What to wear for a Dublin hen weekend in January?

[Pinktractors24]

I'm arranging a hen do in Dublin in January. First night will be a 3 course dinner and traditional Irish pub evening and the second night we're going for tapas and cocktails / more bars than pubs.
My problem is that I've not been on a proper night out in over 2 years, since before I had my second child. What do people wear?! I was thinking maybe my Doc Martens and a dress with tights (I don't think I could do heels!) but not sure on style really.
I'm 36, 5'3" and size 12. After 2 pregnancies, one c section and a serious biscuit problem, ideally I want something that skims the tummy area! I tend to prefer a higher neck rather than deep v neck.

A big coat!

I'm from Dublin and live about 3km from Dublin City Centre. Honestly, anything goes. I would say though style is more on the casual side now.

I think on nights out in general there are a lot less people in heels than there were back in the day, so I'm sure you'll be fine in Docs.

Well that goes without saying 🥶

I'm from Dublin. When home for a visit, we do a "spot the hens" on a Friday night for a giggle sometimes. Generally they are in ill fitting dresses that are way too short for the madness of Dublin pubs, and adorned with big willies and the like. That's the gear of choice for many visiting hens. The locals go to Barcelona or Ibiza for their hens in similar attire I'd imagine too!

Anyway as a veteran of Dublin city nightlife I can assure you that anything goes, and the more casual the better. Dressing up is not really a thing here unless you're going to afternoon tea in the Shelbourne Hotel.

So jeans/wide leg trousers, fancy top and a bloody warm and waterproof coat, together with shoes that won't break your ankle on the cobblestones around Temple Bar (avoid if you can, but it's probably great fun for visitors).

Have a ball, you will enjoy it. Be aware that Dublin is expensive. Check out the prices. There are some set menus and decent deals but overall the price of grog will have you needing another to get over the shock of the cost.

We are used to it and know the places to go. Visitors naturally, often don't and congregate in the expensive areas, which I do myself when I go abroad too.

Jeans jumper with something light underneath as it gets hot inside bars it's very casual

Something warm! I froze in Dublin in November

Great thank you all! Casual very much fits with my current aesthetic 😅
@lepara any suggestions of places to go are very welcome! Trying to avoid Temple Bar for the most part and have been bracing myself for the cost of drinks 😬 My last night out in Dublin was 15 years ago and I remember it being expensive then!

Camden Street/South William Street/Dawson Street/Harcourt Street and surrounding lanes and streets are where Dubs go to socialise. It is quite ahem... lively with a youngish crowd, but all are welcome, including me and I'm a fossil! Temple Bar is fine for a wander and pop into one or two of the pubs for a bit of craic but it's not really the place for a full night out. I'd stick to the South side of the river, the Northside is quite edgy in places unless you know where you're going. Grafton Street is good for a stroll to see the amazing buskers.

Roughly where are you staying?

Ah that's good. Was thinking maybe go for a pint in Temple Bar on Saturday afternoon but that's it. My rough itinerary has us around Camden Street on the Friday night and Dawson Street on the Saturday night. We are staying at the edge of Temple Bar near Trinity. Hopefully it won't be raining all weekend so we can enjoy wandering around for a bit!

I think you'll have a really good time, and you are staying in a great area. Do wander down Fade Street/Sth William Street, it is often an outdoor carnival atmosphere and everyone just mingles on the street. Weather permitting of course!

Have a look at Grogans, the Hairy Lemon, Bruxelles, and Cafe en Seine. We are a tad a lot older than you, but that's where we go on a night out and every age group is represented. Bar hopping is an art in Dublin. There are tons of pubs around that area, they are all good so pick whichever you fancy. You can't see them all or you'll be carried home ha ha.

After all that, I love Dublin pubs but I don't drink at all! I still have a ball though and have not been able to find a city that has the same pub culture/craic as in Ireland. Well I would say that wouldn't I... 😂

@lepara brilliant, cafe en seine was already on my list so I'll add the others. I do love going to Ireland, I lived in Belfast for 3 years and saw a fair few pubs in that time 😅 thank you!

I’ve just got back- wore t shirts, wide leg jeans, jumper, coat. Everyone wearing the same really. Lots of all different ages and from all different countries.

(And brown crazy horse docs and wax jacket)