Rory McIlroy hits Dublin for an early stag ahead of wedding to Erica Stoll

Rory McIlroy on his 'stage' on Dublin Bay Cruises

Rory McIlroy and fiancée Erica Stoll seen returning to The Wesbury Hotel after a stroll around Grafton Street

Erica Stoll, fiancée of Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches during the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at The Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Erica Stoll looks on during the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation at The K Club on May 19, 2016 in Straffan, Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy with his fiancee Erica Stoll

Golfer Rory McIlroy and girlfriend Erica Stoll are pictured at the beach while on holiday in Barbados. Picture: PRIMADONNA/GEMAIRA/Splash News

BIG PLANS: Rory McIlroy pictured with his girlfriend Erica Stoll. Photo: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy with his father Gerry, mother Rosie and fiancée Erica Stoll after victory in the final round of the final round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

thumbnail: Rory McIlroy on his 'stage' on Dublin Bay Cruises
thumbnail: Rory McIlroy and fiancée Erica Stoll seen returning to The Wesbury Hotel after a stroll around Grafton Street
thumbnail: Erica Stoll, fiancée of Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches during the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at The Abu Dhabi Golf Club
thumbnail: Erica Stoll looks on during the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation at The K Club on May 19, 2016 in Straffan, Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
thumbnail: Rory McIlroy with his fiancee Erica Stoll
thumbnail: Golfer Rory McIlroy and girlfriend Erica Stoll are pictured at the beach while on holiday in Barbados. Picture: PRIMADONNA/GEMAIRA/Splash News
thumbnail: BIG PLANS: Rory McIlroy pictured with his girlfriend Erica Stoll. Photo: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images)
thumbnail: Rory McIlroy with his father Gerry, mother Rosie and fiancée Erica Stoll after victory in the final round of the final round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
Caitlin McBride

He won't be walking up the aisle until New Year's Eve, but Rory McIlroy is making the most of his stag celebrations.

The Northern Irish golf star (27) will wed PGA employee Erica Stoll (29) is expected to wed in Ashford Castle on New Year's Eve, but he was spotted on an early 'stag' in Dublin over the weekend.

Dublin Bay Cruises posted a photo of the former world number one with friends and family, including his best friend Harry Diamond, enjoying the cruise between Howth and Dun Laoghaire on Friday.

McIlroy hit headlines around the world earlier this week when he announced he had withdrawn from competing at the Rio Olympics over fears of the Zika virus, saying he was keen to start a family with his fiancée soon.

Rory McIlroy and fiancée Erica Stoll seen returning to The Wesbury Hotel after a stroll around Grafton Street

The pair have been spending more and more time in Dublin in recent months, making the most of the summer in the capital.

The sports star has been quick to his praise girlfriend of nearly two years, whom he proposed to after just a year of dating, because of her "low key" nature and is only in the spotlight to support him.

"Erica has been around me quite a lot at tournaments but we have really just tried to keep it low key,” he said.

"She is a very low key person, not the kind to broadcast stuff, but that side of my life is really good just now. We are excited, our parents are excited so it is a really happy time.

Rory McIlroy with his fiancee Erica Stoll

"For me, Erica brings such a level of normality to everything. She has a calming presence, a sereneness and that’s not just on me; it is noticeable in any company. She never wants to be the centre of attention and is always very comfortable in the background.

"She has been a great influence on me and has given such a great balance to my life - between who I am when people see me out here and who I am at home."