Ireland has several good stag towns, but for groups flying in, Dublin is the easy choice: the biggest airport, the most pubs and the widest choice of activities, all within walking distance of each other.
Ireland at a glance
5.1m
people live in Ireland (Census 2022)
1.46m
live in County Dublin
36.4m
passengers at Dublin Airport in 2025
€
the euro (Belfast uses the pound)
~2h40
drive from Dublin to Galway
Where to have a stag do in Ireland
🍀 Dublin
The capital and the biggest choice: hundreds of pubs, late clubs, Guinness, whiskey and activities from laser tag to clay shooting.
🎻 Galway
A lively west-coast city of about 86,000 people, known for its pubs and music – just under 3 hours from Dublin by train.
🏰 Kilkenny
A small medieval city about 1h40 from Dublin, and the original home of Smithwick’s.
⚓ Cork
Ireland’s second city, about 3 hours from Dublin, with hourly trains to Dublin Heuston.
🇬🇧 Belfast
About 2 hours north, but in the UK – so prices are in pounds sterling, not euros.
Why most groups choose Dublin
Getting there
Easiest to reach
Dublin Airport handled a record 36.4 million passengers in 2025, and the city centre is about 30 minutes away by coach.
Nightlife
Most choice
From Temple Bar to Camden and Harcourt Street, you can walk between pubs, late bars and clubs.
Activities
Everything in one place
Laser tag, paintball, go karting, bubble football, clay shooting, Guinness and whiskey – all close to the centre.
Good to know in Ireland
🕦 Pub hours
Pubs close at 23:30 Mon–Thu, 00:30 Fri–Sat and 23:00 on Sundays. Late bars and clubs can stay open to 2:30.
🛒 Shop alcohol hours
Off-licences sell alcohol 10:30–22:00 (Sundays from 12:30).
🚫 No drinking in the street
Drinking in public places is banned in Dublin city – stick to pubs and their licensed terraces.
🌧️ Pack a rain jacket
Dublin has rain on about 137 days a year, even in summer.
💶 Euro, not pounds
The Republic of Ireland uses the euro. Only Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling.
Dublin stag favourites
FAQ
Where is the best place in Ireland for a stag do?
For most groups it is Dublin: the easiest flights, the most pubs and the widest choice of activities. Galway and Kilkenny are smaller, quieter alternatives.
Is Belfast part of Ireland?
Belfast is on the island of Ireland but in Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. It uses pounds sterling.
How far is Galway from Dublin?
About 2h40 by car, or just under 3 hours by train from Dublin Heuston.
Do you organise stag dos outside Dublin?
We specialise in Dublin, where we can organise activities, nightlife and transfers for the whole group.
