Dublin
Guinness flows freely while cocktail bars buzz with Irish energy—Dublin's the kind of city where locals will join your hen do without being asked. This is Ireland's capital of craic, where every pub has a story and every night feels like it could turn into something completely unexpected.
The Irish have hen’s party culture down to a tee: a city where drinking is a national pastime, where strangers will be wearing her veil and an early night is unheard of. With direct flights from every major UK city landing you in Dublin Airport within an hour, and the city center a swift 25-minute ride away, Dublin reveals itself as deliciously walkable — from the Georgian squares to Temple Bar's cobbled streets, everything unfolds within a perfect hen party radius. The city's infectious energy means you'll find yourself swept up in conversations with locals and you’ll be singing Oasis in an underground bar before the night is over.
Why Dublin
WALKABLE CITY
MUM FRIENDLY
WILD WEEKEND
Temple Bar puts you right in the thick of Dublin's party scene, though fair warning— it gets lively. For something posher, the Georgian Quarter has gorgeous townhouses and upscale hotels all within stumbling distance. Dublin's tiny, so anywhere central works perfectly. The transport's brilliant too, meaning you can stay slightly outside and still easily get to the action.
Where To Stay
Lis na Carig
Exclusive Georgian mansion for larger group rentals offering privacy and luxury with easy access to Dublin city center. Sleeps twelve in Bridgerton-esque fashion.
VILLA
SLEEPS 12
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Editors
Pick
Boutique hotel with rooftop bar and contemporary design in creative quarter. Perfect for the bride who wants style and Instagram-worthy rooftop
cocktails.
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The Dean
HOTEL
The Hoxton
Stylish hotel in Georgian buildings with character rooms and excellent group facilities. Great location for exploring Dublin's cultural attractions.
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HOTEL
Avoid Temple Bar for dinner but embrace it for drinks - locals know the restaurants are tourist traps, but the pub atmosphere is authentically Irish. Head to areas like Grafton Street or Ranelagh for dinner, then migrate to Temple Bar around 9pm when the real craic begins and you'll drink alongside locals, not just tourists.
Popular brunch spot with unlimited prosecco and Instagram-worthy food. Perfect for starting hen celebrations properly. Book for late morning (11:30am) when you'll actually want food and the atmosphere is building for the day ahead.
Clever East Bottomless Brunch
Not a fan of guinness? Not a problem, do it anyway. Essential Dublin experience ending at Gravity Bar with panoramic city views. Skip the full tour if pressed for time, head straight to the rooftop.
Guinness Storehouse
Guided tour through local markets and traditional pubs with tastings included. Perfect for groups wanting authentic Irish experiences. €60-80 per person.
Dublin Food Tour
Explore Dublin's cultural quarter with strategic pub stops included. Learn the city's stories while sampling local atmosphere. €25-35 per person.
Day Activities
When you finally surface in Dublin (Irish hospitality probably kept you out way later than planned), the city's perfect for recovery and more drinking. Dublin runs on its own chilled rhythm—hair of the dog brunches go on forever, brewery tours are basically cultural experiences, and day drinking isn't just acceptable, but expected.
Temple Bar Walking Tour
Editors
Pick
Clever East Bottomless Brunch
Popular brunch spot with unlimited prosecco and Instagram-worthy food. Perfect for starting hen celebrations properly. Book for late morning (11:30am) when you'll actually want food and the atmosphere is building for the day ahead.
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Spanish dining is a little different. Lunch happens at 2pm, dinner never before 9pm, and the evening aperitivo is sacred. Embrace the rhythm, and you'll dine like locals rather than tourists.
Liverpool's evening energy is infectious in the best possible way. The night begins with cocktails in venues where music history lives in every brick, continues through bars where every local has a story to tell, and peaks in clubs that understand celebration better than anywhere else in the UK. This is a city that treats every hen night like it's the most important party happening that evening.
Where To Stay
Night Activities
Dublin's evening scene runs on generous pours and serious craic. Start with perfectly pulled pints and traditional music that gets everyone singing, move through cocktail bars where locals become your new best friends, then end up dancing in clubs that ignore closing time. Temple Bar's touristy, but after a few drinks you'll get why everyone ends up there anyway.
What you need for a WILD NIGHT
Start at Ha'penny's for the authentic atmosphere, then explore the historic pubs that make Dublin famous. Each venue has its own character and stories.
Temple Bar Pub Crawl
Speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and intimate atmosphere. Perfect for sophisticated pre-dinner drinks with excellent service.
Vintage Cocktail Club
Underground cocktail bar with extensive menu and stylish crowd. Gets busy after 10pm, great for groups wanting craft cocktails.
9 Below
Ireland's oldest pub with traditional music and authentic atmosphere. Essential Dublin experience with genuine local character.
The Brazen Head
Sophisticated cocktail bar with Latin influences and creative drinks menu. Perfect for groups wanting something different from traditional pubs.
El Silencio
Cocktail masterclasses available for groups wanting interactive experiences. Learn to make proper drinks in beautiful converted market setting.
Market Bar
Stylish bar with excellent cocktails and lively atmosphere. Great for transition from dinner to late-night venues.
Lemon and Duke
Hidden cocktail bar above Delahunt restaurant with intimate atmosphere and premium drinks. Perfect for smaller groups wanting sophistication.
The Sitting Room
Editors
Pick
Pre-book club entry online - door queues for large hen groups can be lengthy, and guest lists often close by 10pm.
Dublin's food and drink culture is pure celebration, where traditional pubs pour perfect pints alongside craft cocktails and every meal feels like a gathering. From hearty Irish breakfasts that cure any hangover to late-night tapas in Temple Bar's hidden gems, the city serves up comfort with character. The Irish approach to hospitality means groups are always welcome, and every venue has that warm, inclusive energy that makes strangers feel like family.
Eat and Drink
Bambino
Popular pizza spot known for excellent margherita and lively atmosphere. Be prepared to queue, but worth it for authentic Italian in Dublin.
25-30 per person
Editors
Pick
777Restaurant
Restaurant with unique airstream dining area offering private space for groups. Excellent for hen parties wanting their own tucked-away area.
40-60 per person
Floritz
Contemporary restaurant with seasonal menu and excellent wine selection. Perfect for sophisticated group dinners with modern Irish cuisine.
45-65 per person
Bobbys Wine Bar
Intimate wine bar with excellent selection and small plates. Perfect for sophisticated pre-dinner drinks or intimate group gatherings.
30-50 per person
Lennans Yard
Multi-level venue combining restaurant, cocktail bar, and gastropub on Dawson Street. Perfect for groups wanting to stay in one location.
45-70 per person
Data
Trendy restaurant with creative menu and stylish atmosphere. Great for groups wanting Instagram-worthy food and contemporary setting.
40-65 per person
Bambino
Popular pizza spot known for excellent margherita and lively atmosphere. Be prepared to queue, but worth it for authentic Italian in Dublin.
25-35 per person
Editors
Pick
Irish pubs serve food until surprisingly late, but Sunday roasts disappear by 4pm. Book weekend roast dinners in advance - they're perfect for hangover recovery brunches.
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Every destination has its quirks and unwritten rules. Here's the answers to the questions that come up before every single hen.
