Organising an unforgettable Stag or Hen party in Galway can feel like a lot of pressure but it doesn’t have to be! We’re here to take the stress off your shoulders and help you plan the ultimate party for your best friend. From travel tips to local insights, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to kickstart an epic celebration in one of Ireland’s top party destinations. Let’s party!
First Step: How to Get to Galway for Your Hen or Stag Do
Getting to Galway is easier than ever, with plenty of travel options available no matter where you’re coming from. Here’s how you and your party crew can arrive in style and comfort:
Fly into Ireland West Airport
If you're planning a Hen or Stag weekend in Galway, consider flying directly into Ireland West Airport. It offers flights to international destinations, with the widest selection of UK services outside of Dublin. That means easy access for guests flying in from abroad! Even better, Ireland West Airport is well-connected to Galway city. Hop on Bus Éireann’s Route 64, which offers up to five daily services to and from Galway. Within a few hours, you’ll be checking into your hotel and getting glammed up for a night on the town. Visit the Ireland West Airport website here to check flight availability and book your tickets.
Stress-Free Bus Travel to Galway with Citylink
Prefer travelling by bus? Citylink offers a reliable and comfortable way to reach Galway from cities across Ireland. With up to 40 daily departures between Galway and Dublin, and routes connecting major towns nationwide, it’s the smart choice for groups looking for hassle-free travel. Book your seats or learn more on the Citylink website.
Second Step: Let the Party Begin
Now that you’ve made it to Galway, it’s time to turn up the fun! Here are some of the best Hen & Stag activities and venues that will make your party legendary:
above: photo courtesy of Pedal Power Galway
Activity: Pedal Power Galway
Ready to roll? Pedal Power Galway is one of the most exciting and Instagram-worthy activity for Hen & Stag parties in the city! Hop aboard these multi-person party bikes and cruise through Galway and Salthill while your favourite tunes blast through their Bluetooth speakers. Perfect for groups of up to 36, Pedal Power lets you drink, laugh, and pedal your way through town, with pit stops at a few lively bars along the way. It's a brilliant bonding activity that keeps the energy high and the party vibes flowing!
Book Pedal Power Here
Activity: The Irish Dance Experience
The Irish Dance Experience in Galway will give you the chance to give your friend a ‘reel’ send-off ahead of their special day. In their lively 60 to 90 minute Irish dancing workshops, you’ll learn plenty of dance moves to showcase later in the evening or even at the wedding reception! Get the party started with Irish dance, including the iconic Riverdance steps, and capture your new moves on camera! No prior dance experience is needed, just a willingness to have fun and embrace the moves!
Location: Claddagh Hall, Nimmo’s Pier, The Claddagh
Book The Irish Dance Experience Here
Activity: EYE Cinema - currently closed
Want to treat the bride or groom-to-be like an A-lister? EYE Cinema in Galway offers private screenings for Hen and Stag groups looking to enjoy a movie night with a twist. Think popcorn, cocktails, your favourite film, and a screen all to yourselves! With 9 modern cinema screens, top-notch surround sound, and even a luxury auditorium for extra glam, this is a fab option for a relaxed yet memorable celebration.
Location: Wellpark Retail Park
Book by emailing events@eyecinema.ie
above: Eye Cinema
Venue: Mary Mullens
If you're looking for a venue that mixes tradition with comfort, Mary Mullens Bar hits all the right notes. Located just steps from the heart of the city, this laid-back party haven is perfect for Hen and Stag groups who want a bit of everything: delicious food, great drinks, and a buzzing atmosphere. The highlight? Their stunning sun-drenched courtyard; a neon-lit, Asian-inspired beer garden that’s ideal for social pics and sunny day drinks. With live music, big screens for the match, and a cool, welcoming vibe, this is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.
Location: 10 Prospect Hill
Book Mary Mullens Here
Activity: Tribe Irish Gin School
Looking for a unique, hands-on activity that’s equal parts classy and fun? Look no further than the Gin School Experience at Tribe Irish Gin. You’ll learn the secrets of gin making, explore botanicals, and then distill and bottle your very own custom gin! The best part? While you’re crafting your perfect blend, enjoy unlimited Gin & Tonics, plus a delicious charcuterie and cheese board featuring local Irish products. After class, you can continue the party in their private bar area.
Location: 139 Upper Salthill Road
Book Tribe Irish Gin School Here
above: photo courtesy of Tribe Irish Gin School
Venue: The Dean Galway
Take your Hen or Stag to a party with Instagrammable views everywhere you look at The Dean Galway. The Dean has some pretty unmissable packages to avail of, that will get you and your Hen or Stag group enjoying the best that Galway has to offer on a discount! These include Punch & Brunch, POWER pool and Prosecco, POWER Run & Relax and more. For more information on these packages and what else they have available contact them at galwaycorporate@thedean.ie. For more on those, tap here.
Location: The Dean, Bohermore
Book The Dean Here
Venue: Busker Brownes
Busker Brownes is the Latin Quarter's party central so it's no surprise they are such a big hit for Stag and Hen parties! A venue that has it all, you and your group can enjoy a delicious three course meal in their Kirby's restaurant, followed by some drinks and dancing downstairs in their bar areas. Busker Brownes is famous for their late bar and live music every night, additionally you can enjoy the option of adding gourmet finger food to your evening, you are sure to have a phenomenal night with your friends.
Location: Cross Street Upper
Book Busker Brownes Here
above: photo courtesy of Busker Brownes
Activity/Venue: The Hardiman
Have the most amazing day for your Hen Party at The Hardiman with an afternoon creating the most beautiful Flower Crowns with Bernadette, the flower expert from Flower Crown Galway. Enjoy this beautiful activity with a brunch or lunch and sparkles in The Hardiman's Oyster Bar. They can also team this up with overnight packages and more, so that you enjoy your most glamourous Hen party your way. To plan the most beautiful Hen party, contact them direct at events@thehardiman.ie or call 091 564 041.
Location: Eyre Square
Book The Hardiman Here
Activity/Venue: Tigh Nora
Speaking of happy couples, nothing goes as well together like a G&T so why not take your hen or stag in preparation of their big day to become an expert in making gin and tonics? The personalised Gin Masterclasses at Tigh Nora are an interactive G&T experience, where you will learn about the different types of gin, the garnishes to add and the tonics to pair with your drinks. Keeping it fun so you have plenty of GINuine banter! Of course there will be lots of gin sampling and you’ll also enjoy platters of sharing food after your drinks. This is ideal for groups of girls on a hen party so drop them an email via ginmasterclass@tighnoragalway.com and start planning!
Location: 6 Cross Street
Book Tigh Nora Here
above: photo courtesy of Tigh Nora
Activity: Virtual Reality World
Providing loads of fun for hens and stags, Galway’s new VR World offers custom-built virtual reality booths, Ireland’s first Katwalkers, VR Racing Cars and VR Escape Rooms which are all kitted out with the latest technology. You and your group can travel to exotic climates, drive fully simulated racing cars, fight zombies, test your adrenaline with heart-pounding horror games, or enjoy competitive multiplayer experiences all without leaving the city!
Location: Unit 3 Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road
Book VR World Here
Coyotes
Where else to throw them the ultimate Hen / Stag party than at Coyotes - Galway’s ultimate party venue! Famous for their fun atmosphere and live entertainment, Coyotes has loads to offer your group. For the Hens, the party packages include; Cocktail-Making Masterclasses, Dance Classes and Karaoke. These dance classes will have you and your group on the bar dancing as ‘Coyote Girls’, which is a pretty cool photo op. For the Stags, you can enjoy celebratory status in their VIP room as well as a free poker night and more!
Location: 34 Shop Street
Book Coyotes Here
above: photo of Coyotes
Activity: Galway City Karting
If your group of friends luv a bit of fast-paced fun, let Galway City Karting zoom to the top of your Hen/Stay party itinerary. Their packages are both great value for money and they can custom a tailor made package to suit your group. Karting is a great icebreaker for larger groups who may need some introductions ahead of their big Hen or Stag weekend. Take some fantastic post-race group photos and everyone will get their lap time printed out as a souvenir of their Stag/Hen party.
Location: Liosban Industrial Estate
Book Galway City Karting Here
Activity: Wildlands
The sound people over at Wildlands know just how important it is to throw the Hen or Stag in your life, their dream party so they are here to help! To achieve the perfect Hen/Stag party package, Wildlands offers a range of activities that you can pick and choose from. Additionally, you and your group can re-energise throughout the day’s activities in the Olive Tree Kitchen, and enjoy wine or beer with Wildlands' signature pizzas. If you fancy a longer stay, their onsite log cabins are ideal for unwinding and relaxing after a full day of nonstop fun.
Location: Ballyquirke, Moycullen
Book Wildlands Here
above: photo courtesy of Wildlands
Fancy making it a weekend-long party? At Clayton Hotel, stay for 1 or 2 nights and enjoy a bed and breakfast plus a delicious 4-course evening meal. Additionally, you can opt to include some of their packaged offers, these are; a cocktail demonstration or a gin tasting for only €20pp with one of the expert mixologists; a private meeting room to play games and Gourmet finger food from €15pp. When booking your party, you’ll also receive exclusive discounts with a local nightclub so you can continue the fun well into the early hours!
Location: Ballybrit
Book Clayton Hotel Here
Venue: An Púcán
For some proper Irish craic, An Púcán can help you celebrate your Hen/Stag party in style. They’ve got loads of Hen and Stag party packages for you to choose from and plenty of room to host groups of all sizes. An Púcán’s back bar is decked out in neon lighting and large, social tables, ideal for your party needs. They also have a dance floor and a late bar that comes complete with live music and DJ’s every weekend! Plus you can enjoy the bonus of their adjacent, award-winning garden – perfect in any weather.
Location: 11 Forster Street
Book An Púcán Here
above: photo courtesy of An Púcán
Activity: Delphi Adventure Resort
Get away from it all and head out Connemara for a fabulous Hen and Stag getaway weekend. Delphi Adventure Resort offers some of the most unique, fun-filled and memorable Hen and Stag parties. The resort itself is just 30 minutes from Westport and 80 minutes from Galway city so your next adventure is never far off. Whether seeking relaxation or a more adventurous pre-wedding get together, Delphi can accommodate the best of both.
Location: Leenane, Connemara
Book Delphi Adventure Resort Here
Venue: HYDE Hotel
One for the ladies. HYDE Hotel presents flawless Hen parties every time. Home to a bar that is famous for its Instagram worthy backdrop and with a variety of group dining options available, your Hen is sure to love starting her night out or weekend away at HYDE Bar. Options include group brunch or group dinner, their famous gin and prosecco trees, as well as the unique cocktail trees. Go all out for your bestie’s Hen and book your party into HYDE.
Location: Forster Street
Book HYDE Hotel Here
above: photo courtesy of HYDE Bar
After the Party - Get Home Safe with Big O Taxis
No matter how wild the night gets, make sure you get home safely. Big O Taxis, Galway’s largest taxi fleet, offers 24/7 service, including holidays. With over 150 vehicles (including wheelchair-accessible and multi-seaters) they’ll get your group back to your hotel or Airbnb in no time. If you want to skip the phone lines, book your ride instantly with the Big O Taxis app, available for iPhone and Android. With just a few taps, you can schedule a pickup, track your taxi in real time, and enjoy a hassle-free ride - all without speaking to a dispatcher. Call yourself a cab here.
Feature photo by Pavel Danilyuk, on Pexels
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