Westport, on Ireland’s scenic west coast, is a well-established and extremely popular location for hen and stag parties. As well as offering a gorgeous backdrop and a beautiful Georgian town centre, it is replete with bars, clubs, and tons of things to see and do for a perfect Irish knees-up. Here are 8 Westport hen party ideas to get you in the mood for a party.
Our Top Westport Hen Party Ideas
1. Chill out with a spa day
There are several excellent spas in town, including Spa Veda at the Westport Coast Hotel, and Spa Sula at the Castlecourt Hotel. We love the thought of a pamper day or weekend as a relaxing Westport hen party idea.
What could be better than meeting up with your besties and enjoying some quality time, while also chilling out, being massaged, having a sauna and/or swimming and being a lady of leisure? Plus, spas always give you those handy sliders you can keep afterwards. Who needs Yeezy’s when you’ve got spa sliders?
2. Live music for your earballs
Many of the town’s local pubs offer free live music every week, ranging from traditional to modern. If you’re looking for Westport hen party ideas, then nothing gets the evening started (or finished) quite like enveloping yourself in local culture and getting your toes tapping along with the sounds of Irish music and the stories and history that accompany the melodies and lyrics.
If you’ve never experienced being in an *actual* Irish bar with Irish music, then you’ve genuinely never lived. It’s an inclusive and immensely fun night out that shouldn’t be missed. Drink it in with some local whiskey and either well up with pride at your roots or wonder if you have some distant Irish relative you can claim as your own.
Some of our favourite spots in Westport are Matt Molloy’s (for something a bit more traditional), the Porterhouse (with music 7 nights a week), the Clock Tavern (for a slightly younger scene) and Cobbler’s Bar & Courtyard in the Wyatt Hotel.
3. Westport walking
Your feet are often the best way to get around a destination. Not only is it a great way to make sure you don’t miss anything, but it can also be very beneficial in terms of burning off some of those bacon boxty calories.
There are several options around town and, as a Westport hen party idea, this is a gentle and relaxing way to enjoy the town while getting a bit of insider information from local sources. The Georgian town centre is so beautiful, it’d be a shame not to make sure you see as much of it as you can. Besides, you can also use the time to ask for bar recommendations. You’re welcome.
4. Westport water sports
Now, now, that’s quite enough. You know that’s not what we meant. Westport, being located on the fabulous Atlantic coast, has access to the Atlantic (obvs) and the Carrowbeg River. Because of this, there are lots of active water-based sports to indulge in. Grab your wetsuit (or hire one at the venue) and hit up Westport Harbour for a spot of kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on your hen weekend.
Alternatively, you can test your mettle and have a right giggle at Adventure Islands and take on their water-based inflatable obstacle course. For active Westport hen party ideas, this venue has you covered. Losers are tasked with buying the first round at the bar once they’re back on firm ground.
5. Foodie heaven
Any decent Westport hen party idea MUST include time to taste the local produce…and Westport has some excellent options. From the famous Kelly’s black pudding to Ireland’s best 99 ice cream to the greatest bacon boxty (traditional west-of Ireland potato cakes) on the island – there’s something to satisfy every taste.
And if that wasn’t enough, did you know St Patrick had his own artisan small-batch beer? Mescan was the name of a monk, who also doubled up as Patrick’s personal brewer, and the beer that the Saint enjoyed is still made and sold locally today. St Patrick would want you to try it. Also, being coastal, Westport is also famous for its fabulous fresh seafood, so it really does stand up to other locations as an excellent foodie destination.
6. Play the pilgrims
For a truly memorable and adventurous hen party experience in Westport, why not consider conquering the iconic Croagh Patrick? This majestic mountain offers not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual journey, as it’s considered Ireland’s most sacred mountain. Imagine the thrill of ascending its rugged slopes, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of County Mayo and the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a bonding experience like no other, as you and your hen do group support each other through the ascent, cheering each other on to reach the summit. And once you reach the top, the sense of achievement and camaraderie will be unparalleled. Plus, you can reward yourselves with a celebratory picnic or a refreshing drink at the nearby pubs upon descending.
Out of all our Westport hen party ideas, this one is up there for difficulty but we think the rewards (and the views) are worth it.
7. Culture and craic
Everyone knows about the love of craic in Ireland and how much fun the locals can be. For a full day of culture and craic, hop on the bus tour of the same name to explore the heritage, culture, and folklore of Westport for the day. This tour will immerse you in local traditions, get you singing local songs, and educate you on the wonderful history of the area. As far as fun Westport hen party ideas go, this is up there with the best of them.
There are 7 main stops, which include Holy Mountain, Assleagh Falls, and Kilgeever Abbey to name a few. Cameras are a must.
8. Island hopping
If you like a more sedate afternoon or evening, why not join in a relaxing sightseeing cruise around Clew Bay as your pick from our Westport hen party ideas? The bay has approximately 365 islands, a seal colony, a lighthouse, a holy mountain, and an island that was once owned by John Lennon. If it’s good enough for a Beatle, it’s obviously good enough for your hen night.
The wild Atlantic coast has some of Ireland’s prettiest and most dramatic scenery and you and the girls can take it all in on a 90-minute boat trip. That leaves you plenty of time to head back to town and chat about the experience over a bottle of bubbly (or three) on your hen night out.
9. Cycle the Greenway
Picture this: pedalling through lush green landscapes, with the refreshing breeze of Clew Bay on your face and the majestic Croagh Patrick looming in the distance. It’s not just a bike ride; it’s a journey filled with laughter, camaraderie, and stunning views at every turn. Along the way, you can stop at charming villages like Newport and Mulranny, perhaps even indulging in a picnic overlooking the serene waters.
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or just looking for a leisurely hen do adventure, this last of our Westport hen party ideas offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, making it an ideal choice for an unforgettable hen party experience in Westport.
Conclusion
For a town with a population of just over 6000 people, it’s impressive how endless the Westport hen party ideas really are. There’s so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa day, an all-out active weekend on the water, or simply to enjoy the scenery, food and drinks that Ireland’s west coast has to offer, it’s difficult to go wrong in Westport.
If you’re ready to book your Westport hen do, then check out all of the items on offer to build your own package, or check out our list of pre-made Westport hen packages with the hand-picked best items!
