Best Festive Breaks: Celebrate with a Santa Sleepover in Ireland

Looking for the best festive getaways and the best Santa sleepover Ireland has to offer this Christmas? Then you are going to love the list I have researched and compiled. Make this Christmas even more magical by booking your family onto one of these amazing breaks.

Imagine the look on the kids’ faces when they discover they are going for a Santa sleepover in Ireland. While they won’t be sleeping in the same room as him, many of these Santa sleepover experiences in Ireland include a wonderful hotel stay and a visit with Father Christmas.

In this guide, you will find ideas for festive breaks and magical family Christmas breaks in Ireland to add an extra something to your festive season this year.

Note: This post was updated in September 2022. Festive breaks and Santa sleepovers in Ireland book up quickly. We highly advise you to book your breaks quickly to avoid disappointment. Some venues are still to confirm their events but others are selling out fast.

Best Santa Sleepover, Ireland

Christmas with Wild Ireland, Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Donegal

Address: Railway Rd, Ballymacarry Lower, Co. Donegal

Enjoy a festive Christmas break in Ireland at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. Arrive at the hotel to hot chocolate and cookies before you make your way to Wild Ireland for a magical Santa experience. Kids will love seeing the bears, wolves, and arctic animals before a special meeting with Santa himself where they will receive a present.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Santa’s Hotel, Jackson’s Hotel, Donegal (Limited availability left)

Address: Main St, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, F93 RD40

Enjoy an unforgettable Santa Sleepover at Jackson’s Hotel this festive season with their family Christmas getaways. There are one- and two-night festive breaks to choose from.

A one-night family festive break includes one night’s accommodation with full Irish breakfast, festive refreshments, tickets to the Santa Express at Oakfield Park, one of the best Santa Trains in Ireland, a Christmas movie night, and a visit from Santa and his Elf.

Two-night breaks include two nights with full Irish breakfast each morning, festive refreshments, a meet and greet with Santa where kids will receive a gift, tickets for the Santa Express at Oakfield, an afternoon magic show, and Christmas movie night.

If you are looking for one of the best Santa sleepovers in Ireland, particularly the northern half of the country, grab a break at Jackson’s Santa’s Hotel.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE. Note there is limited availability so book now to avoid disappointment!

Santa by the Sea Experience, Shoreline Hotel, Dublin

Address: Balcarrick, Donabate, Co. Dublin, K36 V064

The Santa by the Sea Experience at the Shoreline Hotel is a great Santa Sleepover in Dublin. Enjoy an overnight stay the night before your meeting with Santa with breakfast included. Visit Santa in his grotto the next day where children will receive a gift from him. Also included in a 2-course lunch for the whole family in the festive surroundings of the Brasserie.

For a great Santa Sleepover in Dublin, check in to the Shoreline Hotel.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Visit Santa at the North Cottage, Ballygarry Hotel, Kerry TBC

Address: Leebrook, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 W279

Ballygarry has a one-night Santa Break this festive season which is ideal for families who are looking for a magical sleepover this December. Enjoy one night’s accommodation in a Family Room along with a full Irish breakfast the next morning. Each family also gets to visit Santa in the North Cottage, indulge in milk and cookies, and explore the Winter Wonderland Fairy Trail in the onsite gardens. There are also complimentary bicycles to explore the nearby Ballyseedy Woods.

For more information and to book your Stay, CLICK HERE. Or download the festive catalogue by CLICKING HERE.

Clanard Court, Kildare (Nearly Sold Out)

Address: Dublin Road, Shamrocklodge, Athy, Co. Kildare

Book in for a Santa Sleepover at the Clanard Court Hotel and get Santa’s Magical Trail passes for everyone booked into the room, enjoy a family dinner served by the elves, as well as elf entertainment and a magical show during your dinner. A gift from Santa is included in the price.

For more information and to book your Santa sleepover, CLICK HERE. Note that this year’s sleepovers are selling fast. Book today to avoid disappointment!

Family Christmas Breaks at Midlands Park Hotel, Laois (Nearly Sold Out)

Address: Jessop St, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 KV20

There are three types of family Christmas breaks at the Midlands Park Hotel in County Laois this festive season, for the post-Christmas period.

Family Christmas breaks include a 1-, 2- or 3-night Family Christmas break including a full Irish breakfast each morning, a 4-course meal on the night of your choice, hot chocolate treats for the kids, and a family activity pass of your choice. You can choose from

• A Visit to Japanese Gardens & Irish National Stud
• Family Pass to Birr Castle
• One Hour of Bowling for up to 6 people
• Family pass for Lullymore Heritage Park

More information about the Family Christmas breaks can be found here. Note that there are a limited number of 1-night breaks available, 2/3-night breaks are sold out.

The Santa at Castleview Open Farm break is ideal for those looking to combine a visit to Santa with a luxurious stay. Visit Santa at the Castelview Open Farm where you can also tour the farm and meet the animals. The farm will be decorated for the festive season and each child will receive a gift from Santa and Mrs Clause before they leave. Afterward, make your way to the Midlands Park Hotel for a one- or two-night luxury stay which includes a full Irish breakfast each morning. More information about the Santa at Clastleview Open Farm can be found here.

To book your Family Christmas Break, CLICK HERE.

To book the Santa at Castleview Open Farm break, CLICK HERE. TBC for 2022

Supper with Santa, Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Limerick

Address: Knockanes, Adare, Co. Limerick

The Fitzgerald’s Woodland House Hotel & Spa are holding special festive breaks this year that include a special supper with Santa dinner.

Stay overnight on select days and enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast and a special supper with Santa. There are six dinner seating times to choose from and the meal is a two-course meal including sharing the Christmas Themed Dessert Tower.

Santa and his Elves will also be on hand for family photos during supper, there will be a Christmas gift bag for kids and more Christmas surprises during the evening. For a truly unforgettable Christmas event in Ireland, book into the Woodlands House Hotel for supper with Santa.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Christmas Getaway at The Castle Oaks, Limerick

Address: Castle Oaks House Hotel & Estate, Stradbally, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick, V94 EH94

Enjoy a family festive break at the Castle Oaks House Hotel in County Limerick. 2 adults and 2 children can enjoy an overnight stay including main course dinner, and breakfast. Your stay includes complimentary access to the River Leisure club swimming pool. This stay does not include entry to Santa’s Grotto but you can book your entry HERE.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Christmas at Center Parcs, Longford (guests only)

Address: Center Parcs Longford Forest, Newcastle Road, Newcastle, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

If you are looking for a memorable festive break in Ireland, then head for Center Parcs in County Longford. The village will be transformed into a Christmas playground with snow, lights, and lots of festive decorations.

Guests can enjoy a stroll through Santa’s Woodland Village, enjoy an Enchanted Light Garden, write letters to Santa, listen to stories in the Tipi, and enjoy a visit with Santa where children will receive a gift and a souvenir photograph (prebookable at an extra cost this year). There are lots of things to see and do on a festive break at Center Parcs.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Santa in Waterford Castle, Waterford

Address: The Island, Ballinakill, Co. Waterford, X91 Y722

For a great Santa Sleepover in Ireland, head to Waterford Castle with the family and book into one of the lodges. Families can enjoy a festive staycation in the 3-bedroom lodges and combine their stay with a visit to Winterval, one of the best Christmas events in Ireland. While at the castle, you can also pay a visit to Santa with one of the Santa Visit Packages which includes a visit to Santa and a family meal afterward.

For more information and to book your Santa Sleepover at Waterford Castle, CLICK HERE, where you will also find details on how to arrange your visit to Santa.

Athlone Spring’s Hotel, Westmeath

Address: R362, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 F9T3

You could enjoy a festive break at the Athlone spring’s Hotel before visiting Santa’s Grotto after breakfast. Festive breaks include breakfast, complimentary access to the newly refurbished Leisure Centre, Complimentary WiFi, and free parking.

Visit Mrs Claus’ kitchen, decorate some freshly baked cookies, and then meet Santa in his Grotto where you can also post your letter to him. Each child that visits Santa will receive a gift. (Note this is yet to be confirmed for 2022)

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

For more information and to book your tickets to Santa’s Grotto, CLICK HERE. – To be confirmed

Amber Springs Santa Train Experience, Wexford

Address: Wexford St, Knockmullen, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 FY07

Enjoy a festive break at the Amber Springs Hotel where guests can enjoy a 1- or 2-night stay which includes tickets on the Santa Express to meet Santa himself. Stay in a room of your choice, enjoy a full Irish breakfast, and receive €50 dining credit to use in one of the three dining outlets. For a magical sleepover that includes a visit with Santa in Ireland via the Amber Express Train, choose the Amber Springs Hotel.

For more information and to book your Santa Train Experience, CLICK HERE and check availability via the BOOK NOW button.

Santa’s Enchanted Castle, Riverside Park Hotel, Wexford (Selling fast)

Address: The Promenade, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 T2F4

Combine a luxury overnight stay with a full Irish breakfast with a visit to Santa’s Enchanted Castle Experience located in Enniscorthy Castle.

Each room of the castle is decorated and filled with exciting themed experiences. Meet Mrs Claus, the Elves, and Santa who will give each child a gift. Afterward, enjoy an Elf Treasure hunt on the Prom and post your letter to Santa.

Guests of the Riverside Park Hotel can also enjoy free WiFi, a children’s playground, and treats for the kids upon arrival. For a great Santa sleepover in Ireland this December, book into the Riverside Park Hotel.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Christmas Island Santa Experience, Hidden Valley, Wicklow

Address: Lower Main St, Glasnarget North, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

For a wonderful Santa sleepover event, why not book into the Hidden Valley Resort in County Wicklow to combine a lodge stay with entry to their Christmas Island Santa Experience.

Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodation and entry to the Christmas event. The Christmas event includes a train ride through the fairy forest, activities with the Elves and Mrs Claus, and a personal meeting with Santa where every child will receive a gift. There are lots of other festive-themed activities to enjoy as well.

So, if you are looking for a fun festive break in Ireland, choose the Hidden Valley Christmas Island Santa Experience. Note – You do not need to be a guest to book tickets. However, visitors seeking overnight accommodation MUST have Christmas Island tickets to stay overnight and all bookings will be cross-references.

For more information and to book your tickets and stay, CLICK HERE.

Best Santa Sleepover, Northern Ireland

Santa Sundays, Malone Hotel, Antrim

Address: 60 Eglantine Ave, Malone Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT9 6DY (UK)

For a very reasonable price, families can book into the Malone Hotel in Belfast to partake in Santa Sundays this festive season.

Families will enjoy a 3-course Sunday Lunch with Christmas movies and music. Kids will then meet Santa in his grotto where they will receive a gift and get their picture taken with him. This is part of the Sunday Lunch with Santa’s Grotto packages. You do not need to be a guest to book this experience. See HERE for more details.

However, you can make a night of it by booking the Santa Sunday Overnight Package for only £149 (includes lunch & 1 photo, toy for child, plus breakfast the following day.). Free parking and WiFi are included in the price.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Santa Stayover, La Mon Hotel & Country Club, Down

Address: 41 Gransha Rd, Comber, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 5RF (UK)

Surprise the family with a family overnight break at La Mon’s Santa Stayover experience. This Santa Sleepover in Northern Ireland includes a one-night bed and breakfast, the Family Santa Stayover Experience with cuddly toy for under 12’s, complimentary parking and WiFi, and access to the country club with its 15m swimming pool.

The Family Santa Stayover Experience is magical for children with a meeting with Mrs Claus and the Elves. Children can make reindeer food and Christmas crafts. There is also a meeting with Santa where children’s gifts will be a cuddly toy and where there will be plenty of photo opportunities.

For more information and to book your stay, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion

So, with this list of the best Santa sleepovers Ireland has to offer, the only thing left to do is decide which one to book!

Read more about Christmas in Ireland:

• Best Christmas Light Displays in Ireland
• Best Christmas Markets in Ireland
• Irish Christmas Traditions
• Traditional Irish Christmas Dinner
• Irish Christmas Sayings and Blessings
• How to Say Merry Christmas in Irish
• Best Christmas Events in Ireland
• Best Santa Trains in Ireland
• Best Christmas Tree Farms in Ireland
• Best Christmas Pantomimes in Ireland