5 of the best Dublin experiences to gift this Christmas

I've been on a mission to give Christmas gifts a bit of depth this year – tapping into experiences and making memories with my family. This can encourage a healthy, happy and holistic approach to living for the kids, and they don’t necessarily need to cost a fortune (or the earth).

As part of this series of wellness-related gifts, with health, happiness and sustainability at its core, this list of experiential gifts should get your creative juices flowing to book some interesting gifts for your loved ones. I hope you enjoy!

1. For the Whole Family
Sometimes it's tough to meet the interests of your kids when their interests vastly differ! One might be really into science while the other craves adventure. In the Explorium, you get both! There is science for juniors (ages 2-6) as we all as for all the family, and there are fun activities including two types of wall climbing and caving. This Sandyford-based adventure centre might just be the answer you've been looking for.

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2. For the Adventurous Type
Rock climbing seems to be getting so much more popular in Ireland, maybe because the indoor facilities are becoming so good now and you're not dependent on the weather. Plus, it's much more accessible for anyone with even a fleeting interest. This is where Awesome Walls and The Wall come into play. Both have offerings for different ages and abilities.

3. For the Movie Lover
If you're one of Ireland's huge cinema-going cohort, you will love the Stella. If you've already been, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s just such a wonderful experience, luxuriating in their leather armchairs and couches, having food delivered to your table while watching the film - which you can pre-order when booking. Definitely a gorgeous gift that you’ll need to get in on too!

4. For the Wellness Guru
Wellness events are bigger than ever in Ireland. Having been to a few recently, namely WellFest and Thrive Festival, I find them incredibly positive and uplifting experiences.

They offer the opportunity to try new ways to move your body with so many fitness experts doing classes, alongside a multitude of Irish wellness brands in food and self-care. So, for anyone in your life who is into wellness, tickets to one of these events is a super gift that they can look forward to, and you could always accompany them too!

5. For the Foodie
There's nothing quite like seeing something being done to make it so much easier to re-create. That’s why going to a cookery demo like Ciara's Kitchen is a great evening out. You don’t have to get your hands dirty, but you get to sample everything that’s being cooked. Win-win! Get yourself a voucher for you and a friend or partner and kick back and relax while you learn and get fed!

So, there you have it. This Christmas, stop buying naff jumpers and too-sweet perfumes that will never be worn, and gift your loved ones with some experiences instead. It really is what memories are made of - and the planet will thank you too!

P.S. If you're looking for some ideas for the adults in your life you might find something in our shop, go ahead and have a mooch!

5 of the best Dublin experiences to gift this Christmas

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