Dublin stag do

Dublin is one of the classic stag weekends for a reason. It's an hour's flight from most of the UK, the pubs are some of the best in the world, and the Guinness tastes like it should.

It's expensive, though, and Temple Bar in particular will empty your wallet. Plan to spend most of your time where locals drink, and you'll get a much better weekend for less money.

Dubliners are welcoming and quick to chat, and stag groups are a normal part of the weekend. Most people will happily point you to a good pub.

What wears thin is a big group taking over a small traditional pub, especially in the quieter areas. Locals use these pubs every day. Be loud in Temple Bar, but polite in Stoneybatter.

Temple Bar is set up for stag groups and tourists, and you'll get in almost anywhere. The better traditional pubs elsewhere are usually fine with small groups, but a big group of lads will get a cooler reception, so split up.

Clubs have dress codes, and some are selective at the door with large groups of men. Smart casual is the safe choice.

Fancy dress is common in Temple Bar and around the busier tourist pubs. It won't go down well in the traditional pubs, and it'll stop you getting into some clubs.

Temple Bar

Lively, touristy and expensive. A good first evening, but it's not where most Dubliners drink, and two nights there is too many.

Stoneybatter

A short walk north-west of the centre. Traditional pubs, live music and a mostly local crowd, with cheaper pints.

The Liberties

One of the oldest parts of the city, close to the Guinness Storehouse. Good food and old pubs.

Around Grafton Street

Classic Victorian pubs on and around South Anne Street and South William Street, plus good cocktail bars.

Camden Street and Portobello

A younger, livelier strip of bars, restaurants and late venues south of the centre.

The Guinness Storehouse

Touristy but fun, and the view from the top bar is excellent. Book online, as weekend queues can be long.

Jameson Bow Street

The whiskey distillery tour in Smithfield, with tastings. Good for a Saturday afternoon.

Hurling or Gaelic football

Watching a match at Croke Park is a great experience, and some companies run taster sessions for groups.

A trad music pub night

Find a pub with live traditional music. The Cobblestone in Smithfield is one of the best.

Clay shooting in the countryside

Available in Wicklow and Meath, usually packaged with transport.

Friday

Fly in, drop the bags, and do Temple Bar for one evening. Get it out of your system early.

Saturday

The Guinness Storehouse or Jameson in the morning, then lunch in the Liberties. Dinner around Grafton Street, then trad music in Stoneybatter or a late night on Camden Street.

Sunday

A full Irish breakfast, a final pint somewhere traditional and the flight home.

Dublin hotels are expensive. Stay within about twenty minutes' walk of the centre, because taxis are hard to find late at night. Apartments in the Docklands or the north inner city are often better value for a group.

Big rugby and GAA weekends and summer events push prices up sharply, so check the calendar.

Prices change, so check before you book.

• Pubs close at 2.30am, or 3.30am with a late licence. Clubs go a bit later.
• Temple Bar prices add up fast. Use it for one night only.
• Book taxis or use apps late at night, as there can be long waits at closing time.