My top Kilkenny Christmas pick

Christmas at Mount Juliet (photo from http://www.mountjuliethotelkilkenny.com)

Christmas in Kilkenny -city and countryside- is a real treat. There is plenty to see, do, eat & buy, but in this post I'll just give you one set of my top Kilkenny Christmas picks.

Mount Juliet Christmas Village & Santa Train
Set in the rolling Kilkenny countryside, the luxurious Mount Juliet country estate hotel puts on a lovely, free, Christmas village. Beautifully decorated, Mount Juliet's gorgeous buildings are a feast for the eyes, as are the stands full of fabulous craft, food, and more. My top tip: consider going after dark (open noon til 9pm) for the full effect of the twinkling Christmas lights. Those with children rave about the Santa Train- but do book ahead as it sells out quickly.

Where: 20 min outside Kilkenny City. Click here for directions

Note: The Santa Train leaves every half hour between 12pm and 8pm, Dec 8th-23rd inclusive and costs €15 per child (includes present) and €10 per adult.

Mount Juliet serves food, in particular the 3 rosette restaurant, The Lady Helen is highly regarded. If you follow any foodies on Twitter, you may have seen folks posting drool inducing photos; The Lady Helen's tasting menu seems a firm favorite.
 *Sighs* The Lady Helen is still on our 'one day' list... 

You won't go hungry at Mount Juliet even if you don't have a restaurant booking, because there are  some of Ireland's finest local artisan food producers at the Christmas village. Last year we satisfied our tummies with their fresh hot food & drink, and of course thoughtfully bought packaged foodie gifts for others :-)  

Glasswork at Jerpoint Glass gallery

Jerpoint Glass

While you're in the area, don't miss Jerpoint Glass just a few km down the road. We like to call in late in the afternoon to see what gorgeousness is on show in the gallery, & then head to Mount Juliet as dusk falls- perfect!

Jerpoint Glass Studio Christmas Opening Hours:

Shop & Gallery

 Open 10.00 – 17.30 Monday to Saturday and 12.00 – 17.00 Sundays

Glassblowing Demonstrations

 10.00 – 16.00 Monday to Thursday and 10.00 – 14.00 on Fridays

Closed Christmas Eve at 2pm

Want another top notch Christmas idea? 
Try Waterford's Winterval! 

Happy Christmas! Susan 

Happy Holidays! Mulled wine simmering at The Grapevine, KK City, & cute sign at Bridies Bar & Store, KK City.