Chic Ways to Celebrate with Your Bridal Party

Spa Days

Wedding planning can be a whirlwind, so swap spreadsheets and seating plans for fluffy robes and uninterrupted relaxation. Treat the bridal party to a spa day at one of Ireland’s luxury five-star hotels, like Carton House or Powerscourt Hotel, where soothing massages, revitalising facials, and indulgent body treatments offer the perfect chance to switch off.

Gianni Di Natale Photography

Make a day of it by booking time in the thermal suite, unwinding in the relaxation room or taking a dip in the pool between treatments. It is the ideal choice for a bride who would rather recharge with her favourite people than fill the day with a packed itinerary.

Vintage Bus Tour

Forget booking a restaurant table and watching the clock. Vintage Tea Trips lets you take the party on a sightseeing adventure through Dublin, all from the comfort of a beautifully restored vintage double-decker bus. Enjoy tea, coffee and tasty treats as you pass some of the capital’s best-known landmarks, with the city providing the backdrop to your celebrations. It is a particularly good choice for a group with guests travelling from different parts of Ireland or abroad, as it offers a fun introduction to Dublin without anyone having to organise the route. Expect plenty of conversation, a few photographs and a memorable experience that combines a city tour with a proper afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea

Put on your favourite occasionwear and indulge in a sophisticated afternoon tea. The Merrion Hotel’s Art Afternoon Tea brings a creative twist to the tradition, with delicate pastries inspired by the hotel’s impressive art collection. For something with a different flavour, the themed Tanqueray Afternoon Tea in the glass-ceilinged Atrium Lounge offers an elegant setting for an afternoon of treats and conversation.

This is a lovely option for a bridal party that enjoys the finer things, from beautifully presented petit fours to a perfectly poured cup of tea. Add a dress code, gather everyone around the table and make the most of an occasion that feels wonderfully grown-up.

Pink Afternoon Tea

For the bride who believes more is more, Pink Restaurant on Dublin’s South William Street is a colourful choice for a pre-wedding get-together. Swap traditional afternoon-tea surroundings for a vibrant setting that suits a playful, pink-themed celebration. Expect a tempting spread of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, with plenty of opportunities to make the occasion your own. Coordinate pink outfits, ask everyone to arrive in their favourite statement look or simply embrace the restaurant’s colourful atmosphere. It is a brilliant option for a bridal party that wants the photographs to be as much a part of the experience as the food, with a setting that brings plenty of personality to the day.

Craft & Sip Events

Give everyone something to take home beyond the photographs with a craft-and-sip session. An interactive event like Sparkle & Sip at BrewDog in Dublin’s Docklands combines hands-on creativity with drinks and socialising, offering a welcome alternative to the usual dinner or cocktail gathering.

The best part is that you don't need to be particularly artistic to join in. The focus is on having fun, trying something new and enjoying a little friendly conversation while you create. It is also a great icebreaker if members of the bridal party have not all met before. Pair the session with food or drinks afterwards for a relaxed, sociable celebration that feels a little out of the ordinary.

Needle & Thread Workshop

Why not learn a skill that could come in handy long after the hen party? Darla Haute Couture and VANA Alterations have partnered to offer workshops where the bridal party can try something new while picking up practical skills for the wedding day itself. From fixing a loose button to tackling a last-minute wardrobe mishap before the photographs, you could become the group’s very own emergency repair team. It’s a chance to get creative, have a few laughs and learn something useful together. After all, every bride needs a calm head and a clever pair of hands when the big day surprises you!

Bars & Restaurants

Sometimes, all you need is a good table, excellent food and a few hours with your favourite people. For a stylish, drinks-led gathering, Bobby’s Wine & Champagne Bar on Baggot Street Upper offers a place to raise a glass to the bride-to-be, while The Woollen Mills beside the River Liffey offers a welcoming spot for a meal that can stretch into a leisurely afternoon or evening. Rather than organising a full schedule of activities, let the food and company take centre stage.

Raise a glass of champagne, order a selection of sharing plates, or book dinner before heading elsewhere for the evening. This is an easy option for a group with different tastes, budgets, and schedules, as you can tailor the celebration to suit everyone.

Private Mezzanine

For a hen party that deserves its own little corner of the city, consider booking a private mezzanine at The Merchant’s Arch. With exclusive space, private bars, and bespoke group menus overlooking the Temple Bar area, it offers the buzz of Dublin nightlife without the competition of a crowded bar. It's especially appealing for larger groups that want to settle in for the evening, enjoy drinks together, and celebrate at their own pace. Arrange a dedicated food menu, plan a few speeches, or surprise the bride with a personalised cocktail to make the gathering feel more private. You get the atmosphere of a night out, plus the added bonus of a space reserved just for your group.

Country Manor

Trade the city streets for winding country lanes and make the celebrations a destination in themselves. An elegant country house, such as Cashel Palace Hotel or Sheen Falls Lodge, offers a beautiful setting to gather the bridal party away from the everyday rush. Depending on the venue's available packages, you could organise a long lunch, drinks on an outdoor terrace, a leisurely afternoon exploring the grounds or an overnight stay that turns the occasion into a mini escape.

This option suits a smaller group that wants to spend meaningful time together rather than rush between activities. With luxurious surroundings and the countryside on your doorstep, the celebration can unfold at a slower pace, giving everyone the chance to relax and enjoy the run-up to the wedding.