Choose from some of the best activities your hen do destination has to offer.
Choose a budget place to stay or splash out on luxury, there's something for everyone.
Everyone can pay individually to make your life easier.
Sit back, relax and let us prepare the magic!
Ireland: the land of beautiful scenery, incredible culture, and some of the best drinks you have ever tasted. When planning a hen do, Dublin often gets the immediate attention, but those who really know Ireland head south to the "Rebel County". Cork is the perfect destination for a hen weekend; it is far enough away to feel like an exotic trip abroad, yet close enough that you won't spend half your weekend travelling.
As the second-largest city in Ireland, Cork offers a unique vibe that you simply won't find in the capital. It feels like an oversized small town in the friendliest neighbourhood in the world. The locals are famously welcoming, the food scene is rightfully renowned as the best in the country, and the drinks flow freely in every pub. In other words, this is a beautiful city full of beautiful people—and as a group of beautiful people yourselves, it is the perfect match for your celebration.
The city centre is built on an island in the River Lee, making it compact, walkable, and packed with character. From high-end cocktail bars to traditional pubs hosting impromptu folk sessions, a Cork hen do can be anything you want it to be. Whether you are looking for a wild party or a sophisticated spa break, Cork delivers on every front.
To make planning your weekend easier, we can build bespoke packages that combine your accommodation with the best activities in the city.
1. The "Day at the Races" Package
This is arguably the most popular option for a
Cork hen party. It involves getting all dolled up in your finest dresses and heading out for a day of excitement, champagne, and gambling. We can arrange transport and tickets to Cork Racecourse Mallow (for the horses) or Curraheen Park (for the greyhounds). It’s a sophisticated day out that transitions perfectly into a big night on the town.
2. The "Pamper & Relax" Package
For other groups, a hen weekend is all about escaping the stress of wedding planning. We can arrange a full pamper day at a high-class spa facility, complete with pool access, saunas, and treatments. It’s the perfect way to recharge before the wedding.
A weekend away in Cork sounds amazing, but you are probably wondering about the logistics: where do you stay? The good news is that the options are many and varied, catering to every budget and style.
Luxury Hotels
For many, a hen do is all about luxury. We work with several 4-star hotels in the city centre, many of which have their own leisure centres and pools. There is nothing quite like waking up with a hangover and being able to walk downstairs for a swim and a steam to clear the head.
City Centre Apartments
Another incredibly popular option is the use of high-quality, well-located apartments. These give you a bit more living space for your
Cork hen weekend. The main benefit here is the social aspect; you can all hang out in the lounge, play hen party games, and enjoy some pre-drinks together without having to squash into one person’s hotel room.
If you are just looking for somewhere central, clean, and great value, we also have a wide range of Guesthouses and budget-friendly hotels. No matter your budget, we will ensure you are right in the heart of the action.
So, what is there to do on a Cork hen do? The short answer is: everything you would expect and more.
For some girls, Cocktail Making is the ultimate activity. You get to step behind the bar, learn the tricks of the trade from an expert mixologist, and—most importantly—drink your creations afterwards! It’s a fantastic ice-breaker that gets the alcohol flowing early.
If you want to get your body moving, why not try a Dance Class? We offer everything from Beyoncé and Dirty Dancing themes to Bollywood. An enthusiastic tutor will guide you through the steps, and by the end of the session, you’ll have a routine ready to unleash on the dancefloor later that night.
You can't come to Cork without seeing a bit of the culture. A trip to Blarney Castle is a must. Located just a short drive from the city, you can climb the tower and kiss the famous Blarney Stone to gain the "gift of the gab." The castle gardens are also beautiful and provide a stunning backdrop for group photos.
For the social media savvy, why not try an Insta Tour? A local guide will take you to the most photogenic spots in the city, from the English Market to the colourful houses of Cobh, ensuring you get the perfect content for your feed.
(For more detail on these specific activities, check out our guide Cork Hen Party Ideas.)
Nights out in Cork are legendary. Before you start on the cocktails, it is a good idea to line your stomach. Cork is known as the "Food Capital of Ireland," and the options are endless. From bottomless brunches to high-end seafood restaurants, we can book a table that suits your group's tastes.
The Pub Scene
There is some absolutely amazing nightlife available throughout the city, but it starts with the pubs. Cork has a huge selection of bars concentrated in areas like Oliver Plunkett Street and Washington Street. You will find "Heritage Pubs" with roaring fires and traditional music sitting right next to slick, modern gin bars. You’ll never find a better destination to pub crawl; everything is within walking distance.
Clubbing
Once you have finished in the pubs, it’s time to try out the array of nightclubs. Whether you want cheesy pop, R&B, or dance anthems, Cork has a venue for you. We can arrange guestlist entry so you don't have to queue in the cold—you can walk straight in and start popping corks (pun intended) on the best night out you’ve ever experienced.
(Want to know what a real weekend looks like? Read a bride's review in our blog: My Cork Hen Weekend.)
Getting to Cork from the UK is an absolute breeze. Cork Airport (ORK) is well-served by flights from more than twenty mainland UK airports, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Flight times are short—usually under 90 minutes—so you’ll be there and enjoying a drink in a traditional Irish pub in no time whatsoever.
Getting from the airport into the city centre is equally easy, with a travel time of only around twenty minutes. We can arrange private Airport Transfers for your group, meaning a minibus will be waiting for you in arrivals to whisk you straight to your hotel. Your Cork hen weekend will be up and running from the moment you land.
Still not sure if Cork is right for you? Please explore our other amazing European Hen locations or browse our comprehensive UK property list for more hen do options. Alternatively, simply get in touch with one of our one of our expert team or visit our main page to discover more hen weekend ideas and inspiration and how we can help.
The Stag and Hen Experience has been creating the best hen weekends away since 2009, so if you're looking to plan a hen weekend package anywhere in the UK or abroad, get in touch on 01202 566100 or via this email address : [email protected] and one of our expert hen do organisers will help you put together a fantastic celebration for you and your group.
