In Ireland, weddings offer big business which has seen the industry skyrocket to unimaginable heights. Why is this you ask? The answer lies in the beautiful and stunning wedding destinations that the country has to offer. From small venues by the sea to picturesque historic sites, the busy streets of Dublin and Cork to cottages and luxury castles in the countryside, Ireland has got you covered. There are wedding locations dotted all over the Emerald Isle.
What’s even more exciting is the fact that every venue has something unique to offer. With such a competitive nature in the industry, you are certainly spoilt for choice. That said, choosing a perfect venue is almost similar to getting the right partner; you ask around, go through tones of directories, and size up different venues for the perfect pick.
This can go on for weeks or months until you stumble upon that one place that takes your breath away. As much as the search can be thrilling, it can eat up your time for other wedding preparations unless some help comes your way. To help you in settling for the best venue complete with a reception area, here are our picks for the top 20 Irish wedding venues.
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Adare Manor, County Limerick
Are you looking for a classy, stately and unique wedding venue, Adare Manor will do you justice. Located in County Limerick, the facility is a fine masterpiece of Gothic architecture which sits on 840 acres of beautiful parkland. The property has diverse activities that will keep you and your guests well entertained, for the duration of your stay.
The hotel was the winner of the 2018 Virtuoso Awards as the ‘Hotel of the Year’. This just goes to add to the hospitality tag that defines the venue; a quality carried forward from the days the manor served as the seat of the Earl of Dunraven. What should you expect from the venue? Well, the management promises a sense of belonging, a place where you are known and treated like family.
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Ashley Park House, Tipperary
Walled gardens, 300 year old trees and an orchard are just some of the attraction that Ashley Park House has to offer. The property sits on 76 acres of woodland populated by beech trees. Its located six miles north of Neganh, right in the middle of County Tipperary. The venue offers a mix of modern and traditional Irish values, with a five star experience in the midst of idyllic countryside.
Ashley Park is designed to host both exclusive gatherings and huge parties. On a good weather day, a civil blessing can be held by the lake or inside a boathouse. On the other, hand large celebrations will find enough space in a pavilion, which can hold up to 300 guests.
This peaceful haven comes with “an excellent reputation for hosting weddings over the past 15 years.” If you choose to go with the venue, your guests can look forward to walking, hiking, golf, and clay pigeon hunting among other activities.
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Ballymagarvey Village, County Meath
Ballymagarvey is a venue which is synonymous with Irish history. Its beginning goes back to over 800 years when it was associated with royals. This was the home of Gwenllian de Lacy, the last true native princess of wales. Stunning architecture from the 12th to 13th century still exist, including a tower and church; all which showcase the Anglo Norman stone-masonry.
The venue offers a variety of choices when it comes to the size of your wedding party; the Conservatory Library can accommodate 50 guests while the Banquet Hall can hold up to 226 guests. If the weather permits, you get to have pictures taken beside a breathtaking waterfall or in the woodland in which this ancient property stands. Whichever season you choose to hold your big day, there is a package deal waiting for you at Ballymagarvey Village.
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Borris House, Carlow
Stunning gardens and stately rooms is what greets when you venture into the huge Boris House. The venue has hosted some notable weddings in the Irish history, a fact that has seen it being listed among the best wedding venues in the country. The property dates back to the Irish kingdom of Leinster.
With a professional staff running the house, you can get any form of custom wedding that you can think of; from a private ceremony or an inclusive one to a themed celebration or an over-the-top after party.
If yours is a religious ceremony, then this is a venue that you should seriously consider. For Catholics there is the Sacred Heart Church, while Anglicans can hold their ceremony at the onsite Chapel. That’s not all, for civil unions there are plenty of spaces including the granary barn and the ballroom.
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Breckenhill Barn, Ballyclare
This is “A unique rural venue for your perfect wedding with flexible options and facilities surrounded by beautiful gardens”. That’s what you should expect from Breckenhill. The facility is arguably one of the best venues for a country or a barn wedding in Ireland. It’s fashioned from an 18th century Georgian house, which once served as the site for six textile mills. It sits on an 18 acre hilly expanse located half hour from Belfast International Airport and the City airport.
Breckenhill is ideal for both outdoor and indoor engagements. For an indoor and small gathering, the Stone barn is where you want to be. It’s a one storey barn with the ground floor holding 25 people, which will do for a small wedding service. The upper floor can host the reception or after-party for at least 80 guests. Larger ceremonies are also welcome with variety of outdoor locations outside the barn; from manicured lawns to beautiful gardens that overlook the Tilgard Fishery.
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Carton House, Maynooth
Less than 15 miles from the busy Dublin City is this regal house, located in Maynooth County. The facility provides a mix of sophistication and idyllic luxury. It’s a four star wedding venue with a spa, two championship golf courses, eateries and tennis courts among other attractions. The resort also happens to be the home ground of The Irish Rugby team and the Kildare Gallery.
For your wedding, Carton House provides an 18th century Manor house that can hold up to 100 people. The interiors are made of Baroque architecture, a fine addition to an already exquisite wedding venue. The house sits on 1100 acres of parkland which opens up interesting possibilities for your dream wedding; from an outdoor ceremony at the courtyard to a private affair in the Al Fresco Arch.
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Dunloe Hotel and Gardens, Killarney
The Dunloe Hotel sits on a 64 acre estate and has been hosting weddings for almost 4 decades. The rural setting is suited for a truly romantic wedding, with walled gardens and secret walkways running around the facility. There is also a confluence of modernity brought about by a techno gym, luxury steam room and sauna, tennis, and a golf course.
Dunloe Hotel prides itself in being among the best five star wedding venues situated away from busy cities. Let your guests take in the ambience of the 12th century castle, whose ruins are within the grounds and River Laune- this provides a unique background for your wedding photographs. The venue also comes with an onsite wedding coordinator, a welcome addition especially for those going for a destination wedding.
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Gougane Barra Hotel and Church, West Cork
As far as exclusive wedding venues goes, Gougane Barra has found itself among the best Ireland has to offer. No matter the simplicity or complexity of your plans, the venue provides a magical atmosphere that will make your dream wedding come true. Located in South West corner of the country, it borders the westerly peninsulas and stretches into Lee Valley; a scenery that is truly breathtaking.
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Two beautiful photos of Gougane Barra 😍 Thank you for sharing them with us @jimjam194
The hotel comes complete with a tiny church, St. Finbarrs Oratory, which is part of the venue’s appeal. If you are into Celtic culture, then you will find plenty of archeologies in the area to occupy your days. Within an hour of the venue are Drombeg Stone Circle, Carriganass Castle and the Timoleague Abbey. Your guests can also enjoy excursions to Mizen Head, the most South Westerly point in Ireland which comes with a Lighthouse.
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Inishbofin House Hotel, County Galway
Overlooking the Inishbofin Harbour and located off Galway and Mayo coastline, is the Inishbofin House Hotel. The venue is set in an island which is removed from the noise and busy life of the mainland. From the miles of beach sand and beautiful mountains to sea-view rooms, the hotel has something for everyone. The scenery and the rich Irish traditions of the region provide a stunning getaway, especially for a destination wedding party.
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The luxurious destination is also surrounded by crystal clear blue water and a rugged terrain that is just perfect for your wedding photos. The venue is however limiting in terms of capacity, with only 34 rooms available for guests. This however makes it the ideal site for a small, intimate and invite-only ceremony.
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Kinnitty Castle, County Offaly
The venue is a 37 ensuite-roomed gateway fit for a beautiful private wedding. Castle Bernard, as the venue is also known, offers a tranquil experience with guest being surrounded by medieval legacy and architecture. For those picture perfect spots, the venue has you covered with grounds and forested areas running across the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
The castle grounds also come with horse riding instructors, making a great getaway for your adventurous guest. The venue serves as a base for most local events, meaning you can time your big day to coincide with a festival of your choosing- Birr Festival of Music, Tullamore Tradfest or if you are into farming, the National Ploughing Championships!
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Lough Cutra Castle, South Galway
Located in South Galway, is this fairy-tale castle which is perfect for hosting any ceremony. The castle is part of a 1600 acre private estate, complete with a mile long driveway and three holiday cottages. The attraction of the venue is further enhanced by the warmth and hospitality which is part and parcel of the staff.
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Apart from the majestic location, Lough Cutra Castle is home to an extensive art collection; what’s more, the castle was designed by John Nash, the renowned architect who also came up with the designs for Buckingham Palace. Since its completion in 1817, the venue has hosted notable persons including Prince of Wales and Irish President Michael D Harris.
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Lough Eske Castle, Donegal
The castle’s history goes back to the 15th century and is closely associated with the O’Donnell clan, part of Ireland’s founding fathers. This fairy-tale wedding venue is located a near Donegal Town, a town which once served as the capital of Gaelic Kingdom. It’s an idyllic location on the shores of a lake overlooking the Blue Stack Mountains.
The five-star Castle offers some of the best wedding packages in Ireland, including winter packages and six course wedding dinners. The natural scenery, excellent staff and majestic architecture has seen Lough Eske Castle win several prestigious awards. Such include 2017 Luxury Hotel of the Year, 2016 Venue Coordinator of the Year and 2016 Travelers Choice of the Year.
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Lough Rynn Castle, County Leitrim
The Rynn Castle is one of the most luxurious and exclusive wedding venues in the country. The facility once served as the home of the Clement family, one of the biggest and wealthiest Irish landlords up to the end of 20th century. The home has now been transformed into a magnificent modern hotel sitting on 300 acres of land in county Leitrim, West of Ireland.
The Hotel which has been awarded the “Best Castle Venue” in Ireland boasts of many features that makes it ideal for a wedding. Rooms that face the lake, rolling lawns that make for picturesque wedding photography, and the huge Inglenook fireplace. These are some of the attractions that make this 320 capacity hotel a timeless venue; not to mention, the woodland pathways and chauffeured tours around the estate.
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Marlfield House, County Wexford
Just outside Gorey is the Marlfield House, a luxury boutique hotel that has been operating for over 37 years. The house occupies part of 40 acres of woodland, which also contains an ornamental lake and a beautiful garden. The venue also comes with other attractions including hens, peacocks, dogs and lovely ponies.
Marlfield House is a member of Relais and Chateaux, a testament to the hospitality standards of the staff that run the place. The venue can hold up to 145 wedding guests in the sprawling grounds, as well as small intimate gatherings in the Conservatory and Duck restaurants. The hotel can also accommodate up to 42 guests, making it ideal for a luxurious destination wedding.
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Montalto Estate, County Down
In the traditional market town of Ballynahinch is the Montalto Estate, a lush 400 acre property located in County Down- Northern Ireland. The venue is converted from an 18th century home and a 19th century mill, which now serve as sites for unforgeable weddings. For your big day the venues offers three options including The Carriage Rooms, the estate grounds and the main house.
The carriage rooms are stone outbuildings which once housed a mill. The Estate Grounds are sprawling grounds with spectacular backdrops for your wedding photographs. Last in the list of the estate’s venues is the Montalto House, a Georgian mansion that can hold a wedding party of up to 66 people. There is also a Chinese Room complete with oriental art and delicate chandelier lighting for a complete romantic ceremony.
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Mount Druid, County Westmeath
In the village of Castletown is Mount Druid, picturesque parkland that covers 100 acres. The venue offers a tin chapel, a barn, and a boathouse, all which are available for wedding attendees. Being the home of over 200,000 trees planted by the Murphy Family who run the estate, the venue blends well with nature. The estate also doubles up as a farm for organic foodstuffs and sheep rearing.
The area is also dotted with yurts which can be intimate getaways for guests. Whether you want a full ceremony or a wedding blessing, the tin chapel is sufficient in holding a small gathering. That said, the venue is located opposite St. Michael’s Catholic Church and within 15 minutes’ drive from Mullingar Town where the All Saints Church of Ireland is located.
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Angler’s Rest, Castleknock
As one of the top 100 best wedding venues according to One Fab Day, Angler’s Rest is a cut above the rest. The property lies next to River Liffey and is an alternative wedding venue that can hold up to 150 guests. Its location next to the Phoenix Park provides a spectacular backdrop for wedding photographs. It also comes with ample parking and is easily accessible from the nearby Dublin City.
Angler’s Rest is famous for its fine food and the beautiful Strawberry Beds. One of the outstanding features of the venue is Collins Room which, “can be adapted in layout to suit individual needs”, says the management.
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The Cliff House Hotel, County Waterford
An intimate, historic and luxurious ceremony, does that describe your dream wedding? If so, then Cliff House Hotel is your kind of place. The facility is a five star ‘Wedding by the Sea’ venue, County Waterford. It sits on a cliff overlooking the village of Ardmore and the Atlantic.
For the reception, your party will be hosted in the North Pavilion room, which private, spacious and comes with a balcony and courtyard. The Restaurant houses the Chef’s Table, a long American oak table that can hold up to 18 guests. The room is however spacious and for a bigger party of up to 40 people, additional tables can be added for you.
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The Dean, Dublin City
Ireland has all imaginable wedding venues, including many that are located inside big cities. The dean is one such venue that sits right in the city centre. Press Up Group, the leisure and hospitality company behind the venue has gone over and beyond to make The Dean one of the leading wedding locations.
In its design is the Blue Room which is spacious enough to hold a party of 120. The ambience is made electric with stark coloured interiors dappled with artwork and mod cons. There are flexible wedding packages which are carefully designed to accommodate any ceremony that you might desire. The venue also comes with an in-house wedding planner, which makes your planning much easier.
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Thomas Prior House, Dublin
The Thomas Prior House is another of Dublin’s exquisite wedding venues. The hidden gen once housed a Masonic school and has retained 18th century architecture, which goes to add to the beauty of the venue. Since 2016, the facility has seen upgrades including a contemporary bar, inbuilt lighting system and a mobile dance floor.
The management offers a fabulous wedding package that is meant to make your big day as personalised as possible. Thomas Prior House is also designated as a ‘one wedding a day’ venue. This ensures more attentive service and red carpet arrival for guests. The package also comes with a designated wedding coordinator which makes the venue excellent choice for a city-themed destination wedding.
Final Word
Regardless of the factors that come to play in your choice of a wedding venue, Ireland offers many locations for any type of wedding. Whether you are aiming for a civil union or a religious celebration, there is a venue for you; you just need to know what you are looking for and where to look. The above list gives you an informed head start as you go about picking the perfect wedding venue.
