From Carrick To Copenhagen – These Are THE 7 Best Stag Destinations In Europe
From Prague to Porto, the party is on!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned wedding guest, the stag-do will be the most highly-anticipated event in the pre-wedding calendar.
Choosing a suitable location that ticks your group requirements will be crucial to the overall success of the weekend. If you’re a groomsman planning the party on behalf of the main man himself, be sure to suss out his perfect vision of the ultimate lads trip.
It’s also wise to factor the following considerations into your brainstorming session; budget per person, the average age of attendees, the time of year, available transport links, local attractions, and activities.
To help ease the burden, these are THE top seven stag destinations across Europe. For the stereotypical party animal, to the more refined gentleman, there’s a location to suit everyone.
Carrick on Shannon
A budget-friendly alternative for those who aren’t keen on the jet-setter lifestyle, a jaunt to Carrick is a fantastic option for all ages. A hidden gem in county Leitrim, yet not a million miles away, this town is a great all-rounder.
There is no shortage of outdoor activities to stimulate the adventurer, from zorbing and quad biking, to kayaking and clay pigeon shooting.
Plus, if you’re on a tight budget, there is plenty of self-catering accommodation options that will help keep the cost per person to a minimum.
Perks: Easy on the wallet & dad-friendly.
Prague
Dubbed the new 'Dam, the stag-do is still in its infancy in Prague. This means your group can enjoy the perfect concoction of cultural delights and naughty nightspots.
By day, wander through the winding streets admiring the wonderful architecture and inhaling the wafting smell of the city’s mouth-watering delicacy; the Trdelnik.
As night falls, the fun begins. Pub crawls in Prague are legendary. A ticket costs around €22 per person and includes entry into one of the city’s biggest nightclubs with on-site ice bar. Beer is an absolute bargain also at around €1 per pint. Score!
Hot tip: Beware of pick-pockets in busy tourist hotspots.
Best time of the year to go: Late spring or early autumn to avoid the soaring summer temperatures.
The Cotswolds
Renowned for its breath-taking scenery, The Cotswolds is an ideal destination for the more mature and sophisticated groom-to-be. Home to some of the best golf resorts in the UK, the region also boasts a variety of deluxe country manors – the perfect combination for a more subdued retreat.
If money isn’t an obstacle and you fancy a flutter on the horses, coordinating your stay with a visit to Cheltenham will be a huge tick off your bucket list.
No doubt the competition will be fierce in the fashion stakes, so don’t forget to pack for the occasion! A dapper suit with coordinating pocket square or blazer and trousers combo should do the trick nicely.
Best time of the year to go: March for the Cheltenham Festival or July for the Cotswold Beer Festival.
Island of Pag
Ibiza and Magaluf are old news on the clubbing circuit. It’s all happening in Pag – and at a fraction of the price. Situated just off the coast of Croatia, Pag is the island that never sleeps. A must for young and lively groups seeking some fun in the sun, the world’s top DJs play at an array of open air clubs along the strip at Zcre Beach. If you can stomach a few day-time activities following a hard night’s partying, a booze cruise on the Adriatic is highly recommended.
Best time of the year to go: Late June for Hideout Festival.
How to get there: Fly Dublin to Zadar. A bridge connects mainland Croatia to the island allowing you to travel by bus from around €7. You can also catch the ferry for approximately €17pp.
Liverpool
Two grooms can only mean twice the fun. So when it comes to the stag, a short trip overseas is highly recommended. The vibrant Stanley Street Quarter is Liverpool's beating heart of UK's LGBT party scene and place to seriously let loose. Exuding quirk and colour from every pore, the mirage of cobbled streets lead to some of the best cocktail bars imaginable. A flawless choice for a stag party in the city.
Play & Stay: Aloft Liverpool.
Porto
The diverse and charming city of Porto is not a match for a weekend of wild antics. This chilled region is a paradise for the water sports enthusiast. Sitting along the River Douro, stag parties can enjoy activities such as surfing, kayaking and yachting by day.
By night, socialise whilst sipping the many craft beers on tap and soaking up the mild atmosphere.
Perks: Portugal is a relatively short and hassle-free flight from both Ireland and the UK.
Copenhagen
Carlsberg don't do stag parties, but if they did...Similar to Prague, Copenhagen is becoming hugely popular as an alternative stag destination. A cultural mecca with much more to offer than just nightlife and underground nightclubs, the city is equally beautiful and distinctly cool. Roam the city’s streets whilst appreciating the many microbrewery pubs and the unofficial ‘Vesterbro’ hipster area. A trip to the world-famous Carlsberg brewery is a must - it would be rude not to.
Perks: Compact city and easy to navigate for a short stay.
