A New Era of Celebration: The Rise of Divorce Parties in Ireland
The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the legalisation of divorce in Ireland, a momentous event that was narrowly approved by just under 0.5% in a referendum in 1995. This was not an era of backward thinking; it was only five years after the nation had been filled with hope and excitement for the 1990 World Cup. Yet, at that time, the idea of ending a marriage seemed more impossible than winning a global football tournament. For many, marriage was seen as a lifelong commitment, regardless of its quality.
Now, 30 years later, the landscape has changed dramatically. Divorce is no longer shrouded in secrecy or stigma. Instead, it’s being celebrated with parties, marking a new chapter in personal freedom and self-discovery. Catherine Kiveney, founder of DivorceParty.ie, highlights this shift. Initially organising hen and stag parties, she expanded her services to include divorce celebrations in 2015 when a client approached her after a wedding cancellation. The woman wanted to celebrate her new beginning without letting the failed wedding hinder her joy.
Over the years, divorce rates have increased significantly, but celebrating the end of a relationship was not common practice. People often kept their emotions private, sharing a drink with a friend rather than throwing a party. However, the cultural shift towards self-care and self-love has led to a re-evaluation of how we view relationships and their endings.
Frances Kelleher, a dating and life coach, believes it’s time to remove the stigma around divorce. She argues that healthy relationships don’t necessarily last forever, and life is too short to spend it in a state of unhappiness. As Catherine’s bookings increase, it’s clear that the generational guilt surrounding divorce is fading.
Chloe, a 37-year-old from Dublin, exemplifies this change. She feels no need to justify her decision to celebrate her divorce. “I didn’t have a party before I got married, so I’ve earned this,” she says. While society celebrates every step of a relationship—engagements, weddings, anniversaries—divorce is often met with silence. Chloe’s approach is different; she plans a weekend away in Westport, embracing the wildness of the West and the untamed scenery that resonates with her free spirit.
For Chloe, the celebration is about reclaiming her identity and embracing the strength it takes to leave a relationship that wasn’t working. She views the process not as failure but as a significant step towards self-empowerment. Her activities include climbing Croagh Patrick, a symbolic pilgrimage that represents courage and resilience. She also plans to sing Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” on top of a mountain, finding catharsis in the experience.
Her party includes a cocktail-making class, a nod to her past as a single student working in a bar. She has even come up with creative names for drinks, such as the No Regretini and the Divorcee Daiquiri, showcasing her sense of humor and creativity. Additionally, a “Pillow talk, girl power hour” will focus on sensual products, highlighting her journey of rediscovering herself and embracing autonomy.
Catherine notes that divorce parties are multi-faceted, serving as a way to celebrate a new beginning and show strength to friends and family. Frances reinforces this idea, urging individuals to embrace their freedom without feeling guilty about others’ opinions. Marriage does not guarantee happiness, and the fantasy of a “happily ever after” can be misleading.
Divorce is often not an end but a beginning, and Chloe has embraced this reality. Her journey reflects a broader societal shift towards celebrating personal growth and independence. It’s a testament to the changing attitudes in Ireland, where the end of one chapter is now met with the excitement of a new one.