We don’t mean to harp on, but between home schooling, the endless meal preparation and the severe social limitations that mothers have faced over the past year, celebrating them has never seemed more important. Of course, fathers have had a difficult time too, and their time will come soon enough, but now is the time to splurge and celebrate the most important woman in your life, whether she is near or far. Here are five options worthy of the wonder woman in your life.

The Merrion Hotel

What a treat! The Merrion have recommenced their popular takeaway service so you can dine in style at home. The new menu features their classic beef wellington (named after the Duke who was born in Mornington House, one of the classic Georgian townhouses that make up the hotel). The Gloss tried it, and loved it. A pastry latticed fillet comes boxed prettily, with sides of roasted carrots, Glenilen buttered broccoli, delicious diced dauphinoise potatoes and a red wine jus. Literally just pop in the oven for 20 minutes, stress free. At €50 for two, it’s a brilliant special Sunday lunch, birthday dinner or Mother’s Day treat. The Merrion’s new posh takeaway service also includes organic roast chicken with all the trimmings, an ocean fish pie, and the very popular vegan shepherdless pie. Call 01 603 0600 (24 hours in advance of collection) to book or delivery available in the greater Dublin area. www.merrionhotel.com

Ballymaloe at Home

Envy is such an unpleasant quality, but on this occasion, I think I am justified. Sadly, Ballymaloe House is far beyond my 5k and so I will never know the pleasures of their steamed mussels with garden leeks, Ballymaloe lardons and cream sauce or the delights of East Cork rack of lamb with salsa verde, aioli, grilled spring cabbage and gratin dauphinoise. And please, don’t mention the whiskey, prune and chocolate tartlets, I am likely to well up. A taste of Ballymaloe at home? It seems obvious to me. Orders open Sunday – Wednesday with collection the following Saturday. Menu changes weekly. www.ballymaloe.ie

Mount Juliet

Fancy dining in the style of Lady Helen McCalmont, the former doyenne of Mount Juliet? This Mother’s Day, you and yours can finally indulge your inner high society aspirations and do just that. The Mount Juliet Afternoon Tea at Home has just been launched in time for Mother’s Day and includes savouries such as coronation chicken, beef pastrami and Duncannon smoked salmon adorning Guinness treacle bread and white soda bread while sweet treats include classic lemon drizzle, frangipane tart, coffee opera cake and freshly baked scones with jam and lemon curd. There is an option to add celebratory fizz to the package or indeed extend it to include kiddies too with a selection of rocky road pops, Kinder cupcakes, giant cookies, blondies, cheese dips and Nutella bagels, all paired with a bottle of homemade lemonade. The inevitable sugar high might just be worth it.
www.mountjuliet.ie

Adare Manor

The staff in Adare Manor have also been busy with behind the scene preparation for the big day and have a selection of Mother’s Day gifts that would cement your status as favourite child for years to come. The Minding Mum at Home Hamper contains everything you could possibly need to set the stage for a luxurious lunch. Your feast begins with potted chicken with brioche and orange chutney followed by beef wellington with béarnaise sauce and an array of sides including asparagus spears, cauliflower and truffle gratin, duck fat roasties, wild mushrooms, and honey roasted carrots. Ryans Rhubarb Trifle finishes off the feast and there are numerous options to add flowers, candles and wine to your selection. Available for 2/4/6 people. Pre order now to collect March 13/14. shop.adaremanor.com

Castle Leslie

In Glaslough, the infamous Castle Leslie will be transformed, for one day only into a next level drive through. Forget chocolate shakes and limp French fries and think confit duck, seafood chowder and spring vegetable risotto. Sharing desserts at €20 each include a whole Pavlova, and a Kinder Bueno and Ferrero Rocher cheesecake. There is a children’s menu too and the entire offering is very well priced. Afternoon Tea for two is also available at the drive through and is priced at €50 for two to include sweet, savouries and scones aplenty. Pre order only for the Mother’s Day ‘Drive Through’ Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch, with collection March 14. www.castleleslie.com

Other notable menu’s for Mother’s Day include afternoon tea from Luttrellstown Castle and The Anglers Rest in Dublin in west Dublin, short rib cured in treacle and blood orange from the lunch menu at Bistro One in Foxrock and slow roasted porchetta from Woodruff in Stepaside.