The countdown to Christmas is well and truly here!
The lead up to Christmas can be so exciting, but can also it can be a bit stressful, especially when it comes to navigating the busy shops. Dublin is, of course, the most bustling shopping hub in the country and shopping in the city can be a minefield around this time of year.
Why not mix-it-up this Christmas, and escape to the countryside for one of your shopping trips! There are fantastic boutique shopping destinations outside of the city, which also offer a memorable family day out.
The Arboretum is one hidden gem we have come across, and it has two easy-to-get-to locations; Leighlinbridge in Co. Carlow and Kilquade in Co.Wicklow. With Wicklow only being a 40-minute drive away from Dublin and Carlow just an hour, both locations are perfect for a family road trip!
This five-star award-winning Garden, Home & Lifestyle Centre is your tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Dublin city. As well as having an impressive Christmas Shop where you can stock up on beautiful decorations and gifts, both locations also host a magical Santa’s Grotto. Children have the opportunity to meet Santa, Mrs.Claus and Santa’s Elves – they can even have breakfast with Santa himself!
Instead of being bored traipsing around a Shopping Centre while you shop, your little ones have plenty to keep them entertained at The Arboretum. They can take a peek at how Santa’s reindeer are preparing for Christmas Night at the Real Reindeer Experience. Children will be able to say hi to Rudolph and Blitzen up until the 22nd of December.
As well as this, children can post their letters to Santa at the Laura Lynn Post Box until the 14th of December. The proceeds raised will go directly to Laura Lynn, and Santa will even send each child a personalised response!
To round off your relaxing Christmas day out, you can enjoy a tasty dessert and hot chocolate at Rachel’s Garden Café. You can then return to Dublin well-rested and full of chocolate!
To find out more about The Arboretum visit their website.
