During all this hustle and bustle it’s important that you don’t forget about throwing her hen party. They’re easy enough to plan once you’ve got a theme in your head.

You’ve got a wide array of hen party themes to choose from. It’s only a matter of figuring out what you think she will like. To help get you started, check out this list of unique and popular ideas.

1. Tea Party 

Hen tea parties are becoming quite a popular choice because they’re good for everyone. Even the mothers can’t argue against grabbing an adorable tea set, gathering your best china, dressing up in your finest clothes, and breaking out the delicious cakes and sweets. 

Keep in mind that just because you’re having a tea party, doesn’t mean you can’t have alcohol at the party. They’re alcoholic tea recipes you can check out around the web that’ll fit the theme perfectly. 

2. Spa Day 

Despite it being a happy occasion, getting married is enough to cause anyone to become a bundle of nerves and stress. You can ease some of your bride’s stress with a relaxing spa day. 

You can do this one of two ways. You could take the bride to be to an actual spa or you can create the spa right at home. Whatever you decide to do, up the luxury factor with champagne and strawberries. 

3. F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Show your hen that you’ll be there for them with a F.R.I.E.N.D.S inspired party. You and your friends can dress up like the characters in the show and pick up some decor that sort of relates to the show. 

Consider having custom shirts made that say something along the lines of “The One Where (insert hen’s name here) Gets Married”. As far as games go, you can find out who knows the hen best by recreating the famous quiz F.R.I.E.N.D.S episode. 

4. Brunch 

We know, the idea of brunch may sound a little stuffy but hear us out. It’s not only for women in business suits. Anyone can enjoy a good brunch. 

Including your hen. Book a brunch at her favourite restaurant and order up plenty of food and mimosas.

If her favourite restaurant doesn’t serve brunch, no problem. You can create a killer brunch party right at home or, go somewhere else. The choice is yours. 

5. Movie Night 

This idea will be a tad bit expensive but if your hen loves movies then the expense will be worth it. Rent out the local cinema for a movie that she’s excited about. Since you’re all alone in the theatre, you’ll be free to laugh and react to the movie however you want. 

After the movie is over, take her for a little after-party at someone’s home or go get dinner. Pro tip if you want to go with this idea. Ask the other party-goers to pitch in a little money to help go towards it. 

6. Harry Potter 

The last book came out ages ago but this is still a franchise that resonated in the hearts of many. If your hen loves Harry Potter than this could be a fun and unique theme to go with. 

Have everyone come as a character from the franchise or separate everyone into their respective houses and hand them a scarf to reflect it. The second option will allow you to put everyone in teams for a fun Harry Potter-themed trivia game later. 

As far as drinks go, you can make some cocktails that resemble potions or prepare some tasty butterbeer. 

7. Dinner Party 

There’s something fun and sophisticated about throwing a dinner party. You’ve got the elegant silverware, the laughter of friends, and copious bottles of wine. If you know a few recipes then you can try your hand at cooking the dinner yourself. 

If you tend to set water on fire then you can have everyone else bring their speciality dish or take the hen out for a fancy dinner at a restaurant.  

8. Weekend at the Farm 

Treat your hen to the sight of actual hens with this fun weekend at the farm idea. You wouldn’t think it, but there are tons of things that you can get up to on a farm such as milking cows, bread making, feeding animals, and bog-jumping. 

You can even watch your hen chase the real hens around the farm. It’s a fun time for everyone involved. 

9. Murder Mystery 

If you want to find an excuse to dress up and act silly then a murder mystery party is the perfect theme. You and your friends will dress up and work together and gather up clues and figure out who the “killer” is. 

If you’re having problems trying to come up with a good murder plot you can head online for a little help. There are tons of murder mystery PDFs and resources available. 

10. Glamping 

Glamping is like camping but with some of the amenities of home thrown in. Instead of camping under the stars in a ratty old tent, you’ll be able to stay in a luxury yurt. 

There are even some places that will allow you to enjoy your glamping experience in a treehouse. 

Hen Party Themes for You to Consider 

Once you’ve been dubbed a maid of honour for your friend’s wedding it becomes up to you to throw her the best hen party imaginable. The good news is that once you’ve got a theme in mind, the rest is pretty easy. 

Try out one of these great hen party themes to put together a celebration that the bride to be will never forget. 

If you’re hurting for ideas, our hen packages may be able to help you out. Contact us to find out what we can do for you.  

If you’re planning a walking tour of the county, you can’t miss these ten incredible landmarks.

Costello Memorial Chapel

You wouldn’t go to India without seeing the Taj Mahal. So why would you go to Carrick on Shannon without seeing the “Irish Taj Mahal”?

This chapel was built in 1877 by Edward Costello for his wife. They’re buried inside, but it must be a pretty cramped situation. Costello Memorial Chapel is said to be one of the smallest churches in the world at only 16ft by 12ft.

It may not measure up to the Taj Mahal in height, but it’s a fascinating visit. A stained glass window lets you look in at the couple’s lead coffins. To see something that’s somehow cute and spooky at the same time, visit the chapel.

Leitrim Crystal

If you’ve ever wanted to see a master crystal glass cutter at work stop by Leitrim Crystal. All the pieces are made in-shop and they’re absolutely gorgeous. If you’re looking for a special souvenir or gift Leitrim Crystal is the place to go.

They’ve got everything from crystal bowls to clocks, glasses and more.Â

The Dock Arts Centre

Why not stop for a show on your tour?

The Dock Arts Centre is a beautiful 19th-century courthouse-turned-theatre. It was left to deteriorate throughout much of the 1900s, with little maintenance and upkeep. In 2005 the building was restored to its former glory.

It hosts shows year-round, including plays, comedy, and all sorts of interesting talks. The building has both a classic and modern look that you have to see to really appreciate.

The Oarsman

The Oarsman is an award-winning restaurant located in Carrick on Shannon.

They serve traditional Irish cuisine that’s absolutely to die for. Whether you’re stopping off for dinner or lunch, you’ll find amazing cuisine you won’t soon forget. If you’re looking for a taste of what the locals enjoy, this is the place to go.

The Oarsman even includes vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.

Aura Leitrim Leisure Centre

Cool off with a quick swim at the Aura Leitrim Leisure Centre.

The 25m pool offers a perfect place to take a dip after a long walk. There’s a full gym on the premises and plenty of group exercise classes. Plus, a full jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and activities for the kids.

You don’t need a membership, either. There are pay-as-you-go options for visitors, making it the perfect detour for any visiting walking group.

The Leitrim Design House

If you’re an art fan, check out what the locals have to offer at the Leitrim Design House!

Housed inside The Dock, the design house features the work of over 200 artists. You’ll see woodwork, ceramics, hand-made games, and much more. The Leitrim Design House also offers workshops and show and tells on most weekends!

If you want a souvenir or gift that’s a little less flashy than a crystal you’ll definitely find it here.

Market Yard Centre

Let this be your go-to destination for shopping in Carrick on Shannon.

Market Yard Centre is full of beautifully restored buildings and shops. The grey-brick everything makes you feel like you’re both in the past and present all at once. It also makes for the perfect photoshoot location!

If you come at the right time you can even catch the farmers market. Buy some delicious organic produce, baked goods, cheese, meat – you name it, they’ve got it.

Market Yard Centre makes for a great walk-around at any stage in your walking tour. You’ll definitely be leaving with something new and delicious.

St. George’s Heritage and Visitor Centre

Take a few minutes to learn about where you are at St. George’s Heritage and Visitor Centre.

St. George’s is a house in a restored church. Here, you’ll see historical artifacts, videos, and learn about Carrick on Shannon’s history. The 200-year-old church is beautifully lit by stained glass windows and also hosts concerts and events regularly.

The third floor of the centre features a memorial dedicated to the Great Famine. This room used to be a workhouse, where starving families would come to work during the famine in exchange for food. The workhouse has been left just as it was in those times, giving you a feel for how it might have been.

St. George’s Heritage Centre offers an eye-opening and fascinating look at the history of Carrick on Shannon that should not be missed.

Lena’s Tea Room

When in Rome, do what the Romans do. When in Carrick on Shannon, have a cup of tea at Lena’s!

There’s no better place to stop for tea than Lena’s Tea Room. The shop is adorable from outside to in. It’s a 1920s themed tea room complete with period-appropriate furnishing, dishes, and decor.

You’ll feel like you just stepped into a time machine. Plus, they craft some excellent gourmet sandwiches.

Rest your legs and enjoy a hot cup of tea and a sandwich at Lena’s. You’ll fall in love with the atmosphere, the food, and the gracious hosts.

Moon River Cruise

Because a walking tour doesn’t need to be all walking.

There are upwards of 40 lakes around Carrick on Shannon, and the best way to experience the water is on a Moon River Cruise. The cruiser has a full bar, eatery, and offers a unique way to see the county. Plus, it holds up to 110 passengers, making it great for walking parties of any size.

You’ll Never Want to Leave Carrick on Shannon

Visit any of the spots above and your walking tour of Carrick on Shannon will be a hit. The only problem is that your party may never want to leave! Maybe just one more cup of tea, right?

For ideas on hosting the perfect hen or stag party check out the rest of our blog. Contact us with any comments or questions.

When not obsessed with a strictly Victorian view of the past and the world, you find a lot of weird. Even in the context of their earliest occurrences, people liked to get wild at a stag and hen party. 

These traditions cover areas of Northern Africa, Greece, and throughout Europe. Even so, every few decades someone tries to reinvent the wheel.

A 1933 publication from Iowa tried to rationalize what it felt was a very American phenomenon. The author was aghast on behalf of Europeans that American men and women had separate and unique parties!

Want to know the real truth behind stag and hen parties? Keep reading to find out!

The Whats and Whys Behind a Stag and Hen Party

The two types of parties didn’t originate in the same place or at the same time. They have met up over time to be viewed in frustration by prudish traditionalists and exploited by marketers.

Like any tradition or party, they are anchored in an excuse to break with the day to day and create a unique experience worth remembering for the individual and the tribe. 

Hen’s Party

A night for women to share their hopes, fears, and dreams of the married life. These sometimes unforgettable (and sometimes hard to remember) parties are more than just an excuse to drink, dance, and laugh.

What

A hen is one of those old words simply meaning woman. Much like how chick means bird and a kid is a young goat, there’s sometimes a crossover between words used for animals and people. 

Some believe that hen referrers to henna, a practice alive today in various cultures for temporarily dyeing the arms and hands of soon-to-be brides. This is a ‘sounds alike is not alike’ situation.

Early Greek hen parties included sacrifices to female gods for guidance, protection, and health during the always on the minds of ancient people ‘duty’ of childbirth.

In cultures where henna is used, the party period started weeks before the wedding. This included fattening up the bride to make her more appealing to her mate, and teaching the young maids what the marriage night would be like. 

Why

The reason these parties started was to create a learning time for the bride. In the past the demarcation between maid and mother was everything. Not everything a woman needs to know about the married life could be taught in a single night, but it was rare that much instruction in the bedroom arts happened prior.

The mystique that then surrounded the tradition was amped up both to repel men and to enhance the feeling of transformation for the young woman.

As people get more cosmopolitan and bedroom knowledge is more common (and taught in schools) the hen night is more about celebrating the journey to the moment than it is about taking on the yokes of ‘womanhood’. 

Stag Do

For men, the stag do or stag party is the last night to do the things a single man does that a married one cannot (or should not). Like most traditions involving men it various in its intensity between bawdy and rowdy. 

What

The actual form of the stag do takes many shapes for many people. Throughout time it has included men gathering and going off from the village, away from the genteel folk. The activities engaged in are what seems to change.

The word itself again refers to males of many species, though the comparison to deer and antlers is commonly implied. 

A man’s buddies, siblings, or elders would take them out on a series of tests. In the modern-day, these take the form of games. In the past, these were challenges to prove his worthiness to wed.

Over time the activities were less about proving ability and more about enjoying men-only activities.

Why

Whereas women needed to be taught the how and what of their married futures, men had to give up carefree lives for responsibility.

The night started with tests to prove worthiness and then started being tasks they weren’t supposed to do anymore. The formation of the family unit meant protecting and providing for the home, not drinking and singing down at the pub.

The presence of strippers, dancers, and escorts was as much brought in for fun for the single guys as it was a ‘final test’ for the groom to stay loyal to his betrothed.

When tests of skill or strength are not employed, it’s common to see gambling and tests of luck. 

Like many rites of passage, the modern world has kept the fun bits and let the meaning fall to the side. 

Today’s Commonality

Despite the differences between the ancient and the modern version of both parties, they still have a lot in common with each other then and now.

Both were meant as a rite of passage. Both now are used as much for celebrating the last night being single as they are a celebration of the upcoming union.

The equality strides taken between the genders over time has left more and more of the ‘responsibility’ part out. Both partners share many of the responsibilities and no longer need to be taught what to expect in the bedroom.

This has given way to the parties meaning what you want them to. They are parties. They are meant for fun and to create memories.

How you chose to create those memories, and the meaning you bring to it, are all up to you. 

The modern world lets you build your own meaning and leave the past to weirdly rediscover that people are, and always have been, pretty freaky. 

Live Your Night

The rollicking history of the stag and hen party is but one reason to continue the tradition. 

Ready to create a night that you and your mates won’t soon forget? Contact us for more information for staging your do. 

As a result, you may be gearing up to help plan the groom’s stag party. In fact, you may be the sole person responsible for this activity, and you’re panicking.

Wondering how to plan the perfect stag do? Then keep reading. We’ll give you all the top tips and suggestions to make it an unforgettable experience.

Put Together a Dream Team

Even if you’ve been put in charge of organising the stag do, this doesn’t mean you have to plan it all alone. In fact, putting together a dream team to help you pull this together can help you strengthen your friendships with one another!

Consider all the groomsmen and think of all their strengths.

Is Jack very creative? Then put him in charge of coming up with things like the theme and decorations.

Is Liam super organised and detail-oriented? Then put him in charge of project management.

When you play to each group member’s strengths, this can help you immensely in getting the stag do planned and organised.

Have Realistic Expectations

It may be tempting to try and cram every single fantastic idea into a short weekend. There are 48 hours, after all!

But be realistic. Chances are, you’re all in your 30s and are used to going to bed early and waking up early as well. And you’re probably not used to days filled with draining (but fun!) activities.

Assess everyone’s physical conditions and try to accommodate anyone with special needs. For example, if Mark is wheelchair-bound, then it’s not very nice to book an afternoon going base jumping.

Keep the Groom’s Tastes in Mind

Sure, you (and your mates) might think a wild night out drinking shot after shot and partying with strippers is mint. But is this the groom’s idea of a great night out?

While you’re having exciting discussions about the stag party, ideas might start flying about, and by the end of the night, you may accidentally settle on an activity or two that are not to the groom’s tastes at all.

It may be difficult, but try to have a clear and objective mind while you’re putting pen to paper.

Always Check With the Groom

Now, we’re not saying you should spoil the surprise by letting the groom know exactly what you’ve got planned for him. But you should give him some control over how his stag party’s going to go.

Checking in with the groom can be a great idea if you aren’t able to decide between a few activities. There are only so many hours in a day, after all.

Approach him with some broad ideas, and see which ones he likes. Try not to give it away that you’re trying to do all of them, or that you’re trying to choose between these options.

However he responds, it can be very helpful. If he likes all the ideas, then feel free to go ahead with them all if you have the time to accommodate it.

If he’s particularly interested in one, then you can axe the other activities if you’re working with a limited schedule.

Put Together a Guest List Early

You want the groom to have a great time at his stag do, so don’t let that get ruined by accidentally inviting someone he’s mortal enemies with.

Or worse yet, don’t end up forgetting to invite his best childhood friend who he hasn’t seen in forever.

Create the best setting by carefully going over his list of friends and seeing which are worth inviting to the stag party. Remember, you don’t want to make the party too big, as it’ll be too large to handle.

Note any potential rivalries and then discuss whether it’s worth inviting those people. As adults, they should be able to put aside any petty squabbles to focus on celebrating their friend’s love.

But if you know how they’re like after a few drinks, it may be best to omit invitations to either one or both people.

Once you know who you’re going to invite, send out invites early! You’re all adults with responsibilities now, so the more advance notice there is, the better.

That way, guests have ample time to request time off work and find a reliable childminder while they’re away.

Try Using a Hen and Stag Party Company

Perhaps you’ve got a general idea in mind of what you want for the stag do. But you don’t have the time to put in the effort to arrange everything from the transportation to the admission fees and food.

In that case, you’ll want to use a hen and stag party company. For instance, we at Hen & Stag Carrick have years of experience creating unique packages that are fun and exciting for the whole group.

All you have to do is pick from a package, or you can even discuss with the company what you wish to achieve. Our team is more than happy to tailor our packages for your complete satisfaction.

By using a professional, you’ll take all the stress out of planning and leave it in the hands of people who know what they’re doing. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Plan an Amazing Stag Party

With so many tips on how to plan a stag party, it should be much easier for you now. So long as you practise good organisational and communication skills, you’ll avoid tonnes of headaches to come.

Of course, using a professional stag party company can be hugely beneficial as well. They can take your desires into consideration and put together convenient packages so all you have to do is show up.

Are you ready to consider the many choices available to you? Then get in touch with us now.

These nights, weekends, or holidays give the happy a couple an opportunity to really let their hair down ‘one last time’ before the big day. But planning a hen party can often feel like a daunting task.

To really do your friend justice, you need to throw a hen party they’ll remember – for all the right reasons! Not sure what should you keep in mind when planning a hen party? Then you’re in the right place!

Read on to find out some amazing bachelorette party ideas and everything you should keep in mind when planning one.

Look at the Guest List

People make a hen party, so it’s always a good idea to choose the guest list carefully. The bride will often supply a list of people they want but make sure you discuss any additions to her before inviting them.

The length of a guest list will often help you to pick what activities will work best for the hen do. For example, if the bride wants a big hen do with lots of people then it may be easier to rent a venue and hold activities there. You could book a cocktail package or create a game show for your bride.

Smaller parties are ideal for things like cooking master classes. These activities can be a little chaotic with more people.

When looking at activities for your bride, make sure you ask about how many people can do an activity. Some packages require a minimum booking number while others may have a limit. Before you get your heart set on these, make sure you have a clear idea of numbers.

Plan Something for Everyone

Your hen party ideas may change depending on who is going on the hen do. You specifically want to plan something that your bride will enjoy, but make sure you don’t leave people out of the fun.

For example, if you have older relatives attending the hen do, then going kayaking may not be the best activity for them. In that case, try finding something that is more accessible for everyone.

You could look into laying on an alternative activity but this does mean another thing for you to organise and coordinate on the day.

Think About Your Timescale

Bachelorette and stag parties used to just take place on one night out but the industry has grown significantly in recent years. This means a lot of people often go away for their hen dos for a weekend or even longer.

Obviously, if you’re planning to go away for longer then you’ll have more to plan. Some of the best bachelorette party destinations come with their own activities but it’s always a good idea to plan a couple of things per day.

Going away for longer also means that you’ll have to spend more, so it’s important to consider this. If you have a lot of hens attending you can split the cost between more people. However, an average hen party costs around €300 per person so if you’re trying to keep costs low you should probably keep things short and sweet.

Organise in Advance

Hen parties are meant to be fun but often a lot of dress goes into organising them. To ensure that the day is enjoyable, have everything you need in place long before the day.

You should book any activities for the hen do as far in advance as possible. This will ensure you don’t end up having a last-minute rush and panic booking something. Make sure you pay in advance as well to avoid delays on the day.

If you’re going away, then it’s also important to book accommodation sooner rather than later. Leaving this too late could mean it’s very expensive or that you can’t find somewhere with rooms for all the hens.

Once you know your schedule for the day, make sure you have any transport that you’ll need. The last thing you want is to miss an activity because you’re waiting around for taxis.

Having a schedule might sound like the opposite of fun but it can really make the day. As long as you don’t overcrowd the day, a schedule will make sure that there aren’t any lags or moments when people feel bored.

While organising, get some help from bridesmaids or other friends. This can take the pressure off the day and means you get to enjoy it as well.

Try Something New on a Hen Party

Hen parties are all about fun, so try something different!

You could visit exciting bachelorette party destinations or attend a nude life drawing class. Or, if your bride likes the outdoors, why not try clay pigeon shooting? Trying something totally new will be fun for everyone and make the day memorable.

You can combine these exciting activities with things you know your bride will love. You could serve her favourite cocktails or get nostalgic with hen party games like Mr & Mrs!

These are a great crowd pleaser and a lovely way to fill time between an activity and a night out.

Warm Everyone Up

One of the toughest parts of a hen party is often the beginning of it. This is because not everyone will know one another and there’s often a bit of admin to run through.

Help break the ice by offering cocktails or champagne when people arrive at the party. This always helps to get the conversation flowing and will set a fun mood for the day.

You can also start the day by getting everyone into hen party ‘costumes’ together. You might have sashes and learner plates or you might go for something more niche, like smurf costumes! Either way, getting ready altogether can really help people to get to know one another.

Make sure you run through admin with all the party guests in advance so you don’t have to on the day. This includes letting people know where you’ll be going for the party and taking care of any payments. That way you can all enjoy the day free of boring admin-chat.

Get Ready to (Hen) Party!

When it comes to the perfect hen party, it really is all about planning ahead. Once everything is in place you’ll be able to enjoy the day without any worries.

For more help organizing your hen party, check out these amazing packages or get in touch today to book yours.