Galentine’s Day Ideas

Galentine’s Day is a fake holiday designed to celebrate the love between a woman and her best girl friends! The idea for Galentine’s Day originated on Parks and Recreation, a hit US comedy TV show on which lead character Leslie Knope hosts an annual Galentine’s Day to lavish love on her closest female friends.

Galentine’s Day is on 13 February (just before Valentine’s Day) and is all about sharing your love for your pals whether they’re single or not.

Celebrate friendship in style this February with Parisien’s indulgent Galentine’s Afternoon Tea. For £39.95 per person, enjoy a delightful selection of treats paired with a glass of sparkling wine or their cocktail special. Available exclusively from 1st – 28th February.

Baker & Chef are celebrating Galentines – the new Valentines,  which shines the light on the sisters rather than the misters… Head to Baker & Chef, located in the Gasworks, for this very special Treats Box class, making all the best bits – from Geo heart cakepops filled with yummy chocolate brownie, from learning how to ice and decorate sugar cookies to creating an adorable collection of Galentine cupcakes.

Celebrate friendship with an exclusive Galentine’s afternoon at The Old Inn. Get together with friends on Saturday 15th February for a glamorous afternoon complete with traditional Afternoon Tea and a private screening of the beloved classic, Dirty Dancing. Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and legendary soundtrack with a glass of bubbly with your Afternoon Tea.

Celebrate the season of love with a delightful Galentine’s Afternoon Tea at The Café at Montalto! Whether you’re pampering someone special or enjoying a fun-filled afternoon with your closest friends, indulge in a luxurious selection of afternoon tea classics. Savour an array of delicate finger sandwiches, savoury homemade pastries, and freshly baked scones.

Pitch Perfect Movie Night: Gather your gals this Galentine’s for an aca-awesome evening of laughs, music, and friendship! Join Fratelli Belfast for their first movie night of the year.  Enjoy a delicious main course, drink & popcorn, then sit back, relax and watch the iconic, Pitch Perfect!

Available 14 – 16 February, Galgorm Resort

Enjoy a luxurious, romantic break this Valentine’s Day with an overnight stay in a Superior Guestroom, with prosecco and chocolates on arrival. Succumb to the tranquillity of the Thermal Spa Village before indulging in a three course evening meal and full Irish breakfast the next morning.

Catch up over an indulgent afternoon tea in one of Belfast’s hotels or cafés. Three tiers of finger food, pastries and scones combined with luxury loose leaf tea is the ultimate afternoon delight and a great antidote to Valentine’s Day. Read our guide to discover places serving afternoon tea in Belfast.

Share the love over a tasty breakfast! Read our guide to the top places for brunch in Belfast, from cute cafés to grand eateries in five-star hotels. Catch up over sweet pancakes or eggs Benedict and a tasty coffee – the perfect way to brighten each other’s mornings.

It’s a great time of year to detox and chase away the winter blues with your bestie. So why not treat yourselves to spa session in the Merchant Hotel, Galgorm Resort or Culloden Estate and Spa. All offer an irresistible range of massages, facials, scrubs, beauty and hydrotherapy treatments, where you can let life’s stress melt away and share some ‘you’ time together.

Raise a glass and enjoy a tasty drink with friends in one of Belfast’s finest cocktails bars. Sample unique concoctions, classic mixes and local flavours. Belfast’s cocktail bar scene has never been more exciting. You’ll find hotel bars, newcomers, and, speakeasies among the best cocktail bars in Belfast.

If you’re arty types, visit one of the art or photography exhibitions on in the city over the Valentine’s weekend. Belfast has an impressive array of gallery space, displaying everything from the most contemporary visual art to traditional printmaking techniques. Browse touring exhibitions as well as shows by local and international artists.

If your friend group’s deepest love is gin, Belfast has a lot to offer to fuel your romance. Book a Gin School Experience at Hinch distillery where you’ll make your very own gin to take home with you. Or continue your love affair with a tour of Echlinville distillery. Read our gin tasting blog for more ideas.

Why not discover Northern Ireland’s many distilleries and breweries this Galantine’s Day. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Northern Ireland’s spirits and beers and discover the journey of these drinks from fields to glass.

Looking for a gift for your friends? You’ll find adorable Galentine’s presents in Born & Bred and at St Georges’ Market from handcrafted candles, jewellery and mugs to arts, trinkets, tote bags and more.