Photo of Dublin by Lukas Kloeppel (Pexels)
Ireland is packed with perfect hen party destinations. And whether you want to be the only hen in the village or surrounded by gaggles of girls and guys on their final fling before the ring, there is something for everyone. We’ve picked our top hen party locations across the country to get you on the right track. So you’ve no excuse now, bridesmaids… get booking your Irish hen do! Here’s our low down on hen party in Ireland. Where to go?!
Galway Girls
Galway is a perennial hen destination fave. There’s lots of live music, a huge selection of places to eat, drink and dance and great laid-back vibes. Activity options abound for every type of bride. The Galmont Hotel is perfect for a pampering spa break, The G hotel and The House hotel are great for a glam afternoon tea or cocktail lessons, and Rusheen Bay windsurfing can do water sports for the adventurous types. Galway also has plenty of accommodation to suit different budgets, from packages to boutique options, and most venues are within walking distance of each other (and the main train/bus station) which makes organising the itinerary nice and easy.
Manor nights in Meath
It mightn’t be the first place that comes to mind when planning a weekend away for your blushing bride but Meath has a great range of hen options and is only a short distance from Dublin (and the airport). Channel Downton Abbey and rent a private country manor such as Durhamstown Castle or Loughcrew House for the weekend, and enjoy a catered meal before retiring for drinks or hitting a dancefloor in a nearby town. Bellinter House has similar country house vibes but with the bonus of an on-site spa for extra indulgence. For the more Boho bride, why not check out the Rock Farm in Slane and their luxe eco-campsite with outdoor hot tub.
Sand, Sea and Sligo
Sligo is a great location for a bride tribe excursion. Strandhill is a ten-minute drive or taxi from Sligo town and a relaxed beachy spot. You can walk on the beach or go for a hike, get surfing lessons if you’re brave, try some yoga in Salt and Soul or enjoy a relaxing seaweed bath in the Voya Rooms before grabbing a bite in the famous Shells café or enjoying a pint in front of the fire in one of the cosy locals. If you fancy a livelier night on the tiles, Sligo town has lots of hotels such as the Glasshouse and the Radisson to lay your head, and cocktail bars such as Lillies or the Blind Tiger to get the party started.
Kilkenny Kicks
You probably won’t be the only hen in town but Kilkenny has a lot of great venues for a fun hen soirée! Combine the great nightlife with a cosy country house private rental in Blanchville House, or a spa break in the Lyrath Estate, both a taxi journey away from the city. Once in town, you’ll be spoiled for cocktail choices and late bars – the Left Bank and Langtons are usually guaranteed hotspots and you can reserve areas for the squad in advance.
Wonderful Wexford
If you are after some zen hen bliss, look no further than Co Wexford. If you have a generous budget, the Monart spa outside Enniscorthy is the ultimate in luxury escapes. You’ll be greeted with a robe on check-in and spend the weekend enjoying infra-red saunas, hydrotherapy pools and plenty of treatment options. The food, especially the breakfast, is top-notch too! For a more affordable option, check out the Seafield resort in Gorey. You can stay in the hotel itself or self-catering houses in the courtyard and enjoy access to the Oceo spa and pool. The resort is also beside the beach (if the Irish weather permits) and is a quick taxi ride into pubs or clubs in Gorey town.
Go Wild in Wicklow
For the adventurous bride, why not consider a break in the wilds of Wicklow. Trek the Wicklow Mountains and enjoy an outdoor yoga sesh with the Galz gone Wild crew, or traverse the cliff route from Bray to Greystones or the other way around, depending on where you fancy hitting the town after. Bray Water sports also offers active hen options such as sea kayaking and coasteering for the brave, and you can reward yourself with cosy pints in the Harbour Bar afterwards or some delicious food options in Platform Pizza
Kerry’s Kingdom Awaits
Kerry offers something for every hen, with both budget-friendly and luxe options. Killarney has some of the best nightlife in the country and is a busy town all year around, with lots of hotel accommodation on offer from smaller boutique hotels to five-star Muckross Park or Aghadoe Heights. The Killarney national park is also a nice place for a daytime hike or cycle with the crew. You could also opt for smaller scenic coastal spots like Kenmare or Dingle. Check out the Dromquinna Manor Glamping experience for a stylish Boho hen in Kenmare and indulge in yummy seafood in the town. Channel the vibes of the Other Voices festival in Dingle and do a crawl of its inviting pubs and restaurants or maybe relive your childhood and go and visit Fungi the dolphin.
Limerick Luxury
While it’s hard not to think about Limerick city without the Rubberbandits, it also has some great locations for a girlie getaway for the bride to be. No 1 Pery Square is a Georgian gem of a hotel, with a gorgeous Voya spa on site for lots of pampering, and the Absolute Hotel is a modern boutique hotel near the river with a beautician on the first floor for any night out prep. There’s retail therapy available within walking distance with a large Brown Thomas branch and the Ivory Closet boutique. Then head to House Limerick (the sister of the Dublin branch) for some delicious cocktails and dancing or Dolan’s warehouse if you’re more into a live music venue.
Charming Clare
Surfer’s paradise Lahinch and its surroundings are a guaranteed hen weekend hit. The brave bridal party can try out surf lessons with Lahinch surf school all year around. For a warmer activity, the Cliffs of Moher yoga centre offers amazing views while getting your zen on. Alternatively, you could take a Fr Ted tour and visit the local locations used in the sitcom, and most importantly the house – (costumes are optional but photo ops compulsory). Doolin and Lisdoonvarna are good locations for those looking for a trad music session but Lahinch is the place to go for craic and a night out.
