Ireland 'is about more than just Dublin'

Mention the idea of a stag do in Ireland and Dublin is likely to be the city that springs immediately to mind as the preferred destination.

However, the appeal of the Emerald Isle is not limited solely to the delights of its "trendy capital" of the cosmopolitan city of Cork, according to the Sun journalist Andrew Parker.

He claims that an increasing number of holidaymakers and stag parties are beginning to discover the full attraction of the country's lesser-known midland region.

Mr Parker highlighted "the booming town of Athlone" as one such location, situated within a 90-minute drive of Dublin and offering all the ingredients for a less traditional stag weekend.

With hotels in the region offering luxury saunas, jacuzzi-side cocktails and Elvis impersonators, the region might provide the ideal retreat for those looking to spend their final night of freedom in style.

Towns and cities across Ireland are likely to be at their most lively this week in particular, as the nation gears up to celebrate St Patrick's Day on Tuesday.