Late lie-ins, fireside drinks and spa packages: in Ireland, your hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It’s somewhere to savour. Bed down in Dublin, at sumptuous The Westbury hotel, where you’ll sip drinks in its 1930s-inspired bar, The Sidecar, and pamper yourself with Malin + Goetz toiletries.

While The Westbury’s very own WILDE restaurant is well worth a visit for its Irish produce and alfresco-inspired decoration, we love a walk south, to Richmond Restaurant in Dublin’s Portobello area. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this tiny, low-key spot serves a limited but absolutely delicious menu for brunch, early evening and dinner.

Dublin, steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery, is a city breaker's dream. Its warm Irish hospitality welcomes visitors to a wealth of cultural landmarks. The towering Spire, the Kilmainham Gaol and the prestigious Trinity College – home to the Book of Kells and the breathtaking Long Room – offer a sightseeing experience unlike any other.

After you’ve soaked up the city sights, drive south-west into Ireland’s green heart and to Ballyfin Demesne – a five-star country house style hotel in Ballyfin. The most luxurious home away from home, this vast manor houses a heated pool, sauna and spa, and offers its residents music recitals, art and architectural tours and more – you’ll never want to leave.

Running along the border of County Laois is the Slieve Bloom Mountain range – a majestic national park that’s dotted with villages and castles. It’s even said that you can see half the counties in Ireland from the top. Providing a much-needed blast of fresh winter air, a long walk up and down the hills is a must. The hotel butlers can even recommend suitable walks and print maps to help you on your way.