Wishing you a Very Local Christmas
Finding the Christmas gift ideas running a bit dry? Is the thought of walking around shops filling you with dread? There’s nothing we love more than supporting local, innovative enterprises when it comes to purchasing gifts for the Christmas season, and with such a rich selection of food and drink, art, handicrafts, and experience available for us on our back step, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t all support local business this Christmas season! Read on for some of our favourite locally sourced gift ideas…
For the Gin Lover
The gin trend has really taken off in Northern Ireland in recent years, so if you are buying for someone who can’t get enough of the good stuff then a gin-related gift is a guaranteed win (assuming the recipient is of legal age of course). You could either buy a bottle of Shortcross Gin, a gin carefully crafted not far from Dufferin at the Rademon Estate Distillery in Downpatrick or, if it’s a hardcore gin fan you are buying for, a tour and tasting at Echlinville Estate in Newtownards—the home of Jawbox gin and other crafted alcohol—could be a winner. For any wine enthusiasts in your life, a unique wine tasting hosted by JN Wines or a hamper of unique varieties would be the bow on top of any connoisseur’s tree.
Staycation
Time away doesn’t need to include a long-haul flight and currency exchange. Treating a loved one to a night at Dufferin Coaching Inn will certainly bring a smile to their face on Christmas Day when they unwrap their gift voucher. If you’re keen to spoil a special someone even further, then you could also throw in a luxurious treatment at nearby Pure Day Spa or a lovely dinner at the hidden gem of a restaurant, the Smuggler’s Table, located in Killyleagh.
Call or email Dufferin Coaching Inn to order your Christmas gift voucher. We can either send you an e-voucher by email or print out a version and sent it 1st class post. Do also ask if you would like to add a personal note to your voucher.
Food Inspired
Buying someone an experience they can enjoy post-Christmas and New Year is always a good way to ward off any January blues, especially when there is food is involved! We reckon a voucher from our list of local places to eat will earn you some serious brownie points. Another local institution is Hanlon’s Greengrocers in Downpatrick, located at Market Street in Downpatrick, and are known for their outstanding local food hampers at Christmas time, while closer to Dufferin Picnic Delicatessen is a must-visit to stock up on tasty treats to last through Christmas.
Adventure-led
If you are buying for an adrenaline junkie or outdoor enthusiast, then an experience booked in with Clearsky Adventure, Strangford—from rock climbing and archery to sea safaris and glamping—is sure to wow them on Christmas day and give them something to look forward to into the New Year.
We are lucky to have so many unique makers, producers, and entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with unique offerings to sell, so this Christmas when you’re planning your Christmas gifts, be creative and think local!