Nollaig na mBan: 8 events taking place this week to celebrate movement, connection and rest

Breda Graham rounds up some of the events taking place this week to celebrate Nollaig na mBan

We've rounded up some events taking place this weekend, so grab your girls or take some much-deserved you time this week.

Nollaig na mBan, or Women's Christmas, is celebrated on January 6 in Ireland, marking the end of the Christmas season and honoring the contributions of women.

Historically, this day allowed women to rest while men took over household duties, reversing traditional gender roles for a day.

The tradition of Nollaig na mBan has its roots in rural Ireland, where women played a central role in managing the household during the festive season. By January 6, they were often exhausted from the demands of the festive season. 

Today, Nollaig na mBan is celebrated in various ways, reflecting both its historical significance and contemporary values. Many women gather with friends for lunch or dinner, or for a walk or yoga session, enjoying a day of relaxation.

We've rounded up some events taking place this weekend, so grab your girls or take some much-deserved you time this week.

Legends and libations in Killarney 

Pig’s Lane is celebrating Nollaig na mBan with an evening of storytelling, flavour, and Irish myth on January 6.

Rooted in Munster tradition, this ancient day marks the close of the festive season. A day when women once gathered to rest, feast, and share laughter over the last sweet slices of Christmas cake.

Folklore tells of Irish waters turning to wine at midnight on Nollaig na mBan, and of An Cailleach, the ancient winter goddess of Irish mythology, a figure who lives on through the stories told at this turning point of the season.

To honour the tradition, the Whiskey Parlour at Pig’s Lane will glow by candlelight as renowned seanchaí Ray O’Sullivan leads an intimate evening of myth and memory. Guests will enjoy three bespoke cocktails with a festive twist, as stories unfold, surprises emerge, and the old superstitions of the season awaken.

For more information, click here. 

Tapas and wine in Innishannon 

The Found Out Cafe in Innishannon, Co Cork is hosting an evening of tapas and wine to celebrate Women’s Little Christmas on January 6.

It’s the ladies’ turn to shine, with tapas, wine, laughs and glam at the Found Out Cafe.

Those attending can choose any six tapas and two glasses of wine or two beers, included in a ticket priced at €38 per person.

The event will take place from 7pm to 10pm on January 6.

For more information, click here. 

Movie night in Dublin 

Rascals Brewing Co. are hosting a movie night at Goldenbridge Estate, Inchicore on January 6, in celebration of Nollaig na mBan.

9 to 5, the sharp, hilarious comedy about friendship, fairness, and taking on the boss will be shown, with gates open at 6.30pm.

The movie starts at 7.30pm and people are free to order pizza before, during or after the screening.

Admission is €5.70, which includes a glass of beer and popcorn.

For more information, click here.

Sip and Frost in Cork 

French pastry chef Sophie Pham is hosting a cake decorating workshop at Aye on Anglesea Street in Cork City on January 8.

Pham, who has been living in Cork for more than a decade, recently started her own home baking business and will share her tips and tricks at her Sip and Frost decorating workshop on Thursday.

The two-hour workshop costs €60 and includes all materials, a bento-sized cake to decorate and bring home, a glass of Prosecco or Nozeco, access to Pham’s recipes and documents after the class, and skills and tips for cake decorating.

For more info, click here. 

Intention setting through dance in Galway 

Celebrate Nollaig na mBan with intention setting, somatic exploration, dance, movement meditation and connection.

Nia Neuromuscular Integrative Action is a mindful movement practice that blends dance, martial arts, and healing arts — designed to move your body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

So, if you’re looking to reconnect with your body in a way that feels nourishing, uplifting, and gentle yet empowering, this one is for you.

The event will run from 11am to 12pm on Saturday, January 10 at Galway Dance, Terriland House, Unit 26.

For more info, click here. 

Pilates agus cúpla focal in Waterford 

Píosa Me is hosting a pilates session, which encourages people to be ‘ag caint as Gaeilge’.

If you’re looking to make new connections this year agus usáid a bhaint as do chúpla focal, then this is the event for you.

The event, which will take place at Signal Box Studios in Kilmacthomas on the Waterford Greenway on Sunday, January 11, will be led by Píosa Me ambassador Shannon Kelly-Fitzgerald. Pilates with Dervla will lead the bilingual pilates session open to all levels, which will be followed by a matcha from Signal Box Coffee.

For more information, click here. 

Sunday Social at Brown Thomas Cork 

A dynamic panel discussion followed by an intention-setting session with brunch, goody bags, and a voucher will take place at Brown Thomas Cork on Sunday, January 11.

A morning designed to set the tone for your best year yet, the event will include a panel discussion led by experts in skincare, gut health, style, beauty and fragrance, and supplements, followed by a guided intention setting session to focus your goals for the year ahead led by wellness expert Sian Horn, and a refreshing BKultured Kefir followed by a nourishing brunch at Brown's Brasserie for €64.25.

Each guest will also receive two goodie bags from Tom Ford and Planet Beauty, plus a €10 Brown Thomas voucher to support their journey of self-care.

For more information, click here. 

Paint, sip and sing in Mallow 

Celebrate Little Women's Christmas in Mallow with a fun evening of painting, prosecco, music by Kenny Live, followed by karaoke.

Tickets priced at €30 per person include a mini canvas and easel, paint, brushes, two glasses of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic option, live music, and karaoke.

The event takes place at the function room in The Arches Bar and Restaurant in Mallow from 7pm until late on Saturday, January 10.

For more information, click here.