"Alternative" stag party suggestions

castletownman

I am looking for suggestions or prior experiences as to where to have my stag party. Not getting married until May next year, but might have the "official" one after the GAA season at the end of this year, and one just locally closer to the day (a lot easier to organise and more intimate).

I am from north Wexford and the only parameter I have is that I want it to be within 2 hours of Gorey with a different spread of pubs. The basis being, it accommodates lads coming down on a Friday evening for one night, on the Saturday morning for one day, and it isn't too far a journey for those returning on a Sunday, or if a bus is hired. I had initially also said I wanted a stag in the UK but I feel it might be off-putting for those with young families etc, and the hassle of airports makes it a longer weekend.

I also have it in mind to go somewhere "off the beaten track" so to speak, towns that wouldn't ordinarily be stag destinations. Besides, of the common places within the radius I have assigned, I am getting married in Kilkenny City and have been there so often, and she is having her hen in Dungarvan so want somewhere different. Carlow Town might as well be local so ruling that out, not mad on Waterford City, and Dublin isn't worth the price you'd be paying.

A place that popped into my head last night is Navan. Anyone have any thoughts? It'd be a large town that fits my criteria, but have never so much as had a pint in it before. Would it be a stag-friendly town? Definitely fits my other criteria of a place I haven't heard people going to for stag parties. Is there much accommodation?

Can anyone provide any other suggestions?

dedaw

Off the beaten track and localish?.....Mullingar maybe? Was on a one night stag there years ago. Decent night out. Went to the dogs first, which was a bit of a laugh.

Or maybe Athlone? Bit more of a stag destination but good selection of pubs and easy enough for lads to get to and out of.

pooch90

I'm originally from in between Navan and Mullingar. Both pretty much the same tbh! Though Navan would be easier for people to get to from Wexford.

Navan has plenty of hotels, Newgrange is very central, The Central bar is a nice spot for food and drinks.

buried

If you are thinking about Navan and going up that direction I would recommend Carlingford in Co. Louth. I've been to two stags there and they were all great craic. Its a small town but it has a vibrant nightlife, good pubs, good breakfasts and everybody I met on both occasions were top class. Good outdoor activities too, but I was too 'unwell' to go to any of them.

Pinoy adventure

Finglas

2ndcoming

Tallaght ticks a lot of your boxes.

Seriously though I think you're overthinking it or just being awkward for the sake of it. Navan and every other town like it within 60 miles of Dublin (including Gorey) are more or less satellite towns. The locals will know each other and you won't know them, you won't know where the craic is, you'll just be strangers in a vaguely familiar town where everyone will look similar to people you know but a little different. It will probably end in a fight. It's the Springfield v Shelbyville situation.

No need to reinvent the wheel, go somewhere like Carrick / Dublin / Galway / Westport or any of the other established stag hosting towns where your presence will at least be understood or else if you want quirky hire a big house or one of those rent-a-pub places you see on Airbnb in the actual middle of nowhere.

amdublin

Trim, Co Meath

Why are you having two stag parties btw??

castletownman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118759705#Comment_118759705

Having one stag weekend for friends, and another separate night out closer to the date for older family members and others who can't make the initial stag. To bid farewell to my freedom.

I do take some of the recommendations on board re. overthinking it. It's the way I am sure 😂