It’s not always easy this time of year to find the right gift for friends and loved ones. I’ve found a selection of gifts and travel experiences to suit all tastes. I love nothing more than making precious memories with friends and families so whether it’s a day out or a trip away, by booking now you can make some savings too!
Santa’s Christmas Training Camp at Croke Park
Calling all GAA fans and Christmas lovers! Join Santa’s team at the GAA Museum, where he’s getting his team match-ready. With a GAA-themed gift for the kids and fun for all, this festive event runs from November 23rd to December 22nd. It’s a win-win for the whole family! Tickets are priced at €17 – €22 with children under one free. A gift is included. Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance at crokepark.ie/santa.
5* Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway
I’m just back from a fabulous stay at Glenlo Abbey and learned that they have created a rather special experience for those looking to elevate their hosting skills for the holiday season.
From 8th November to 23rd December (Wednesday-Sunday stays only), the award-winning culinary team will take you behind the scenes to demonstrate various techniques and share recipes for you to replicate at home to impress everyone during the season. The Festive Foodie package includes a luxury overnight stay and a delicious breakfast before departure.
The experience will operate each Wednesday to Sunday from noon for 45 minutes in The Pullman Kitchen, the beating heart of The Pullman Restaurant, comprised of two original carriages from the Orient Express, beautifully restored and set on the grounds of the hotel. Converted into a wonderful restaurant car retaining all its original character, this historic Pullman train carriage resided at Elsenham Station in Hertfordshire, England, before joining the many varied facilities already available at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Galway. Once aboard The Pullman Kitchen, guests will see the chefs prepare a selection of beautifully presented canapés with seasonal flair and demonstrate how to create the perfect brine for turkey, highlighting the importance of seasoning tips and their impact on the finished dish! They will also provide a step-by-step guide to making chutney with Christmas spices to complement a carefully selected cheese board and a seasonal cake to finish off the occasion. Full recipe cards will be available for guests to take home, with a delicious jar of Christmas chutney to savour over the holidays and a Glenlo Abbey embroidered apron to remember the day and use with pride in your kitchen.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels, a proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book, small luxury hotels, and part of the Irish-owned and managed MHL Hotel Collection. It is just two miles from Galway City and boasts magnificent views overlooking Lough Corrib on a 138-acre estate.
Glenlo Abbey’s Team will be delighted to assist you with any queries by telephone at Tel Intl +353 (0) 91 519600. Or Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information or to purchase gift vouchers online.
El Camino Bracelets
I love collecting bracelets when I travel around the world and this is a great way to record your travels in the one collectable bracelet. You can celebrate the places you’ve visited, the cultures experienced, the food eaten, the sights seen, and the seas swam in. Handcrafted in the UK, friends and loved ones can be taken on a trip around the world with a travel keepsake worn around the wrist. Celebrating ten years of creating personalised travel bracelets, El Camino is available exclusively online at www.elcaminobracelets.com
Pick from a selection of over 400 Steps (what they refer to as a charm/bead) each representing a different part of the travel experience. With over 240 Country Steps (£13.99) in the collection and an ever-growing range of Small Steps (£13.49) including islands, cities, and landmarks, it’s easy to design a meaningful bracelet that reflects the path the wearer has travelled.
Add a delicate flash of blue and gold with an Ocean Step (£23.99) or Sea Step (£23.99) – 11 bespoke glass Steps representing the different world seas and oceans; or a vibrant pop of colour with one of El Camino’s bright Region Steps (£17.99) – 12 hand-crafted coloured glass Steps representing the different world regions. For true globetrotters, continue to storytell with the brand’s unique collection of engraved Adventure Steps (£15.99). Celebrate memorable road trips with the Campervan Step, nights spent under the stars with the Tent Step, waves surfed with the Wave Step, and pictures taken with the Camera Step.
Every El Camino journey starts with a handmade, macramé bracelet constructed from four woven cords, each with a breaking strain of 34kgs (from £32.99). With a variety of sizes to pick from, adult through to junior, and nine different colour options available, there is a design to suit everyone’s travel memories.
Original Irish Hotels
With over 50 gorgeous properties to choose from a Gift Vouchar with Original Irish Hotels will make a fabulous Christmas Present
Properties are in a variety of captivating locations throughout Ireland, and a gift vouchar will take you from pastoral dining-table to windswept harbour; from drifting barge to fireside warmth, gathering memories that will last a lifetime.
Presented in a gift box with a copy of our directory and a message of greeting of your choice, these vouchers are valid for a minimum of five years from the date of purchase. https://www.originalirishhotels.com/oih-gift-vouchers/personal-gift-voucher
A Trip up North with Hastings Hotels
Save 10% on experience gift vouchers worth £100 or more until midnight on Monday 2nd December 2024.
It’s the perfect opportunity to wrap up your Christmas shopping early, and treat your loved ones to an experience they’ll truly cherish. From glamorous city breaks in the heart of Belfast, relaxing spa treatments, and exquisite dining experiences, give the gift of a magical moment with Hastings Hotels. With six fabulous hotels to choose from this is a great way to explore Northern Ireland and make a saving too!
*Only available online or alternatively call the gift department on 0044 28 9047 1066. https://www.hastingshotels.com/special-offers.html
Musical Festive Get-Togethers in Wicklow
Celebrate the season in style at an Evening with The Celtic Tenors. On Tuesday December 19th guests can enjoy a hauntingly beautiful performance by the much-loved trio. Executive Head Chef James Devers has created a delicious dinner menu for the evening with wine
pairing. The exclusive performance in the intimate setting of the Tulfarris Hotel beside the Blessington Lakes promises to be a truly wonderful evening and the perfect conduit for yule celebrations.
Great Value Winter in Wicklow
In the breathtaking surroundings of the Wicklow countryside and Blessington Lakes, crisp in the winter air, guests can enjoy a midweek winter stay from €109 per person, based on two adults sharing.
Includes Overnight accommodation in a luxurious bedroom with Full Irish Breakfast.
Three course dinner in The Fairways Restaurant and 10% off entry to Russborough House and 10% off shopping at Kildare Village.
Enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner cocktail.
For more information, group booking information or to make a reservation please email
[email protected] or phone (045) 867 600.
The Enchanted Kingdom at Slane Castle
The all-new Enchanted Kingdom at Slane Castle is now open and wowed guests over the weekend as they stepped through the magic portal to be met with talking trees, magical creatures of ice and fire moving through the grounds, sculptures of ice and a multidimensional parallel world of art and magic. The all-new land immerses guests in a mystical world of fantasy. There are bioluminescent creatures with a dreamlike quality and breathtaking new experiences with exhilarating special effects culminating in a spectacular light show as Slane Castle crystallises before your eyes
The Enchanted Kingdom is a walk of approximately one kilometre concluding with a spectacular show at the castle with immersive light and sound installations using 3D sound mapping, targeted projection technology, ingenious special effects, interactive lighting design and custom-built structures. It is family friendly, fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and people of all ages and abilities and is only 40 minutes from Dublin with free parking. The Enchanted Kingdom is also helping to raise funds and awareness for Special Hands, an activity group dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults with additional needs.
Mulled wine, hot chocolate and delicious festive fare keeps the winter chills at bay and infuses the air with festive cheer. The Enchanted Kingdom is by ticket only and tickets are now available from €21.50 on www.enchantedkingdom.ie. Christmas parties and group bookings are welcome and the Enchanted Kingdom is a fully accessible family friendly event.
Great Days Out for 2025 with the Irish Heritage Trust
Johnstown Castle & Agricultural Museum, Fota House Arboretum & Gardens, Strokestown Park & National Famine Museum
Give the gift of great days out for 2025 with an Irish Heritage Trust membership or gift card.
Take the time to discover a world of history, culture and the many stories of Johnstown Castle and other Irish Heritage Trust properties, with unlimited access to Johnstown Castle & Agricultural Museum, Strokestown Park & National Famine Museum as well as Fota House and its Arboretum & Gardens via an Irish Heritage Trust membership card.
The Irish Heritage Trust invites you to join over 7,000 individuals who are already enjoying the benefits of its membership programme and exploring some of Ireland’s most captivating heritage houses and gardens. By becoming a member of the Irish Heritage Trust at just €1 per week you will unlock a world of history, beauty, and community.
An annual membership which also supports the invaluable work of The Irish Heritage Trust is available at €150 for family memberships, which includes two adults and any dependent children. An adult membership is €52 while a couple adult membership is available at €88 and an Irish Heritage Trust gift card can be purchased at any value from 25.00.
Membership benefits include Garden, museum, and tour access across all Irish Heritage Trust properties: Fota House Arboretum & Gardens in Cork, The National Famine Museum | Strokestown Park in Roscommon, and Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens in Wexford. Exclusive discounts and to events hosted in the houses, gardens, and museums including Easter and Halloween events. Regular updates and insider information to stay ahead of the crowd and make the most of your membership and a 20% discount on admissions for friends and family when accompanying the membership holder.
For Irish Heritage Trust gift cards and membership details see https://irishheritagetrust.ie/
Gift Luxury Indulgence at InterContinental Dublin
A relaxing weekend escape, a stylish date night, or a gourmet lunch or dinner? Up for the match, for afternoon tea, or for a blissful spa treatment? Make a 20% saving by making your booking this weekend
Gifting choice and luxury this Christmas is as easy as an InterContinental Dublin gift voucher. The perfect gift for family and friends, colleagues and business associates, InterContinental Dublin gift vouchers can be purchased for a specific monetary value, or for a particular accommodation, dining or spa package. Bespoke treats can be customised too, for a thoughtful gift that is truly personal and sure to be a memorable experience.
Stay one step ahead of Santa with InterContinental Dublin, and this terrifically simple Christmas shopping tip; for those with the ‘presents of mind’ to keep everyone happy this festive season!
Gift vouchers can be organised by calling +353 1 665 4000, or at www.intercontinentaldublin.ie
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