THERE is a unique joy that comes with dining out at Christmas Time. The festive season is an opportunity to gather your friends together and catch up with people you may not have seen all year and what better way to enjoy the company of friends and family than to indulge in your traditional festive favourites without having to slave away in your own kitchen.
Part of the magic of dining out at Christmas time is the festive charm that the holiday season brings. Restaurants often go all out with decorations, creating a magical setting filled with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and seasonal themes that evoke the spirit of the holidays. That Christmas feeling wouldn’t be complete without some classic Christmas songs playing in the background as you enjoy your relaxing night out.
Here at The Clare Echo we want to make planning your Christmas party as simple as possible, so we have put together a list of the top ten venues in Co.Clare to host your Christmas night out. To make the decision easier we’ve clearly outlined the type of food on offer, the location and the atmosphere of each venue. Since music is such an important part of any holiday party we have even paired each venue with, what we believe to be, their perfect holiday soundtrack.
- Dromoland Castle
- Cuisine: A sparkling soiree with themed cocktails
- Location: Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare
- Ambience: Luxurious, festive, graceful
- Holiday Soundtrack: Baby it’s cold outside by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé
2. Nora Culligan’s
- Cuisine: Flavorful Finger Foods
- Location: 26 Abbey St, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare
- Ambience: Classic, comfortable, fun
- Holiday Soundtrack: Rockin’ around the Christmas tree by Brenda Lee
3. The Old Ground Hotel
- Cuisine: Festive Favourites with all the trimmings
- Location: Station Rd, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare
- Ambience: Comfortable Elegance with twinkling lights
- Holiday Soundtrack: Silent night by Josh Groban.
4. Knox’s Pub
- Cuisine: Comforting meals that evoke fond Christmas memories
- Location:18 Abbey St, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare
- Ambience: Nostalgic, traditional, just great craic
- Holiday Soundtrack: All I want for Christmas is you by Mariah Carey
5. JP Clarke’s
- Cuisine: Specially crafted Christmas menu
- Location: Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare
- Ambience: Relaxed, joyful, homey
- Holiday Soundtrack: Have yourself a merry little Christmas by Frank Sinatra
6. The Creamery Pub & Food Barn
- Cuisine: Classics with a modern twist
- Location: Old Bunratty Rd, Bunratty East, Bunratty, Co. Clare
- Ambience: Cosy, casual, rustic
- Holiday Soundtrack: Wonderful Christmas time by Paul McCartney
7. Inn at Dromoland Hotel
- Cuisine: Christmas dishes with some of Clare’s best local ingredients
- Location: Dromoland, Co. Clare
- Ambience: Lively, bright, energetic
- Holiday Soundtrack: I wish it could be Christmas everyday by Wizzard
8. Shannon Springs Hotel
- Cuisine: Traditional Christmas dinner
- Location: Ballycasey, Ballycasey More, Shannon
- Ambience: Traditional, festive, charming
- Holiday Soundtrack: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
9. The Grove Bar & Restaurant
- Cuisine: Timeless classics
- Location: Tulla Rd, Rosslevan, Ennis
- Ambience: Warm, cheerful, inviting
- Holiday Soundtrack: Feliz Navidad’ by José Feliciano
10. The Temple Gate Hotel
- Cuisine: Fine-dining with a holiday menu
- Location: The Square, Clonroad Beg, Ennis
- Ambience: Elegant, classy, stylish
- Holiday Soundtrack: Mistletoe and wine by Cliff Richard
