The day you have been waiting for has finally arrived: your best friend calls you to tell you that she’s engaged. Throughout your conversation, in between asking to see the ring and the details of the proposal, she asks you to be a bridesmaid and you accept. Now you are faced with one of the most challenging parts – planning an epic bachelorette trip for the bride-to-be.
If you are looking for the perfect destination for the bachelorette weekend, look no further than Dublin. The capital city of Ireland is an excellent choice for a memorable trip with the ladies! From cool cocktail bars and brunch selections to beautiful landmarks and sites, there’s no shortage of fun things to do for the bride’s squad. Below are some of the fun and unique activities that you can do for the perfect bachelorette weekend in Dublin.
Where to Stay in Dublin
One of the first considerations to make when planning a bachelorette trip, or any trip for that matter, is the accommodation. To help you make a decision, here are some of the best areas in Dublin to stay in:
- Merrion Square: This is one of Dublin’s most popular areas and is close to a number of the city’s top attractions, including St. Stephen’s Green, National Gallery of Ireland, and Natural History Museum. It is also home to some of Dublin’s acclaimed restaurants and bars.
Where to stay in Merrion Square: The Merrion, The Shelbourne
- Temple Bar: Known as the center of nightlife in Dublin, this area is nestled between Trinity College and Grafton Street. Aside from being close to the parties, the Temple Bar district is also centrally-located and close to some cultural attractions and lovely markets.
Where to stay in Temple Bar: The Morgan, The Morrison Dublin
- Docklands: Located near the Royal and Grand Canals, the Docklands was once an area that catered primarily to business travelers. Over the years, however, more and more tourists are recognizing the neighborhood for its cool location, good concentration of quality restaurants, and some of the most incredible architecture in the city.
Where to stay in Docklands: The Marker Hotel, The Spencer Hotel
- Portobello: Commonly referred to as “Little Jerusalem” due to the concentration of Jews that sought refuge in the area, Portobello is a trendy district that hosts some world-class galleries, innovative restaurants, and hip boutiques. The area’s location is also a major draw; it is just a 15-minute walk from the city center and is a stone’s throw away from the buzzing Camden Quarter.
Where to stay in Portobello: The Dean, Portobello Hotel
- Smithfield: Found in Dublin’s Northside, Smithfield is a neighborhood that has gone through a major development and is now one of the best areas to stay when in Dublin. Here, you will find attractions such as the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery, Smithfield Square, and the Observation Tower.
Where to stay in Smithfield: The Ashling Hotel, The Hendrick
Best Bachelorette Activities in Dublin
For the ultimate bachelorette getaway with the bride and her squad, here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in Dublin. If you have some excess baggage or other items that you don’t want to carry around during your trip, deposit them at a Dublin luggage storage locker and travel light.
- Sample the best restaurants in Dublin.
Dublin has no shortage of world-class restaurants to fit all budgets – whether you’re looking for mid-range dining spots to high-end options. One of the acclaimed restaurants that you and your girlfriends should try is The Greenhouse, a Michelin-starred dining establishment that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. For other top-notch restaurants in the Irish capital, check out these recommendations by TimeOut.
- Get on a party bus with the ladies!
One of the most fun bachelorette activities in Dublin, and one that you and your gals should experience, is a party bus. This activity has two purposes – you get to see the different points of interest around the city and have a fun time drinking with your best girls. While there are plenty of companies that offer party buses for hire in Dublin, we recommend VIP Buses for your bachelorette experience.
- Shake your groove thing!
Be a dancer for a day and test your rhythm by joining a dance class with the ladies. The city center of Dublin is filled with dance classes of all types and themes to get you moving. Want to learn a dance routine to Beyonce or Britney? Or are you looking for something more theatrical like cabaret or burlesque? Whatever you feel like doing, there’s something that will suit your taste. DanceFix is one of the best-rated dance studios in Dublin and one that we recommend; they even offer special exclusive “hen party” dance classes!
- Sing your heart out at a karaoke bar.
Karaoke with your bachelorette crew can be a memorable activity, especially with a little booze thrown in the mix. The people of Ireland are renowned for music – from the live music venues and recording studios to the buskers on the street, it’s evident that the Irish embrace musicality. This is why it’s not shocking that karaoke has gradually become a favorite pastime in Dublin, as evident in the growing number of karaoke bars across the city. Some of our top picks include Ukiyo Bar, The Workman’s Club, Marrakesh, Maneki and Morton’s Pub.
- Get all glammed up!
Every girl loves being styled and made up and Dublin has plenty of places where you can get a makeover. To get a good blow dry and be selfie-ready, one of your top options is Dry & Fly, which has two locations in the city (one on Merrion Row and the other in Wicklow Street.) Another option is the Brown Thomas Beauty Lounge on Clarendon Street, which offers other beauty services such as make-up, hair styling, and nail services.
- Laugh out loud at a comedy club.
To help relieve any stress brought about by the wedding planning, take your bride and your squad to some of Dublin’s best comedy clubs and watch a show. Some of Dublin’s most famous comedy clubs are The International Bar, Chaplin’s Comedy Club and The Laughter Lounge. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll surely end up laughing out loud at the acts that these places have to offer.
Sources:
https://www.henparty.ie/Where-to-go/Locations/East/Dublin.aspx
https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2017/0106/843113-8-hen-party-activities-to-try-in-dublin/
https://www.dublinlive.ie/whats-on/whats-on-news/13-things-ultimate-girls-day-11103717
https://www.onefabday.com/hen-parties-in-dublin/
https://www.claytonhotelleopardstown.com/blog/ideas-for-a-girls-weekend-in-dublin/
https://thehenplanner.com/amazing-dublin-hen-party-ideas/
https://www.gohen.com/hen-weekends/dublin.asp
