Ireland and Northern Ireland have long been favourites for pre-wedding celebrations, and it’s not hard to see why. With friendly locals, a legendary pub scene, and activities ranging from river cruises to go-karting, the island offers everything needed for an unforgettable send-off. Recent shifts in European travel have only strengthened their position, with Dublin seeing a 35% increase in UK stag and hen bookings from 2019 to 2024, whilst Belfast has emerged as a party hotspot with hen do bookings spiking by 227% since lockdown.

Whether you’re after traditional Irish charm, coastal adventures, or city nightlife that goes until dawn, these five destinations deliver. Here are the island’s best spots for stag and hen parties.

Carrick-On-Shannon

Ideal for the real deal, cliched hen party…

Often dubbed the stag and hen capital of Ireland, this County Leitrim town has built its reputation on delivering unforgettable weekends. Situated on the River Shannon, Carrick-on-Shannon combines riverside charm with a lively party scene, all within two hours’ drive of both Dublin and Belfast.

The Moon River booze cruise has become legendary. Running on Saturday evenings, this cruise offers a DJ, fully stocked bar serving wines, beers, teas, and Irish coffee, plus a champagne reception on arrival. The Boogie Bus collects groups from outside Murtagh’s Bar before departure, perfectly timed to kick off your night in the town’s pubs and clubs. For daytime entertainment, Carrick offers Ireland’s largest indoor go-karting track with Grand Prix sessions, paintballing, bubble football, and gin distillery tours at The Shed.

What sets Carrick-on-Shannon apart is the sheer volume of stag and hen-friendly venues. The town has embraced its party town status, with accommodation providers, restaurants, and bars all geared towards groups. 

Dunnes Bar spans three floors with live music and sports screens, whilst The Prince of Wales Bar offers cocktails and live entertainment. Cryan’s Bar (Teach Ceoil) is a traditional pub with a massive emphasis on live music. It’s unpretentious, fun, and offers good value. The only challenge? Bumping into other stag and hen parties is practically guaranteed, though many consider this part of the appeal.

Cork

Ideal for a bride-to-be who considers herself a foodie…

Ireland’s second city punches well above its weight when it comes to stag and hen destinations. Cork delivers a sophisticated alternative to the party-town atmosphere of Carrick-on-Shannon, combining culinary excellence with outdoor activities and a nightlife scene that rivals Dublin’s without the capital’s price tag. 

The city, which has seen a 22% increase in UK stag and hen bookings from 2019 to 2024, boasts an enviable location on the River Lee that makes it perfect for water-based activities. Cork Harbour Cruises offers bespoke party experiences aboard the Cailín Óir, with capacity for up to 100 people and sunset cruises. On land, groups can visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone, tour the Jameson Distillery, or head to Adventure Park near Cork Airport for go-karting and paintballing.

Cork’s food scene is exceptional, earning it the title of Ireland’s culinary capital. There are plenty of Michelin recommended restaurants in the area – where fans of Goldie – a seafood restaurant that bases it’s menu around the latest catch from the West Cork coastline. Elsewhere, The English Market, operating since 1788 is one of the oldest municipal markets in the world and remains a foodie’s paradise.

There are great gig venues all over Cork including the Opera House and Live at St Luke’s. When night falls, Washington Street becomes the epicentre of nightlife. Reardens is Cork’s largest pub venue for live music with multiple bars and a nightclub upstairs called Havana Browns. The Oliver Plunkett offers traditional Irish music and pub grub, whilst Crane Lane Theatre provides an eclectic mix of live performances and themed nights. Dwyers sits alongside Reardens and has established itself as one of Cork’s best bars with live music. For something sophisticated, The Voodoo Rooms provides a two-floor venue with craft cocktails and a rooftop dance floor.

Read: 10 of the best things to do in the Rebel County, West Cork

Dublin

Ideal for a historic Irish hen party experience…

The capital Dublin remains a powerhouse for pre-wedding parties, combining historic pubs with modern entertainment. Temple Bar’s famous atmosphere sits alongside activities that cater to every taste, from the Guinness Storehouse to kayaking on the River Liffey.

Temple Bar remains the beating heart of Dublin’s party scene. The Temple Bar pub itself draws crowds for live music and atmosphere, whilst Fitzsimons Bar offers entertainment seven nights a week across multiple venues including a rooftop garden and secret cellar bar. 

Beyond Temple Bar, Copper Face Jacks on Harcourt Street is Dublin’s most legendary club, whilst Bad Bobs provides live music every weeknight. The Brazen Head, dating back to 1198, claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub. Drury Street, Camden Street, and George’s Street all offer their own collection of bars and late-night venues, from cocktail spots to fine dining restaurants to dance floors.

For groups wanting something different, the Penthouse Casino and Card Club in Swords offers blackjack, roulette, poker, and slot machines, with the Wright Venue nightclub next door. For those looking to try their hand at casino games before visiting, local promotions from NetBet offer a way to get familiar with the tables. Beyond gaming tables, the city serves up everything from whiskey distillery tours (where you can learn to pour the perfect pint at The Guinness Academy) to river activities.

Belfast

Ideal for a cheaper, but no less brilliant alternative to Dublin…

Belfast has quietly become one of Europe’s hottest stag and hen destinations. The Northern Irish capital isn’t technically in Ireland, but it’s offering exceptional value for money. A pint of Guinness in the aforementioned Temple Bar regularly approaches €10, whilst Belfast delivers comparable nightlife at roughly half the price.

The Cathedral Quarter buzzes with trendy bars and traditional pubs. The Dirty Onion draws crowds for craft cocktails and live music in a relaxed atmosphere, whilst Limelight Belfast (a nightclub housed in a former church) keeps the party going with top DJs and live bands until the early hours. Ten Square Hotel in the city centre offers hen packages with afternoon tea in the Loft Bar overlooking City Hall.

For daytime activities, Let’s Go Hydro provides cable wakeboarding and an Aqua Park, described as one of the best in the UK. The city’s friendly locals add to the appeal, and the compact city centre means you can walk between venues without expensive taxis. 

Attractions like the Titanic Museum and Game of Thrones filming locations sit nearby, whilst the Cathedral Quarter hosts everything from cocktail masterclasses to cabaret shows combining comedy, drag performances, and burlesque.

Galway

Ideal for a bride-to-be who likes pubs…

With 475 pubs for a county population that works out to one for every 506 people, Galway’s party credentials are impeccable. The city’s combination of cobbled streets, traditional Irish music, and a youthful energy fuelled by its large student population makes it one of Ireland’s most atmospheric destinations for stag and hen parties.

The River Corrib party boat runs on Saturday evenings, offering a champagne reception on arrival, DJ entertainment, and a fully stocked bar whilst you cruise down one of Ireland’s rivers. Back on dry land, Galway’s pub scene is legendary. 

Monroe’s offers free live music seven nights a week, The Quays is arguably Galway’s most well-known late bar with live music and a mix of locals and visitors, whilst Roisín Dubh is the go-to spot for student events midweek with a great lineup at weekends. For late-night dancing, Coyotes Late Bar features three themed areas including a sports bar section, two dance floors, and a bucking bronco. The recently reopened Cube nightclub above McGettigans pub at the top of Eyre Square adds another option.

Cocktail masterclasses are available at multiple venues across the city. We’re fans of Grace’s cocktail bar which you’ll find inside one of Galway’s most historic bars – The Skeff.  Located in the heart of Eyre Square, this place has been part of the fabric of Galway City since 1850. Elsewhere,  An Púcán in the heart of Galway offers a spacious back bar with exposed brickwork, neon lighting, live bands and DJs every weekend, plus an award-winning garden. 

Galway strikes a balance between traditional Irish culture (you’ll hear live trad sessions spilling out of pubs) and modern party facilities. It’s compact enough to navigate on foot, the locals are welcoming to stag and hen groups, and the atmosphere is genuinely infectious, making it one of the best long weekends in Ireland, regardless of whether you’re part of a stag or hen party.