Giving stuff up for Lent? Reward yourself with a luxury Irish getaway

Well aren't you a good lad, giving up chocolate and the like for Lent. Here at JOE we believe such good behaviour deserves a reward.

Having gorged yourself on pancakes, you've been a good little Catholic and have decided to give something up. Chances are it's the sweets and chocolate that has been put aside. Maybe it's the beer, or for urbane urban types its that daily latte.

Doing a bit of calculating on the back of a beer mat indicates that your personal sacrifice over the whole Lenten period tallies up to a not-insubstantial €250 or thereabouts.

It’s a nice little sum that can be spent on those pleasurable pursuits that you haven't given up, such as an indulgent weekend break with the other half. Classy.

To get you thinking, here are three deals that are dotted around the country and which can currently be booked through lastminute.com. All prices are based on a two-night stay from 8-10 April.

Waterford
€79 per person: Two nights in the 4-star Athenaeum House (below), a boutique-style restored Georgian house set amid 6 acres of parkland. Athenaeum house is situated one and a half miles from Waterford city and is noted for its elegant bedrooms and locally sourced cuisine. Check out this deal here.

Galway
€140 per person: Two nights in the 4-star Rosslake House, Oughterard (below), a 19th century former estate house set amid rambling woods and a haven of peace and tranquility. The price includes bed and breakfast. Check out this deal here.

Cork
€110 per person: Two nights in the 5-star Fota Island Hotel and Spa (pictured, top), an elegant, contemporary hotel 15 minutes from Cork city that boasts a top-notch spa and Christy O’Connor Junior designed golf course. And you can always go and visit the animals in Fota Wildlife Park. Check out this deal here.