Your hen night is traditionally your last hurrah with your best girls before you walked down the aisle. But such a celebration requires a bit of thought and for those who want something a bit different from a standard night out in town, we have some alternative hen party and bridal shower ideas. These are particularly perfect for brides who don't want their celebration to consist of donning a sash and clad head to toe in fuchsia pink feather boas.
Causey Farm
For a uniquely Irish experience for your bridal shower, why not take a trip down to Causey Farm in County Meath. Get back to your Irish roots and have a giggle with the girls on a tractor trailer ride, chasing chickens, baking bread and of course, getting dirty in the famous Causey Farm bogs! Don't forget your wellies. There are complete packages on offer from €99 per person, which includes accommodation and the three-hour farm experience as well as other treats depending on which hotel you choose. The farm experience on its own is €35 per person.
A weekend in the country
If pubs and clubs aren't your thing, renting a house in the country for the weekend is a great way to get all your friends together for a more relaxed celebration, particularly if you have a lot of couple friends. During the day you can go for walks, to the beach or explore the local town. At night you can all cook a big meal and celebrate your friendships and your upcoming marriage with a few bottles of wine. Alternatively, you can mix the night club scene with the relaxed countryside and go out for your few bottles of wine.
Downton Abbey
For fans of the Victorian escapades of Downton, escape to Clonard House in Mullingar for a unique experience. Turn your bridal shower into a make-believe experience. Dress up as servants and ladies of the manor to participate in all manner of fun and games, Downton-style! The cost for this is €50 per person, witch includes lunch and afternoon tea, or €75 per person for an evening event which includes dinner.
Ready, aim, fire!
For a more action-packed bridal shower, have a go at clay pigeon shooting to really test your reflexes. Compete with your girlfriends for the title of the ultimate marks-woman with this exhilarating sport. No pigeons are harmed, but we can't say the same for the clay. Abbeyfield Farm in Kildare and Courtlough Shooting Grounds in Balbriggan both offer clay pigeon shooting, with prices starting at €35 per person.