Avoid panic-buying wilted flowers at your local petrol station on the big day; and plan something different for the special lady in your life. Are your brothers and sisters just as clueless? Why not chip in together and really spoil your Mum? Here are just some ideas... 

GIGS & CONCERTS

First up, there are lots of great events and gigs taking place in Dublin during March, April and May. In the run-up to Mother’s Day on March 15, you’ve got Art Garfunkel (March 10) in Vicar St., followed by the one and only Lionel Richie in the 3 Arena (March 11). Is she - like most Mums - aRiverdancefan?Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Gamesmakes its way to the 3 Arena on March 29. A couple of weeks later there’s a double whammy in the form of Paul Simon & Sting (poor Art had to go it alone), who’ll play the 3 Arena together on April 7, while on May 6, Chris de Burgh  hits the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. 

Image: Billboard

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

Earn mega brownie points by teaming those concert tickets with an overnight stay at the Westbury Hotel. As part of the Say It With Flowers package, your Mum and a friend will start off with Champagne Afternoon Tea in The Gallery (which includes delicious blush-coloured delectable treats like raspberry tiramisu and strawberry macaroons). They’ll then spend the night in a superior room – where they’ll find a seasonal bouquet of spring blooms courtesy of Appassionata Flowers - before enjoying a full Irish breakfast in Wilde Restaurant the next morning. Fancy just opting for Afternoon Tea? It’s available from 1.30pm – 5pm (March 2 – 29). But be sure to book in advance by calling (01) 646 3311. 

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A SPOT OF PAMPERING

Or would your Mum prefer to be pampered? In celebration of its 30^th anniversary, the Westbury has partnered with luxury skincare brand Crème de La Mer and created the ultimate indulgent package. Your Mum and a friend will stay overnight in a superior room, enjoy a class of Champagne on arrival followed by a 30-minute skincare consultation and facial with the Crème de La Mer team in nearby Brown Thomas. The next morning, she’ll feast on a full Irish breakfast in the hotel’s award-winning Wilde Restaurant.

GET CREATIVE IN THE CREATIVE QUARTER

Perhaps you fancy bringing her to town for a spot of brunch or instead? Balfes is an elegant eatery that’s serving up a tasty Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch on the day. Be sure to head in a little earlier though to pick up a present – you’ll find a wealth of gift options on bustling Grafton Street. For jewellery, head to the Powerscourt Centre, where you’ll find an eclectic array of shops and boutiques. Pick up some chocolates at Butlers or Cocoa Atelier, and fresh flowers from Appassionata Flowers on nearby Drury Street. Would she appreciate a new perfume? Be sure to make your way to Parfumarija in the Westbury Mall; the home of rare scents in Dublin.  

SHOWTIME

Still unsure? A spot of theatre is always fun. A great combo idea is dinner at Trocadero on Andrew Street  – a favourite among the Dublin theatre scene - followed by a show at the historic Gate or lavish Olympia theatres.