You don’t have to go far to have an awesome hen experience! Ireland’s towns and cities are home to some beautiful hotels, charming estates and quirky lodges where you and your girls can celebrate in style – check out these 8 great places to have your hen party…
Mount Druid Boutique Camping, Castletown Geoghegan, Westmeath {above}
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If you’re after something a little bit different for your hen and are happy to embrace the great outdoors, Mount Druid is an awesome spot to do it. Boutique camping or glamping is a far cry from soggy tents of our festival youth – Mount Druid has several luxury accommodation options with a choice of rustic yurts, cosy shepard huts or self-catering cottages for you and your girls to choose from with actual beds (not a sleeping bag in sight). If you love the idea of cosying up by camp fire with blankets and a few drinks with the beautiful Westmeath countryside as your backdrop, this could be right up your street. And there are lots of ways to amuse yourselves close by – rent mountain bikes and explore the countryside, enjoy lazy afternoons walks around the beautiful 100 acre parklands, hang out by the lake, take some time out in the meditation hut, unwind in the sauna, pitch in with the hay making or enjoy a cocktail making class.
Fota Island Resort, Cork
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If you and your ladies are looking for total relaxation, head south to the stunning Fota Island Resort in Cork, a peaceful 780 acre island estate where they offer amazing spa packages. Just 20 minutes from Cork city centre, Fota Island Resort is a 5 star hotel that has everything you and your ladies need to relax and unwind. They have a range of spa packages including a Chocolate Treat Hen Party package, a heavenly chocolate themed spa package which includes a chocolate bath, chocolate wrap and chocolate full body massage. Or for those looking to unwind and enjoy a spot of wine tasting, you can avail of their Luxurious Spa & Wine Tasting package which includes B&B, a full body massage, a facial as well as an evening of wine tasting and a 3 course meal. They also have Hair & Beauty Rooms on the resort if you fancy a bit of pampering before exploring the city or enjoying Cork’s lively nightlife.
Lough Rea Hotel and Spa, Galway Road, Loughrea, Galway
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Lough Rea Hotel and Spa is a 4 star hotel that has all the luxuries you and your girls can dream of for a night away with fab suites, state of the art facilities, a stunning spa and a cool rooftop terrace where you can kick off the celebrations with a cocktail making class if you wish. The stylish rooftop terrace boasts panoramic views of Loughrea Lake and the beautiful Galway countryside and has a delicious cocktail menu as well as a great selection of light bites, wines and beers. BBQ’s can also be arranged or if you and your girls fancy afternoon tea, it can be served al fresco at the weekend. The hotel’s spa packages are a big draw for hens – it boasts 10 treatment rooms, experience showers, an ice fountain, a sanarium and a peaceful relaxation room. And just 20 minutes from Galway city, you can use the beautiful hotel as a base to enjoy all this fun city has to offer by day or by night.
Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, Carlingford, Co. Louth
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Just over an hour from Dublin, Carlingford is a picturesque village with stunning scenery, an awesome adventure centre, cute pubs and a fun night life. It’s also home to the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, a fab 4 star hotel close to the mountains, Carlingford Lough itself and the charming heritage town. The Four Seasons have some great B&B packages for hens including a dinner/cocktail making package where you and your girls can enjoy a night’s stay, two or three course meal in the Liberty Bistro and a fun cocktail making class where you can try your hand at some yummy concoctions. They can also arrange activities for groups including a trip to the Dogs in the nearby Dundalk, a full makeup session so you can get glammed up before hitting the town or a half day’s adventure at the Carlingford Adventure Centre.
The Westin, Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2
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This contemporary city centre hotel is a stone’s throw from Grafton Street and will be a real treat for hens looking to enjoy a chic city break in Dublin. Treat yourselves to one of the The Westin‘s rooms with a view, where you can take in the amazing city views before shopping ’til you drop or taking in a show. If you’re a fan of afternoon tea, their ‘Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea’ which is served in the Atrium Lounge should defo be on your to-do list. You and the girls can look forward to Mojitos served in teapots and alternative treats like Popcorn Panna Cotta with Toffee Popcorn Crumble. The Westin’s award-winning Mint Bar which is located in the old underground vaults beneath the hotel, is one of the coolest spots for cocktails in the city and their art-deco inspired Exchange Restaurant is the perfect place to catch up with your girls and enjoy some fab food before soaking up Dublin’s great night-life.
Kippure Estate, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
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If you’re looking for an outdoorsy challenge for your hen, this Wicklow based adventure hub has an amazing activity menu. You can try your hand at a range of fun activities at Kippure Estate from orienteering and abseiling to archery, rope based activities and for those that love their chocolate fix, a chocolate based treasure hunt. Their ‘Wild Wicklow Woman’ package will keep you all entertained – get to grips with croquet played with a pair of tights and potatoes, try your hand at broom hockey and hurl your wellies as far as you can with a round of ‘Wellie Wanging’. If you’re not in to your activities, but love the idea of a beautiful countryside setting you and your ladies can explore, rent one of their cosy lodges and curl up with a bottle of wine and a chocolate or Swiss fondue. They can also arrange dance classes or a craft class where you can make a felted lily bouquet for the bride-to-be.
Lyrath Estate Hotel, Dublin Road, Kilkenny
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Kilkenny is a really popular spot with hens and if you’re looking to indulge in a bit of pampering but wouldn’t mind a night on the tiles either, the luxurious 5 star Lyrath Estate Hotel can cater for it all. The historic city of Kilkenny is close by with cute shops, lively pubs and lots of cultural hotspots on its doorstep or if you’d rather unwind with your girls and indulge in some pampering, the beautiful 170 acre estate, with its award-winning spa is the perfect place to do so. For hens looking to cosy up for the chats and enjoy the luxurious surroundings, the ‘Girls Allowed’ package is the ultimate girly night away with afternoon tea and dinner included. Finish off the evening in the comfort of their private screening room with a movie of your choice served with popcorn and bubbly.
Ten Square Boutique Hotel, 10 Donegall Square South, Belfast
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This contemporary hotel housed in an 1860s building is a chic and central base for hens looking to enjoy all that Belfast city has to offer. Just a stone’s throw from the Victorian Square shopping mecca, Ten Square Boutique Hotel is a great spot for hen parties looking to shop up a storm and take in the city sights. Groups looking to start the celebrations in style can enjoy afternoon tea with cocktails – it’s served daily from 2pm to 5pm. Ten Square have set or mix and match packages for hens – choose from a variety of options from a cocktail masterclass (with or without sharing platters) to makeup application and a tasty three course meal in their atmospheric Linen Bar. Or foodies looking to enjoy some fine food before hitting the town also have the option of dining in their upscale steakhouse Jospers.
