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.

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 session with Belfast Artisan Gin School where you’ll make your very own gin and enjoy lots of gin-infused sweet treats along the way. Or continue your love affair with a tour of Echlinville or Rademon Estate distilleries. 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.

Pug Uglys hosts their comedy club every Thursday. Get together with the girls and go along for an early Galentine’s Day treat, with local or touring comedians that are sure to have you all in stitches together. Visit Pug Uglys’ social media for line-up details, drinks offers and to reserve seats. Try one of their signature sourdough pizzas and enjoy live music in the downstairs bar.

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