If you are a bride-to-be, your hen party is always something to look forward to. Your 'bride tribe' plan it meticulously... the activities, the location, the party games, the drinks (!!) But hen parties have looked very different in recent months. A lot more virtual hen dos and little chance of planning a night away together. Hopefully, all that will change very soon so I have put together a few ideas for overnight accommodation if you are planning your hen do in Northern Ireland.
Banoge House, Donaghcloney
I had the pleasure of visiting this charming country house last summer. Only 40 minutes from Belfast, the house itself is suitable for up to 24 guests which makes this a perfect place to get your hens together under one roof and spend the weekend catching up!
The gardens at Banoge House are stunning and HUGE and you will have them exclusively for your group when you hire the entire house. With lots of living space including two reception rooms, large kitchen, dining room, internal courtyard as well as the bedrooms and many bathrooms, there is plenty of room inside and out to set up any hen party activities you have planned and of course, you will have a hot tub for pampering too (on request).
Only 15 minutes from Banbridge and The Boulevard for shopping. There are also some local take aways that will deliver to the door for a girlie night in. You can see more from my visis in my Banoge House highlights on Instagram as this place really has to be seen to be believed.
Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo, Enniskillen
Now for anyone who follows me, you will know how much I love Corralea Centre. The centre offers amazing experiences including their ECO-SPA (yes, an amazing wood-fired hot tub and sauna experience hidden in the forest overlooking Lough Macnean- ultimate serenity right there). Other activities include canoeing, electric bike hire, archery and climbing so plenty for your hens to do!!
Corralea has four self catering cottages which accommodate up to 6 guests (depending on the cottage). As well as all the outdoor activities and pampering onsite, there is so much to do nearby too that you could make it a whole weekend of it! Explore Marble Arch caves, try the new hydrobikes in Enniskillen, hire a boat or just head to Enniskillen for some retail therapy.
Corralea are offering a great value hen package weekend including 2 nights accommodation with a full day of activities included as well as use of their tipi, firepits, BBQ and lake swimming from £160pp AND the hen stays free with groups of 9 guests or more. They also have a great day package available. For more info, visit their website or contact them directly. Don't forget to mention Staycations NI at the time of booking!
Larchfield Estate, Lisburn
For a luxury hen party, look no further than Larchfield Estate. Larchfield sits amidst the countryside on over 600 acres of forest, woodlands and rivers. A rural, peaceful setting and absolute indulgence for your group.
Accommodating up to 37 guests across 17 rooms, Larchfield have a range of 1 and 2 night hen party packages available or you can create your own bespoke hen package with a range of activities available including afternoon tea, yoga, cocktail making (my personal favourite) and various workshops.
Ralph's, Moira
This luxury guesthouse in the heart of Moira has a great offering for hen parties. The walled courtyard to the rear with marquee is ideal for a private celebration and is available for hire (maximum 25 guests). This area includes indoor and outdoor stoves, hot tub, a self-stock bar, fridge, freezer and seating inside and out and hot tub hideaway. Live music welcome (subject to current guidelines).
Stay over in one of their private rooms separate to the main property with breakfast the following morning and of course you right in the heart of Moira for eating out or visiting the local pub. Party package including bed & breakfast accommodation from £75 per person sharing.
Lisnacurran Country House, Dromore
Just 10 minutes from Lisburn, this four star accommodation welcomes groups of up to 25 guests. Rustic styled room 'The Storehouse' is available for private hire. Offering cocktail masterclasses, afternoon tea, buffet dinners, beauty treatments and more, get your hens together and enjoy an overnight stay in their luxury guest rooms or book The Barn- a 4 star self-catering accommodation for up to 7 guests. Hot tub, patio area and firepit situated in the garden pavilion close by to enjoy too.
Private party packages with BYOB and hot tub with no overnight stay requirement also available.
Central Belfast Apartments
When all the bars and restaurants are allowed to re-open, maybe you'll choose a great night out in Belfast for your hen party. With lots of activities available in or near the city centre and an abundance of cracking places to eat and drink, all you need is somewhere fabulous to stay with your hens. For me, it would have to be one of the 5 bedroom penthouses from Central Belfast Apartments. Contemporary feel, open- plan living area, balcony with seating, upper level mezzanine with seating and city views overlooking the Lagan for a memorable city centre stay.
For more information about the accommodation featured or to book, visit their websites or contact them directly. Best rates and packages only available when you book direct.
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Photo credit: Instagram