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20th December 2016
12:10am GMT
Hen parties don’t have to be all pink hummers and L-plates – why not use yours as an opportunity to indulge in a spot of pampering in one of the many fancy pants venues all across the country?
We’re thinking champagne on the terrace, afternoon tea in a luxurious period dining room, and outdoorsy excursions exploring parkland, river and beach.
So apologise to your bank account in advance, gather up your best gals and set the Sat Nav towards one of these five-star beauties:
Overlooking the Salmon River and fringed with mountains and trees, this Connemara dream castle is set in the most idyllic location imaginable.
Food and drink-wise, you wouldn’t even need to leave the resort. It’s got heaps of options, from a hearty pub lunch to a swanky meal in the gorgeous restaurant that looks out onto the river. And to keep you busy there are plenty of activities on-site, like clay pigeon shooting, fishing, hiking and cycling along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take. Us. There. Now.
The owner might be a bit of a prat, but that doesn’t mean we can’t acknowledge that his Doonbeg resort is absolutely incredible.
Set on its own little stretch of rugged coastline, the location alone has us coming over all faint. You and your girls will have the experience of your lives in this swank-fest, from the spa, to the dining options, to the nearby activities like surfing, dolphin watching and horse riding along the beach.
This Donegal resort has been voted the best hotel in Ireland numerous times, and it’s pretty easy to see why.
Overlooking the beautiful Lough Eske and surrounded by lush countryside, it’s the kind of place that’ll have you feeling like you’re on your ‘proper’ holidays.
And while the hotel’s accommodation is spot on, if you all want to stay together there’s the option of booking a private lodge that sleeps up to 26 and features private common rooms and tellies.
If you fancy spending your hen touring around the Ring of Kerry – and we can think of worse ways to be fair – Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare is the ultimate gaff to rest your heads.
Set on the seashore at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains, its setting is ridiculously good looking, while it delivers on the facilities front too; after a day of exploration you and your hens can chill in the spa, cocktail bar or restaurant.
And if you really want to push the boat out, there’s the option to book private dining too.
If your idea of a dream hen is lounging around a spa in a fluffy robe, or ‘taking’ afternoon tea with your fave ladies while reclining on period-style furniture, Castlemartyr won’t steer you wrong.
The resort’s Lady Fitzgerald afternoon tea has even been specially designed to be a “luxurious and decadent experience, channelling the vintage style and surroundings of the Downton Abbey era”. Ahm, yes please.
And if you want to take it a step further into Downton territory, you and your hens can take a genteel carriage ride across resort's 220-acres of parkland.
Nestled on a 600-acre peninsula by the lakeside, Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen is a brilliant spot for a hen.
There's the opportunity for loads of activities on the grounds and lake, like pony trekking, horse riding, cycling, boat rides or canoeing, while if you're not the outdoorsy types there are bars and restaurants, a fab spa and a great afternoon tea menu.
And as well as accommodation in the main hotel, there's the option of renting cosy private lodges on the grounds.
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