All couples are different, but they all have one thing in common – they want a wedding venue that’s so ‘them’. If you’re after something a little bit different for your Big Day, then this list of Irish wedding venues will definitely have you jumping and clicking your heels.
Durhamstown Castle, Meath
Located in Bohermeen in Co. Meath, Durhamstown Castle combines civil ceremonies, wedding receptions and accommodation all under one roof. Choose the castle itself which is full of charm and eclectic finds, or if you’re after a unique space for your celebrations, move into the Great Barn, which easily accommodates up to 150 guests. The beamed interior is perfect for all kinds of hanging decorations and has a real rustic feel, thanks to a gorgeous combination of wood and stone.
Martinstown House, Kildare
If you’d like to get a real feeling that your wedding is arranged by family with no attention spared, then Martinstown House will give you exactly that. The Booth family has been doing weddings for decades, everything from chic intimate parties to laid back affairs in their marquee. Bursting with character, charming features and a wonderful homely feel, they also have their very own VW campervan you can use. Remember to ask about their signature midnight feast, served at just the right time to keep the party going.
The Three Towers at Slieve Aughty Centre, Galway
If you’re after an exclusive, alternative venue with a gorgeous rural setting, the Slieve Aughty Centre will tick all your boxes! The Three Towers at Slieve Aughty Centre in Galway specialise in eco-weddings that are relaxed, personal and always unique. With more than 30 acres of gardens, fields, and 2,000 acres of Coillte forest, it’s the perfect place to wander for magical wedding photos. You can choose to take full advantage of the idyllic grounds and say ‘I Do’ outdoors or avail of the rustic setting indoors, followed by a 3-course organic meal in the comfort of The Three Towers Eco House and Organic Kitchen for 50-80 guests.
Mount Druid, Westmeath
Trees as far as the eye can see, surrounding a venue that’s unlike anything else in Ireland. You’re at Mount Druid, and if you think romance and fun simply must go together, this is where you’ll get extra oomph out of both. A combination of vintage chic and antique decor is perfect for your wedding, blending in with your own decorations in the most delightful way. A choice of five menus (including a full vegan option) will have you spoiled for choice.
Kippure Estate, Wicklow
Privately set on 240 acres of spectacular landscape, Kippure Estate is perfect for couples after a romantic, unspoilt location for their wedding celebrations (they have a whole weekend option too because sometimes it just feels like one day isn’t enough to really let your hair down and celebrate). You can say ‘I Do’ indoors or avail of the incredible scenery as a magical backdrop for your ceremony. For the reception, a marquee can be set up on the grounds that can host up to 200 guests for a night of fun and dancing.
Durty Nelly’s, Co. Clare
There’s always something fun going on at Durty Nelly’s in Co. Clare. Could your wedding be next? It has oodles of charm to offer, and three locations for your wedding: the Loft, the Oyster Restaurant, and the assorted bars. Food is especially important in any wedding, and at Durty Nelly’s, it’s cooked to perfection. The classic dark wood interiors are cosy and inviting all year round, and the funnest setting for pub-style party you’ve ever seen.
Medley, Dublin
A remarkable wedding deserves a landmark venue – Medley. Located in the famous Old Irish Times Building on Fleet Street in Dublin, this is a chic setting for your wedding. It’s perfect for modern city-loving couples who still want a touch of charm and grandeur. The interior composed of an upstairs and downstairs area just begs for an abundance of electrifying decor. Here, you can have a wedding all of Dublin wishes they were invited to.
Sol y Sombra, Co. Kerry
If you can’t have a wedding in Spain, then have the next best thing – a tapas party at Sol y Sombra in Co. Kerry. Of course, they can do as traditional Irish as you like, but their specialty is informal celebrations featuring gourmet tapas buffet, incredible wines and an atmosphere that will keep everyone laughing and dancing. This is all set in a former church building with stained glass windows and antique furniture. Yes, it will be a wedding nobody will forget.
Ballybeg House, Wicklow
A wedding at Ballybeg House in Co. Wicklow is more than a party, it’s an Adventure with a capital A. If you remember the delightful childhood feeling of discovering and exploring new places, you can now re-create that thrill for your guests by booking your wedding here. Aside from the house, grounds and the ceremony room, there’s a spectacular Victorian marquee for your reception, plus a private shebeen, a dairy, and coming soon – traditional Irish Crannógs. Invite up to 170 lucky guests and they’ll never stop talking about it.
Photo by Darek Smetana
Liss Ard Estate, Cork
A truly exclusive wedding must have three things: privacy, peace and tranquility. You get them all at Liss Ard Estate, plus amazing history to boot and landscapes you’ll never forget, including a breathtaking 50-acre lake and their contemporary Irish Sky Garden. This elegant Georgian country house can accommodate up to 100 guests in their drawing rooms and restaurant but they’re also well used to throwing fabulous marquee celebrations for larger groups where couples can put their own stamp on their day.
St Peter’s Cork
There’s a perfect venue for every couple who loves a combination of culture, heritage and history – St Peter’s Cork. Your guests will think they are entering an old church. Indeed, it used to be a religious venue, with parts of the building dating back to the 12th century. But inside, it’s all about the contrast between the old and the new… sleek modern spaces with sun streaming through medieval windows. It’s a wow anywhere you look. There’s also a secret courtyard garden and a mezzanine gallery for a little extra culture fix.
