Ooh the holidays are coming, the holidays are coming! That might not seem like anything significant if you’re already ‘on holiday’ as such, or rather, going through cancer treatment or recovering from cancer treatment. However, with Christmas on the way, it is a lovely time of year to spend time with family and friends and for a spot of shopping – for others, but for you, too (we always buy ourselves a Christmas present, do you?).
So today we have for you an idea of a Christmas-sy day out to help you get into the festive mood and also to tick a few things off your Christmas shopping list. It’s a visit to the Newbridge Silverware Showroom & Museum in Newbridge, Co Kildare.
We recommend starting off by piling yourselves into the car with a hot cuppa in a travel mug. Stick on Christmas FM to get into the festive spirit and find your way onto the Naas Road. Count how many reindeer-decorated cars you see along the way and enjoy seeing the fluffy white sheep on the Curragh as you drive by.
When you reach Newbridge there’s always a little bit of traffic. Fear not, the Newbridge Silverware store has plenty of parking so you won’t have to walk far. We do recommend going in the morning though, that way you can beat the big crowds and also treat yourself to a cake or light lunch in their lovely restaurant, the Café Carleton, when you need to sit down.
If you’re visiting during the week, go later in the day and reserve Afternoon Tea before you go. The Café serves Afternoon Tea Monday to Friday between 3pm and 4.45pm (excl. Bank Holidays). Reservations for Afternoon Tea should be made 24 hours in advance of your planned date.
Here at Happy Magazine we have an annual family tradition of buying a Newbridge Christmas tree decoration. With so many beautiful and intricate designs to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find something that’s perfect for you. We also think they make wonderful gifts.
Or if surprises are more your thing, why not buy one of these lovely surprise gift bags – €25 each and no one, not even you, will know what’s inside until Christmas Day!
There is so much to explore at the Newbridge Silverware store, depending on how much time, how much energy (and how much money!) you want to spend. The Showroom houses the complete range of Newbridge Silverware products, from Jewellery and Giftware, to Homeware, Stainless Steel and premium EPNS Cutlery.
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| The Museum of Style Icons – Diana Exhibition | Photo from the Newbridge Silverware website |
There is also the Museum of Style Icons to explore if you’re feeling energetic, hosting numerous collections and artefacts relating to Stars of the Silver Screen and many modern day artists – including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, the Beatles and many more. Entry is free. However, to enhance the experience, guided tours take place in the Museum each Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30am for groups of up to 10 people.
We think the Newbridge Silverware Showroom makes a great festive outing. Choose something special for your tree, get a few Christmas presents bought (don’t forget one for yourself) and enjoy a light bite in the café.
For more information and to plan your visit, visit the Newbridge Silverware website here.
Photos by Holly Kennedy, except where stated.
