Nothing captures the spirit of a place like a beautifully crafted item, locally and lovingly made. The following are born of Northern Ireland, inspired by its heritage and traditions, and make some of the most memorable gifts you’ll ever find.
Belleek Pottery
Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery sits in the picturesque village of Belleek on the banks of the Lough Erne. This is where the world-famous Belleek Fine Parian China starts its life – formed using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.
Of course, over time Belleek Pottery has evolved. So, today you can choose pieces from the original collections – the delicate bowls, vases, photo frames and lamps that Belleek is so well-known for. Or opt for the unique modern style of its candleholders, brooches and jewellery. A guided tour takes you behind the scenes to see the craftsmen at work. There’s also a Visitor Centre, audio-visual theatre and a gift shop where you’ll find your own authentic piece of Belleek.
NearyNógs Chocolate
Something delicious to eat always goes down a treat. NearyNógs is Northern Ireland's first bean to bar craft chocolate makers and the oldest in Ireland. Their chocolate is small batch crafted on the Mourne Coast, with breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough & the Mourne Mountains. NearyNógs always have a fantastic selection of your favourite chocolate truffles, chocolate bars, chocolate fudges, cacao nibs, slates and drinking chocolate! And their seasonal gift packages make the perfect surprise for your loved ones.
You can see the chocolate making process through their guided tour. From bean sorting and gentle roasting to stone-grinding. Afterwards, you'll be taken on a taste journey experience, tasting expertly crafted chocolate from all over the world. Stop off at their café and tea room on the way out!
Olivia's Haven
Olivia’s Haven is a luxury soy candle brand based on the North Coast. Despite being relatively new, it has grown from strength to strength with stores in Coleraine and Belfast. The beautiful candle and diffuser collections are a great gift option to decorate any home. Each product is produced by hand using Northern Irish suppliers and can be personalised with a hand written note.
Every scent focuses on Olivia's personal scent memories, celebrating special people and places in Northern Ireland. Like the mother's day gift set seen above, created in memory of her granny Avril. Olivia uses springtime floral notes to create To April's sweet aroma. Every candle and diffuser box will have the scents story on the box for you to discover more about each product.
Bushmills Whiskey
A giant among whiskeys, Bushmills Whiskey has been produced in the small village of Bushmills since King James I first granted a licence to distil back in 1608. A lot has changed since then – though not the whiskey. Its golden hues continue to be enjoyed the world over.
A visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery is a must for whiskey lovers and for those curious to see how this unique whiskey has been made for centuries. And still is today.
A guided tour takes you through the copper pot stills, the production process and bottling lines - ending, of course, in the tasting room. Have lunch in the restaurant, then pick up some Bushmills-inspired treats to bring home.
Steenson's Jewellery
Steenson’s are recognised as Northern Ireland’s leading independent craft jewellers. Set up by Bill and Christina Steenson in 1976, today their work continues to be inspired by Northern Ireland’s natural landscape and geometric forms.
Perhaps this in turn inspired the makers of Games of Thrones. They commissioned a number of pieces for the series which were seen by audiences around the world.
You can see how their bold, innovative and contemporary designs come to life at their jewellery and silversmithing workshop in the village of Glenarm where it all began.
Born & Bred
Born & Bred brings together local designers and crafters at their Belfast studio and shop to create stunning and sometimes quirky pieces with a unique Northern Ireland flavour. Their work, in the words of founder Linzi Rooney, “involves mentoring makers, welcoming people into our studio and selling beautiful, locally-made gifts in our shop”.
Take some time to potter about here and you might see ceramic makers, painters or textile designers at work. There are up and coming fashion designers, artisan coffee and candle makers. And Linzi herself who turns antique cutlery into amazing jewellery. It’s a treasure trove of unique gift ideas. The challenge is to decide which piece you like best.
If you’re looking for an authentic piece of Northern Ireland to take back home – in addition to the memories and new friends you’ve made, of course – you won’t have to look too far.
Every corner of Northern Ireland has something unique, from old established names to fun and feisty newcomers. You just have to get out there and find them. And that’s all part of the adventure.
Use #DiscoverNI to share your local gift recommendations with us!
When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.
NearyNogs is a small family-run business that produces some of Northern Ireland’s finest, most irresistible chocolate, and they’re ready to welcome you in and show you how it’s made.
In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today, Bushmills is home to the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world.
The Steensons are delighted to welcome visitors to their jewellery workshop and gallery. A fascinating and rare opportunity to purchase jewellery whilst watching highly skilled craftspeople at work.
