Why not keep it local

WITH THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SEASON COMING TO END AND TIME RUNNING OUT FOR THAT PERFECT GIFT, THERE IS PLENTY OF LOCAL CHOICE

CRAFTY SHOPPING

The Silver Linings pop up craft shop in Williamson’s Mall is a godsend to those who leave their shopping to the last minute. As usual Sarah McKenna and Orla Barry have chosen a great selection of locally produced crafts and artwork, which they are selling along with their own products. There’s lots to choose from, including scarves, candles, artwork, and even Christmas decorations. The whimsical drawings and cards by Little Twit Designs caught our eye as did the lovely glazed trinket boxes from Celtic Valley Ceramics.

FOR THE FOOD LOVER

Christmas is one time of year when food takes centre stage, from the great family feast on Christmas Day, to tasty nibbles at casual get togethers, and of course there has to be something nice in the house in case any unexpected visitors arrive at the door. Locavore in Blackrock, the newest artisan food shop in the area, has a wide range of Irish produced foods, from chutneys and jams, to breads and cookies. They will make hampers to order so you can tailor your gift to the recipient’s taste.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

A dress from the new Siren collection from the talented local fashion designer Eamonn McGill will turn heads and certainly make the wearer stand out from the crowd on New Year’s Eve. Eamonn, who attended The Marist and NCAD, says that in designing the Siren Christmas collection he wanted to make pieces that couldn’t be got anywhere else .Everything is made in Ireland and there is so much care and attention put into each piece from the hand sewn lace appliqué to the ribbon bow closings.The range is between €30.00-€400.00 so there is a hand made piece for anyone’s budget. Everything is available online at Www. eamonnmcgilldesign.com

FOR THE MUSIC LOVER

Dundalk tenor David Martin will be joined by special guests for a once-off concert, ‘A Night At The Opera’, in The Spirit Store on Sunday January 8, prior to touring the United States as part of The Five Irish Tenors. Tickets for the concert, or David’s debut CD Tranquillo, would certainly hit the right note with music lovers.

FOR THE HIPSTER DRINKER

Craft beers show now sign of waning in popularity and now drinkers can enjoy a range of local craft beers produced by the Carlingford Brewing Company at their brewery in Riverstown on the Cooley peninsula. Try their Tholsel Blonde, Taaffee Red, Friary Pale Ale or King John’s Stout. A range of merchandise including etched glasses, t-shirts and baseball caps are also available from their on-line store at www. carlingfordbrewing.ie

NAVVYBANK CALENDAR

It’s always difficult to know what to send relatives and friends living abroad, especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune on postage. A calendar from local photographer Darren Rafferty fits the bill, and this year he has produced four different ones which are guaranteed to be a big hit with people living away from home. This year, Darren has added a Blackrock and Knockbridge calendar to the already popular Dundalk and Navvy Bank editions. The calendars can be purchased online at www.darranrafferty.com, which delivers world wide. There is also free delivery for anyone the Dundalk area. Calendars cost just €10 each. They are also on sale at Mc Evoys Dundalk, photospeed.ie, Grants Newsagents, News And Deli, Goldstar Jewellers, Michael Lynch Menswear, 23 Seats, Brodigans Londis Quay St, Blade FX Barbers, Leavy’s Pharmacy and at all local Mace shops

CANDLES

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without candles and Emma’s Eco Soy Candles are beautifully scented and presented, with a range of seasonal fragrances. Made by a family-run business in Ardee, the candles contain all natural ingredients including soya wax and essential oils. The candles come in a range of scents and packaging making them the ideal gift, not just for Christmas but the whole year. They are available at Silver Linings Pop-up, Fuel at Felda Gym, The Station, Ardee and on-line at www.emmas.ie

SPICE IT UP

By the end of the twelve days of Christmas, most people will be fed up with turkey and ham so why not spice things up a bit with sauces, chutneys and spices from Urban Indian? The family run business also specialises in vegetarian Indian snacks including samsoas, onion bhajis, veggie biscuits and many more exciting foods. They also provide catering for special occasions. Contact urbanindifoods@gmail.com or phone 0899436743

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE

Be guaranteed a round of applause when your present is opened with a gift voucher from An Tain Arts Centre. The lucky recipient will be able to pick from a great line-up of events in the 2017 Season including theatre, music, film and comedy so you can’t go wrong. Vouchers from €10 to €100 available from available online at www.antain.ie and through the box office at 042 9332332. The gift vouchers are beautifully presented and include a current programme of events so friends and family can plan their perfect arts and culture fix! Vouchers are valid for twelve months from the date of purchase, and are redeemable for any ticketed event on sale through the An Táin Arts Centre box office.