🎀 The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Classy Hen Party in Northern Ireland (2025 Edition)

Angeline Murphy
Nov 18
3 min read

Planning a hen party can be overwhelming - especially when you’re trying to organise something that feels fun, classy, and memorable for everyone involved. Whether your bride wants something chilled and meaningful or a full weekend of experiences, Northern Ireland is packed with gorgeous, unique options that go way beyond the typical night out.

If you’re searching for classy hen party ideas, alternative hen party activities, or the best hen do inspiration, this guide is for you.

1. Start With the Bride’s Vibe

Before you plan anything, decide on the vibe:

✨ Classy & relaxed — think crafts, afternoon tea, cosy Airbnb nights
🌿 Outdoorsy & adventurous — forest walks, glamping, sea dips
😂 Fun & silly — games, cocktails, dancing
🧵 Sentimental — memory-making, personalised keepsakes

Tip: Create a simple WhatsApp poll for the group — it makes decisions so much easier.

Bride at our fun, crafty hen party. — Beautiful Bride: Quilt Making Hen Party, Carlingford.

2. Choose a Gorgeous Northern Ireland Location

NI is packed with beautiful hen-do destinations:

Belfast

Perfect for city hens who want bars, restaurants, and an activity like a crafty hen party workshop all in one place. My most recent hen party was in Cafe Parisien, Belfast.

North Coast / Portrush / Portstewart

Great for sea lovers and Instagram girlies — sunrise swims, coffee shops, beach walks.

Fermanagh & Tyrone

Cosy lodges, lakes, hot tubs, and peaceful countryside settings.

Newcastle / Mournes

Ideal for outdoorsy brides who love nature and stunning views. A recent crafty hen party I hosted was in a beautiful Air B&B location outside Rostervor.

3. Add a Classy, Alternative Activity Everyone Will Love

A hen party is at its best when the whole group - mums, aunties, teens, friends - can join in and feel included.This is exactly why crafty hen parties are growing in popularity across NI and Ireland.

Crafty Hen Workshops (My Most Popular Options):

🧵 Memory Quilt Party

Multigenerational, meaningful, and emotional. Every guest contributes a “square of love.” Every hen stiches up a unique patch and I take the patches away and stitch it up to a wonderful quilt which is posted to the bride before the big day.

🎀 Garter-Making Workshop

A fun, classy twist on a wedding tradition. Perfect ice-breaker and great for all ages and skills. I provide a range of beauiful trims and beads to create a unique and fun garter bespoke to each hen.

📚 Hen Party Scrapbook (or Crapbook!) Workshop

Silly, sentimental, and full of inside jokes. Perfect paired with prosecco.

Crafty workshops are ideal because:

✔ Everyone can get involved

✔ No craft skills needed

✔ Great for Airbnbs, hotels, or homes

✔ The bride gets a personalised keepsake

✔ Fun for photos and reels

✔ A brilliant alternative to typical hen do activities

Available across Northern Ireland, Ireland & UK on request.

Classy bride hen party — Classy hen party

More details of my crafty hen parties can be found here

4. Plan Simple, Stress-Free Food Options

You don’t need catering for a classy hen - keep it easy:

Afternoon tea delivery
Charcuterie boards
Cocktail kits
Graze boxes
DIY fizz + nibbles station

Tip: If your group is travelling, pre-book delivery so it arrives after your activity.

5. Add Personal Touches

The little things make the day feel extra special:

A mini “bride scrapbook” for guests to write notes
A playlist of the bride’s favourite songs
Photos printed from childhood to now
Little ribbons, charms, or initials for the craft workshop
A quiz about the bride (easy entertainment!)

6. Build the Perfect Timetable

For a classy hen day, here’s a simple structure:

Arrival & welcome drinks
Crafty hen workshop (2 - 2.5 hours)
Afternoon tea / grazing boards
Photos + gift opening
Relaxing evening, cocktails, games or dinner out

For weekend hens, place the workshop on Day 1 to break the ice.

7. Don’t Forget the Final Touch - A Meaningful Moment

Many brides say the most emotional moment of their hen party was the one they didn’t expect - reading scrapbook pages, seeing the quilt squares, or trying on the handmade garter.

Craft activities naturally create those moments.