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27th Feb 2024

7 ways to spend Mother’s Day if you don’t feel like celebrating

Fiona Frawley

dublin events not celebrating mother's day

For many, the day isn’t a happy one.

Between Valentines, International Women’s Day and the pending Paddy’s Day, the conveyor belt of national holidays has been so relentless over the past few weeks that you’d be forgiven for almost forgetting about Mother’s Day completely. There’s only so much we can keep track of, after all.

Nevertheless, it’ll fall this Sunday and amidst the influx of ads for Free Prosecco for Mammies! and Flowers She’ll Love! there are plenty of people just waiting for the day to pass.

Mother’s Day can be painful for so many – people whose mothers have passed away, those who’ve lost children or are unable to have children, people who no longer have a relationship with their mothers; the list goes on.

And as much as you try to avoid the day, it has a way of creeping in and disturbing your peace – particularly in the age of social media.

So with that in mind, we’ve had a poke around and compiled a list of ways to spend Sunday as if it was just any other way – not a garden centre or afternoon tea in sight, tg.

Let’s get into it:

Buskers for Palestine

Whelans, Wexford Street – tickets and more info right here. 

Celebrating occasions like Mother’s Day at all can feel dystopian whilst the ongoing horrors in Palestine continue to play out on the other end of our phone screens, so if you’d like to dedicate some time and funds to those providing vital aid on the ground.

Buskers for Palestine is an intimate concert organised by Pinocchio Magazine, featuring some of Dublin’s top original singer/songwriter buskers to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. Doctors Without Borders is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation, who are currently working to provide medical assistance to those who need it in Gaza.

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Dublin Comedy Improv

The International, Wicklow Street – tickets and more info right here.

If it’s an evening of laughs and escapism you’re looking for, Dublin Comedy Improv at the Inter has you covered. The city’s longest running improv comedy show will have you forgetting what day it is altogether – laughter is the best medicine, and all that.

 

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Speed Dating at The Jar

Wexford Street, find out more about the event right here. 

We can’t envision anyone heading along to speed dating with their mam (although respect to anyone who may be considering it) so this is the ideal event for focussing your energies elsewhere. A sophisticated approach to Dublin dating, Speed Dublin pride themselves on creating a ‘less is more’ environment devoid of typical event trappings (name tags, over-the-top decorations, etc). Find love or at the very least, have a bitta craic.

 

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A walk (in one of the less popular spots)

Turn your headphones up loud and head for the hills, finding a scenic escape from the stream of Instagram posts and mammy-themed carveries. You might have a go-to walk of your own when you’re looking to avoid crowds but we can definitely recommend this gem at Carrickgollogan Wood, about halfway between Shankill and Stepaside.

 

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Moon Mist Jazz Trio

The Workman’s Club, tickets and more info right here. 

Embark on a lunar-inspired musical journey as the Moon Mist Jazz Trio perform their repertoire full of your classic moon-themed jazz standards.

An intimate night of jazz, with nuanced and understated renditions of timeless melodies is what you can expect from this groovy Workman’s event, to be held in the venues’ vibe-y Vintage Room. Switch off, let the music take over, sip away on a creamy pint – it’s one of the dreamiest ways to spend a Sunday.

 

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New Moon Soma Dance

The Fumbally, New Street, Dublin 8 – tickets and more info available here. 

Indulge in an exploration of self-awareness and embodiment at this unique event blending somatic practice and dance.

This merging of Thomas Hanna Somatic practice and guided dance is designed for grounding, embodiment, and connection, aligning with the transformative energies of the New Moon. Bring your yoga mat, a blanket and some comfy clothes and prepare for an evening of restoration and self-discovery.

 No Mother’s Day

Kavanagh’s Pub, Stoneybatter. More info is available on this event right here. 

If you’re looking to escape the gaudy flower and card supermarket displays that take over each March, this event is just what you need.

Join The Wild Geeze as they tell stories and sing songs, joined by an array of special guests all of whom are motherless  (making them easy to book for the day, as the Wild Geeze point out in their even description).

There’ll be cabaret, there’ll be laughter, and a chance to celebrate an otherwise difficult day surrounded by warm community.

Whatever you plan on doing to get through Sunday whether it’s a stroll through nature, a long bath or a good aul fashioned Netflix binge, we hope you have a blissful day with no major disturbance of your energy.

Header image via The Workman’s Club / Getty 

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