Gift A Giant Experience This Christmas

Family Health

Are you tired of gifting the standard issue scent, socks and skincare gift sets? Do you want to find that truly memorable present that won’t be forgotten before the turkey leftovers are finished?  Well, this is the year to embrace change so why not step into Christmas and a giant experience in Northern Ireland.

In this fast-paced modern world, it can feel as if the festive season is gone within the blink of an eye. But science says exposing yourself to new experiences, sights and sounds rewards and stimulates your brain in a way repeated experiences don’t.

So, to make this festive season more fun and help make this wonderful time of the year feel like it is lasting longer, gift an adventure they’ll remember.

From making to baking you can create great memories in Northern Ireland while maybe even learning a new skill and supporting local talent in the process.

So, to ensure you squeeze every last drop of joy out of the holidays, Discover Northern Ireland has put together a selection of unique gift ideas.

County Fermanagh

  • Located on the banks of Lough Erne just outside Enniskillen lies a distillery focused on producing pure spirits with a sustainable and organic approach. With picturesque views of the lough on tap, The Boatyard Distillery is the first legal distillery in County Fermanagh in over 130 years and a tour of the premises could be the perfect gift for the gin lover in your life. Before the tour is finished, you’ll also get the chance to label and sign your own bottle of Boatyard Double Gin. This immersive experience offers the perfect chance to see, taste and embrace the spirit of Fermanagh.

County Antrim

  • Enjoy an intimate Jewellery Making Workshop at Gobbins Crafts in Islandmagee. Led by experienced goldsmith and designer, Heather McFadden, you’ll discover the enjoyment and satisfaction of making your own piece of jewellery. With each session limited to four people, Helen’s guiding hand and the relaxed and peaceful surroundings at Gobbins Craft means everyone will get the most from their experience. Each guest will leave having created their own set of stacking rings, knot rings or pendant.

County Tyrone

  • For the little chefs in your life, why not learn some new skills and take a cookery class together? At Wee Buns Cookery School near the Moy, the adult and child baking class provides the perfect shared experience as you and your little one learn how to make the most delicious sponge cakes, buttermilk scones and rocky roads. Over the course of this three-hour class that is suitable for children aged seven and up, each adult and child will make a Victoria Sponge Cake, Vanilla Buttercream to fill and decorate the cake and some buttermilk scones.

County Londonderry

  • For the adventurer in your life why not introduce them to Dragon SUPs with Far and Wild in Derry~Londonderry. Half Stand Up Paddle Board and half Dragon Boat, this 22ft long and 34-inch-wide board is built for speed. The four-man crew required to pilot the board can be made up of family friends or random companions for the day. Depending on other bookings you will either be racing along the River Foyle against at least one other group of four or against the clock on a pre-made iconic route. Don’t worry if you’ve never been on a paddle board before as Far and Wild’s experienced guide will put you through your paces before the racing begins.

County Armagh

  • For the budding photographer in your life, why not help them see Northern Ireland with a creative eye via Panoramic Ireland. These photography experiences and workshops are tailored to the participant’s skills and interests so whether you’re a beginner who wants to accelerate the learning process or a photographer who wants to find the best locations for that perfect shot, this is the tour for you. So, whether it’s learning to create a panorama at the coast, practicing long exposure photography with waterfalls or taking architectural images of some of Northern Ireland’s finest buildings, this tour could be the perfect gift.

County Down

  • The craft maker in your family is sure to love a trip to Mount Ida Pottery on the outskirts of Dromore. On this truly rewarding and relaxing experience you will receive a warm welcome from owner Trevor Woods who will encourage you to get in touch with your creative self as he shares his passion for pottery. No matter your level of experience, with Trevor’s patience and expert guidance you’ll be amazed at what can be achieved in just a few hours and you’ll be encouraged to inscribe your piece with your own signature before its glazed and posted to you.

For more amazing Northern Ireland experiences you can gift this festive season visit http://www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Family Health Useful Resources

This document explains entitlement to parental leave. To view the document, click the...
This document explains how statutory annual leave entitlement is to apply when a teacher...
This scheme applies to all eligible teachers to provide leave to care for their child or...
This scheme applies to teachers who adopt a child from within the UK or overseas (subject...
This scheme applies to all teachers to provide leave to care for their child or support...
Our Wellness Service uses 1-1 Wellness Recovery Action plans (WRAP) to support new and...
We understand that a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, or suffering a heart attack...
Speakeasy is a Public Health Agency funded, community based teaching programme for...
55% of Young People in NI are looking to Social Media for the information they need to...
The Parenting Apart Programme is aimed at parents who have separated, are separating,...
Positive Minds for Premature Parents supports families of premature babies to develop and...
Even the most loving relationships will experience stress from time to time. But by...
This 50 minute session is an accessible way for couples to check in with each other, and...
Fun, fast food for less. This is a practical six-week nutrition programme aimed at...
The British Red Cross home care services will provide you with the support and care to...
Relate Teen can help post-primary school-aged children, usually aged 11 and over, to deal...
Mood Matters Young People programme is aimed at 14-18 year olds and gives them knowledge...
The Engage service provides a family therapy programme available to professionals working...
Family relationship support can be helpful for supporting relationships within the family...
In Ctrl is a group work programme for children and young people that aims to help them...
Just Ask is a unique Relationships and Sexuality Education programme working specifically...
Relationship support can be helpful for couples who have concerns or difficulties arising...
The project aims to meet the maternal mental health needs at this perinatal stage and...
Relationship counselling is an effective form of relationship maintenance, particularly...
Seeking Solutions offers children and young people help and support to deal with problems...
The Sustaining Healthy Relationships project is a new and innovative venture for Relate...
We’ve gathered useful advice, information and help for young people aged 8-25 and those...
Get help finding missing relatives abroad through our international family tracing...
Are you experiencing changes in your relationship because of a brain tumour? If you, your...
One At A Time Therapy is a single session of relationship counselling support, which can...
The Engage service provides a family therapy programme available to professionals working...
Relate Kids can help primary school-aged children, usually up to age 11, to deal with...
This is delivered to expectant mothers & parents of babies under 3 years of age. It...
Steps to Cope has been developed specifically for young people who have experienced...
Relationship support can be helpful for Individuals who have concerns or difficulties...
Pregnancy and guidance for after birth
Our free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll...
Nutrition scanner
Music timer for brushing teeth
Baby and child first aid
First aid advice
Support hub for mothers

Family Health Helplines & Web Chats

NSPCC - Helpline
Family Lives - Forum
ParentLine NI
ParentLine NI
Family Lives Forum