Craic ’n’ eggs: Go on a staycation hunt this Easter

The upcoming April bank holiday weekend is the optimum time for a breakaway, and with every offering – from spa breaks to chocolate escapades – to choose from here in Ireland, a staycation ticks all the right boxes.

Kingdom fun

Beginning in the Kingdom, pampering doesn’t come any more indulgent than at the Europe Hotel. From Easter Monday, stay for two nights b&b with complimentary access to the Active Level of their award-winning ESPA, where 20-metre pool, indoor and outdoor vitality pool, thermal suites and relaxation areas plus indoor tennis and horse riding on the grounds are at your fingertips. The package also includes an evening meal, starting from €300 per person sharing. (theeurope.com).

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Make your Good Friday great at Castle Leslie in Glaslough, Co Monaghan

Foodie G

For those who prefer an action-packed trip, look no further than Galway where the Food Festival and a whole host of celebrations will be in full swing on Easter weekend. The G Hotel’s famous afternoon tea gets the Easter touch from €46 for two guests, and you can always upgrade with a stay in the swish 5-star (theghotel.ie).

Eggs and the city

Speaking of style, the recently gussied-up Sandymount Hotel is a refined and elegant base for those in need of a city break. Stay in the heart of leafy southside Dublin, with breakfast, tickets for the Hop-on Hop-off Dublin bus tour and complimentary Easter eggs for everyone who stays from €139 (sandymounthotel.ie).

Hayfield hunting

Cork’s finest, Hayfield Manor, offers families a complete holiday with their two-night b&b package. Begin with chocolates for little ones and prosecco for grown-ups on arrival, followed by dinner in Perrotts Garden Bistro, and round it off with an epic Easter egg hunt on the grounds on Easter Sunday morning. The swimming pool, spa, babysitter service and discounted tickets for family days out at Fota Wildlife

Park

and

Cork

City Gaol are the little extras that pack a punch here, from €414 per person (hayfieldmanor.ie).

Lizard ideas

Kids stay for free at the Kilkenny Hotel where a one-night mid-week Easter activity break includes breakfast, choice of a family pass to the National Reptile Zoo, a family ticket to K-Bowl, the

Dunmore

Caves, the Nore Valley Farm or Jellytots, plus full use of the health and fitness club and pool and full free access to the Kids’ Club from €175 per room (hotelkilkenny.ie).

Even better Friday

Spend Good Friday in the comforting surroundings of Castle Leslie Estate, with a one-night stay, breakfast, dinner and an Easter Treat at turn-down from €155 per person (castleleslie.com).

Lunch with Mayo

Over at Belleek Castle, Co Mayo, their three-course Easter Sunday lunch comes with an overnight stay and breakfast, €195 per person (belleekcastle.com).