As the Best Man, you’ve been entrusted with the responsibility of planning an unforgettable Stag Do for your groom. This momentous occasion requires careful consideration and a deep understanding of the group’s dynamics. Our approach is straightforward: find activities that resonate with the groom’s personality while ensuring everyone else feels included and comfortable.
To help you achieve this, we’ve curated a list of reliable stag do ideas that cater to various tastes and preferences in Ireland and the UK. These tried-and-tested suggestions are designed to appeal to your crew and create lasting memories. With this in mind, let’s explore some of the most popular options and where to find them.
Match Fixture Weekend Away
For the ultimate weekend getaway, look no further than a sports-themed break. If your groom is an avid fan of a particular team or sport, why not plan a trip around their favorite game? With dedicated sports travel companies offering packages that include flights, accommodation, stadium tours and match day tickets, you can ensure a memorable experience for the groom and his friends.
In Ireland, consider Sports Breaks, Marathon Sports Travel, Cassidy Travel, or Celtic Horizon Tours for Gaelic football, hurling, or rugby matches. For UK and Northern Ireland, look to World Choice Sports, Gulliver’s Travel, Match Days, or Sporting Breaks for top-tier football, cricket, or Formula 1 events.
Photo by Rune Haugseng via Unsplash
Adventure Activity Weekends
For the thrill-seeking groom and his adventurous guests, a high-adrenaline activity weekend is an ideal way to break the ice and forge unforgettable memories. From obstacle courses and rock climbing to archery, clay pigeon shooting, rafting, zip lining, and even ancient hunting techniques, there’s a wide range of options to get hearts racing and spirits soaring! For those in Ireland and Northern Ireland, Walk on the Wild Side Adventures at Loughcrew Estate, Extreme Sports Ireland, Odd.
ie, and Rafting. ie are top choices. In the UK, Go Ape, Adventure Britain, Hunter Gatherer Cook, Preseli Venture, and Fury Events offer similar adrenaline-pumping experiences. And to capture the essence of this unforgettable getaway, take a cue from Pengyi Zhang’s Unsplash photo – let the rush of adventure be your guide!
Paintballing and Airsoft
For fans of Call of Duty, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a real-life battle scenario. Activities like paintball, airsoft, splashball, or bushcraft offer the perfect blend of teamwork, strategy, and adrenaline-pumping action. Donning protective gear, working together with fellow teammates, honing your aim, and testing your agility – it’s all part of the experience that brings the world of Call of Duty to life.
And for those in Ireland and Northern Ireland, options like Paintball Ireland, Special Ops, Redhills, and The Jungle are just a few of the many choices available. Meanwhile, fans across the UK can choose from names like Paintball Skirmish, Delta Force, Black Ops Bristol, and Dragon’s Lair Airsoft – each offering its own unique twist on the thrill of battle.
Boat and River Cruiser Trips
If you’re looking for an experience that’s off the beaten path, consider renting a boat and taking the helm for the weekend. Alternatively, book a spot on a vessel with onboard restaurants, bars, or activities to make your time on the water even more enjoyable.
For those in Ireland and Northern Ireland, there are several options available including the Shannon River, Silver Line Cruisers, La Peniche, Garavogue Stag Parties, and Lough Erne Cruisers.
Meanwhile, in the UK, you can explore the possibilities offered by UK Canal Boating, Oxfordshire Narrow Boats, Turks, and Thames Leisure Stag Party Boat Hire.
Image via Go Zorbing
Zorbing and Bubble Soccer
Imagine embarking on an unconventional adventure, one that defies the ordinary and promises a truly unforgettable experience. That’s exactly what a stag do can offer – a chance to get creative with activities that will leave you and your mates in stitches. Whether you’re zorbing across water or rolling down a hillside like a giant ball, playing bubble soccer or taking on an extreme sport, the possibilities are endless.
With options available for both on-location excursions and hires, you can customize your bash to suit your group’s unique style. So why settle for another night out when you can have an adventure that will be etched in memories forever? Ireland and Northern Ireland offer a range of fun-filled options through Funmanway Zorbing, Bubble Ball Ireland, Extreme Sports, and The Jungle, while the UK has its own selection of excitement courtesy of Go Zorbing, Zorb Soccer, and Vertigo Zorbing.
With a little creativity, you can turn your stag do into an unforgettable experience that will leave everyone grinning from ear to ear.
Go Karting and Driving Experiences
Unleash the thrill-seeker in you and your groom-to-be with an adrenaline-packed experience on the track! Imagine the rush of racing go-karts, navigating off-road terrain in a 4×4 beast, or even getting behind the wheel of a sleek supercar like a Porsche or Ferrari.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider these top-notch options: In Ireland and Northern Ireland, head to White River, Eddie Irvine Sports, Mondello Park, Kylemore Karting, or Extreme Sports Off-Road Driving for an electrifying ride. Meanwhile in the UK, Track Days and Rally Driving. co. uk offer heart-pumping excitement, while Xtreme Offroad 4×4 at Silverstone provides a unique test of skills.
With a backdrop of stunning landscapes and the roar of engines, these experiences are sure to leave you both grinning from ear to ear.
Take a Roadtrip
For a unique and memorable stag party experience, consider hitting the open road in a VW Camper or RV. This is particularly well-suited for smaller groups, as it allows for an intimate setting and plenty of opportunities to bond over shared adventures. Simply arrange a rental and map out a route that includes local hotspots such as beaches, pubs and breweries (with a designated driver, of course), hillwalking and cycling spots, or other tourist attractions that cater to your group’s interests.
For those planning a trip to Ireland or Northern Ireland, consider renting from Logybear Campervan Hire, Causeway Campers, or West Coast Campervans. If you’re looking to stay within the UK, Bunk Campers, Dub Tails, and Spaceships Rentals are great options. Don’t forget to snap some photos of your adventure – just be sure to give credit where it’s due!
Golfing Weekend
As a golf enthusiast, one of the most unique and exciting ways to celebrate a groom’s special day is by taking on one of Ireland or the UK’s many world-class golf courses. This activity caters seamlessly to all ages and even allows for a leisurely round after a night out celebrating. Imagine finishing your game with a triumphant toast on the 18th hole, surrounded by friends and family.
To get started, explore the extensive lists of golf courses in Ireland and Northern Ireland through Fly For Golf or discover the best English golf courses with Your Golf Travel. Whatever your skill level, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery and challenging holes to test your skills.
Go Racing
For an unforgettable stag weekend that doesn’t break the bank, consider combining it with a major horse racing event. This unique blend of camaraderie and adrenaline rush can be a real winner! With numerous premier events taking place throughout Ireland and the UK, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to planning your getaway.
From Galway’s iconic flat racing to Fairyhouse’s thrilling jumps, Punchestown’s renowned steeplechase, Cheltenham Festival’s prestige, Ascot’s glamour, or the Grand National’s sheer excitement, there’s an event to suit every stag’s style. Be sure to book accommodations well in advance, as hotels, B&Bs, and hostels tend to fill up quickly for these popular events.
Camping
Camping and glamping have gained immense popularity among stag party groups in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The idea of sharing drinks around a campfire, sleeping under the stars in a unique bell tent, tipi or yurt, and having outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and kayaking right at your fingertips is incredibly appealing. In Ireland and Northern Ireland, options like Rock Farm Slane, Pod Umna, and East Coast Adventure Glamping offer an unforgettable glamping experience.
Meanwhile, in the UK, destinations such as Lake District Yurts, North Star Club, Cool Camping, and Oaker Wood Leisure provide a range of camping experiences. The stunning visuals of these locations can be seen in the accompanying photo by Rita Gomes Oliveira via Unsplash.
Surfing Weekend
A seaside surfing mini-holiday is the ultimate way to celebrate a summertime stag party. For surf enthusiasts, this is a dream come true, but many surf schools are also happy to cater to beginners. Before booking, consider combining your trip with a musical festival like Sea Sessions in Ireland or Boardmasters and Gold Coast Ocean Fest in the UK. These events offer an added layer of excitement and entertainment.
For surf school options, Ireland offers Surf World, Lahinch Packages, and Alive Surf School, while the UK has Escape Surf School, King Surf, and Surfers World.
Scavenger and Treasure Hunts
For a party that’s both structured and spontaneous, consider organizing a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt. This activity is suitable for any group size or demographic, allowing guests to mingle and socialize while still having a clear objective to work towards. Creative types can even get involved in designing their own hunts, using the groom as inspiration if needed.
Alternatively, many companies specialize in tailor-made scavenger and treasure hunt packages that can be adapted to almost any location.
In Ireland and Northern Ireland, Treasure Hunts Ireland | Dublin Treasure Hunts offer bespoke experiences. For UK-based groups, X Marks The Spot | Hunt Fun provide similar services. With a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt, you can ensure your party has the perfect blend of structure and freedom.
Comedy Festivals and Club Nights
Kick off your stag party with a side-splitting comedy festival or club night that’s sure to delight both the groom-to-be and his mates. Ireland and the UK offer an abundance of venues and events, making it easy to combine with a weekend getaway. Consider some of these popular options: in Ireland, head to Cat Laughs, The Vodafone Comedy Festival, or The Laughter Lounge; while in the UK, check out Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, Magners Greenwich Comedy Festival, or The Comedy Store.
Whether you’re looking for laughter and good times with friends, a comedy festival or club night is an excellent way to get your stag party off to a fantastic start.
Casino Night
Want the excitement of Las Vegas without breaking the bank? You can replicate the vibe in various ways. For instance, you could host a poker night at home for your groom or organize a trip to a coastal destination with classic amusement park attractions. Alternatively, consider booking a casino package through an event planning company.
For those looking for an authentic Vegas experience without leaving Europe, options like Premier Fun Casino in Ireland and Northern Ireland offer a unique blend of entertainment and luxury. Meanwhile, the UK has its own share of excellent choices, including Poker Vision and Genting Nights.
[Photo by Evan Dvorkin via Unsplash]
Whiskey, Gin and Craft Beer Brewery Tours and Tastings
For an unforgettable stag weekend, consider an afternoon of sipping on your groom’s favorite drink, learning the ins and outs of its production process, or even crafting some unique concoctions of your own. Brewery and distillery tours, tastings, or DIY sessions offer a fantastic way to break up the celebrations, and can be easily incorporated into most stag itineraries.
In Ireland and Northern Ireland, urban brewing hotspots like Urban Brewing, Listoke Distillery and Gin School, Matt The Millers, Jameson Distillery, Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Whiskey Co., Dublin Whiskey Museum, and Bushmills Distillery offer an array of options. Across the UK, visit A Brewery, Brew Dogs, Meantime Brewing, The Scotch Whisky Experience, or Hothams for a similarly impressive selection.
And if you’re looking to shake things up with a mixed-gender party idea, why not go all out with wow-factor Airbnb rentals? We’ve got everything you need right here!
