Heighten the anticipation with Discover Northern Ireland’s gift guide

If you’re struggling to find the perfect present, you can be sure a voucher for an immersive experience or hotel break will tick the box as so many of us are craving a little escapism as we look to 2021.

We are social creatures and the personal gift of an experience not only provides opportunities for those all-important Insta moments, it also helps us create memories with loved ones – and who can put a price on that?

While travelling or taking part in the many new experiences across Northern Ireland may not be possible at the moment, there is nothing to stop us booking ahead and making our friends and family sparkle with anticipation.

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled an inspiring gift guide to help spark your imagination this festive season.

For the gourmet

For a budding baker or someone who enjoys fun in the kitchen, give the gift of a cookery or baking class. Learn to make our famous soda farls, wheaten and potato bread at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen on the shores of Strangford Lough or be inspired to cook with confidence at home after a lesson at Wee Buns Cookery School in County Tyrone. For a round-up of fun for all local food experiences, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/food-and-drink/make-it-yourself

For the person in your life who enjoys a ‘wee dram’, Northern Ireland has an enviable collection of brewers and distillers, as well as vouchers for tours. Nearly every county now boasts a top-class producer of beer and cider or whiskey and gin. As well as our world-famous brands like Bushmills Irish Whiskey there has been a surge in the number of producers from Northern Ireland with Boatyard Distillery, Armagh Cider Company, Killowen Distillery and Hinch Distillery. With each exciting connoisseurs around the world, learn more about our wide range of brewers, distillers and cider producers here https://discovernorthernireland.com/food-and-drink/breweries-distilleries-and-cider-producers

‘Fore’ the golfer

Chip in with a gift of green fees for the golfer in your life. Our golfers regularly grab the headlines at Major tournaments, but Northern Ireland’s golf courses have also been making a name for themselves especially after the overwhelming success of last year’s 148th Open at Royal Portrush. Why not book a round at one of Northern Ireland’s courses such as Royal Belfast, Castlerock or one of our many world-class links courses. For more information and to learn why Northern Ireland is Made for Golf, visit discovernorthernireland.com/golf

For luxury lovers

With so much stress in the world right now, the gift of a spa break could be one of the most thoughtful presents this Christmas. A spa break in Northern Ireland can feel completely indulgent with some wonderful value offers right now, meaning a loved one is just one small step away from giant relaxation. The Merchant (5*), Culloden Estate and Spa (5*), Galgorm Resort & Spa (4*), Corick House Hotel & Spa (4*), Roe Park Resort (4*), Killeavy Castle Estate (4*) and Lough Erne Resort (5*) all offer indulgent treatments and vouchers which make fantastic stress-relieving Christmas gifts. For more information on local spa breaks, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2020/06/spa-hotels-b105

For the savvy online shopper

Take the stress out of gifting with the Belfast City Centre Gift Card or visit LegenDerry for an easy to use online guide to support local food and drink. The Belfast card provides the recipient with a wide choice of shopping, when it is safe to do so, in over 155 City Centre businesses across retail, health & beauty, bars, restaurants and hotels. LegenDerry encourages shoppers to experience Derry~Londonderry’s vibrant food and drink scene, from local producers, restaurants and experiences such as Walled City Brewery, Northbound Brewery or Dart Mountain Cheese. For more information, visit https://belfastcitycentregiftcard.co.uk/ and https://legenderryfood.com/

For adventure seekers

Embrace a giant Christmas spirit by gifting a voucher for one of Northern Ireland’s fantastic experiences. Ever wanted to ‘Glide with the Tide’ or ‘Walk the Edge’ or enjoy a Belfast Food Tour and then a visit to Titanic Belfast? These unforgettable experiences with first-class hosts and exceptional food and drink are all waiting to be discovered across every county. For more information, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/giant-spirit-experiences

For the explorer

Explore extraordinary places and make memories after gifting a special person annual membership to the National Trust. Become a member and help protect many of our unforgettable places for future generations, such as Florence Court in County Fermanagh, Mount Stewart in County Down or The Argory in County Armagh, to name a few. Whether it’s sweeping views of coast and country, space to stop and breathe in a floral garden or the feeling of discovering hidden secrets in historical homes, some things are impossible to wrap. For more information about gifting a membership, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-us

For absent friends

For those who can’t be at home this Christmas, a gift inspired by Northern Ireland will raise a smile. Born & Bred offers unique gifts and accessories created by local artisans and craftspeople. Their range includes Derry Girls prints/cards, a cheeky wee gin mug, NI themed facemasks and much more. Visit https://wearebornandbred.com/

For more inspiring gift ideas from Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.