Stag & Hen's Survival Guide

Before you cast off the shackles of singledom, there's still one thing that must be done, and that is to give yourself over to friends for the obligatory Stag and Hen night. Tradition dictates that sallow-skinned hens need only a day at a spa followed by some retro disco dancing and a few innocent 'dares'.

Stags, meanwhile, demand the rugged outdoor life as befits their manly stature. We're talking paintballs, war games and a spot of mountain boarding followed by a heavy drinking session in several accepting hostelries.

It's the Grease Summer Lovin' synopsis writ large... and who are we to argue when Northern Ireland's Stag & Hen scene can give you it all.

For the Stags (or feisty Hens) Jungle Paintball (see listing), Try Skirmishing (t., Surfin' Dirt (t. and Todd's Leap (t. are all great action places at which to work up a sweat. And Hens (or metrosexual Stags) can contact any hotel and be assured of a spa option - either in house (Culloden (t. , Slieve Donard (t. and Radisson Roe (t. are particularly outstanding) or at a nearby beauty clinic. A stroll down Belfast's Lisburn Road will also unveil a few good spa options.

For those of you willing to go off-menu, why not indulge in a Choc-O-Bloc Chocolate Workshop or Paint Me Glaze Me art class with a difference and make your very own hen or stag souvenir (see listings).

And, no matter what your daytime activity of choice, there are just some things you simpy can't avoid. Sexy and silly accessories can be found at Bliss and hot wheels can be hired at Party Piglets (see listings). And check out our Nightlife section for the best bars and clubs in which to shake your booty. Ring ahead to ensure you can get in with a group - some clubs may even offer free VIP entry if you're super nice.

Belfast and beyond is getting used to the sight Stag & Hen revellers (Scotsmen must wear kilts - it's the rule), so get here soon to experience what may well be the best pre-marital night out of your life.

Still not convinced... here's a snippet from Alison Jones, a Cork Hen who - with our help - had the nght of her life right here in Belfast...

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for helping me arrange our hen party in Belfast.  It was a huge success and it’s safe to say all 18 of us had a fantastic weekend.  Most are saying they’d definitely come back again.
 
Friday night we started in Laverys where we met Tom the 81 year old singing legend!  We then ended up in Benedicts and M Club.  Brilliant atmosphere for a hen party, we even won a dancing competition!
 
Saturday we started off on cocktails in The Apartment, then continued in Robinsons and The Crown Bar.  We managed the Water Margin, then up to the Duke of York followed by the Northern Whig, Bar Bacca (loved this bar) then La Lea.

Everybody is raving about what a good weekend it was so again thanks for all of your work.  I hope to be coming back to Belfast very soon..