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’s a reason 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.
3 | Dine in Dublin
The winding streets of the colourful capital are lined with gorgeous restaurants, buzzing bars and charming 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.
4 | Roe & Co
Impress a whiskey connoisseur or cocktail lover with a visit to Roe & Co 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, where each cocktail is named after a former employee of the power station.
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 something for everyone. 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.
12 | Voya Seaweed Baths
A Voya Seaweed Bath in the spectacular setting of Strandhill, Sligo takes relaxation to another level. Voya’s hand-harvested seaweed claims to heal, moisturise and improve circulation. After a surf lesson or a walk along Strandhill Beach, treat them to a steam and bath. Pick up a gift voucher and introduce someone to this unique experience.
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 Bubbles & Cake package at the Westbury Hotel where they can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street with a spot of window shopping afterwards. Or plan their trip to Westmeath with a visit to the Wineport Lodge for finger sandwiches and red velvet cake in their Lakeshore Lounge.
Gift amazing family memories
5 | Airfield Estate
Just ten minutes away from bustling 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.
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.
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 they have free admission to the Irish Heritage Trust’s sister properties at Strokestown Park in Roscommon and Fota House Arboretum and Gardens in Cork.
8 | Castlecomer Discovery Park
Buy a Castlecomer Discovery Park 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, tree top 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.
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.
10 | Fota Wildlife Park
On Fota Island in Cork, Fota Wildlife Park is another place for a fun day out with the family. See the stealthy cheetahs, admire the majestic lions and stay for feeding time with the penguins. Stop at the giraffe slide, have a snack in the Oasis Restaurant and go behind the scenes with a guided tour. Pick up a gift card or buy tickets online for a special family trip.
Discover outdoor adventures for every age
14 | Shannon River Boat Hire
A cruise on the River Shannon is a quintessential Irish holiday. From a romantic trip for two with a Terryglass sunset or a family getaway taking in Banagher’s outdoor pool, a voucher for a Shannon River cruise is a fantastic present. Scenery, history and relaxation combine into one on a trip down Ireland’s longest river.
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 is an active way for them to experience Wicklow, taking in the spectacular Guinness Lake, the majestic Sugarloaf and the rolling green countryside of Kilmacanogue. Choose from leisurely, woodland trails or check out the challenging climbs.
17 | Castlerosse Park Resort
Gift a dedicated golf fan lessons with a qualified PGA professional and an overnight stay at Castlerosse Park Resort in charming Killarney. Looking out at serene Lough Leane and the magnificent 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.
18 | Kells Bay Gardens
Have you heard of the ‘jewel’ in the Ring of Kerry? A treasure trove of beautiful things, Kells Bay 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.
19 | Irish OPW Heritage Sites
An Irish Heritage Card gives them free admission to every OPW-run heritage site in the country for 12 months.
They can visit the stunning Altamont Gardens in Carlow, experience the tranquillity of the Blasket Islands in Kerry and explore Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Sligo where the megalithic monuments date back almost 5,000 years. With just one card, anyone can visit a whole list of incredible sites all year round, making it an ideal (and long-lasting!) gift.
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.
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.
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 check out epic activities for every ability. They’ll get a full safety briefing before zip-wiring 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.
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.
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 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.
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 tests even the hardiest mountain biker. Hire a mountain bike from Ballyhoura Trailriders for the outdoor enthusiast in your life and congratulate yourself on your Christmas gifting knowhow.
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.
Want to shop local this Christmas? Check out our guide on the best Irish-made Christmas gifts this year.
