So you’ve been put in charge of planning the hen party have you? Lucky you! You get to choose all the fun things to do, places to stay, and memorable moments for the lovely bride-to-be. If you’re planning a hen party in Cork, you’ll also be utterly spoilt for choice!
At InstaTours, we love helping you craft your ideal hen party package in cities across the UK and Ireland. With a fabulous local guide, you’ll seek out the top photo spots in Cork (or elsewhere) to get the perfect IG-worthy snaps from your weekend away.
For now, let’s go through everything you need to know to plan the perfect hen party in Cork…
Why Choose Cork for a Hen Do
Cork is a fantastic destination for hen dos, with loads of fun to be had and all on a manageable budget as well.
What makes Cork so great? Well, we’re a tad bit cocky down here and like to view ourselves as the “real capital”. You’ll often see a map of Ireland split up into 2 sections: “Cork” and “Not Cork”. You can’t blame us for being proud of our quirky city!
Situated on the River Lee and just along the southwestern coastline, there are plenty of outdoor activities for you adventurous hens, alongside fascinating history, endless shopping, and tons of live music and nightlife to enjoy.
Cork is also the foodie capital, so you’re sure to find amazing eats and plenty of delightful drinking establishments. Looking for a pub crawl? No problem. Prefer a classy hen party with a VIP night out? Sorted.
Cork is for all styles of hen dos!
Things to Do in Cork for a Hen Party
There are endless possibilities for your hen party in Cork! From the moment you arrive, you can choose from glitz and glam or rowdy and fun.
Like we said, Cork is known as the foodie capital. So our first planning recommendation is that you can’t skip brunch! We’re actually working on a full list of Cork’s best brunch spots for hen dos, so be sure to check that out soon. And always make a booking in advance.
After brunch, obviously the best thing to do is take some pics with your chicks! Gather up the gals and join InstaTours for a Cork photo walking tour. You’ll learn some handy photography tips (if you’re keen) and we can show you around some of our favourite local spots in the city.
You’ll leave with loads of Insta-worthy content to make your pals back home jealous! And, of course, you’ll get fabulous group shots to remember these hen party moments forever. Because — odds are — you’ll be headed out that night to paint the town red. And you just might not remember so much the next day…
Making a whole weekend of your Cork hen party? Then we have loads of other suggestions for you!
Where to Go Shopping in Cork
Cork has such a wide array of shopping options that your hen party gals will surely enjoy. From vintage to vast, here are some of the top spots in Cork to go shopping with the girls…
- Mahon Shopping Centre: For endless retail therapy, perfect for poor weather days, too
- Opera Lane: A pedestrianised retail shopping street with a range of outlets
- Patrick Street: Cork’s longest shopping street
- Princes Street: Where you will find the famous English Market, a great spot for food
- Cornmarket Street: For St Peter’s Market, an ideal place for drinks
Things to Do Near Cork
Leaving the city centre could be just what you need after a night out with your hens. Get some fresh air and stretch your legs before another night out on the town.
Here are some fun, convenient spots to explore near Cork:
- Blarney Castle: Yes, it’s cliche, but, yes, it’s still fun! Go on and kiss the stone already.
- Fota House and Gardens: Enjoy a classy afternoon tea at this lovely 19th-Century Estate.
- Jameson Distillery at Midleton: Take a distillery tour and enjoy a tasting of everyone’s favourite Irish Whiskey.
Want to head even farther afield? Here are our favourite photo spots in West Cork that you should explore!
Unique Things to Do in or Near Cork
Looking for something a little extra special during your hen party? We love these ideas and highly recommend you check them out:
- Cocktail-making class
- Boat tours
- Coasteering
- Segway Polo
- Falconry
- Deep-sea fishing
- Luxury spa days…of course!
Best Accommodations for Hen Parties
Finding accommodations for hen parties in Cork is actually an easy task — if you know where to look!
You might want to stay in the city centre for convenience. After all, getting a group of hens out the door is no small feat, so the less time you need to spend traipsing back and forth between the accommodations and activities or bars, the better.
Alternatively, you may want to stay out of the fray and enjoy a more luxurious spa hotel getaway. This is a hen party — so go ahead and splurge.
We’re working on a whole list of recommended accommodation in Cork for hen parties. Choose from classy city centre hotels to super budget city centre hostels, or enjoy a luxury spa hotel or convenient budget option near the airport.
Whatever suits your group best, we have all the local insights and advice to make planning your Cork hen party easy. Get in touch for more customised information.
Cork Bars & Nightlife for Hen Dos
Cork nightlife rivals that of Dublin or Galway, so you’ll never be short of options for drinks out with the gals!
If you’re after an all-in-one solution, check out the Mardyke Entertainment Complex. There, you can go bowling, grab a karaoke pod, enjoy a delightful meal, and bounce between the three bars on-site.
A Cork classic, check out Sin é for a beautiful setting and traditional live music. Or head to An Brog to dance until you regret those heels you wore.
In the summer, check out the beer garden at Deep South. And don’t miss the cocktail list at Edison!
Looking for a wider array of options?
- Head to Oliver Punnett Street for plenty of great bars and lounges.
- Go to the Grand Parade for a classy evening out where you can choose from fancy cocktails or fabulous wine lists.
- Pembroke Street boasts a variety of excellent dining + cocktail spots!
Tips for Travelling to Cork
Cork is easily accessible from across Ireland & the UK, as well as from all of the EU. Regardless of where you’re coming from, arriving in Cork is seamless.
Cork Airport (use code ORK when searching online) is just a quick 20-minute drive into the city centre. As Ireland’s second-busiest airport, you’re sure to find cheap and convenient flight options from a wide variety of destinations.
If you’re wondering when to visit Cork, we highly recommend summertime. It’s the driest season and also when you’ll be able to enjoy beer gardens, rooftop bars, and outdoor fun on the water. There are also festivals and loads of live music to enjoy!
If you’re seeking the most budget-friendly time, however, that’s definitely the quiet winter months.
For getting around Cork City itself, don’t fret. Getting a group around can be a struggle, but Cork is remarkably walkable and easy to navigate. Wear comfy shoes during the day and plan for taxis if you’re not staying in the city centre but want a night out in heels.
We could go on and on about planning a hen party in Cork, but we’re going to stop here for now. Be sure to bookmark this guide, though! We’ll continue adding to it over time to make planning easy for you.
