Ashford Castle
Warm up with a hot whiskey when you take a Christmas morning cruise at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland. Guests of this 800-year-old castle, now a five-star hotel, can sail on Lough Corrib as part of a Christmas package. It comes with other seasonal delights, such as mulled wine, mince pies, a visit from Santa, live entertainment and a black-tie gala dinner on Christmas Day. The next day, Dec. 26, is St. Stephen’s Day in Ireland, when castle guests are invited to try archery, falconry and sheep herding, or simply take a guided walk with a local historian.