Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for a stag do. The pubs are legendary, the locals are friendly, the city centre is small enough to walk everywhere, and there is plenty to do during the day before the next night out. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great Dublin stag weekend: where to go out, what to do, how to get around and what to watch out for.
Why Dublin is perfect for a stag do
- Short flights from the UK and most European cities, and the airport is close to the city centre.
- Hundreds of pubs with live music, from tiny traditional bars to huge multi-floor venues.
- Everyone speaks English and the Irish are famous for making visitors feel welcome.
- A compact city centre, so you can walk between pubs, clubs and most activities.
- Great daytime options, from laser tag and paintball to the Guinness Storehouse and whiskey tastings.
Where to go out in Dublin
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is the most famous nightlife area in Dublin and the place most stag groups start. The cobbled streets between the River Liffey and Dame Street are packed with pubs, live traditional music and a party atmosphere every night of the week. The Temple Bar pub with its red front is the most photographed bar in the city. Expect crowds and higher prices than in the rest of Dublin, but for the first night of a stag do it is hard to beat.
Camden Street, Wexford Street and Harcourt Street
South of St Stephen’s Green, this strip is where many Dubliners go out. You will find big beer gardens, sports bars, live music venues and late bars, usually at better prices than in Temple Bar. Harcourt Street is home to Copper Face Jacks, known simply as Coppers, one of the best-known nightclubs in Ireland and a classic way to end a big night.
Traditional pubs
Make time for at least one proper old Irish pub. The Brazen Head on the quays claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland and has live music most evenings. Around Grafton Street and north of the Liffey there are many more traditional pubs where you can enjoy a perfect pint of Guinness away from the crowds.
What to do during the day
Most groups plan one main activity on Saturday afternoon. If your group likes to compete, go for laser tag, paintball or archery tag. If you want lots of laughs, bubble football or footgolf are perfect. For something more relaxed, a whiskey tasting or a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a must in Dublin, and clay pigeon shooting is a great choice for a more grown-up stag do.
A sample stag weekend in Dublin
Day 1
Friday: arrival and pub crawl
Land in Dublin, check in and have a good dinner. Start the night with a guided pub crawl through Temple Bar, so the group gets to know the best pubs without wasting time looking for them.
Day 2
Saturday: activity, dinner and the big night
Take it easy in the morning, then head out for the main activity in the afternoon. After dinner it is time for the big night: a party bus, a nightclub with a reserved area or a strip club, depending on what the stag deserves.
Day 3
Sunday: Guinness and recovery
Finish the weekend with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and a beer tasting, or a big Irish breakfast before the flight home.
Getting to Dublin and getting around
Dublin Airport is around half an hour from the city centre. Express coaches leave from outside both terminals around the clock, and taxis are easy to find. For a bigger group, a private transfer that takes you straight from arrivals to your accommodation is the easiest option. In the city centre you can walk almost everywhere, and taxis are cheap when split between a few people.
Practical tips for a Dublin stag do
- Pubs in Ireland close earlier than in many European cities, so start the night early and move on to a late bar or club after the pubs.
- Some bars and clubs refuse large stag groups or fancy dress, especially at weekends. Booking a package with entry for your group avoids problems at the door.
- Bring a photo ID, as bouncers often ask for it.
- Pack a rain jacket. Irish weather changes quickly, even in summer.
- Ireland uses the euro and cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Avoid the St Patrick’s Day weekend unless you want the busiest and most expensive weekend of the year.
Dublin stag do FAQ
How many days do you need for a stag do in Dublin?
Two nights is the most popular choice, usually Friday to Sunday. That gives you two big nights out and a full day for activities in between.
Where should a stag group stay in Dublin?
Stay as central as possible, ideally near Temple Bar, Grafton Street or Harcourt Street. You will be within walking distance of the pubs and clubs and will not need taxis at the end of the night.
When is the best time for a stag do in Dublin?
Dublin works all year round because most of the fun happens in pubs. Late spring and summer bring longer days and better weather for outdoor activities, while autumn and winter are usually quieter and cheaper.
How much does a stag do in Dublin cost?
It depends on your group size, dates and what you want to include. Send us your plans and we will prepare a free quote with all prices for your group.
Plan your Dublin stag do with a local team
We organise stag weekends in Dublin all year round. Tell us your dates, group size and what the stag likes, and we will put together the perfect plan with activities, nightlife and transfers, free and with no obligation.
