Two special evenings of Irish literature, festive dining and warm hospitality in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains.
Join literary guide and actor Jack Walsh as he brings the words of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde to life in our Irish Writers Room.
Nestled in the picturesque village of Laragh, just minutes from Glendalough, The Wicklow Heather has long celebrated Ireland's rich literary heritage through our much-loved Irish Writers Room.
This December, we invite you to experience that tradition in a particularly memorable way.
Across two intimate evenings, literary guide and actor Jack Walsh will bring the stories and words of two of Ireland's most celebrated writers to life, accompanied by festive menus specially prepared by our chefs.
With seasonal flavours, welcoming surroundings and the warmth of Irish hospitality, it is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, family or someone special.
Discover Our Irish Writers Room
Two celebrated Irish writers. Two specially prepared festive menus.
An evening of Irish storytelling, Christmas tradition and seasonal dining.
Discover the EveningAn evening of wit, elegance and Victorian-inspired festive dining.
Discover the EveningJoin us for a celebration of one of Ireland's most influential literary figures.
Best known for works including Dubliners and Ulysses, James Joyce captured the character, conversations and traditions of Irish life. His celebrated short story The Dead, set against the backdrop of a festive gathering in Dublin, provides a particularly fitting inspiration for a December evening.
With readings by Jack Walsh and a carefully prepared seasonal menu, guests can look forward to an evening of literature, wonderful food and good company.
Friday 4th December
Silken creamed colcannon with crisp salted bacon, served on a golden crostini.
Glendalough house-cured salmon, pickled beetroot, cucumber ribbons and silky horseradish purée.
Finished with a mulled wine reduction.
Pan-roasted duck breast, fondant potato and a rich cherry reduction.
Served with buttered Brussels sprouts and crisp bacon lardons.
Rich traditional Christmas pudding served with Chantilly cream and warm whiskey sauce.
Includes a welcome Bellini, literary readings with Jack Walsh and a local Glendalough Irish Coffee to conclude the evening.
Reserve 4th DecemberStep into the world of Oscar Wilde for the second of our Literary Christmas evenings.
Renowned for his brilliant wit, theatrical storytelling and timeless observations on life, Wilde remains one of Ireland's most beloved literary figures.
Join literary guide and actor Jack Walsh as he brings Wilde's words to life in the intimate surroundings of our Irish Writers Room.
Our chefs have created a special menu for the occasion, featuring seasonal Irish ingredients and elegant dishes inspired by the spirit of the evening.
Friday 11th December
Fresh Galway Bay oysters, served on crushed ice with fresh lemon.
Golden, crisp potato and smoked haddock croquettes, served with classic tartare sauce and delicate baby leaf salad.
Herb-marinated rump of lamb, roasted medium and served on a bed of silky truffled potato purée, finished with a Bordelaise sauce.
Accompanied by honey-glazed baby root vegetables.
Served with Madagascan vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce and crisp crushed meringue nest.
Includes a welcome Bellini, literary readings with Jack Walsh and a local Glendalough Irish Coffee to conclude the evening.
Reserve 11th December
One of the most distinctive features of The Wicklow Heather is our Irish Writers Room, a space dedicated to celebrating the remarkable literary heritage of Ireland.
Surrounded by books, portraits and memorabilia, it offers a wonderfully atmospheric setting for an evening of storytelling and festive dining.
Whether you are a lover of Irish literature, planning a romantic evening near Glendalough or simply looking for a unique Christmas dining experience in Wicklow, our Literary Christmas evenings offer something a little different.
Explore the Irish Writers RoomFor those travelling to Wicklow or wishing to extend their evening, why not enjoy an overnight stay at Heather House?
Located alongside The Wicklow Heather Restaurant in Laragh, Heather House offers a welcoming place to relax after an evening of festive dining and Irish literature.
Bed & breakfast for two people sharing.
To enquire about the special accommodation rate, please call our reservations team.
Call The Wicklow Heather Restaurant
Each evening includes literary readings and performances by Jack Walsh, a welcome Bellini, a specially prepared festive dining experience and a Glendalough Irish Coffee to finish.
Both evenings will be hosted in the Irish Writers Room at The Wicklow Heather Restaurant in Laragh, Co. Wicklow, just a short drive from Glendalough.
Tickets are €68 per person for either the James Joyce or Oscar Wilde evening.
Yes. A special bed and breakfast rate of €159 for two people sharing is available at Heather House. Please call (0404) 45157 to enquire.
Advance reservations are recommended, as there are only two Literary Christmas evenings scheduled.
Yes. The James Joyce and Oscar Wilde evenings feature different literary programmes and specially prepared menus, offering two distinct experiences.
Email bookings@wicklowheather.ie or telephone (0404) 45157, specifying your preferred date and number of guests.
Two memorable evenings celebrating Irish literature, festive dining and the warmth of Christmas in the Wicklow Mountains.
4th December: James Joyce
11th December: Oscar Wilde
€68 per person
Reserve Your Place
Or call
(0404) 45157
bookings@wicklowheather.ie
Laragh, Co. Wicklow
© Wicklow Heather Restaurant 2023