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The Wicklow Heather · Laragh, Co. Wicklow

A Literary Christmas
at The Wicklow Heather

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.

€68 per person
An Evening to Remember

Where Irish Literature Meets Festive Dining

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
The Wicklow Heather decorated for Christmas
Two Nights Only

Choose Your Literary Evening

Two celebrated Irish writers. Two specially prepared festive menus.

Friday 4th December 2026

James Joyce

An evening of Irish storytelling, Christmas tradition and seasonal dining.

Discover the Evening
Friday 11th December 2026

Oscar Wilde

An evening of wit, elegance and Victorian-inspired festive dining.

Discover the Evening
Friday 4th December 2026

An Evening with James Joyce

Join 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.

The Wicklow Heather Presents

The James Joyce Menu

Friday 4th December

Amuse-Bouche
Creamed Kale & Salted Bacon Crostini

Silken creamed colcannon with crisp salted bacon, served on a golden crostini.

Starter
Whiskey-Cured Gravlax of Salmon

Glendalough house-cured salmon, pickled beetroot, cucumber ribbons and silky horseradish purée.

Sorbet Course
Lemon Sorbet

Finished with a mulled wine reduction.

Main Course
Pan-Roasted Duck Fillet

Pan-roasted duck breast, fondant potato and a rich cherry reduction.

Served with buttered Brussels sprouts and crisp bacon lardons.

Dessert
Traditional Plum Pudding

Rich traditional Christmas pudding served with Chantilly cream and warm whiskey sauce.

Friday 11th December 2026

An Evening with Oscar Wilde

Step 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.

The Wicklow Heather Presents

The Oscar Wilde Menu

Friday 11th December

Amuse-Bouche
Galway Bay Oysters

Fresh Galway Bay oysters, served on crushed ice with fresh lemon.

Starter
Smoked Haddock Croquettes

Golden, crisp potato and smoked haddock croquettes, served with classic tartare sauce and delicate baby leaf salad.

Sorbet Course
Champagne Sorbet
Main Course
Roast Rump of Lamb

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.

Dessert
Warm Chocolate Brownie

Served with Madagascan vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce and crisp crushed meringue nest.

The Wicklow Heather at Christmas
A Unique Setting

Christmas in Our Irish Writers Room

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 Room
Stay a Little Longer

Make a Night of It at Heather House

For 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.

€159

Bed & breakfast for two people sharing.

To enquire about the special accommodation rate, please call our reservations team.

Call The Wicklow Heather Restaurant
Exterior of Heather House bed and breakfast accommodation near Glendalough in County Wicklow
Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in A Literary Christmas?

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.

Where are the Literary Christmas evenings taking place?

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.

How much does the experience cost?

Tickets are €68 per person for either the James Joyce or Oscar Wilde evening.

Can I book accommodation for the 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.

Do I need to book in advance?

Advance reservations are recommended, as there are only two Literary Christmas evenings scheduled.

Can I attend both evenings?

Yes. The James Joyce and Oscar Wilde evenings feature different literary programmes and specially prepared menus, offering two distinct experiences.

How can I make a reservation?

Email bookings@wicklowheather.ie or telephone (0404) 45157, specifying your preferred date and number of guests.

December at The Wicklow Heather

Join Us for A Literary Christmas

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