Baby showers were typically considered to be a mostly American tradition, but they've grown in popularity in recent years with many Irish families now opting to have one too. Any chance for a party I say.
Aptaclub.ie, an online resource for parents, surveyed 1800 Irish parents to reveal that 64 per cent of parents have had a baby shower while expecting.
In fact, approximately 40,000 baby showers take place in Ireland each year with some even costing up to €500. Surprising, no?
And it seems that some counties are more partial to baby showers than others.
Where's most popular? Wicklow takes the crown as the capital county when it comes to baby showers with 76 per cent of people surveyed saying they've had one - compared to 63 per cent in Dublin and 60 per cent in Cork.
As for least popular - turns out Tipp people aren't as fond of the practice with only 53 per cent of parents surveyed having had one.
While the thought of hosting one at your house is definitely tempting, there's much more involved than one might realise - I mean just think of all the cleaning that's needed to be done. No thanks.
If you're in the market for a 'congrats you're expecting' type do, have a gander at the below list and get planning your baby shower.
Dublin
House on Leeson Street is quite a popular spot amongst celebrities - think Vogue Williams, Pippa O'Connor and Rosie Connolly. They also have sister sites in both Belfast and Limerick too in case you're further afield.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0YYxioIKlR/
Cork
The River Club at the River Lee covers all bases, with each room giving off a different vibe. And for major brownie points, they also have a full-service leisure centre - best relax while you can before baby comes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7rQgSBlK-P/
Galway
Galway parents like to spend top dollar on their baby showers - according to the survey, three per cent of Galway parents are happy to spend up to a grand on the celebrations. Afternoon Tea at the
House Hotel sounds like just the right amount of notions (and it's only €21 per person).
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4fgYqvJC19/
Kilkenny
Mountain View in Ballyhale is a 20-minute drive outside Kilkenny City, meaning it's just far enough away from the madness. They also have a floral wallpaper that has proven to be a
very popular photo backdrop.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7yv6jPnhOR/
Meath
Home to a gorgeous Georgian house that dates back to the 1750s,
The Johnstown Estate is a great choice for some R&R. Think long walks around the grounds followed by a trip to the spa and some Afternoon Tea. Bliss.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7tp4_VliAO/
Wicklow
It's no wonder Wicklow is the reigning county of baby showers with venues such as the five star
Powerscourt Hotel amongst its fine establishments. Complete with beautifully manicured garden and tranquil waterfall.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8EM9tJnek_/
Nothing but the best, eh?
Antrim
Maryville House in Belfast is elegant and authentic in equal measures. Their tea rooms are positively dotey.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8L0MImBnv1/
Parents can view the Aptaclub.ie findings for their area on the website where there's also an interactive map.
