From teas to garden tours, botanical workshops to yoga retreats and spa days, here are some ideas for Mother’s Day gifts and experiences …
A beauty brunch in Brown Thomas, Dublin
This Sunday, March 12, Brown Thomas will host a special Mother’s Day brunch at Hugh Brown’s Restaurant in its Grafton Street store. Guests will enjoy treats on arrival, breakfast cocktails, delicious brunch favourites as well as music from presenter and DJ January Winters. A Sunday Riley expert will share skincare knowledge for all ages with guests receiving a goodie bag with treats from the cult skincare brand too. Tickets are redeemable on selected women’s fashion and beauty brands from Sunday 12 to Thursday 16 March in store only. Tickets are available to purchase on Eventbrite.
A tour and tea of Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford
Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford, has just reopened after a significant renovation and begs a visit. Why not book the (adults-only) Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea and Tour, €65, at 1pm on March 19 in its historic Chinese Room, where dainty sandwiches, scones and a selection of pastries and desserts will be served. Following afternoon tea guests can explore the gardens with the Estate Manager Ray Sinnott. If you can’t make it, spoil mum by sending her a Mother’s Day bouquet created by Dutch master florist Lamber de Bie. Packaged beautifully and available for collection from Mount Congreve Gardens, this limited edition gift must be pre-ordered by March 16. Bouquets are €95; www.mountcongreve.com.
A botanical workshop at Killruddery, Co Wicklow
There are lots of great gifting ideas at Killruddery – from Mother’s Day hampers to spring bulb arrangements. For those who are creatively curious, or wish to hone a skill, then the gift of a workshop from Killruddery’s Botanical Workshop Series (from €160) will inspire. Horticulturalist Alys Fowler is presenting (on March 26), alongside botanical print expert Liz Walsh (April 30), master willow weaver Sarah Jenkinson (May 28) and botanical artist Yanny Petters (July 30). These are some of the prime events on the programme. To find out more visit www.killruddery.com.
A spa and afternoon tea at The Johnstown Estate, Co Meath
This double treat starts with a 30-minute treatment. Guests can choose from an Elemis Taster facial, a luxury scalp massage, a leg and foot massage or a hand and arm massage. This is followed by 90 minutes in the Thermal Suite including The Rooftop Experience, added during The Spa’s recent €3.5 million redevelopment. The afternoon is completed by afternoon tea served in The Spa Café. Costing €125 per person, to book visit www.thejohnstownestate.com.
A facial and flowers from The Shelbourne, Dublin
For a luxurious gift and the chance to try The Shelbourne’s new cutting edge skincare brand Swissline, its “Gratitude & Glow” package for Mother’s Day is ideal. This luxury facial is an instant reset with a focus on relaxation and resilience. Afterwards, there’s a glass of champagne to enjoy in the elegant relaxation rooms overlooking St Stephen’s Green. As a finale, your mum will be gifted a gorgeous bouquet of flowers her from the floristry team at The Shelbourne. “Gratitude & Glow” costs €205 and is available between March 17- 26; www.theshelbourne.com.
An overnight stay at Ballymaloe House, Co Cork
I can’t think of a nicer escape for a day, than this treat on Sunday, March 19. On arrival guests can enjoy afternoon tea with a glass of bubbles. Afterwards there is plenty of time to explore the gardens before a four-course dinner. This overnight offer, in one of the lovely heritage bedrooms, includes breakfast the next morning, which can also be enjoyed in bed! From €385 total stay; www.irelandsbluebook.ie.
Lunch at The Hardiman, Galway
Hop on the train to Galway and when you arrive you’re on the doorstep of The Hardiman, the grande dame hotel overlooking Eyre Square. Enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch in its Gaslight Brasserie, from €30 per person for two courses or €38 for three, served between 1pm and 4.30pm. On the menu are entrées such as crispy duck and bean sprout salad; braised daube of beef; Galway Hooker fish of the day with wasabi crushed peas and homemade tartare or wild mushroom and kale gnocchi. Desserts include the famous Hardiman assiette as well as chocolate and orange gateau; www.thehardiman.ie.
Yoga + Vision Board Retreat, Fumbally Stables, Dublin
Taking place on Saturday, March 18 this reconnect and reset day is led by Hannah O’Neill of Vibo Vision Boards and Erica Bracken, yoga and meditation teacher. It begins with a 90-minute session with Erica, using movement, breath and meditation. In the afternoon, Hannah will guide participants through a reset workshop, including journaling exercises and a guided vision-boarding process. Each guest will be gifted their own Vibo Vision Board Book (worth €55), which does away with the need for multiple magazines and contains everything you need in one glossy book. Between workshops lunch is prepared by The Fumbally Cafe. Tickets are €110, available from www.visionboards.com.
