What is Galentine's Day?
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.
Things to do this Galentine's Day
From girly events to spa dates, afternoon teas, cocktail sessions and more, here’s our top ideas for sharing the lady love this Galentine’s Day.
Book an Afternoon Tea
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.
Go for a Girly Brunch
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.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Date
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.
Order Delicious Cocktails
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. Check our guide to the top cocktail bars in Belfast.
Go to an Exhibition
If you’re into art, check out one of the city’s art or photography exhibitions over Valentine’s weekend. Belfast’s galleries showcase everything from cutting-edge visual art to traditional printmaking, with touring shows and work by local and international artists. For something different, visit the Ulster Museum to see dinosaurs, meteorites and Spanish sailors, or explore Ulster-Scots heritage at the Discover Ulster Scots Centre.
Let the Romance Be-Gin
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.
Visit a Distillery or Brewery
Why not explore Northern Ireland’s distilleries and breweries this Galentine’s Day? Discover how local spirits and beers are crafted, from field to glass, and soak up the sights, sounds and aromas along the way. At Titanic Distillers, step inside Belfast’s first working distillery in almost 90 years and hear the story of the city’s whiskey heritage.
Find a Gift for your Gals
Looking for a gift for your friends? You’ll find adorable Galentine’s presents at Victoria Square or The Boulevard. Or find something truly unique at St George’s Market, from handcrafted candles and jewellery to art, trinkets, tote bags and more.
