesque setting. Horse-drawn carriages await guests outside and the historic Grafton Street shopping district is just a short stroll away. Christmas concerts abound throughout the city, as do opportunities to go ice skating and to attend traditional pantomimes at nearby theaters. The Merrion offers a range of holiday packages and specials designed to showcase the seasonal Irish festivities; highlights include:

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRI(ON)

Through the month of December, a festive Christmas menu will be served in The Cellar Restaurant, culminating with a very special 5-course Christmas Day menu featuring items such as: Organic Irish Salmon Four Ways; "The Duke" (the First Duke of Wellington was born in house No. 24 and this is the hotel's interpretation of the classic Beef Wellington dish); and The Merrion's house-made Christmas Pudding With Brandy Anglaise and Vanilla Ice Cream. Sunday brunch will be served in The Cellar Bar, with a special visit from Father Christmas and live music from the Bugle Babes. Afternoon Tea in the beautiful Georgian Drawing Rooms, with their priceless collection of art and antiques, includes delicate finger sandwiches, gingerbread, mince pies and other scrumptious house-made treats; and on December 6th, 13th and 20th, tea will be accompanied by Christmas carols. A New Year's Day brunch offers a combination of American and Irish comfort food with a dash of European elegance and includes an extensive drinks menu of classic cocktails and fresh fruit smoothies designed to rejuvenate even the weariest reveler.

CHRISTMAS EVE CAROLS IN THE GARDENS....AND, FOR KIDS, A VISIT FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS AND SILLY BILLY ACTIVITIES

On Christmas Eve, The Merrion's gardens are the setting for Christmas carols, and at 6pm that evening, younger guests are invited to meet with Father Christmas around the Christmas tree in The Front Hall, where each child will receive a gift and parents can relax with a glass of mulled wine and mince pies. On December 24th and 26th, youngsters can meet up in the kids zone for a special program of activities from Silly Billy, including face painting, arts and crafts, storytelling and a magic show.

PACKAGES GALORE

A Post-Christmas Racing Break, which includes two top level tickets for the exhilarating Leopardstown Christmas Race Festival (one of the highlights of the Irish horse racing calendar), a post-Christmas Pampering Getaway in the Tethra Spa, a New Year's Eve Getaway Celebration, a Winter Escape, and a Family Getaway, are among the varied packages available at The Merrion this holiday and winter season.

Visit website: www.merrionhotel.com