It's not all starched linen, hushed conversation and clinking china cups. Choose from an elegant drawing room, a relaxed country bolthole, a 16th century castle or a chic city hotel for afternoon tea for two.

Tea for two at Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms

This colourful charmer in the seaside town of Carlingford in Louth does a roaring trade in afternoon teas, so advance booking is highly advised. Come to Ruby Ellen's Tea Rooms for the sandwiches and scones, and stay for the homemade miniature cakes. Everything here is freshly baked. Choose from black, green and herbal teas served in dainty porcelain cups while enjoying the views of the Mourne Mountains. 

Photo credit: @ismattei

An elegant experience at Dromoland Castle Hotel

Dromoland Castle Hotel, once the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland in Clare, remains an impressively noble setting for modern-day visitors looking to rest and recuperate. Afternoon tea always offers the perfect opportunity for a little spoil-yourself me time and the added attraction of the 450-acre estate completes the sense of occasion for Mother’s Day. Try the Mrs. White’s Afternoon Tea, a feast of dainty finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and a selection of homemade jams served with a choice of loose-leaf teas from around the world. 

Tea or bubbles at The Westbury Hotel

With views over Grafton Street, The Westbury is one of Dublin's most elegant hotels. It's a suitably indulgent setting for some fragrant teas served in silver teapots and a selection of sandwiches, scones or homemade pastries. Their selection of wine and champagne is perfect for those looking for something a little stronger than a cuppa.  

Photo credit: @westburydublin

Afternoon tea at Kilronan Castle Estate

Take your pick of afternoon tea in either the drawing room or palm court at the Kilronan Castle Estate. This historic demesne in Roscommon is set in 50 acres of lush grounds that also feature a lough and ancient forest, a spa and wellness centre. There’s a choice of traditional or light afternoon tea on offer and everything on the menu is made in-house using only local Irish produce.

Help her unwind with thalassotherapy seawater treatments, traditional holistic detoxifying seaweed baths and lakeside hot tubs at the country's best spas. 

A seawater treatment at Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa

Overlooking the sea in West Cork, Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa just outside Clonakilty specialises in thalassotherapy and marine algae wraps and baths. The treatments use fresh Atlantic saltwater and seaweed to cleanse, revitalise and improve circulation. Guests can opt for day packages as well as individual treatments, some with access to the heated seawater pool, hammam and relaxation area. Choose one of the seawater treatments to calm, relax and rejuvenate.

A holistic or recovery package at Sólás na Mara 

Sólás na Mara or 'Solace of the Sea' is one of Ireland's oldest wellness centres. Set on the fishing pier at Helvick, on the tip of Dungarvan Harbour, the centre offers natural therapies like a nutrient-rich, locally harvested hot seaweed bath in a cedar wood steam box, sport massages and other beauty treatments. Choose the Holistic or the Recovery package for a hot seawater and seaweed bath with a 45-minute massage.

Photo credit: @vanlife_adventures_in_chewy

A treatment voucher at The Spa at Shelbourne Hotel 

One of the capital’s landmark hotels, The Shelbourne offers superior pampering in opulent surroundings. The Spa at The Shelbourne Hotel offers massage, facial and spa packages as part of its signature luxury experiences. Gift your mum Gratitude and Glow, a 50-minute facial that comes with a glass of champagne in the relaxation room and a a bouquet of flowers designed to celebrate Mother’s Day. Or book her in for the fire and ice pedicure and purifying body wraps. 

A spa treatment at Wineport Lodge

The Wineport Lodge spa resort in Westmeath has spectacular views over Lough Ree. There are lakeside hot tubs for added relaxation, as well as VOYA organic seaweed body therapies available. For top-to-toe pampering, choose the VOYA Voyager Total Massage Journey, a complete body treatment that includes scalp and body massage with organic seaweed oil.

Photo credit: @wineport_lodge

You might be a little concerned that suggesting a cooking lesson could be taken completely the wrong way, but even the most culinary-advanced mums will be impressed with a lesson from Neven Maguire. Elsewhere there are art lessons and stained glass workshops and a chance to create your own gin.

A cookery class at Neven Maguire Cooking School

Neven Maguire Cooking School, run by the celebrated chef at his townhouse restaurant in Blacklion, caters for all skill levels from absolute beginners to fine-dining experts. There are half-day to two-day courses available on themes like dinner party preparation, desserts, seafood and vegetarian cuisine. Chef Maguire gives tips on sourcing the best ingredients, demonstrates some of his award-winning culinary techniques and oversees a wine-tasting session in the company of sommelier Blaithin McCabe. 

A gin masterclass at Clonakilty Distillery

The renowned Clonakilty Distillery in Cork made its name with a premium single pot still whiskey, but with the ubiquitous gin infatuation showing little sign of abating, it's the Clonakilty gin masterclass that's the bigger attraction. There's a tour of the distillery, guided tastings and the chance to create your own gin using ingredients grown on the family farm.

A stained glass decoration class with WildBird Studio 

Since opening its doors in 2016, specialist stained glass workshop WildBird Studio has been updating the traditional medium with geometric styles and strong, bright colours. That all may sound a little daunting to newcomers, but you're in safe hands with owner Alison Byrne, who will help you to create your own piece to take home. 

Art classes at Butler Gallery

The Butler Gallery in Evans' Home, John's Quay in Kilkenny offers a range of adult classes in its Learning Centre with a full day in the company of an established, professional artist. The classes are small (no more than 12 people), so you get plenty of attention. All materials are provided and you're guaranteed to take home at least one original artwork.

From a one-off time piece and a gift box celebrating contemporary Irish design to a classic Irish woollen scarf, discover artisan gifts from around the country that she'll love.

A unique gift from Time Pieces

Time Pieces is known throughout the Roscommon area and beyond for its watches and clocks. This intriguing, atmospheric store crammed with pieces both historical and contemporary also stocks antiques, doll houses, mirrors, lamps, quirky homeware and jewellery. If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ll find an assortment of unusual one-off pieces here. 

Photo credit: @timepiecesroscommonireland

A special gift box from the Burren Perfumery

A family-run operation based in Carran, the Burren Perfumery takes Clare's natural landscape as its main source of inspiration, with certified organic products blended and bottled by hand on-site. Perfumes, creams, soaps and candles all have their own signature fragrance and aromatherapy properties. There's also an accompanying audio-visual presentation and photographic display on The Burren. Choose one of the beautifully wrapped gift sets to celebrate Mother’s Day. 

Photo credit: @burrenperfumery

Contemporary designs from the Irish Design Shop

The Irish Design Shop in Dublin showcases contemporary local craft and design, including homeware, jewellery, ceramics and prints. The range of gift boxes includes a self-care kit, Hug in a Mug, Daily Zen and tea and coffee-themed options. You can also explore Áras, a homeware range made exclusively for the shop.

Photo credit: @irishdesignshop

A woven scarf or blanket from Cushendale Woollen Mills

The Cushendale Woollen Mills in Kilkenny has been in the Cushen family since 1778, but its history can be traced as far back as 1204. Cushendale’s signature dyeing process is used to create luxurious blankets, throws and scarves in mohair, lambswool, Irish wool and tweed. The mills use only local wool and their textiles are traceable, sustainable and recognisable for their quality and vibrant colours. 

Photo credit: @cushendale

Finding something for the most particular of tastes can be a challenge. Try a live performance at one of Ireland's leading art centres, a meal at one of the country's most popular restaurants or both.

A live show at Roscommon Arts Centre

The Roscommon Arts Centre is home to an always-fresh programme of theatre, music, comedy, festivals, visual arts and other events and community projects. Explore the upcoming schedule and grab tickets to surprise mam.

Fine dining at Ghan House

The restaurant at Ghan House, a fully restored 18th century Georgian guesthouse, is one of Louth's most celebrated dining venues, with a menu showcasing local ingredients and flavours. That means lots of fish, mussels, lobster, suckling pig and beef, all served in the grand dining room with its fine views of Carlingford Lough. Walk it all off afterwards with a stroll on the nearby beach. 

Photo credit: @ghanhouse

Local delicacies with Galway Food Tours

Get to know one of Ireland's most celebrated gastro centres with a two-hour walking tour organised by Galway Food Tours. The Sweet Tooth Food Tour includes visits to the finest bakeries and pastry shops, plus chats with producers and manufacturers. Local guides take you to the best of the city's many foodie hotspots where you’ll sample everything from artisan craft beer to traditional cheese and chocolate.

A night out in a club

No, not that kind of club, but the elegant surrounds of Rathmines' Stella Cocktail Club. Take your velvet seats in the 1920s ballroom of the original Stella and order your drink of choice from the bespoke cocktail menu, add some nibbles and let yourselves be transported to the gilded age. You can also transport yourself downstairs to the cinema and watch the latest release in comfy, art deco grandeur complete with full-menu service at your armchair or sofa.

Accommodation vouchers

Ireland’s Blue Book features country house hotels, manor houses, castles and restaurants with vouchers that can be used in part or full payment for any of the venues listed on its site. The Go Anywhere Gift Card covers hundreds of hotels and guest houses across the country.