Planning a stag party in Ireland? Want wild nights, top banter, and a weekend the groom might not fully remember? You’ve come to the right place, lads.
This is our official countdown of the top 10 stag party destinations in Ireland—handpicked, road-tested, and approved by grooms, best men, and that one mate who always loses his phone.
From riverside pints to dancefloor disasters, these towns and cities bring the craic in all the right ways.
Let’s count it down—from solid sesh to “someone find the groom’s trousers” level chaos.
10. Limerick – Underrated and Absolutely Deadly
Why Limerick?
Limerick’s got serious underdog energy—it might not be the first place you think of for a stag, but once you’re there, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. It’s compact (translation: no taxis needed), full of unreal pubs, and the locals are pure gas.
Top Activities
- Paintballing – A classic for a reason. Time to settle a few scores.
- Escape Rooms – Stick the groom in one and see who cracks first.
- Footgolf - Perfect for a bit of craic and banter before the big night out.
Best Nightlife
- Dolan’s – Live music, a buzzing crowd, and pints that just keep coming.
- The Locke Bar – Great for food before things get messy.
9. Waterford – History, Hops, and Hilarious Nights
Why Waterford?
This Viking city punches way above its weight when it comes to a good night out. It’s ideal if you want a mix of chilled craic and all-out chaos—with great spots for grub, a booming pub scene, and even a few waves if you're feeling brave.
Top Activities
- Axe Throwing Channel your inner Viking and lob axes at targets for bragging rights and big laughs.
- Surfing at Tramore – For the stags who can handle a wetsuit.
- Karting Burn rubber and battle the lads for pole position. Fast, furious, and full of stag party glory (and spin-outs).
Best Nightlife
- Geoffs Café Bar – Laid-back vibes and savage grub.
- Electric Avenue – Club with throwback bangers all night.
8. Westport – Chill Vibes, Class Views
Why Westport?
If your crew is half “Let’s get locked” and half “Let’s do something scenic,” Westport’s the sweet spot. Coastal charm, top pints, and activities that’ll make you feel less guilty about the late-night kebab.
Top Activities
- Cube Games Face off in fast-paced challenges that test your reflexes, nerve, and ability to handle slagging from the lads.
- Bubble Soccer Strap into a giant inflatable ball and bounce your way through the most chaotic game of footy you’ll ever play.
- Footgolf Kick your way through 18 holes combining football and golf for the ultimate chill-but-competitive stag activity.
Best Nightlife
- Matt Molloy’s Trad music and a packed crowd.
- Cosy Joes a lively, multi-level venue offering delicious bar food, live music, and late-night DJs.
- The Clock Tavern Friendly, fun, and always hopping.
7. Dublin – The OG Boys Weekend Destination
Why Dublin?
You can’t go wrong with the capital. Pubs on every corner, activities galore, and a party scene that doesn’t quit. It’s a bit pricier, but it delivers every time and Temple Bar will chew you up and spit you out in the best way.
Top Activities
- Guinness Storehouse Tour – A proper start to the weekend.
- Escape Rooms – Pre-pub brain warm-up.
- Sports Bar Crawl – Catch a match and down a few.
Best Nightlife
- Copper Face Jacks – You’ve heard the legends.
- Temple Bar Area – Pick a pub, any pub—chaos guaranteed.
6. Carlingford – Adventure Meets Ale
Why Carlingford?
This place is perfect if your group loves a bit of fresh air with their hangovers. Small enough to run into every other stag in town, and wild enough to keep up with you. Ideal for combining big laughs with adrenaline rushes.
Top Activities
- Skypark Ziplining and high ropes to scare the groom.
- Laser Combat Tactical chaos in the forest.
Best Nightlife
- PJ O'Hare's – Mad crowds and live music.
- Taaffes Castle Bar – Pint in a literal castle? Don’t mind if we do.
5. Cork – Buzzing Streets, Rebel Fun
Why Cork?
Cork lads know how to party. From food to festivals to absolute carnage after dark, it’s a deadly mix of stylish venues and solid banter. Expect great value, great pints, and absolutely no judgement.
Top Activities
- Brewery Tours Taste the rebel brews.
- Footgolf Football + golf = hangover-friendly.
- Axe Throwing Yes, it’s a thing. And yes, it’s class.
Best Nightlife
- Reardens – Huge, busy, and brilliant.
- The Oliver Plunkett – Great tunes and easy laughs.
- Crane Lane – Retro nights with a twist.
4. Athlone – Dead Centre, Deadly Nights
Why Athlone?
No one ever regrets picking Athlone—it’s right in the middle of the country (easy for everyone), surprisingly wild, and home to Ireland’s oldest pub. Affordable, fun, and a little bit mental.
Top Activities
- Booze Cruise – Music, pints, and water shenanigans.
- Paintballing – Classic stag energy.
- Whiskey Tasting – Civilised chaos.
Best Nightlife
- Sean’s Bar – The OG of pubs.
- Piano Bar – Slick, stylish, and great for group pics.
3. Galway – Craic, Culture, and Cocktails
Why Galway?
This town is the perfect mix of mad nights and laid-back locals. You’ll hear trad music, make a few new friends, and possibly end up in a sing-song with someone called Niamh at 3am.
Top Activities
- Pub Crawl – Hit every bar on Shop Street (if you dare).
- Bubble Soccer Hilarious, high-energy chaos as you bounce, roll, and crash your way through a game of football inside giant inflatable bubbles.
- Pedal Power Hop on a pub-on-wheels, blast the tunes, sip a few, and pedal your way through the city with the lads.
Best Nightlife
- The Quays – Iconic, packed, and full of character.
- Coyotes – Expect shots and shenanigans.
2. Kilkenny – Medieval Mayhem
Why Kilkenny?
A proper Irish stag town—compact, full of pubs, and a solid mix of old-school charm and new-school madness. Perfect if you want everything walkable and a few embarrassing stories by Sunday.
Top Activities
- Hurling Experience – Fast, fun, and uniquely Irish.
- Brewery Tour – Pints and history? Say no more.
- Escape Rooms – Can the groom escape responsibility?
Best Nightlife
- Left Bank – Gorgeous bar with good energy.
- Matt the Millers – Live music and loose behaviour.
1. Carrick-on-Shannon – The King of Stags 👑
Why Carrick-on-Shannon?
If stag weekends had a throne, Carrick would be sitting on it with a pint in each hand. It’s compact, affordable, and everything is geared for groups of lads on the lash. You’ll meet at least 5 other stags and have the time of your life.
Top Activities
- Booze Cruise – Music, madness, and a floating pre-drinks.
- Cube Games – Hilarious and great for competitive groups.
- Bubble Soccer – Mayhem in a zorb ball.
Best Nightlife
- Murtagh’s Bar – Multiple floors, multiple hangovers.
- Dunne’s Bar – Full-on energy and great tunes.
- The Barrelstore – Where the night either ends… or escalates.
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of stag you’re planning—wild, chill, or somewhere in between—Ireland’s got a destination that’ll fit the bill (and test your liver). From booze cruises to axe throwing, The Mighty Stag sorts the chaos so you don’t have to.
🍻 Ready to lock in your 2025 stag weekend? Let’s make it legendary—contact The Mighty Stag today!