From the lap of luxury to chill-out spas weve rounded up the best short breaks between Christmas and the New Year

Twixmas a mini break between the madness of Christmas and excitement of new year has become quite the trend. A host of hotels have competitive deals and pampering options there for the taking.

And why not? Imagine no more turkey leftovers.

Ballynahinch has the Downton Abbey option.

This cosy, yet stylish Victorian country house and estate on its own stretch of river in the heart of Connemara oozes luxury, history, and tradition.

Expect simple pleasures here in the festive wind-down good food and good company.

There are professional guides on hand for walking tours of the trails, sitting on 700 acres of woodland. Or explore the greenway on free bikes.

One night with dinner costs 395 per couple. Available from December 27-30

Savour and extend that Christmas feeling in West Corks Inchydoney. Board games, festive movies, beach walks, and more are on tap from Dec 27-30.

Two-night stays are on offer with afternoon tea in the lounge. Plus theres access to the pool and spa. An oasis and a retreat from the city and the sales, perfect for recharging the batteries.

Get away from 350 per person sharing.

inchydoneyisland.com.

Its all about the kids at the Rose Hotel in Tralee. Junior guests can enjoy dinner at 5.30pm with festive games for afters gingerbread-men decorating, pin the red nose on Rudolph, and Christmas charades.

Meanwhile, the grown-ups can rest in Dotts bar or the serenity spa.

The best part of the package? A family pass to the Aquadome or the cinema.

Available for one night with breakfast and dinner for 231 for 2 adults and 2 kids from Dec 27-30. http://www.therosehotel.com.

http://www.rosehotel.com

Cosy up and chill out at the Ice House Hotel with their Christmas calm package, running from December 26-30,

Be their guest and be pampered after a busy Christmas Day.

This hotel is an eclectic mix of contemporary chic and traditional elegance. Think quirky details original artwork and goose down duvets. The ultimate indulgence after Christmas. Two nights B&B plus dinner on one evening from 335 per person

There may be 12 days of Christmas but how many of those days do you find yourself doing what you really want to do? Make the most of the festive season with a break in beautiful West Cork just after Christmas but before New Year.

Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff, West Cork is a destination wellness resort focused on old-world charm. Steeped in over 250 years of history, its guests have included WB Yeats, Maureen OHara, and George Bernard Shaw.

You can relax in style at by sampling the recently-opened Spa and Wellness experience, a total mind and body rejuvenation experience and the perfect tonic to recover from the hectic Christmas festivities.

You can experience all that the Eccles Hotel has to offer with an overnight stay from 119 per night. In the treatment suite youll have the ultimate selection of VOYA organic Irish seaweed- based therapies and wellness experiences at your fingertips, with a large outdoor thermal area in natural surrounds featuring a large sauna, seaweed baths, relaxation loungers, and two hot tubs that overlook the bay.

Meanwhile, the menu prepared by head chef Eddie Attwell is sourced locally from West Cork artisan food producers.

While youre in the area, explore the Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve and Gougane Barra or simply walking off the Christmas over-indulgence across the Beara Way.

Visit http://www.eccleshotel.com for more information or to book your stay now.

The five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate in Galway is one of the countrys hidden treasures.

Savour a festive break away between Christmas and New Year relax in the comfort of your luxurious room or beside the cosy log fire in one of the elegant lounges. Take advantage of the wild westerly fresh air and enjoy a round of golf on the nine-hole course designed by Ryder Cup legend Christy OConnor Jnr. On the afternoon of your choice, take the time to indulge in a traditional cream tea.

For an extra special dining experience, savour a delicious meal on one evening aboard The Pullman Restaurant set in two original carriages of the aboard the Orient Express. Enjoy a delicious breakfast cooked to order in the River Room Restaurant overlooking Lough Atalia each morning. This package costs from 364 per person sharing and includes two nights of luxury accommodation, full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening, cream tea, round of golf.

See http://www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information or to purchase vouchers online.

Now heres an affordable post-Christmas getaway. Escape to the city just after Christmas at the four-star Limerick Strand Hotel. Until December 30, they have rates that could see you get a night away for just 70 pps.

Retail therapy, a gourmet getaway or a night of festive frolics its there for the taking. The city is on your doorstep.

strandlimerick.ie.

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Thinking of a festive mini break? If so here's some Twixmas breaks that might suit! - Irish Examiner