If you're worried that your presents will end up sitting at the back of the wardrobe this Christmas, consider investing in making memories with your loved ones instead. From stargazing in Mayo, to flotation tanks in Limerick, there are plenty of gifts that won't soon be forgotten.
Pitch & Play at the Bunker Bar
Where: 60 Dawson Street, Dublin
Price: €55 for an off-peak group session of 55 mins
For a different kind of day out on the town, head to The Bunker Bar at Pitch. With live DJs, golf simulators, and a Pan-Asian inspired menu, it's one of the most interesting spots to try in the city. Take your giftees out for a day of games no matter their skill level – the bays will allow you to play the world’s top golf courses or play interactive games like Capture the Flag and Bullseye.
Dublin Tufting
Where: 3 Queen Street, Smithfield, Dublin
Price: €80
If you have a crafty friend or a family member who wants some quality time in the new year, check out the city’s latest hot spot: Dublin Tufting. These three-hour, beginner-friendly workshops will allow you to create your own tufted rugs to bring home. You can personalise your creation by sending in your idea ahead of time so the team can prepare your custom canvas.
Atlantic Flight Training Academy
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Where: Cork Airport Business Park, Cork T12 NX7D
Prices: Vary
Based in Cork and Waterford, Atlantic Flight Training Academy offers a selection of flight experiences – perfect for the person who has everything. For thrill seekers, there are 40 minutes Aerobatic Airplane Flying lessons priced at €240. For those looking to get a taste of flying, there are more straightforward lessons suitable for ages 12 and up ranging from €120 to €240 depending on duration. Gift vouchers also available.
Revival Float Rooms
Where: Limerick
Price: €65 for a one-hour float
The Revival Rooms are a family-run floatation and wellness centre that is ideal for those in need of some peace and quiet. Floatation is a form of stress reduction, sports recovery, and pain management, and this purpose-built centre is home to state-of-the-art equipment. They have isopod float pods, a double float room with starlight ceiling, and an infrared sauna and a relaxation space.
Ballymaloe Festival of Food
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Where: Cork
Price: Variety
The Ballymaloe Festival of Food is back for its second year in 2025. Running from Friday, 16 May - Sunday, 18 May, the event promises another unforgettable weekend of delicious discoveries. A wonderful gift for anyone who is passionate about great food or simply needs a relaxing break away. The full programme will be available in March 2025 – workshops, demos, a lot of Irish fare. Weekend tickets are €65 per person, day tickets are €25 per person, and evening-only tickets (Friday or Saturday) are €12. Tickets are on sale from 1 December.
Westport Walking Tours
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Where: The Townhall Theatre, Westport, Mayo
Price: €65
When the weather warms up, Westport Walking Tours host a twice-weekly food tour that delivers a feast of Irish delicacies across eight different stops. Those taking part will have the chance to meet the makers, bakers, and producers behind the food while they dine on freshly baked scones with homemade jams, traditional potato Boxty, Achill Island sea salted fudge, handmade ice-cream, and more. This food tour follows a 'Leave No Trace’ philosophy, strictly sampling food and drink local to Co Mayo and prioritising recyclable and compostable packaging where they can.
Hip Hop Classes
Where: Mind The Step, Dublin 1
Price: €15
Jay Asolo hosts a series of beginner hip-hop classes designed for adult beginners. Those attending will learn hip hop moves and choreography in a very friendly environment and there is no experience necessary. Great fun, a great work out, and classes run from 7:30pm - 8:30pm.
Wilde Irish Chocolates Factory
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Where: Tuamgraney, Clare
Price: Free entry
Based by Lough Derg in Co Clare, the Chocolate Factory is free to visit and guests are invited to come along and see the chocolatiers in action and learn how the factory works. If you want hands on experience, you can book into a ‘build your own chocolate bar’ experience (from €12). Great for kids or those with a sweet tooth.
Polly's Vintage Tea Rooms
Where: Lower Ballard, Kilbride, Wicklow, A67 YC64
Price: €49.50
The brainchild of Chris and Mary Mitchell - owners of Green Angel Skincare – Polly’s Vintage Tea Rooms is based in Kilbride, Co Wicklow. Going the whole nine yards, the experience offers up vintage cake stands, bone China teacups, antique furniture and lace tablecloth. The three-tier experience delivers freshly baked savoury and sweet scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserves as well as finger sandwiches and delicate cakes.
Dublin International Film Festival
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Where: Dublin, various
Price: Varies
If you know a film fanatic, do yourself a favour and get them a festival pass for the Dublin International Film Festival in 2025. Tunning from 20 Feb – 2 March, the event will boast red-carpet moments, behind-the-scenes talks with industry icons, and unmissable screenings. Bundles range from €67-€225 season pass.
Wander Wild Festival
Where: Killarney National Park, Kerry
Price: Varies
The Wander Wild Festival—Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival - returns to Killarney from April 4 - 6. This festival is ideal for those who love the great outdoors, with a broad mix of wellness classes and adventurous activities. There will be Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Upper Lake (only allowed during the festival), and a Guided National Park Walk with local rangers (a chance to see bats and wild-life up close). Tickets range from €10 to €100 depending on the event.
Stargazing at Mayo Dark Sky
Where: Mayo
Price: €35
If you want to sweep someone off their feet this Christmas, book them in for a night of stargazing and storytelling in Mayo. There will be a guided tour combining a laser pointer tour of the starry skies and constellations with an introduction to the local nocturnal wildlife. Guides will bring you to the darkest viewing places and bring the night sky and mythical constellations to life with a tour of the celestial heavens.
