Good Afternoon ladies! We're looking after our bridesmaids today with a little help in the organising department. If you're tearing out your hair thinking of the perfect weekend for your bride-to-be, never fear One Fab Day are here. We loved our previous posts for Hen Parties, A Very Vintage Style Hen Party and Afternoon Tea Hen Party but we all love a getaway don't we? We love the thought of grabbing our best gal pals and escaping to the country for a stress free, fun-filled weekend. So we did a little research on some country chic getaways from quaint cottages to medieval castles for your Hen Party Escape to the Country...
1. Roundwood House in Co. Laois
You'll regularly find us gushing about Roundwood House in the One Fab Day office, but the biggest compliment we can pay this Co. Laois gem is that we're constantly trying to convince pals and family members to host their hen parties there! The 18th Century manor house occasionally caters for intimate weddings, but with a capacity of up to 28 guests, it's also perfect for chic and sophisticated pre-wedding celebrations. If your dream hen party is an outdoorsy adventure, complete with walks, horseriding and picnics, Roundwood provides an ideal base, but we won't judge you if you'd prefer to kick back with your pals, surrounded by antique furniture, crackling fires and delicious food - in fact, we think that sounds pretty fabulous!
For more information on exclusive hire of Roundwood House, visit roundwoodhouse.com
Gatsby House image via www.swell-group.co.uk
2. Gatsby House in Co. Donegal
For the Hen Party that wants a bit of glamour, what better place than the aptly named Gatsby House. Built in the 1870s, the house was fully restored by the Swell duo in 2007 and sleeps ten people in five gorgeous bedrooms, all with their own beautiful private bathroom. Gatsby House has the best of everything – Ralph Lauren furniture, flat screen televisions in all bedrooms, heavenly cloud beds in all rooms, Vera Wang china and luxurious drenching showers.With bedrooms styled and named after famous actors and actresses, Cary Grant, Ava Gardner, Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, you and the girls will be sleeping as stars!
Gatsby House is the perfect location and space for you and your girls to indulge, chill out and bring your own fun and games to enjoy - sure you'll never want to leave those bedrooms! To find out more pop on over to www.swell-group.co.uk/gatsby-house
Moongate image via www.moongatesite.com
4.Moongate in Co. Carlow
Looking for a place that has a mix of old and new? Moongate is a unique and beautiful country house, with an eclectic mix of elegant styles from across the globe, with a beautiful fusion of old and modern architecture. Set in the lee of Mount Leinster, Moongate is surrounded by pretty gardens - a perfect rural setting for a special occasion.
It also is a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounding counties of Wicklow, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and local towns and villages include Borris and Bagenalstown. (including dining and nightlife!) Not to mention activities galore like,walking, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, trips to picturesque villages of St Mullins, Inistogue and Graignamanagh, plus endless pubs!
For more information on Moongate pop over to www.moongatesite.com
5.Seodin in Co.Donegal
Seodin is a luxury holiday rental near the village of Dunlewey. The cottage nestles between the foothills of the majestic Mount Errigal and the shores of Dunlewey Lake and it overlooks both the lake and the hauntingly beautiful Poisoned Glen.
The holiday home has been carefully designed to make maximum use of natural sunlight. All 5 bedrooms together with the dining area and the living room enjoy breathtaking views of either glen, lake or mountain. The highlight of this property is the large raised decking area surrounding the back of the house, it's an ideal space to enjoy this stunning setting and perfect for a Summer time Hen Party to enjoy outdoor dinner parties and games.
To see more of Seodin pop over to www.donegalcottageholidays.com/seodin
Clonleason image via www.clonleason.com
6. Clonleason in Co. Meath
For the smaller Hen Parties and groups willing to bunk up, Clonleason is a hidden gem. A luxury one bedroom riverside cottage, with quaint decor and comfortable interiors. The perfect space to getaway from the hectic (ahem) bridal prep! The cottage overlooks parkland and its garden runs down to the edge of the river. You can unwind with you nearest and dearest gal pals, with little to disturb the peace but birds singing.
For more information on Clonleason pop over to www.clonleason.com
7. Ballyhannon Castle in Co. Clare
Ballyhannon Castle is a medieval treat, you and your Hen Party will feel like you've stepped into a time machine! The rare and authentic castle’s historyis the perfect location for some medieval mischief and fun. The thick brick walls, winding spiral stone staircases, oak-beamed ceilings and banquet room is a setting to remember for a Hen Party weekend. With availability to sleep up to 25 people over two properties. You and the girls can enjoy a feast and plenty of ales by the open fire, with plenty of giggles guaranteed!
To find out more about Ballyhannon castle, pop over to www.rentanirishcastle.com
Farran house image via www.farranhouse.com
8. Farran House in Co.Cork
If the bride-to-be loves her style, you can't go wrong with Farran House an elegant 18th century, Italianate style Irish manor house. Farran House has everything you want at your fingertips, from luxury interiors, acres of woodland and landscaped gardens to a beautiful space to wine and dine with your friends and family. With accommodation for up to 16 people, the bedrooms have a warm and bright atmosphere, with each guest surrounded by a beauty at every turn. If your tempted to venture out, Cork and Kerry are close by to explore.
To see more of Farran House, check out their website www.farranhouse.com
9. Coolatore in Co.Louth
Want to stay where music legends once recorded? Well Coolatore House is just the place for some celeb history. Coolatore House is part of the Grouse Lodge Estate which is home to a world-famous residential recording studio. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna but the best bit...You can also record your very own music track! Following in the footsteps of artists such as Michael Jackson, Paolo Nutini, and Snow Patrol, to name a few. I'm sure that would be a night to remember!
For more information pop over to www.grouselodge.com/accommodation/coolatore-house
Blanchville House image from www.blanchville.ie
10. Blanchville in Co.Kilkenny
Blanchville is suitable for 16-20 people to enjoy a stress free country house break. This beautiful period property is ideal for private parties where large groups of guests can be seated around the stunning dining table and have the freedom to wander around and enjoy the other elegant reception rooms. As well as the obvious charms of such a beautiful period property, Blanchville also offers a more sophisticated alternative for Hen Weekends with an on-site Sanctuary Therapy Centre, perfect pampering break! Not to mention local activities such as, horse riding and country sports plus plenty of crafty outlets and shops in the area to help with wedding decor inspiration!
Pop over to www.blanchville.ie for more information.
11. Starwood House in Carlingford
Starwood House is a luxurious Alpine style gated villa, on three acres of mature wooded gardens - don't you just love the name! The Hen Party can enjoy stunning views and the feeling of escape when staying at Starwood House. The property is all about enjoying the company and making the most of some down time before the big day.
To find out more about Starwood House pop over to www.daft.ie/holiday-homes/starwood-house
Ireland never lets us down with great hidden gems! Looking for more venues? Take a look at our 100 Best Wedding Venue Guide 2013 - mini breaks, girlie weekends and escapes can all be found inside!
Featured image credit - Ballyvolane House via One Fab Day
