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26 Irish experiences that make fantastic Christmas gift ideas
Delight the foodie in your life with a unique food experience.
Quality time spent with family and friends is always a welcome present. Give the gift of discovery with an overnight escape,​ a meal they're sure to remember, or a voucher for an exciting new experience.

Start creating magical new memories while supporting Irish businesses with these 26 Irish experiences that make great Christmas gift ideas.

Delight food lovers with culinary experiences

1| Restaurant Gift Vouchers

Treat foodies to an excellent meal at their restaurant of choice with an e-voucher provided by the Restaurant Association of Ireland. They'll be able to book into over 50 restaurants throughout the country. Or pick up a physical voucher from Good Food Ireland that's redeemable at a variety of associated restaurants, as well as member hotels and specialty food shops.

2| Galway Food Tours

Cobbled streets, talented buskers, vibrant markets and excellent eateries; there are more than a few reasons why Galway has such a great reputation. A voucher for Galway Food Tours is a thoughtful present for any foodie - and if you’re lucky they might bring you along. Choose from the Food and Cycling Tour, Evening Food Tour and Sweet Tooth Tour, where they’ll discover some of the hidden gems in the City of the Tribes.

Tour guide showing a group of people different types of chocolates on a food tour in Galway.
Treat your friend to a food tour in Galway.

3| Dine in Dublin

The winding streets of the colourful capital are lined with gorgeous restaurants, bars and cafés. Pick up a voucher from Dine in Dublin, accepted in over 50 Dublin restaurants, and treat someone special to a delicious meal this Christmas. From five-course feasts to memorable tasting menus, Dublin is one of the most exciting food destinations in the country.

People dining in a Dublin restaurant
Dine out in Dublin.

4| Roe & Co Whiskey Distillery

Impress a whiskey connoisseur or cocktail lover with a visit to Roe & Co Whiskey Distillery in Dublin city. The urban distillery has a rich history, housed in the old Guinness Power Station, which they can learn about on a guided tour. After, there’s a whiskey tasting followed by a cocktail and flavours workshop. They can relax over a drink in the Power House Bar and enjoy a cocktail named after a former employee of the power station.

People attending a workshop at Roe & Co Distillery in Dublin city
Create your own cocktail at Roe and Co Distillery.

Gift amazing family memories

5| Airfield Estate

Just ten minutes away from busy Dundrum Town Centre is Airfield Estate, a working farm on the outskirts of Dublin city. It’s true escapism, and an annual family pass is a gift that keeps on giving. Kids adore the Rhode Island Red Hens and the Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs, and a day running around six acres of gardens is sure to tire them out for the journey home. Pick up a takeaway from Overends Kitchen and dinner is sorted – an ideal gift for the whole family.

Blue skies and green trees at Airfield Estate, Dublin
Visit beautiful Airfield Estate.

6| Dublin Zoo

A visit to Dublin Zoo is a joy for both big and little kids. They can watch the elephants rolling around in mud baths on the Kaziranga Forest Trail and spend time in the African Savanna habitat where they’ll see rhinos, zebras and giraffes. Buy an annual pass for your nieces, nephews or grandchildren and enjoy family days out on repeat during 2023.

A family outside of Dublin Zoo
Bring the kids to Dublin Zoo.

7| Johnstown Castle Estate

A visit to Johnstown Castle Estate in Wexford is a lovely way to while away an afternoon with gardens, woodland walks and a playground where kids can burn off energy while parents sit and chat over a coffee. If you gift a membership to the Irish Heritage Trust, they’ll have unlimited access to pre-booked guided castle tours and the outdoor estate too.

Annual membership also means the lucky recipient will have free admission to the Irish Heritage Trust’s sister properties at Strokestown Park in Roscommon and Fota House Arboretum and Gardens in Cork.

Aerial image of Johnstown Castle and Estate in County Wexford
Enjoy a day out at Johnstown Castle Estate.

8| Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre

Buy a Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre gift voucher for the fun-loving kids in your life. A twenty-minute spin from Kilkenny city, the park is packed with things to do including canoeing, orienteering, treetop walks and Ireland’s longest zip-line. Children love the elf and fairy village where leafy woodland paths lead to a junior adventure course, sweet shop and the enchanting Bluebell Playhouse.

Two men at Castlecomer Discovery Park in County Kilkenny
Traverse the trees at Castlecomer Discovery Park.

9| Leahy's Open Farm

In Midleton, Cork, Leahy’s Open Farm is a major hit with children and parents. Get to grips with one of the largest mazes in Ireland, play a competitive round of crazy golf and watch the little ones delight in meeting Daisy the Cow, Dancer the Deer and Sheila the Donkey. Let the older kids tackle the climbing towers, go back in time at the Farm Museum, and end the day with a journey on the epic barrel train. You can book tickets online for this epic family adventure day.

A family petting a horse at Leahy's Open Farm in Midleton, County Cork
Say hello to the adorable animals at Leahy Open Farm.

10| Fota Wildlife Park

On Fota Island in Cork, Fota Wildlife Park is another place for a fun day out with the family. Pick up a gift card or buy tickets online for that special family you have in mind so they can see the stealthy cheetahs, admire the majestic lions and stay for feeding time with the penguins. The kids will also love the giraffe slide and the guided tours on offer. Of course, a yummy snack at the Oasis Restaurant on-site is a great way to cap off the family day out. 

Lemurs at Fota Island Wildlife Park in County Cork
Get a cheeky look at the wildlife at Fota Wildlife Park.

Treat them to a bit of luxury

11| Ireland Hotels

If you’re buying a gift for someone who has everything, a hotel voucher is an inspired choice. From magnificent manors and princely castles to contemporary city spots and boutique-style hotels, there's plenty to choose from. Gift friends or family with the Go Anywhere gift voucher from Ireland Hotels, pick up a voucher with Original Irish Hotels that covers 55 hotels around the country, or get a physical voucher for Ireland's Blue Book and help them start planning their dream getaway. 

Ballynahinch Castle overlooking a lake with mountains and trees in the background
Dream of a luxury stay in magical Ballynahinch Castle.

12| VOYA Seaweed Baths

Heading into the new year, give someone the the gift of renewal with a voucher to the VOYA Seaweed Bath. Set in the spectacular setting of Strandhill, Sligo, VOYA takes relaxation to a whole other level with their hand-harvested seaweed treatments. It's a great way to chill out after a surf lesson or a long walk along Strandhill Beach

A woman relaxing in a seaweed candle-lit bath
Gift a relaxing seaweed bath at VOYA Seaweed Baths.

13| Afternoon Tea

A voucher for afternoon tea is a great gift for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Go all out with the Afternoon Tea in Dublin package at the Westbury Hotel where they can enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street while sampling a selection of delicious sandwiches, scones and homemade pastries. Or plan their trip to Westmeath with a visit to the Wineport Lodge for finger sandwiches and red velvet cake in their Lakeshore Lounge.

Discover outdoor adventures for every age

14| Shannon River Boat Hire

A cruise on the River Shannon is a great gift idea for those who love Ireland's natural scenery. From a romantic trip for two with a Terryglass sunset or a family getaway taking in Banagher’s outdoor pool, a voucher for a cruise down Ireland's longest river with Shannon Princess Luxury River Cruises Ireland is a fantastic present. 

A boat cruising the River Shannon with views of trees nearby
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the River Shannon.

15| Viking Cruise

History buffs can live life as a Viking as they costume up and set sail from Athlone Castle. Captain Mike from Viking Tours Ireland is at the helm of the authentic longship bringing them upriver to Lough Ree, the Lake of the Kings, or downstream to the ancient settlement of Clonmacnoise. They’ll listen as friendly guides recount tales of famous battles and stories of fallen warriors. Book tickets online or pick up a family pass gift voucher.

16| Fatbike Adventures

A tour with Fatbike Adventures Cycling Tours is an active way for them to experience Wicklow, taking in the famous Guinness Lake, the majestic Sugarloaf and the rolling green countryside of Kilmacanogue. Choose from leisurely, woodland trails or check out the challenging climbs.

Lough Tay or "Guinness Lake" in County Wicklow
Take in scenic views on a Fatbike Adventures tour.

17| Castlerosse Park Resort 

Gift a dedicated golf fan lessons with a qualified PGA professional and an overnight stay at Castlerosse Park Resort in stunning Killarney. Looking out at serene Lough Leane and the beautiful MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the setting and course make for a picturesque combination. A hot stone massage will soothe their aching muscles after an energetic round before dinner in the Grosvenor Restaurant.

A stunning view of the grounds surrounding Castlerosse Park Resort
Castlerosse is a treat for golf lovers.

18| Kells Bay House and Gardens

Have you heard of the ‘jewel’ in the Ring of Kerry? A treasure trove of beautiful things, Kells Bay House and Gardens is where they’ll find exotic plants, a bamboo glade, palm trees and a waterfall. They can discover the Sky Walk, Ireland’s largest rope bridge, pick up a tree fern to add a touch of greenery to their home and stop to soak up the vista of Dingle Bay stretching out before them. Order a gift voucher or buy tickets online so you can enjoy a guided tour of the botanical gardens.

A waterfall and beautiful greenery in Kells Bay Gardens, Kerry
Discover the magic of Kells Bay House and Garden.

19| Irish OPW Heritage Sites

For people with an insatiable appetite for history, an Irish Heritage Card makes for an ideal present. With free admission to every OPW-run heritage site in the country for 12 months, they are spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of locations of offer. They can visit the stunning Altamont Gardens in Carlow, experience the tranquillity of An Blascaod Mór (The Blasket Islands) in Kerry and explore Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Sligo where the megalithic monuments date back almost 5,000 years. Lasting all year round, it's the gift that keeps on giving. 

Aerial image of Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in County Sligo
Explore the ancient tombs at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.

Delight the thrill-seeker in your life

20| Redhills Adventure

Get their adrenaline pumping with a trip to Redhills Adventure in Kildare. They can challenge themselves to an assault course complete with monkey bars and balancing beams, try archery tag or go paintballing. They can even take on the team challenges with family and friends (the Giant Puzzle is great craic). Pick up a gift voucher and let the games begin.

A person playing paintball at Redhills Adventure, Kildare
Get competitive at Redhills Adventure.

21| Rafting.ie

Help them discover the capital from a new angle with a rafting trip on the River Liffey. Book online with Rafting.ie and choose from river tubing trips, team building exercises and seven person rafts. They’ll see the biodiversity of the Strawberry Beds as they paddle along the river between Chapelizod and Lucan, admiring the city’s architecture accompanied by an experienced guide.

A group of people water rafting in County Dublin
Get the gang involved in water rafting with Rafting.ie.

22| Zipit

Thrill-seekers can soar skywards and walk through the treetops at Zipit, a high ropes adventure park with three locations in Cork, Dublin and Roscommon. Pick up a voucher for Roscommon's Lough Key Forest Park and Activity Park and check out epic activities for every ability. They’ll get a full safety briefing before zip-lining through the tree canopy and balancing on wires. 

There are easy platforms for beginners, but if they want to get their pump pumping, the Red Circuit is a real test where you can base jump from a height of 20m.

People using zip lines at Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon
Fly through the trees with Zipit.

23| Rally School Ireland

Delight your daredevil friend with a day as a rally driver at Rally School Ireland in Monaghan. Pick up a gift voucher for the fast car fanatic in your life and if you’re up for it, join them on the day as plenty of the experiences cater for two people. Get skills training, drive the high-speed Ariel Nomad straight out of ‘Top Gear,’ or take the wheel of the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera.

A rally driver in a blue car sending sprays of water up in the air at Rally School Ireland, Monaghan
Become a rally driver for a day at Rally School Ireland.

24| Pure Magic

Book a kitesurfing experience at Pure Magic Achill Lodge in Mayo for the outdoor lover in your life. Nestled at the foot of Slievemore Mountain, they’ll wake up to a view of glittering Keel Lake before getting out on the water. Or book in with Pure Magic Watersports Dublin where classes are held on the golden strands of Dollymount and Sutton under the instruction of experienced guides. They can take an evening lesson and see the sky fill with splashes of dusty pink as the sun sets above the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys.

People kitesurfing at Dublin Bay, Dublin
Go kitesurfing with a friend at Pure Magic.

25| Ballyhoura Mountain Biking

Serious cyclists can explore epic mountain biking country in Ballyhoura where the borders of Limerick, Cork and Tipperary meet. There are five off-road bike trails with rocky routes, steep climbs and demanding rollers. From tight turns to speedy descents, the Ballyhoura experiences test even the hardiest mountain biker. Hire a mountain bike from Ballyhoura's Trailriders for the outdoor enthusiast in your life and congratulate yourself on your Christmas gifting knowhow.

Two people mountain biking in the Ballyhoura Mountains in County Limerick
Give mountain biking a go at Ballyhoura.

26| Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism (IAAT)

Check out Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism (IAAT) and surprise your thrill seeker friend with a voucher for one of their epic activities. Go night kayaking in West Cork with Atlantic Sea Kayaking, book in for a hiking skills weekend in Glendalough, or take a horse riding lesson with Donegal Equestrian Centre and discover the golden beaches of this scenic county.

Give Irish gifts this Christmas

Want to shop local this Christmas? Check out our guide on the best Irish-made Christmas gifts this year.

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