6 Amazing Experiences To Gift Your Loved Ones This Christmas

While we love getting ‘things’ for Christmas, it’s true that over the course of the season, lots of us get lots of stuff that we don’t need and will never use.

Giving someone an experience is a sustainable gifting option, and one the recipient will be able to enjoy after the festive rush is over. Consider it a little treat to future them, from you.

Here are six experiences in Ireland that would make absolutely fabulous gifts for the ones you love.

Castle Durrow

A Blue Book voucher

Know a foodie, or someone who enjoys the finer things in life? They’ll love a Blue Book Voucher (available in dominations from €100 up), which can be used in some of Ireland’s swankiest hotels and restaurants. A nice gift for a couple, we reckon.

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The Game of Thrones tour

For the diehard fan who wants to relive the show again, you could do worse than to whisk them away on a tour of the Northern Irish filming locations. There are several different types of tours on offer, but the one leaving from Derry (£40 per person) takes in the Iron Islands and the famous Dark Hedges.

The gift of a new skill

Think about what they like to do, whether that’s snapping pictures, discovering new languages on Duolingo, or going to yoga, and give them the chance to learn more about it. Education! It’s the greatest gift of all.

Always taking their clothes to be altered? Get them a beginners’ alterations course at When Poppy Met Daisy in Dublin, or online lessons from Catherine Carton of Dainty Dress Diaries.

Ireland has so many amazing cookery schools – Ballymaloe is obviously the most famous, and offers half day courses in everything from brunch recipes to baking your own bread.

Tickets to a musical in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

There are SO many great shows coming to Dublin next year, from The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables to newer productions like Heathers and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. If you have a musical theatre nerd in your life, this is THE gift.

A trip to a day spa

Who, we cry, WHO on god’s green earth does not adore a pampering session? There are any number of beautifully relaxing spots around the country, so pick one and go wild. The spa at The Ice House in Ballina is absolutely gorgeous. with hot tubs overlooking the River Moy – we also rate the South William Clinic & Spa in Dublin, which offers all sorts of spa packages.

A Smartbox experience

A Smartbox giftbox give the recipient a choice of hundreds of experiences over four main themes: Getaways, Gourmet, Pampering and Adventure. With a price range of €29 to €299, you’ll definitely find something special – it’s especially good for those who are tricky to buy for.

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