Festive getaways

Getaways Festive

Christmas lights, Derry~Londonderry The Dirty Onion, Belfast Craft Village, Derry~Londonderry

Northern Ireland is bursting at the seams with things to see and do this winter. Whether you’re after a relaxing winter retreat or a looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone, there's everything you need to enjoy a fantastic festive getaway. Here are just a few ideas to get the snowball rolling.

Wonderful winter accommodation

The iconic Grand Central Hotel offers stunning rooms right in the heart of Belfast alongside some of the finest dining in the entire city. Not far from the Grand Central is The Dirty Onion, one of Belfast’s most famous pubs and one that offers great drinks and craic-filled nights. If you’re looking for an idyllic winter getaway, the recently named AA Hotel of the Year in Northern Ireland, The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, in Templepatrick offers great rooms - and then some. With style in abundance, your cosy warm welcome awaits only 10 miles outside of Belfast. Feel right at home as soon as you drop your bags.

Find the perfect present in Belfast

Wherever you go in Belfast this winter, you’ll find top class shopping centres, wonderful local markets, boutiques and artisan craft shops. Take in scenic views of the city from the dome atop Victoria Square. Potter about Born & Bred - it’s a treasure trove of unique local gift ideas. Soak up the festive atmosphere at the Belfast Christmas Market, open from November 20. Don’t forget to stop off at CastleCourt Shopping Centre at the end of Royal Avenue or the always brilliant boutiques on Lisburn Road for a final retail fix. Or if you’re looking for a very special gift , look no further than Lunns Jewellers who offer highend,luxury items from an exclusive range of brands.

Shop some more in Derry~Londonderry The Walled City, on the River Foyle, is another prime destination for festive shopping. You’ll discover an eclectic mix of traditional craft, contemporary and quirky finds. If you’re in need of a high street fashion fix or a browse among the luxury brands, this city’s got that covered too. It’s hard to imagine a more inviting spot than the Craft Village with its quaint 18th Century streets and 19th Century square evoking a totally Dickensian setting. Explore local craft shops, restaurants, coffee shops, fine art prints, jewellery, glass, silks and so much more. The gift ideas here are endless.

Victoria Square, Belfast The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, Co. Antrim Christmas Market, Belfast

Shopping around in Northern Ireland

No matter where you go in Northern Ireland, great offers on fantastic shopping are just around the corner. Everywhere from The Linen Green in Dungannon and The Boulevard in Banbridge to The Junction Retail Park in Antrim. Buttercrane in Newry has everything from clothing to groceries, with loads of dining options if and when you get hungry. Rushmere, Craigavon has an incredible 65 outlets with 1,800 free parking spaces, perfect for big groups. There’s Erneside in Enniskillen and Foyleside in Derry~ Londonderry, two more shopping centres where you can easily spend an entire afternoon. You're never far from finding a great deal on the perfect gift in Northern Ireland.

Causeway Christmas Market and beyond

Northern Ireland is home to a number of amazing festive markets. The Continental Christmas Markets make a much wished for return to City Hall from November 20th right up to December 22nd, serving up delicious food and more from the world over. Then there’s Causeway Christmas Market, the largest regular outdoor market of artisan food, craft and art products in Northern Ireland held monthly in Coleraine town centre. The Lough Neagh Artisans Market in Magherafelt, on the 26th and 27th November, is another one-of-a-kind experience worth a visit, a browse and maybe even a purchase.

Foodie gifts... sorted

Gift shopping for your food-loving family and friends is far from a chore in Northern Ireland. There’s tonnes of great local shops in nearly every city, town and village. Indie Fude in Comber and on the Ormeau Road sells everything from artisan food and drink to hampers! The Guillemot in Bangor puts the ‘deli’ in delicious with incredible baked goods, pastries and more ready to be enjoyed. Between the Bridges in Enniskillen has got you covered for all things concerning delicious food, with an even more delicious cup of coffee too. The Dairy Gleno is an exciting homegrown venture with some of the best cuts of meat around and is open 7 days a week so is perfect for any lastminute shoppers. The Designerie Bushmills is an arts and crafts social enterprise store that sells the most stunning bowls, plates, glasses and more that’ll light up their kitchen, while Killeavy Castle Estate Farm shop offers some of the freshest food and farm produce in Northern Ireland.

Family Christmas events

It’s impossible for you and your little ones not to get swept up in the festive spirit thanks to Santa’s busy schedule all over Belfast in the lead up to December 25th. There’s the Feeling Festive experience at Belfast Zoo, where kids go free and can watch Santa give well-deserved presents to the well-behaved animals. There’s The Belfast One Christmas Trail where you and your young ones can make your way around the city trying to spot all of the fairy tale themed props. Skate with Santa at the Dundonald International IceBowl is a day-out you and yours will never forget, as you watch Santa literally get his skates on in the lead up to Christmas. For more fun festive events go to page 22 and 23 for our Giant Guide to Festive Events.

The gift of giving

It’s the thought that counts, so why not treat a loved one to a Festive Gift Card from one of Northern Ireland’s many accommodation providers, visitor attractions and experiences? There’s an incredible selection on offer so showing you care and finding the perfect card for them is easy. Many even offer up to 12 months before expiry, so it’s the perfect gift!

Plenty more on the table

For a winter stay with tonnes of great value, delicious dinners, visit discovernorthernireland.com. You’ll find even more information on the best places for food and drink, local Christmas markets, snug and cosy accommodation and of course... festive shopping!