AreaOne Urban Journal

As wedding season kicks off and plans for stag & hen parties get underway drinkaware.ie has the ideal guides to help stressed bridesmaids and unorganised groomsmen plan the perfect party for the bride or groom to be.

The guides have valuable tips on planning the ideal hen or stag do including 10 original party ideas, reviews of various hen and stag party locations both home and abroad, advice on transport for the weekend, tips on how to pace yourself to ensure you remember the party for all the right reasons plus a handy checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly in the run up to the Big Day. 

Compiled by editor of Irish Brides Magazine, award-winning journalist Jillian Bolger the guides are available to download free on the drinkaware.ie website.

Fionnuala Sheehan, Chief Executive of drinkaware.ie said, "There are so many options for stag and hen parties from surfing, luxury camping, go-karting, farm adventures, dance classes and paint-balling, there's no reason to make drinking the only activity. I'd encourage those charged with organising the party to download our guide and plan a party worth remembering!"

Just some of the advice available in the drinkaware.ie 

Stag & Hen Survival Guides:

1. Down on the farm - City girls will love a day on the farm. www.causeyexperience.com.

2. Wet and wild - Take an adventure on the high seas with a sailing or surf adventure. 

3. And they're off - Get glammed up for a day at the races or a night at the dog track.

4. Horse play - Hop in the saddle and embrace the open air on an equestrian themed weekend. You can combine cooking classes or spa treatments too. www.castleleslie.com

5. Picture perfect - Get creative with a group art or craft activity that's fun and relaxing. Check out www.artjam.ie and www.thepotteryshed.ie.

6. Domestic goddesses - Enjoy a private cookery lesson where you eat your results - you can even stay over to sleep it off! www.ballyknocken.com and www.tannery.ie  

7. Teatime treats - Dress to impress and book afternoon tea at a beautiful hotel. Perfect for pregnant hens, or when mums, aunties and younger cousins are coming along. 

8. Glamp it up - Stay in gorgeous yurts (bell tents - furnished with king sized beds and a wood burning stove) and toast marshmallows on a campfire at night. www.teapotlaneluxurycamp.com.

9. Pamper party - Check in to a hotel for the night and block book the spa. Swan around in robes and ensure everyone enjoys a relaxing treatment. Dancing queens - Have fun mastering a new set of dance moves before hitting the clubs later.

Great places to host a hen party at home       

Carlingford - Spend the day at the local adventure centre before a fun night out in this lively medieval town. 

Kilkenny - A great town for a varied weekend, dress up for the races at Gowran Park or  hit the track for some karting before checking out the lively nightlife. www.gowranpark.ie.

Dingle - Book self-catering houses in this stunning town, explore the beaches on horseback and take a boat trip to meet Fungi the Dolphin. www.dingledolphin.com.

Donegal - Energetic hens will love the activities on Donegal's doorstep. Enjoy the rugged scenery on foot, horse, or surfboard before a spa session and great night out.

10 original stag party ideas

Real life Rambo - Get ready for battle with a trigger-happy session of paintballing. Blast your buddies, test your teamwork and fire plenty of ammo in the quest for military dominance.

Grand Prix on water - Part plane, part jet ski, and no brakes, solo hovercrafting is fun, fast and furious. The track covers land and lake and you'll be kitted out in all the safety gear as you hit full throttle. See www.odd.ie to book.

The name's Bond - Get spruced up for a night at the casino. Card sharks can hit the blackjack and poker tables with beginners trying their hand at roulette. 

Fore! - Hit the fairways for a round of golf with the boys. It's a great way to include dads and uncles and allows for plenty of showing off. Take aim - Show your competitive streak with a spot of clay pigeon shooting outdoors. There's nothing like a rifle and kickback to get the adrenaline flowing. 

Ole, ole, ole - Arrange the party to coincide with a fixture starring the stag's favourite team. Think rugby, GAA or Premier League and hit the stadium en masse. Now all you have to do is hope your team wins... 

Have a laugh - There's nothing better for breaking the ice than a good old belly laugh. Check which comedians are on tour then bag prime tickets for a sellout show. If you've  left it too late see who's performing at your local comedy club. 

Take a punt - Head to the races or dog track for a flutter. Get everyone to back a different beast so at least one of you will clean up in every race! 

Wet and wild -Head west for a surfing holiday on the high seas. Book in for lessons, stay in self-catering accommodation and check out the local hot spots. 

Starter's orders - Petrol heads will dig a day behind the wheel of anything speedy. Think go karting, quad racing, 4X4 off-roading or even blindfold driving. Check out www.xtreme.ie for loads more options.

Great places to host a stag party at home       

Belfast - Burn some energy with a session of zorbing and paintballing in the woods of Magherafelt. Head back to the Northern capital for a slap-up dinner and late night clubbing. www.thejungleni.com

Cork - Hit the Rebel County's lakes for a spot of angling or round of golf. After a chilled out day return to the 'Real Capital' with its top restaurants and lively night life. 

Achill Island - Get the boys island-bound for an adventure on rugged Achill. Book in for  kite surfing lessons and stay at Pure Magic's purpose-built lodge and kite centre. www.puremagic.ie  

Athlone -  Take advantage of Athlone's River Shannon location and indulge in some high  octane water sports or chilled out cruising.