Categories: Things To DoChristmas

Give a gift and spend local at the same time in this season for giving, whether it's a relaxing mid week break, a day of Giant Adventures full of outdoor activities or a quiet night in a cosy restaurant or pub, this decision is totally up to you!  

Food and Drink offers in Mourne Gullion Strangford

Plenty of local cafes, bars, and restaurants use local produce, so why not treat yourself, or try something new, perhaps afternoon tea at The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club and Spa or enjoy a fine dining experience at the award winning Brunels Restaurant, Newcastle who use only the best of local ingredients.  

In the historic market town of Castlewellan, Hillyard House is passionate about serving home grown produce.  Situated at the gates of Castlewellan Forest Park it offers traditional food served with a giant welcome. 

At Killeavy Castle Estate, quality and sustainability is reflected in every dish. The chef is passionate about creating mouth-watering menus with the freshest, seasonal ingredients, sourced from the onsite working Farm, Walled Garden and from carefully selected local suppliers.

The Cuan, in Strangford, prides itself on the choice and quality of their food. The creative menu uses fresh and seasonal ingredients much of which is locally produced. Being on the coast they have a regular supply of excellent fresh seafood sourced from the award winning East Coast Seafoods. 

Click here for even more eating out ideas!

Gifts for that special someone

Always stuck for that perfect gift but just don't know where to find it? Check out our 'Gift a gift voucher' section where you can purchase a gift voucher for an experience or adventure throughout the area.

Staycation Offers

Many hotels, and accommodation providers are now delivering special offers. Enjoy a tranquil luxury escape to the fabulous Killeavy Castle Estate where you can enjoy the mountain view hydro pool or simply drift away in the relaxation room. 

Just a short distance from the Mourne Mountains, the Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch offers dining packages to suit all occasions. 

The bustling city of Newry provides fabulous accommodation in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa where you can inhale the gentle buzz of the city whilst enjoying decadent surroundings.   The Quays and Buttercrane shopping centres house a wide range of shops and High Street is a shopper’s paradise with lots of independent retailers. Don't forget Good Craic Gifts & Souvenirs, Rostrevor who stock a fabulous range of handmade local gifts.

When visiting Newcastle, call into the Visitor Information Centre for a wide selection of local gifts and crafts.

Stop over at Denvir's Coaching Inn, it is steeped in history and is the perfect setting for a relaxing break.  Pop into the Saint Patrick Centre and visit the shop.

Click here for more accommodation ideas!

When was the last time you tried something new?  

Why not jump out of your comfort zone and try paddle boarding, canoeing, mountain biking?  Try out one of the many activities at Life Adventure Centre, Castlewellan, East Coast Adventure Centre, Rostrevor or Clearsky Adventure, Castle Ward. Or enjoy one of Northern Ireland's alpaca experiences with Cranfield Alpacas for a unique day out. 

You might even want to gift an experience.

Whatever is on your shopping list – try and buy locally first, supporting local businesses is not only a way to strengthen your local community, but you will discover great products, great places to go, and great service along the way. 

Click here to find out what's on.

Brunel's Restaurant
Restaurant
Exterior of Brunel's Restaurant, Downs Road, Newcastle

Modern European Cuisine. Focusing on seasonal produce. A Creative menu that evolves constantly, showcasing when possible locally sourced ingredients.

Burrendale Hotel Dining
Restaurant
Burrendale Hotel Dining

The Vine at the Burrendale has a reputation for serving delicious food with the best of local produce in an intimate environment. Cottage Kitchen is a restaurant for all the family, offering a menu suitable for all in a relaxed environment.

Hillyard House Hotel
Hotel
sign for Hillyard Huse on outside wall with hanging flower basket below.

A wonderful award winning boutique hotel located beside the entrance gates to the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park in the historic market town of Castlewellan, near the seaside resort of Newcastle. Hillyard House Hotel, The Yard Restaurant and Mrs Coleman's Bar have everything to make your stay cosy, culinary and great craic.

Killeavy Castle Estate
Hotel
Aerial view of Killeavy Castle Estate. A luxury Hotel Spa destination in Newry, Northern Ireland.

Welcome to Killeavy Castle Estate, the perfect antidote to the modern fast paced world. Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel (Europe) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021, it’s the ideal place to escape and unwind, and is located just 10 minutes outside Newry City.

Millbrook Lodge Hotel
Hotel
Exterior Daytime at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch

Country manor set in the heart of County Down. All rooms are en suite with televisions and tea and coffee making facilities. In close proximity to many centres offering both indoor and outdoor sports, including golf, fishing, pony trekking.

Canal Court Hotel and Spa
Hotel
View of the front of the Canal Court Hotel and Spa building, fountain also in the picture.

The Canal Court Hotel & Spa is a fine four star property, with a total of 110 bedrooms & suites, extensive Health & Leisure Complex and stunning Spa, perfectly located in the heart of the City close to both Bus & Rail Stations.

The Quays Shopping Centre
Shopping Centres & Retail Parks
Quays Shopping Centre - Main Entrance

The Quays Shopping Centre is a major retail and leisure development situated in the heart of Newry, County Down. The complex overlooks the canal in the historic Albert Basin area of the City.

Buttercrane Shopping Centre
Shopping Centres & Retail Parks
Buttercrane Shopping Centre - view over Newry Canal

Buttercrane Shopping Centre in the heart of Newry City is home to over 50 big name brands including anchor tenants Primark, Dunnes Stores, Sports Direct/USC and Lidl. Located alongside the historic Newry Canal and close to the 4* Canal Court Hotel, the Centre offers lots of hot food options and over 1000 carparking spaces (including dedicated parent & child, disabled and E charging parking). A visit to Buttercrane promises a great day out, where you can shop and save in style.

Life Adventure Centre
Activity Centre
Paddling boarding on Castlewellan Lake

Epic adventures are on offer all year round at Life Adventure Centre. Their extensive range of activities include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, wet bouldering, rock climbing, sit on top kayaking, coasteering, electric biking and open canoeing - something for everyone!

East Coast Adventure Centre
Activity Centre
East Coast Adventure Centre

East Coast Adventure Centre - Newry & Mourne Mountain area. Water sports, Cycling, Hiking, School Activities - Family Fun - Glamping - a perfect location outside Rostrevor Village and 5 mins from Warrenpoint

Clearsky Adventure Centre
Activity Centre
Clearsky Adventure Centre

Newcastle and Castlewellan Bike Hire We have a wide range of bikes available for hire. Mountain bikes, electric e-bikes, tandem bicycles, kids bicycles. You name it, we should have it. Free delivery and shuttle bus service.

Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs
Gifts & Souvenirs
Pictured is Belinda Cullen sitting on the stair, owner of Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs in Rostrevor.  On the bottom step Belinda has written 'there

A visit to Good Craic, Rostrevor is as much an experience as a shopping trip with local landmarks painted on the stairs and a life size painting of Giant Murphy, once the tallest man in the world who was from here, upstairs. The fairy mural on the front gives you a glimpse of the fun to be had inside.

Montalto Estate
Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings
Picture of Montalto House, Montalto Lake and Boathouse all within Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch.

Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is a mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Visitor experience includes access to the estate's beautiful gardens; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can engage, explore and learn.

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre
Tourist Information Centre
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre

When is the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre open? The Newcastle Visitor Information Centre is open all year Monday - Saturday 9:30 to 17:00 What services does the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre provide? Our friendly, helpful staff can provide free information on what to do and see in the local area and make suggestion on what to visit, where to eat and where to stay.  They can also make suggestions on what else you should visit in Northern Ireland.  They have a wealth of local knowledge.

The Saint Patrick Centre
Visitor Centres & Museums
The Saint Patrick Centre

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.