Image courtesy of Adventure West From paintballing and casino nights to surfing and coasteering (that’s jumping off rocks to you and me!), here’s some ideas for ‘the stag’…
Adventure Mecca
Looking for some adventure? Head out Wesht to Adventure West in Westport where extreme, adrenaline pumping sports are aplenty. Their adventure playground in Clew Bay has tons of activities, everything from abseiling and rock-climbing, raft-building to zorbing, archery and bike-trekking amongst others. For the water babies, you can try your hand at kayaking or scope out what Ireland’s Atlantic has to offer with a bit of snorkelling. If you want to get the heart rate pumping, coasteering (aka jumping off rocks in to the sea!) might be the sport for you or for those that are after a slower pace, hillwalking is also on the menu. You can opt for activities alone or avail of one of their packages where you can enjoy lively Westport or head or hop on the ferry and wind down on Clare Island where you can relax with a pint and some trad music. To see a full list of what’s on offer, click here.
Pure Skills
If you’re after a bit of friendly competition, without breaking too much of a sweat, head to Galway where you’ll find Pure Skill. Located in Knocknacarra just 5 minutes from the city centre, each competitor can try their hand at basketball, rugby, golf-putting, Gaelic, tennis, hurling, soccer, baseball, gold chipping and cricket. Each sport has a total of 10 points up for grabs with a total of 100 points to compete for. The aim of the game is to get as many points as you can as you complete the circuit and of course get one up on your mates. And it’s all indoors so no chance bad weather will interfere with your agenda! And charming Galway city is only a few minutes away for those who fancy letting the hair down afterwards. For more info click here.
Surfs Up
There are a few choice surf spots for boys looking to have a weekend of waves including Lahinch in Co. Clare, Strandhill in Sligo and Donegal’s Bundoran. Rent a few houses, hit the waves and chill out with some food, beers and banter in the evening. You can arrange surf lessons in each of these locations, or for those have that dabbled before, you can rent just your equipment and take to the water yourself. If you’re based in Sligo and are after a night on the tiles after your chilled day in the water, the Velvet Room have lots of great offers for stags where you can get entrance to the nightclub, a beer and your very own area for the night for as little as €12. For more info on The Velvet Room Nightclub, click here….
Wexford Way
If you’re looking for a fun weekend in Wexford, Treacy’s Hotel in Enniscorthy has a package to suit you. They’ve three entertainment venues to tempt stags – choose from The Temple Bar, a trad bar with live bands on at weekends, party the night away in Benedict’s nightclub, or enjoy some old school tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s in D Bar. They have one and two night’s packages with B&B, dinner and champagne included and an activity if you fancy it. Choose from quad biking (you can try your hand at a bit of sumo wrestling or take your chances on the rodeo bull too), clay pigeon shooting, paintballing or for those partial to a bit of roulette or blackjack, you can have your very own casino night. There’s lots of other activities Treacy’s can arrange for you too – for more information click here.
Supercar Experience
If you and the lads are in to your cars, a trip to Mondello Park is definitely worth a visit. Home of Ireland’s only International Race Circuit, Mondello Park has a couple of options for guys looking to get the adrenaline pumping. Their ‘Supercar Experience’ gives you the chance to experience what a Porsche 911 or Boxster ‘S’ can do on a purpose built race track with no congestion, no traffic lights and no speed limits. Sample a Porsche 911 or Boxster ‘S’ or experience both with their Supercar 333 experience. Or if you want to feel like your very own Formula 1 hero, try their Mondello Park Motor Racing Experience out for size with a stint in a Formula styled Single Seater Racing Car. Or if you’re looking to challenge the group and get some friendly competition going, they have team events such as the ‘Auto Test’. This tests the group’s skill and ability to follow directions behind the wheel on a specially designed test course which will have you doing everything from driving in reverse to hand brake turns.
Off to the Races
Want to get spruced up and have a day of entertainment? Head to Limerick and have a flutter on the horses at the races. This activity is a bit of craic for everyone and you can even arrange a slap up meal and a VIP area for your group so you can spend your winnings and keep an eye on the action in style. No need to worry about a costume for the groom – the stag gets to wear the jockey silks for the races and may even get a chance to hand over one of the winning trophies in the parade ring (subject to availability). They’ve also a Stag Wheel of Fortune with prizes for those that weren’t as lucky on the horses and the stag gets his profile on a race card as a memento from the day. For more info on the Limerick Races click here.
Foodie Fun
If you love your grub, like nothing more than a few glasses of vino with your mates, and are partial to a bit of an adventure, the tapas trail will be right up your street. Tapas Trail Dublin offer stags guided tours where you can explore hidden Dublin and sample tasty tapas in three restaurants. You’ve your very own guide for the evening who’ll keep you entertained en route to your restaurants and the best part is you won’t know where you’re going until you get here. Expect an awesome atmosphere with wine, a fun night of feasting on lots and lots of lovely tapas and some great insights to our capital city! For more info on Tapas Trail Dublin click here.
Camping
If you fancy taking a leaf out of the movie ‘The Stag’, get a group of the lads together, round up some tents and head on a serious adventure to the great outdoors. There are lots of choice spots for camping if you fancy exploring Ireland’s wilderness and you can wind down for the evening with a few pints by camp-fire. If you’re after something a little fancier than a regular campsite, you can opt for eco-friendly yurts. Rock Farm Slane offer self-catering options or they can whip up a BBQ for you. Activities can be arranged too.
Laid Back Options If you’re after a more laid back stag do, a round or two of golf could be the perfect way to unwind with the lads. Green Golfball Ireland offer great value weekend packages around Ireland so you and the guys can play a few rounds. If that’s a little too taxing for you, another option for guys who are simply looking to kick back with a few beers and relax is a cruise on the Shannon. A trip on the Moon River allows you to take in the sights and relax on the luxury saloon with a few drinks. They’ve a full bar and dedicated crew so you just have to focus on enjoying yourself. For more info on Moon River and packages, click here…
Need a Hand…?
If the thought of organising a stag do is too much for you to comprehend, don’t despair, StagParty.ie can do all the hard work for you. You can choose from a range of ready made stag options with accommodation and meal deals included, (and choose from activities like Go-Karting, 5-a-Side, a night at the Dogs or Whiskey Tasting) or they can help you tailor your own package both here in Ireland and abroad. For more information on StagParty.ie or to see their range of packages click here.