January 6th marks the twelfth and final day of Christmas and in Ireland it is traditionally celebrated as Nollaig na mBan, also known as Women’s Christmas or Little Christmas. Rooted in Irish custom, this special day was once a well earned pause for women after the busy festive season. With the celebrations over, women would gather together to enjoy each other’s company, share tea and treats, and mark the quiet close of Christmas.
In recent years, Nollaig na mBan has seen a wonderful revival, becoming a day dedicated to connection, relaxation and celebration with friends and loved ones. From cosy catch ups and indulgent lunches to spa escapes and overnight stays, the Boyne Valley offers countless ways to mark the occasion.
Here is our guide to celebrating Nollaig na mBan in the Boyne Valley in 2026.
A Special Time at Newgrange
Celebrate Nollaig na mBan in style at the Newgrange Hotel, where a special Little Christmas event takes place on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. This popular evening is designed for friends looking to come together, mark the end of the festive season, and enjoy a night of great food and entertainment.
The celebration includes a welcome drinks reception, followed by a three course dinner served in the hotel’s elegant dining spaces. The evening continues with live music and dancing, making it the perfect way to enjoy Women’s Christmas without the pressure of hosting or organising.
Located in the heart of Navan, the Newgrange Hotel offers a relaxed and welcoming setting, with the added option of overnight accommodation for those who want to turn the night into a midweek treat. It is an ideal choice for groups of friends who want everything in one place, from dinner to entertainment and a comfortable stay.
Advance booking is advised, as Nollaig na mBan events at the Newgrange Hotel are always popular. For full details, menus and accommodation packages, visit the Newgrange Hotel website or follow their social media channels closer to the date.
Nollaig na mBan at The Headfort Arms Hotel
The Headfort Arms will host Nollaig na mBan on Saturday the 3rd of January!
Tickets are €65 per person and include: Sparkling reception, Four-course gourmet dinner, Live music by Laura Colgan & Guest, DJ until late, Photo Booth, Surprises on the night!
Celebrate the women of Ireland in style - book early, limited spaces 046 924 0063 or events@headfortarms.ie
Afternoon Tea Catch Ups
For many, Nollaig na mBan is about slowing down and enjoying relaxed conversation in beautiful surroundings. Afternoon tea is the perfect way to do just that, with elegant settings, freshly baked treats and plenty of time to linger.
Across the Boyne Valley, a number of venues offer lovely afternoon tea experiences, including:
- Ardboyne Hotel
- Bective Tea Rooms
- Bellinter House
- City North Hotel
- Dunboyne Castle Hotel
- Hamlet Court Hotel
- Headfort Arms Hotel
- Knightsbrook Hotel
- Sage and Stone
- Scholars Townhouse Hotel
- The Conyngham Arms Hotel
- The Newgrange Hotel
- The Station House Hotel
- Trim Castle Hotel
Whether you prefer a grand country house, a cosy tearoom or a stylish hotel setting, afternoon tea is a timeless way to celebrate Women’s Christmas. Booking in advance is recommended as this date is increasingly popular.
Dinner and Drinks with the Girls
If your idea of celebrating Nollaig na mBan involves great food and a lively atmosphere, the Boyne Valley has no shortage of excellent dining options for a memorable night out.
Enjoy relaxed pub dining or a special dinner with friends at venues such as:
- The Conyngham Arms Hotel
- Il Forno, Drogheda
- The Balreask Bar and Restaurant
- Brabazon Restaurant, Tankardstown House
- Brogans of Trim
- Khan Spices
- Room 8
- Zucchini’s, Navan
- The Ivy Restaurant, Dunboyne Castle
- The Kilberry Restaurant
- Vanilla Pod, Kells
- The Snailbox
- The Signal Restaurant
- The Royal Meath
- The Kiln, Killeen Castle
- Scholars Restaurant
- Stockhouse Restaurant
- Tara Lounge
- The Central
- The Darnley Restaurant, Darnley Lodge Hotel
- The Glyde Inn
- Jack's Bar and Restaurant
- Monasterboice Inn
- Nelly’s Bar Drogheda
- Preston's Restaurant at Bellinter House Hotel
- Rococo Restaurant at Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort
- Conservatory at the Castle Arch Hotel
- Fifty50 Mediterranean Restaurant
- Henry's Restaurant at the Glenside Hotel
- Hugo's Restaurant at the Ardboyne Hotel
- 79 West Street
- Bistro 61 at the Hamlet Court Hotel
Check out the full list of dining options on our website to find the perfect spot.
Relaxing Spa Escape
For pure relaxation, Nollaig na mBan is the perfect excuse to switch off and unwind with a spa day or overnight retreat. The Boyne Valley is home to several exceptional spa destinations where you can enjoy luxurious treatments, thermal suites and peaceful surroundings.
Treat yourself to a spa experience at
• Bellinter House Hotel and Spa
• Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa
• Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
• Headfort Arms Hotel
Pair your spa visit with lunch, afternoon tea or an overnight stay to make your Nollaig na mBan celebration truly special.
Make a Night of It
Why not extend the celebration with an overnight stay and turn Nollaig na mBan into a mini break? From luxury country houses like:
Tankardstown House
Bellinter House Hotel and Spa
Loughcrew House
To welcoming hotels such as:
Trim Castle Hotel
The Johnstown Estate
CityNorth Hotel & Conference Centre
Newgrange Hotel
Headfort Arms Hotel
Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
The Glenside Hotel
There are accommodation options to suit every style.
For something a little different, consider self catering or unique stays at
Rock Farm Slane – Glamping and Holiday Lets
Decoy Country Cottages
Bective Stud Self-Catering Apartments
Hideaway at Foxhollow
Kilcloon Self Catering
Lodge Accommodation at Killeen Castle
However you choose to celebrate, Nollaig na mBan is a wonderful opportunity to pause, reconnect and enjoy time together after the Christmas and New Year rush.
Plan your Nollaig na mBan in the Boyne Valley and start the new year feeling relaxed, reconnected and refreshed.
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