Whether you’re a bride-to-be or planning for a friend, these hen do venues are perfect for those looking to celebrate a little differently.
While preparing to get married is a good cause for celebration, not every hen party needs to look the same. If you’re keen to avoid the big night out of a traditional hen do and do something a little outside the box, you might find the perfect fit in one of these five Irish venues.
Poc Fada, Killorglin, county Kerry
Why visit a pub on your hen do when you can rent one instead? Poc Fada by Key73 is a restored pub accommodation in the centre of Killorglin, which was renovated in 2022. It sleeps up to 19 guests across four bedrooms, making it suited to a larger hen group. The pub itself is fully functioning and guests are able to bring their own drinks and can cook and chill in the modern kitchen and dining area. Along with the pub, the venue also has an outdoor space with a hot tub and outdoor shower so the group can unwind together without even leaving the property. Prices start at €1800.
Bettystown House, county Meath
If you’re on the market for a hen do with a luxury feel, Bettystown House in county Meath is perfect for a group looking to swap nightlife for a relaxed country-house escape. The home sits on 13 acres of gardens, woodland, parkland and grounds and just a short walk from Bettystown Beach. The house has nine bedrooms and can accommodate up to 16 people. It’s the perfect venue if you’re a foodie looking to dine well for a weekend, The property is owned by the Ryan family, who are behind award-winning TRIBE Restaurant in Duleek, and Bettystown House hosts long-table dining experiences on its grounds. Prices start from €1,800.
Ballinderry Park, county Galway
Catering for groups of 8 to 50, Ballinderry Park is a private Georgian estate where hen groups can take over the manor house, coach house, gardens and glamping village exclusively. Activities for the hen do can be created and customised based on the bride and bridal party interests. Activities include murder mysteries, cocktail masterclasses, yoga, ancient craft workshops and garden-to-table experiences, with options such as go-karting and paintball also available. Prices start from €63 per person per night, including exclusive use of the estate, overnight accommodation and access to the grounds, with food and activities available as additions.
Dromgarriff Rainforest, county Cork
Although it should be noted that the property specifically states that it does not cater for hen or stag parties, this could be the perfect venue for a very intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest. We say this because our September|October cover star Roz Purcell had her own hen celebrations with a “handful of the best in the world” here. If you’re looking for a very small and very chilled out getaway this is the perfect spot to do it with wild swimming, sauna sessions, yoga, walks through the rainforest, outdoor dining and long evenings by the fire. Linden House currently starts from €6,660 for a three- or four-night stay in low/mid-season, contact the property for more information.
Crosshaven House, county Cork
Crosshaven House is a beautiful 18th-century Georgian country house in the village of Crosshaven, overlooking Cork Harbour and Currabinny Wood. Open to hire as a private venue, the main house has five luxurious suites and can sleep up to 22 people sharing. With a large dining room and kitchen, private grounds and plenty of space for outdoor gatherings. While you can spend time and organise activities in the home, there is also plenty to do nearby too. Crosshaven offers sailing, fishing and swimming, with Fountainstown Beach close by, while activities such as kayaking, sea safaris and sailing can be arranged in the area. For accurate pricing for 2026 contact the house directly.
For more on alternative hen do destinations, pick up the September|October issue of Irish Country Magazine. Find your nearest stockist here, or to subscribe and never miss an issue, click here.
