There’s a fair bit involved in hen party planning from choosing the location and organising accommodation to deciding on the activity. But one thing that is a given is that an activity is always a good idea. It’s a great way to get people mingling, create a bit of bonding and some laughs to boot! There are some amazing options out there activity wise with everything from dance classes to hot tub parties. There is seriously something for every style of hen group. Check out some epic ideas your girls will love below…
1. Dinner with the Ladies
Simple but a big hit with everyone, dinner and the chats is the perfect hen party activity. If you’re Dublin based or fancy a trip to the capital, Hogs & Heifers and Wrights Cafe Bar (you can arrange a cocktail class here as well!) in Swords have great hen party deals. They include a meal plus a glass of bubbly for €25 per person.
2. House Party with a Twist
If you want to party it up at home, have Mae, an adorable 70s vintage caravan from Vintage Vanp stop by to make it into a bash to remember. This super cute camper can be used as your very own tea party station… or she can be turned in to a snazzy cocktail or Prosecco bar too!
3. Make Your Very Own Ring
If you’re looking for a crafty challenge, a 2 hour stint at Silver Works in Dublin where you’ll learn how to make your own silver ring from scratch is a gorgeous option. Walk away with a fab memento and enjoy a glass of Prosecco, snacks and the chats while learning a new skill!
4. Dance Up a Storm
Dance classes are a super popular option. They’re a great way to break the ice, learn some new moves and have the absolute craic as well. Patrick from I Know a Guy offers classes to hen parties where you can learn a routine – we love the idea of unveiling it on the Big Day. Or he can teach you some specific dances like Cha Cha or Salsa!
5. Chocolate Outdoor Adventure
If you’re after a chocolate filled outdoor adventure, head to Kippure Estate in Wicklow. This stunning 240 acre estate is home to the Chocolate’s Hen Challenge which involves everything from a Chocolate Coin Hunt to Aero Archery. They have other fun activities if chocolate isn’t your thing including the hilarious Wild Wicklow Woman adventure. And you can make a weekend of it by booking into one of their cosy cottages.
6. Karting Challenge
Located in Galway, Pallas Karting & Paintball is home to Europe’s Largest Karting centre as well as Paintball and Splatball. If you’re up for an adrenaline filled adventure, this is a winner. And if you’re after a fun location for the evening entertainment, the uber chic DNA Nightclub in Galway city centre is an awesome spot. You can reserve an area, plus you get some complimentary champers and a professional pic of you and the girls (Saturday’s only).
7. Chick Flick Fun
Hen Party Central are hen party pros and can arrange an amazing night for you and the girls! If you’re a fan of chick flicks and loved slumber parties, you’ll love their ultimate girly night in. Gather your besties and get cosy as you enjoy one of your all-time fave movies at a private screening at a city centre bar. It includes drinks (a glass of wine, beer or a soft drink for all your ladies) and nibbles too! Available nationwide.
8. Pampering Sesh at a Spa
You can’t beat a bit of indulgence so a spa break is the perfect hen party treat! If you fancy escaping to some gorgeous surroundings for some serious luxury, Fota Island in Cork will tick all your boxes. Their spa has a heavenly menu and some fab packages including a chocolate inspired one. This includes a chocolate wrap, bath and massage – mmm. It’s just 20 minutes from the city if you fancy a night out as well.
Another amazing spa haven is Revas Spa in Limerick. They specialise in spa hen parties for both large and smaller groups with a variety of packages. You can look forward to time in the thermal suite and spa treatments! Other little extras you can avail of include hair, make-up and nail services as well as prosecco and afternoon tea. Limerick city also has some fun spots if you fancy doing some partying with your ladies!
9. CSI – Save the Groom
Create Your Night are hen party planners extraordinaire with a wealth of packages for you to choose from to make life easy. Their CSI Save the Groom option is incredibly popular! The ‘Best Man’ films the groom getting kidnapped and a hilarious ‘Garda Inspector’ played by an actor shows the group the footage. It’s then up to the group to follow the trail of clues to rescue the groom before the Big Day!
10. Hot Tub Cocktail Party
TheFancyHen.ie pride themselves on organising the classiest hen parties! They’ve an amazing range of packages and activities to choose from – one fun option is the hot tub cocktail party. If you’re looking to relax with your girls with some fun tunes and a mimosa, mojito or cosmo in hand, this sounds like pure bliss!
11. Carrick-on-Shannon Antics
The lively hub of Carrick-on-Shannon is well known for its awesome hen and stag scene. If you’re looking to be close to the action, it doesn’t get any better than the award-winning, Courtyard Apartments. This one stop shop takes the hassle out of organising your hen with beautiful self-catering accommodation for up to 34 people plus activities.
Options include everything from a battle of the grannies with the Mrs Doyle & Her Grannies Experience to The Cube Challenge or Fascinator Making! They’ll also pick you up from the train station, transport you to any planned activities and they’ll arrange free finger food and a cocktail for the group in nearby Murtaghs Bar on Friday night.
12. Gin Tea Party
HenParty.ie can help you plan the best night ever with a range of handy packages to make things super easy! They’ve tons of brilliant activities and locations to choose from but one popular choice is the Gin Tea Party. If the bride is a fan of all things shabby chic and loves her gin, this is the perfect combo. Yep, amazing afternoon treats and toasting all her favourite girls with her fave tipple. This package is available in Cork, Belfast, Dublin and Galway.
13. Farmyard Fun at Headford Arms
Photo by Rachel Peters via 100 Layer Cake
The Headford Arms in Meath has some great hen packages including a photo shoot with the squad, pole dancing and some pampering. But their ‘For the Birds’ Causey Farm experience is the biggest hit. You and the girls get to enjoy an afternoon of farmyard antics from milking cows to painting the hen’s life story on the barn wall! Packages include some lovely extras such as lunch on arrival, dinner and luxury accommodation. You can also look forward to entry to VIBE nightclub and a full Irish brekkie the morning after.
14. Girls Night Out Pampering
If you’re looking to get glammed up for a night on the tiles with the girls, book a session with the lovely Powder Room Girls. They’ll come by your house or venue and get you glammed up for the night ahead whether you’re after makeup, a curly blowdry or an updo! You can also pick up some pro tips and tricks along the way as you enjoy some bubbly!
Deck Yourself Out
Looking for some little extras to make the big night extra special? Cluckers.ie, HenWorld.ie, Favour Lane and Jokeshop.ie have all your accessories and decor needs covered. They’ve everything from chic and classy sashes, headpieces, badges and costumes to L Plates and willy straws!
Main photo by Two Foxes Photography via Polka Dot Brides