2 tracks in County Antrim run stag and hen events. Karting works for these groups because everyone can do it and nobody needs to be good at it.
Doagh, County Antrim
Need 4 Speed is an indoor karting track on Kilbride Road in Doagh, between Ballyclare and Antrim. Every booking is given sole use of the track, with no more than seven karts out at once.
Ballymena, County Antrim
Raceview Karting is an indoor hire kart track on the Woodside Road industrial estate in Ballymena, County Antrim. It opens Thursday to Sunday, with evening sessions through the week and longer hours at weekends.
Price not published
The thing that catches groups out. Below the minimum you either pay for absent drivers or book an open session instead.
Bangor, County Down
Eddie Irvine Sports is an indoor karting centre on Balloo Road in Bangor, County Down, about 15 minutes from Belfast. It has been open since 2003 and is owned by former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine.
Kilrea, County Londonderry
K-Team Karting is an outdoor track on Movanagher Road near Kilrea, south of Coleraine in County Londonderry. Each group has the circuit to itself, and booking is required.
Ten on track at a time is common. A group of twenty means splitting into heats, which changes the shape of the day and usually the price.
Qualifying, heats and a final gives you a winner and a podium. Open sessions blur into one another and nobody remembers who won.
Most race formats need six or more. Below that you are booking arrive and drive whether you meant to or not.
A bar or restaurant on site keeps the group together. Without one the day ends in a car park.