Nollaig na mBan -Women's Little Christmas
January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, celebrates the end of the Christmas festive season. And in Ireland it uniquely is also known as Women’s Christmas, a day dedicated to Irish women everywhere. There are lots of different events taking place all over the country to mark Nollaig na mBan. We have listed a few of our favourites below, but for a more complete listing check Inspireme.ie.
Dublin
Getting the ball rolling early is the Howth Singing Circle, who will host Songs for Nollaig na mBan on Thursday 4th at 9pm. All musicians, singers, and those who prefer to sit and listen are welcome to join them at the Abbey Tavern, Howth. This promises to be a fantastic night of ceol and craic in one of Ireland’s most beautiful traditional pubs.
The Irish Film Institute in Temple Bar will have its annual screening of The Dead at 6.30 pm. This renowned adaptation of the James Joyce novel of the same name sees Angelica Huston play the role of her life in this most unique of Epiphany dinner parties. You do need to register for membership of the IFI to purchase tickets. But you won’t regret this as there are always cinematic delights on offer.
Limerick
The Hunt Museum in Limerick invites mums and grannies to join them for a relaxing lunch at the Hunt Café starting at 12pm on Sat 6th. While you enjoy your meal in peace the kids head off to prepare a shadow puppet show. After lunch you shall sit back, relax and enjoy the show. This is sure to be a popular event. So booking is essential.
Domestic Violence activist and wellness guru Emma Murphy is hosting a Mind Over Matter Workshop in Limerick.
Emma will be share her personal stories about how she overcame domestic violence & turned her negative situation into a positive.. This will lead onto a nutritional seminar. The afternoon will end with a fun fitness class with Emma herself. So be sure to wear your trainers & get ready to sweat. This will be the perfect antidote to the excesses of the Christmas Season.
Or if afternoon tea is more your style, what about the Savoy Hotel in Limerick with guest speaker Rose Hynes. There will be champagne and music when you arrive, spot prizes and a raffle throughout the afternoon. All money raised goes towards the fantastic work carried out by Mid West Simon in the Mid West Region.
Mayo
Meanwhile in Westport Country Lodge, ‘Lunch at the Lodge’ starts with a mulled wine reception at 1.30. Then there’s lunch and the annual Mayo Inspirational Woman Award Ceremony. Keynote speaker Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain is sure to provide lots of inspiration for the year ahead. Proceeds are in aid of the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre.
Also in Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life in Castlebar will be hosting a musical afternoon. At 2pm on Sat 6th all singers and listeners are welcome to drop in and celebrate Nollaig na mBan with musician Emer Mayock and friends.
Wexford
If one of your New Year resolutions was to become more informed, what about this lecture in Wexford town library. It’s titled Women, Politics and Propaganda, 1917-1919: the Activism of Wexford Women. Starting at 3.30, Dr Mary McAuliffe, Assistant Professor in Gender Studies at UCH will discuss the political activism of three inspirational Wexford women.
Galway
Those who like to walk on the wild side should check out the Green Hills Farm Stay in Co Galway where at 4pm on Sat 6th there will be a Fire Walk. This is an ancient ritual that links us to our ancestors. The organisers have thought of everything and as well as the ceremonies and refreshments they can even provide transportation if required.
In Galway City, Naomi Berrill will be bringing her haunting voice and cello to the Black Gate Cultural Centre at 8pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the launch of her second album ‘To The Sky’, and its aquatic inspiration.
Or how about a spot of afternoon tea? Nollaig na mBan Tea Party in Ballinasloe will be an afternoon of tea and treats. All funds raised will go to Girls4Girls Education in Tanzania, helping improve the lives of women who don’t have the same access to education as ourselves.
Nollaig na mBan – A day to celebrate Mothers, Sisters and Friends
So gather your girls and plan something special to celebrate Nollaig na mBan. Finally, all of these events are correct at the time of publishing. However we recommend you check with the event organiser before you travel.
