In search of a unique, exquisite, quirky or locally produced Christmas gift? Lough Neagh Tours has sourced a list of gifts ideas from around Lough Neagh for you to choose from for the adventurer, the foodie or that one family member who seems to have everything already!
1 Symphonia Gin
For the ultimate 2020 Christmas party, gather your friends together virtually and ‘gin-gle’ all the way to enjoying what Symphonia describes as the ultimate gin tasting experience. Priced from £40, Symphonia will deliver boxes of gin and tonic with garnishes to your door and can even take the stress out of hosting as they will host the party for you. Symphonia has also launched a limited-edition Apple Rum for Christmas 2020 from apples grown in the Orchard County of Armagh. To book a virtual wine tasting or to purchase a bottle of limited edition Apple Rum, please visit https://symphoniagin.com/.
2 Long Meadow Christmas Artisan Hamper
This beautiful Christmas hamper is filled with thirst-quenching Long Meadow Apple Juices, locally produced cheeses and chutneys – perfect for enjoying around the open fire at Christmas. Priced at £50, the Long Meadow Hamper can be ordered at: https://www.longmeadowcider.com/product/christmas-hamper/.
3 Bakehouse NI
Enjoy a taste of Bronagh Duffin’s home cooking in the comfort of your own home with an Afternoon Tea box or Christmas themed box, which can be ordered online, priced at £45.
Vouchers for cookery classes with Bronagh can also be purchased at https://bakehouseni.com/.
4 Abhainn Cruises Private Lough Neagh Charter Tours
Treat your family or friends to a voucher for a day out experiencing the beautiful scenery and wildlife from onboard on a private tour of Lough Neagh and the River Bann. Explore Rams Island and Coney Island while immersing yourself in local stories and folklore. Lough Neagh Experience Tours start at £180 for up to 6 passengers. To purchase a voucher, please visit https://abhainncruises.com/.
5 Ardtara Christmas Dinner Box
Dreaming of serving up the perfect Christmas dinner but without the fuss? Bring the amazing Ardtara taste home in the gourmet Christmas Dinner Box featuring classic Christmas fayre with a modern fine dining twist. Priced at £60 per person for seven courses. To view the full mouthwatering menu and place your order, please visit https://www.ardtara.com/news/christmas-at-home/.
6 Ballylisk Hampers
Tickle your tastebuds with a range of Ballylisk hampers to suit your palate and budget. Christmas hampers start at £33 and include a range of cheeses and chutneys and lots of festive goodies like shortbread, chocolate and preserves. To view the range, please visit https://www.ballyliskofarmagh.com/shop/christmas.
7 Hillstown Farm Hampers
The loveliest of local hampers, ranging in price from £25 to £150 and including items like honey, pate, tea, traybakes, oils. sauces, chutneys and juices can be ordered online for delivery before Christmas. You can also choose from Lough Neagh Artisan hampers, steak discovery boxes or premium steak boxes. To spoil yourself or treat a friend, order now at https://hillstownfarmshop.com/butcher/christmas-gift-ideas/.
8 Rosehill House Gift Vouchers
Imagine escaping the reality of everyday life and enjoying the tranquillity of an overnight in a thatched cottage in the heart of Mid Ulster. Sitting round the turf burning fire or curled up reading a book, soaking in the freestanding bath or snoozing in the large four-poster bed. For a luxury staycation and to book, tel 07809 476273 or for more information, please visit: https://www.rosehillhouse.com/.
9 Harnett’s Hampers and Oils
Give your Christmas dinner the Harnett’s Oils treatment. Cold-pressed oils including Rapeseed and Hemp are grown sustainably on The Waring Estate and for divine roast potatoes, you could add Orange and Rosemary Oil to impress your Christmas Bubble on Christmas Day! Gift boxes and hampers are also available, as well as Harnett’s Oils, homemade Christmas cake, apple jellies and apple chutney from the Waring Estate orchards. To purchase, please visit http://www.harnettsoils.com/ or http://iveaghoils.com/.
10 River Bann Tours
River Bann Tours is the perfect way to connect you to the historical towns and villages along this picturesque stretch of water and onto Lough Neagh, where you can disembark to explore the outstanding region, its attractions and meet the local people. River Bann Tours can provide you with some popular tour options or you can build your own itinerary, to suit your group. For further information and to buy gift vouchers for tours available from spring 2021, please email: info@riverbanntours.co.uk.
11 Lough Neagh Stories Tours
Families, couples, bubbles – Lough Neagh Stories Tours have a tour to suit everyone. Gift vouchers are now available for tours beginning from April 2021. The Lough Neagh Family Taster Tour is a private charter priced at £160 for a group of up to ten. You can also buy vouchers for individual seats for the new, signature, exclusive ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience: The Lough Neagh Fishing Story’ priced at £60 per person. 15% of any gift voucher sales in December will be donated to Lough Neagh Rescue, Lough Neagh’s very own voluntary search and rescue organisation. To buy a voucher or discuss bespoke itineraries, please tel 07900 872169, or for more information, please visit www.loughneaghstories.com.
12 Crosskeys Whiskey
For that extra special tipple this Christmas, take a sip from the Crosskeys Inn’s own Crosskeys 1654. An 8-year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey in Single Cask Bottling. Priced at £48.99 per bottle, you can buy direct from Vincent Hurl at Crosskeys Inn, the oldest thatched pub in Ireland, by emailing info@crosskeys-inn.com.
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