Like them or loathe them, Hen and Stag parties are a part of the weekend social scene in Galway. Most weekends of the year you will see gangs of adults dressed in novelty outfits strolling from pub to pub in varying states of drunkeness. Below we wil outline some of the Pubs that are essential for that night of abandonment. However first a few words of warning.
Although dressing up is fun and adds to the occasion you may find yourself unable to gain entry to a large number of pubs. This tip particularly applies to stags who although they may find it hilarious that they are dressed up as sailors will find the doormen less than impressed. Although some may find this unfair, its what happens so be prepared if going out. Also extremely large groups will most likely be refused from most premises.
Considering most Hen and Stags are fairly sizeable groups, most will find comfort & space in Galway City's larger pubs.
The Skeff in Eyre Square is ideally suited for such a large group where you may even find room to sit together. A lively crowd is guaranteed at the weekends and this is a good starting point bearing in mind many of the City centre hotels are near here.
The Quays is another well worn stop on the Galway hen and stag party route. Enjoying a prime position in Quay street, the Quays is spread over different levels with an upstairs live music venue ideally suited to Stags and Hens who are over 30 years old.
The Kings Head is another nearly compulsory stop on any self respecting Hen or Stags big night. It gets insanely busy at the weekends so getting in before 10 is wise. Live bands and sometimes DJ's get the pre club crowd pumped up. It gets a bit quieter as the night winds on but the bar is open until 2am at the weeekends.
The Living Room is a large disco bar that keeps going until 2.30 at the weekends, an all important half an hour later that most bars at the weekend. The crowd is mostly in their 20's and the Living Room has a real party atmosphere so be prepared.
Coyotes Late Bar & Club opened in September 2008 are one of few pubs who openly welcome hens and stag parties. Groups can book space in the venue and packages are made to suit all groups. Also Burlesque hen party packages are available
Other regular Pub stops for Hen and stags include the Spanish Arch bar, Fibber Mcgees and Bazaar.
Lest we not forget that ye olde Stag night tradition - the Strip/lapdancing Club or as the Americans aptly call them "Titty Bars" . Galway is served by Le Club Paradis on Dominic Street, Stag groups can arrange parties beforehand or more likely gravitate towards there after a few beers. As well as the obvious attractions, fine cigars and high end drinks are also available.
As for the Clubs due to the age bracket of most parties, the sophisticated-Halo is the club of choice although Central Park and Karma are also popular destinations.
Other popular drinking based activities include a night at the Greyhound track in Galway City. There are two bars and two restaurants to choose from. Its also only a ten minute walk from the City Centre and can be the perfect start to a night on the town.Group deals available.
And for those who manage to make it through all that, then your reward is probably a takeaway. Galway has a few good ones but a sure bet in one of the two Charcoal grills in town. Below is a video from one of these which some Hen Parties may try to copy.