Belfast has overtaken Dublin to become the most popular hen party destination in Ireland for the second year running, according to a leading events firm.
Last Night of Freedom (LNOF), which has been organising stag and hen dos since 1999, compiles an annual list of the most popular hen party destinations in the UK and Ireland.
The 2024 list puts Belfast in second place – three spots ahead of Dublin in fifth place and behind only Liverpool in first.
According to LNOF, bookings for Belfast have increased by 200% over the last three years.
“Belfast has a real buzz. It’s completely reinvented itself and is definitely a city on the up,” said Matt Mazir, managing director of LNOF.
“It’s cool, friendly and there’s culture and history in spades. But our customers tell us that one of their favourite aspects is the atmosphere in the bars and pubs.
“They’re so tightly packed, you can get around most of them on foot and they’re famously welcoming to hen groups.”
Mr Mazir added that while Dublin remains a popular choice for the company’s customers, it is no longer the undisputed Irish hen party spot.
“Dublin is still a great city with fantastic nightlife and I’m sure it will always remain a big favourite for our hens, but it used to be the destination,” he said.
“It’s certainly not unpopular but it has become more expensive with pints regularly approaching €10 in the tourist hotspots in the city centre.
Belfast also outperformed leading capitals such as Edinburgh and London in the 2024 list.
