Share
20th December 2016
12:10am GMT
We feel deeply for all the Maids of Honour out there. The poor crathurs have their work cut out organising the perfect hen. If it's shite it's all on them. If it costs a fortune it's their fault. If the bride is devastated by the choice the friendship could very well end up in tatters. The responsibility weighs heavy my friends.
But fret not, we're here to help with our pick of the very best hen-friendly activities in Dublin. We promise you they have something for everyone…
Vintage lovers can unleash their inner Marilyn with a Decade Darlings retro pin-up makeover and photoshoot.
Brides and hens can sit back and get pampered while sipping champagne, safe in the knowledge they’ll be 'only gorgeous' for when they hit the town after. Grand.
How many times have you heard Thriller on a night out and did an enthusiastic yet crappy version of the dance, wishing to God you knew all the moves? Well Kinetix Dance School in Rathgar can change all that.
Imagine the faces on everyone in the nightclub when you bust out your new moves? A respectful hush will fall and people will stare in amazement and buy you all drinks, dear ones. We promise.
Kinda.
Fantastic menu and private karaoke booths – Ukiyo on Exchequer Street is definitely the place to go for an excellent Japanese experience.
There are some pretty sweet packages available, costing between €45 and €55 they come with platters of starters, a main course, a cocktail (depending on the package), half a bottle of house wine per person and karaoke for two hours.
Tip: Screaming to Total Eclipse of the Heart is not only recommended, it's encouraged.
Channel Meryl Streep in The River Wild (without creepy Kevin Bacon, obv) by taking to the Liffey on a group rafting trip with Rafting.ie. Over 2.5 hours your group will travel downriver, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
Okay, while we admit that on a practical level there isn't much call for a pair of nipple tassels – not with our weather, at any rate – wouldn't it be nice to learn how to make them all the same? A skill is a skill sez you.
When Poppy Met Daisy is the place for crafty hen parties with just the right amount of brazenness – groups can make the likes of hats, garters, the aforementioned tassels and customised knickers, all while sipping a glass of bubbly.
Cooking parties are a great choice to break the ice and get hens chatting.
Dublin Cookery School hosts a number of tailored parties; kicking off with Prosecco and canapés, the party includes interactive demonstrations, hands-on cookery and at the end, chowing down on the delicious meal you’ve made with your own precious hands.
Tropical Popical nail bar on South William Street, well known for its kitschy fun approach to nails and cool interior, offers hen parties the chance to completely take over the nail bar. They're also known to be really, really sound.
Drink what you want (although God forbid you chose something other than hen stalwart bubbly) and listen to your own tunes, all while getting your nails did. And as an aside they even cater for stags – rather them than us!
