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TheTaste Christmas Guide – Have Yourself a Very Tasty Christmas

The festive season is fast approaching so where better to find inspiration for all your festivities and special nights out than TheTaste! We have carefully compiled the only guide you will need this year to the top spots in Ireland for Christmas parties, meals, nights out and events. We also have the best ideas for Christmas gifts and we’ve got you covered for ringing in the New Year with the most exclusive parties.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Athenaeum House Hotel

XMAS PARTY

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Athenaeum House Hotel. Whether you want to the party the night away with work colleagues, or get into the festive spirit with friends and family, the Athenaeum is the perfect place to celebrate.

We’re hosting a number of Christmas Party nights where we’re rolling out the red carpet, treating everyone to mulled wine on arrival, following by a delicious 5 course meal in our famous Zak’s Restaurant. Spend of rest of the night enjoying live music by Bobbie & Soul who play all the hits from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. Call 051 833 999 or click the button below

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The g Hotel

RESTAURANT GIGI’S

Be it delicious, decadent dining throughout the season, a party to remember or your perfect New Year’s Eve – Restaurant gigi’s has a feast of winter treats this Christmas.

Add a touch of ‘g’ sparkle to your party season by sipping on award winning cocktails prepared by our mixologists before indulging in the festive flavours of Restaurant gigi’s – your experience at the g will be truly magical. All group menus feature traditional turkey and ham with additional delicacies and are sure to tempt your taste-buds. To book your Christmas event at the g, contact Rachel on events@theg.ie or 091 865200

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Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

This Christmas revel in Gatsby themed party nights at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel December 5th, 11th and 12th.

Featuring live entertainment from the Bentley Boys, enjoy a prosecco reception and a delicious four course Christmas Dinner in the stunning atmosphere of the Castle. Tickets are €59pp. Larger groups can treat themselves and host their party in one of the private banquet suites from only €49pp. For bookings contact Alicia on 01 230 5463 or email alicia.traynor@fitzpatricks.com

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The Morgan

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

There’s nothing traditional about The Morgan Hotel and their Christmas Party Nights are no exception!

Centrally located in Dublin’s Temple Bar, The Morgan Hotel and Morgan Bar offer the ultimate Christmas party night packages. From the Aprés Ski Penthouse Party to the Christmas Cocktail Classes, we have what you need to make this year unforgettable! Packages start from €18pp. Call 01 643 7097 or email us parties@themorgan.com and we will have our party planner contact you!

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Café en Seine

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

Where better to celebrate the festive season than in Dublin’s own little bit of Paris.

With fabulous festive food and a tempting drinks menu that’s sure to get the party started, Café En Seine is the place to celebrate Christmas with all your colleagues and friends. We’ll make your party really sparkle. Christmas Classic Platters are €10 or treat your group to the Festive Deluxe Platters €15. Both come with delicious homemade mince pies and complimentary Mulled Wine on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Bookings are welcome Monday to Saturday throughout November and December. Call 01 677 4567 or email bookings@cafeenseine.ie

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Clontarf Castle Hotel

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

With the Castle lit up in fairy lights and decorations in abundance, Clontarf Castle is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season with friends and colleagues.

The shared Christmas Party Nights in the opulent surrounds of the Great Hall include a Mulled wine reception with Christmas carols, a five course gala dinner, the superb band Footloose, DJ Ray Shah and dancing ‘til late. Tickets start at €59 and are still available for Friday 4th, Saturday 5th & Saturday 19th December. Book your tickets for Saturday 5th or Saturday 19th of December and each person will receive two glasses of wine with dinner. Clontarf Castle also has a range of magnificent venues for private party nights from €30pp. Contact our expert Christmas Team on 01 833 2321 or email Christmas@clontarfcastle.ie

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Soder + Ko

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

Söder + Ko has the recipe for real Christmas cheer.

It is texture, feeling, atmosphere and meaning; Wood and flame, warmth and welcome; It’s fried and steamed, charred and roasted; craft Christmas beers and schnapps for cheers; It’s feasting and fun, giving and getting; messing and madness, loving and sharing… These are things that make Christmas. Skál! Christmas Parties are made perfect at Söder + Ko with packages from €25pp including a Festive Drink and Söder Christmas Platters featuring Skewered Chicken Satay, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Tempura of Crab and Shrimp Dim Sum. Christmas season opens November 27th. To book your party call 01 478 1590 or email bookings@soderandko.ie

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The Spencer

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

Everything sparkles at The Spencer this Christmas!

The iconic 4* hotel in Dublin’s IFSC is the newest, trendiest boutique hotel in town! We have a rich variety of different Christmas Party Packages and with The Spencer ‘fully stocked’ Cocktail Bar, it’s the perfect venue for your Christmas party this year. Step into the Spencer and see how we do things differently! Call 01 433 8800 or email us at events@thespencerhotel.com to book your party from only €15pp!

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The Cellar Restaurant at The Merrion Hotel

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

Christmas sparkle at the award winning Cellar Restaurant with festive lunch and dinner menus available from December 1st.

Ideally located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, the restaurant is a wonderfully atmospheric, elegant and charming venue for a Christmas gathering. Lunch menus start from €38 and are available weekdays in December until the 23rd. We have an exclusive offer for TheTaste readers: Enjoy a complimentary ‘Christmas Sparkle’ cocktail on arrival when you book your Christmas lunch in The Cellar Restaurant. Call 01 6030600 or email dining@merrionhotel.com and mention TheTaste.ie

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The Westgrove Hotel

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

The Westgrove Hotel, Clane is the perfect location for your Christmas Party. Why not come and celebrate in style with family, friends or colleagues in our spacious banqueting suites.

With great entertainment and mouth watering food, we guarantee it will be a night to remember. Christmas Party night packages start at €52pp and special room rates are available. If you would like more information or help in planning your Christmas event, please email christmas@westgrovehotel.com or call Helen on 045 989922

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The Beacon

LUXURY XMAS PARTY

The effortlessly chic Beacon brings an abundance of bubbly and delicious Christmas dishes served in our award winning My Thai Restaurant!

Our dedicated team are on hand to help you design your party and ensure your guests are dazzled, entertained and immersed in all the festive trappings in a way that defines a modern, unforgettable Christmas. Packages start at only €9 per person so for a great Christmas night out call 01 643 7064 or email parties@thebeacon.com and our Christmas planner will get back to you.

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FESTIVE DINING
BANG RESTAURANT

FESTIVE DINING

Located just off St. Stephen’s Green, BANG restaurant is contemporary and stylish with a relaxed, comfortable ambience and friendly, attentive service.

One of Dublin’s top rated and best restaurants, Bang has been recommended in The 2015 Michelin guide, is rated in the Top 3 Private Dining Rooms in Dublin and was nominated in Irish Restaurant Awards for best chef and best service. Menus at BANG proudly showcase the very best of local, seasonal Irish food and are changed regularly. Head Chef Niall O’Sullivan searches extensively to source suppliers and only the very highest levels of craftsmanship, care and dedication will yield the ingredients for his dishes. The perfect Christmas Gift – Enjoy 6 course tasting menu in Bang Restaurant for 2 people only €69

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RUSTIC STONE, TASTE AT RUSTIC, FADE STREET SOCIAL

FESTIVE DINING FROM DYLAN MCGRATH

With some of the most exciting options for eating out this Christmas, the Dylan McGrath group are treating their customers again!

They are offering every diner a €10 voucher off their meal or drinks bill to use in any of Dylan’s restaurants, Taste at Rustic, Fade Street Social, or Rustic Stone. The voucher is valid Sun to Wed throughout December, any day for lunch in December or any time between January 1st and February 28th. Simply print it off and bring it with you!

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EAST RESTAURANT AT THE SPENCER HOTEL

MODERN ASIAN CUISINE

This stylish boutique hotel has food at the heart of its experience producing some of the greatest Asian gourmet dishes in EAST Restaurant.

Head Chef Jan Sowtus uses modernist techniques and artistry which come together to produce amazing results. The result, a heady hi-lo fusion that combines the thrill and taste sensation of simple dishes with the refinement of some of the greatest gourmet dishes. We have a new taste experience for our readers with this amazing offer. For only €50 you can enjoy any 2 Courses with Tea & Coffee & a bottle of wine.

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Hotel Meyrick

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

In honour of the festive season, Hotel Meyrick has designed the perfect ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ Menu. Drop off your Christmas shopping bags and sink into one of the parlour lounge’s relaxing chairs.

Savour hand-cut sandwiches with seasonal fillings, homemade cranberry scones with cream preserves and delicious pastry creations including cinnamon twirl tea cake, winter berry posset and mince pies. Make a day of it and add a glass of Prosecco or warm yourself up with a Baileys or Royale coffee! To reserve Afternoon Tea call 091 564041 or click below.

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Aqua Restaurant

Christmas Meals

Aqua Restaurant in Howth is the perfect venue for your Christmas meal this year.

Catering to groups of all sizes, Aqua’s Christmas menu includes classics like their Steamed Mussels and Seafood Chowder with a few surprises like a Wild Game Salad and a Spicy Venison Stew. Celebrate the festive season while enjoying the best views of Dublin Bay. 2 courses €25 3 courses €35. Email events@aqua.ie to make a booking.

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Fallon & Byrne

CHRISTMAS MEAL

Christmas Parties are perfect at Fallon & Byrne!

One of the most handsome rooms in the city, our first-floor Restaurant on Exchequer Street shines brightly during the festive season. Fine food, impeccable service and an atmospheric setting combine to create memorable Christmas parties that are talked about long into the New Year. Whet your appetite with our Christmas lunch €37pp & dinner €47pp menus. To book your Christmas lunch or dinner, please call 01 472 1000 or email restaurant@fallonandbyrne.com

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Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar & Grill

DECADENT DINNER

At Marco’s, old school glamour, proper service and classic dishes are on the menu. When you walk in through the beautiful courtyard garden, you know you’ve signed up for more than just dinner. Add to that our weekend supper club with Live Music every Friday and Saturday evening and your night on the town is complete.

In association with TheTaste.ie, Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar and Grill are delighted to offer members a 10% discount on all gift vouchers purchased before 30th November 2015. Terms and Conditions apply, click below to avail of this offer and don’t forget to mention TheTaste. This beautiful venue is the new home of popular TV show ‘The Restaurant’ which will be broadcast on TV3 from early January – making that gift extra special!

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NEW YEAR’S EVE
The Mansion House

BLACK TIE MASQUERADE BALL

Ring in the New Year with a magical celebration in the historical and grand surroundings of the Round Room at the Mansion House Dublin. Enjoy an enchanted evening of award winning food and drink before dancing your way into 2016.

Included in your New Year’s Eve ticket is a drinks reception on arrival, a five course meal and live entertainment from 7pm-2am. Put on your mask and step into a world of glamour and mystery this New Year’s Eve. When it comes to stylish venues in Dublin for New Year’s Eve look no further than the Mansion House. Early Bird tickets €95.00 / Full price tickets €120.00 – call 01 6344 628, email sales@mansionhouse.ie or click the link below

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Clontarf Castle Hotel

BLACK TIE GALA BALL

Ring in the New Year 2016 in style. Experience the fun and frivolity of the Roaring Twenties at the Athenaeum House Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala Ball.

Slip into sumptuous satins, voluptuous velvets, or get your gangster on… Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés in our piano lounge followed by a festive 7 course gala dinner. Then ring in the New Year with live entertainment by the dazzling Bobbie and Soul in the Rothko room. Tickets are €75 and are now on sale call 051 833 999 or click the link below

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Clontarf Castle Hotel

BLACK TIE GALA BALL

Ring in the New Year with style at Clontarf Castle Hotel’s lavish Black Tie Ball.

Enjoy a champagne reception and a five course gala dinner in the magnificent setting of the Great Hall. Dance the night away to the fabulous Bentley Boys and ring in the New Year with a glass of champagne and a piper at midnight. Tickets from €109 per person or treat yourself to a New Year’s Night Away from €199 pps. Contact our expert Christmas Team on 01 833 2321 or email Christmas@clontarfcastle.ie

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NIGHTS OUT
Drury Buildings

GREAT COCKTAILS

Drury Buildings is a mish mash of Berlin exterior and New York interior in the heart of Dublin’s Creative Quarter.

Situated on the ground floor, the Charcuterie & Cocktail Bar serves up an array of light bites, fresh local fish, Irish and Italian cheeses and the very best artisan Italian charcuterie. The cocktail menu uses only premium spirits, fresh juices and all the syrups are made in house by their highly skilled mixologists. You can’t beat the Creative Quarter for a cracking night out over the Christmas period and the Drury Buildings has the best cocktails and atmosphere around. Visit the website for special offers and to reserve an area email reservations@drurybuildings.com or call 01 960 2095

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FOODIE GIFTS
Ballyknocken Cookery School

CULINARY SKILLS

Catherine Fulvio of Ballyknocken House & Cookery School in Wicklow has Christmas all wrapped up with a selection of printable presents…

The TV Chef & Food writer knows how good food brings family and friends together and what better way to do it than by offering the gift of cooking this Christmas. In 2016 you can choose from a selection of new classes like Super Foods for Super People and best-sellers Fab Mains and Desserts. Include a signed copy of Catherine’s latest cookbook, Bake like an Italian by clicking on the link below.

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Fire Restaurant

GOLD GIFT CARD

Give the foodie in your life a special treat with the Gold Card from Fire Restaurant.

The magnificent dining room on Dawson Street is the perfect location for a couple’s night out or a large gathering. With the Gold Card from Fire, you will be treating your loved one to a luxury loyalty club with great benefits. This Christmas give more than just a gift card, give the gift of Gold.

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Lily O’Brien’s

LUXURY CHOCOLATIERS

Make this Christmas one to remember with Lily O’Brien’s exquisite novelty Christmas gifting collection.

For the foodie with a sweet tooth, Lily O’Brien’s is your one stop shop for a great range of festive confectionery delights. From advent calendars to Christmas crackers and scrumptious treats in keepsake gift boxes, every taste is catered for at Lily O’Brien’s this Christmas! Lily O’Brien’s would like you and yours to share the most delicious and divine chocolate delights this festive season.

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MacNean Gift Card from Neven Maguire

FOODIE HEAVEN

The perfect Christmas gift for food lovers or for someone very special this Christmas, this Gift Card can be used across MacNean House & Restaurant, the Neven Maguire Cookery School, the new ‘Neven Maguire Hamper’, as well as Neven’s books and DVD collection.

A beautiful surprise for those who love great food, the Neven Maguire Hamper includes Neven’s new book ‘The Nation’s Favourite Healthy Food, MacNean Christmas Pudding, a delicious Ham Glaze, Jam, Marmalade, Fig & Cranberry Chutney, Mulled Wine Spice Mix, Coole Swan Chocolate Truffles and a flavoured Donegal Rapeseed Oil. The MacNean Gift Card and the new ‘Neven Maguire Hamper’ are available by clicking the button below or calling 071-9853022.

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Howth Castle Cookery School

KITCHEN SKILLS

The award-winning Howth Castle Cookery School is based in the beautifully restored Georgian kitchen of the 12th Century castle.

Opening this private, family owned castle to the public, the school combines old world charm with state-of-the-art cooking and AV technologies. With an exciting line-up of guest chefs, demos and courses for 2016, Christmas Gift vouchers are now available so call 01 839 6182 or click on the button below.

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Ristorante Rinuccini

A TASTE OF ITALY

Kilkenny’s Ristorante Rinuccini are opening their custom-made cellar of exclusive handpicked Italian wines for diners to take home for festive entertaining or beautifully packaged as Christmas gifts.

Kilkenny’s longest established restaurant, celebrating 25 years, the Michelin listed Cavaliere family restaurant is one of Ireland’s top dining destinations known for its award-winning cuisine, service and wines. For Rinuccini Gift Vouchers or exclusive Italian Wines, call 056 776 1575 or click below for more information.

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Denise’s Delicious Gluten-Free Bakery

GLUTEN FREE TREATS

For those who eat ‘gluten-free’ or ‘free-from’ Denise’s Delicious Gluten-Free Bakery in Cork has the perfect gifts! Customise your own or choose from one of Denise’s ‘Delicious’ Gift Hampers.

The ‘Christmas Indulgence’ version includes mince pies, Christmas pudding and cake, a chocolate fudge cake, a ‘Delicious’ and Coffee Gateau, a family Brownie pack and a copy of bakery founder, Denise O’ Callaghan’s new book called ‘Delicious: Recipes from my Gluten-Free Kitchen’.

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Pandora Bell

LUXURY CONFECTIONERY

Pandora Bell has launched the ultimate selection box.

These luxury confectionery hampers are priced from €28 and are packed full of Pandora Bell’s natural goodies with selections for Him, Her and a Kids’ Midnight Feast Box. The award winning range uses only the finest, pure ingredients and caters to specific dietary needs with certified gluten & dairy free options. This is sophisticated confectionery for the discerning food lover.

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Butlers Chocolates

LUXURY CHOCOLATE

A stunning blend of taste and elegance…

The Butlers Chocolates Christmas Collection features a mouth-watering ensemble of chocolate festive favourites and new seasonal delights – guaranteed to make this special time of year even more magical! Order online or visit one of the 18 Butlers Chocolate Cafés in Dublin, Cork, Galway or Limerick.

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Ardkeen Quality Food Store

LUXURY HAMPERS

Ardkeen Quality Food Store stock the World’s best selection of Irish Artisan Food and their Food & Wine Hampers are an ideal Christmas gift.

Carefully selected from some of Ardkeen’s favourite producers, they contain the very best of local, regional & Irish artisan foods that will excite & delight. With something to suit every budget, beautiful presentation and nationwide delivery these hampers will be savoured and remembered.

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‘The Irish Country Women’s Association Book of Christmas’ by the ICA

BESTSELLING COOKBOOK

Christmas is a very special time for families, a time of tradition and celebration, of social and family gatherings and homecomings.

This Christmas book by the ICA provides tried and tested recipes from their kitchens, practical advice on how to create the perfect Christmas and an insight into the traditions, blessings, customs and personal memories from Christmases past.

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‘Eat Yourself Beautiful’ by Rosanna Davison

BESTSELLING COOKBOOK

In Eat Yourself Beautiful international model and nutritional therapist Rosanna Davison shares her recipes for breakfasts, dinners and desserts as well as recipes for delicious dips, dressings, beauty snacks and drinks to help you look and feel amazing.

Simplifying the inner workings of the human body, she explains how we really are what we eat when it comes to making the most from our looks.

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‘Festa: A Year of Italian Celebrations’ by Eileen Dunne Crescenzi

BESTSELLING COOKBOOK

Eileen Dunne Crescenzi, proprietor of the perennially popular Dunne and Crescenzi authentic Italian restaurant chain with her husband Stefano, has written a charming new cookbook that is packed with recipes and recollections from special occasions Eileen has shared with her Italian family and friends.

With the right food, every occasion can be cause for celebration. A perfect gift for food lovers this Christmas.

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‘The Nations Favourite Healthy Food’ by Neven Maguire

BESTSELLING COOKBOOK

In this fantastic new collection of recipes Ireland’s most trusted chef, Neven Maguire, shows you that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated.

You will discover a fresh approach to food and cooking with 100 new, light and modern recipes, each of them a healthy choice. Neven says ‘Whether you have an intolerance or you simply want to find recipes that will help you look and feel better, join me in a modern way of eating and let’s all feel better together.’

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The Virtuous Tart by Susan Jane White

BESTSELLING COOKBOOK

Following the enormous success of her debut cookbook, The Extra Virgin Kitchen, Susan Jane White is back with a brand new collection of recipes and advice.

This time she wants you to have your cake and eat it too, by turning pesky sugar cravings into a nutritional slam-dunk. The Virtuous Tart is packed full of treats you will love that will love your body back.

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Kalak Vodka

PREMIUM SPIRITS

Kalak vodka is meticulously crafted from Irish malted barley and pure mountain water. Four times pot distilled in West Cork, it is elegant, smooth and intriguingly complex.

Named for the Celtic Queen of Winter, Kalak embodies her association with the dark and powerful side of nature. The vodka is created at the edge of the old world on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean by distillers who are part of a heritage that’s the oldest the world. Kalak is a vodka unlike any other, one with a new level of purity and depth that’s present from the start. This Christmas, discover a unique Irish craft vodka, one with the cobwebs blown off.

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Glendalough Distillery

PREMIUM SPIRITS

The team at Glendalough Distillery have set out to recapture Ireland’s lost heritage of great spirit production, whilst creating new, exciting and contemporary spirits.

Staying true to tradition and heritage, they do this through their range of Poitín, Whiskey and Wild Botanical Seasonal Gin.

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Shortcross Gin

PREMIUM SPIRITS

Shortcross Gin is Northern Ireland’s first premium craft gin, distilled with pride at Rademon Estate Distillery in Crossgar, County Down. Their small batch philosophy ensures that every aspect of the gin meets their exacting vision.

From foraging in the surrounding country estate for botanicals, to labelling, signing and wax dipping every bottle – everything is crafted and perfected by hand. Delicious over ice with a premium tonic water, such as Fever-Tree and a peel of fresh orange, or even drunk neat as a sipping gin, Shortcross is the premium choice for gin lovers this Christmas.

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Cook’s Academy

KITCHEN SKILLS

Looking for the perfect present? Give someone you love a Cooks Academy Gift Voucher this Christmas.

Treat a foodie friend or family member to a serious injection of culinary skills. With over 50 courses from Italian to Sushi and Baking to Seafood, it is safe to say we have a course to suit everybody! The gift of cooking lasts a lifetime.

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The Carers Association

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Caring for our Carers – Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for Ireland’s 187,000 family carers.

The costs of living are greatly increased in winter. Day care centres and respite services are often closed for the festive season which means no holiday or break for family carers. To give the gift of a donation and help support family carers this Christmas just click below.

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