16 Luxurious Wedding Venues with the Wow Factor

Venues

Ireland is home to some incredibly glam and luxurious country houses, castles and estates so couples after a wedding venue with some serious wow factor are spoilt for choice! From charming historic estates brimming with period features to fairy tales castles that can be exclusively yours, these 16 luxurious wedding venues are sure to impress your wedding guests!

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Markree Castle, Collooney, Co. Sligo
Guest capacity: 200 | View Profile

Markree Castle is a stunning exclusive use Gothic style castle, set in the heart of the Sligo countryside. This romantic castle boasts stunning Gothic architecture with vaulted ceilings, striking arches and handcrafted and painted cornicing. Couples can celebrate their civil ceremony in the castle’s original Victorian Gothic chapel with its beautiful stained glass windows. Then it’s on to the exquisite chandelier lined Grand Hall for an evening of fine dining and dancing in the most sumptuous surroundings.

Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Guest capacity: 360 | View Profile

Nestled in 1,100 acres of stunning parkland, the historic Carton House is a charming wedding venue with modern luxuries. Drinks receptions and more intimate celebrations can take place in the main house – a restored 18th century Palladian mansion boasting stunning original features oozing with the wow factor, while larger parties can celebrate in the stylish and equally enchanting, chandelier lit ballroom which can host up to 360 guests.

Photo by The Fennells

Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Tralee, Kerry
Guest capacity: 220 | View Profile

Set on 30 acres of ancient woodlands and manicured gardens, Ballyseede Castle Hotel is a fairy tale setting in Co. Kerry renowned for its warm welcome and award-winning food. This family owned castle is steeped in history and splendour and offers wedding parties old world elegance with modern day comforts. Ballyseede can cater for up to 220 guests and has a range of packages – their vintage package will transport you to times past with sumptuous table dressings, candelabras and vintage tea sets for an elegant drinks reception.

Cliff at Lyons, Celbridge, Kildare
Guest capacity: 200 | View Profile

The stunning Cliff at Lyons, located just outside Dublin is an enchanting setting for exclusive, bespoke weddings. This historic little town is home to an intimate 22-seat chapel, the beautiful Turner designed Orangery (a stunning backdrop for civil ceremonies), luxury accommodation and cottages, idyllic grounds and at its heart, the magnificent Mill. The Mill is a spectacular double height banquet venue decorated in warm, soft tones with dramatic 17th century fireplace and a cascading waterfall as a backdrop.

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No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2
Guest capacity: 100 | View Profile

The fabulous No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place offers couples an elegant and impressive backdrop in the heart of the capital. This beautiful Georgian townhouse is exclusively yours and has been lovingly restored with a blend of unique period features and more contemporary decor, giving it a modern, classic feel. No. 25 can host 60 guests (or groups of 100 if you have your ceremony onsite) and prides itself on its warm atmosphere, excellent service and incredible menu opportunities.

Castlemartyr Resort, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork
Guest capacity: 220 | View Profile

Set on a 220 acre estate, featuring its own 13th century castle ruins and manor house, the 5* Castlemartyr Resort is the perfect blend of old and new. Couples and guests can look forward to dining and partying in style in the stunning contemporary Capel suite – it boasts double height ceilings, an abundance of natural light and can host up to 220 guests. The resort has its own lake and surrounding woodlands which make an idyllic backdrop for wedding photos.

Palmerstown House Estate, Johnstown, Kildare
Guest capacity: 170 | View Profile

Palmerstown House Estate is set on 900 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and woodlands in Johnstown, Co. Kildare. Just 30 minutes from Dublin city, this 18th Century private manor was once home to aristocracy and now offers couples a wonderfully romantic setting for their special day. They can cater for both large banquet style weddings and more intimate parties. Its elegant interiors with deep red walls and huge chandeliers create an opulent, luxurious feel.

Kilkea Castle, Kilkea, Castledermot, Co. Kildare
Guest capacity: 280 | View Profile

Located in Castledermot, Co. Kildare, the enchanting Kilkea Castle is  just an hour’s drive from Dublin. Set on 180 acres of woodlands and gardens, this beautiful 12th century castle blends its historic past with contemporary elegance. Once the medieval stronghold of the FitzGeralds, Earls of Kildare, it can now be your own exclusive fairy tale setting for your Big Day. The castle is yours to enjoy in its entirety including 11 decadent bedrooms, your very own cosy castle bar, a beautifully furnished drawing room and the magnificent Baronial Hall which is sure to impress guests with its elegant chandeliers and traditional feature stone wall.

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Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, Enniskerry, Wicklow
Guest capacity: 400 | View Profile

With its historic house with romantic Palladian style architecture, manicured gardens and waterfall, the luxurious Powerscourt Hotel Resort is a beautiful setting for weddings. Their stunning grand Ballroom is an incredible setting for receptions with spectacular crystal chandeliers, gorgeous Georgian-style corniced ceilings, silk wall coverings and beautifully rich carpeting and its own secret garden just off the ballroom. It can host up to 400 guests.

Bellingham Castle, Castlebellingham, Louth
Guest capacity: 200 | View Profile

Set on 17 acres of mature woodlands and gardens, Bellingham Castle is a romantic 17th century castle located in the heart of the medieval village of Castlebellingham, Co. Louth. Just 45 minutes from Dublin, Bellingham is an exclusive use venue so you can look forward to having the run of your own historic castle for the day. Weddings can enjoy drinks receptions in the castle’s elegant period drawing rooms or cosy library before retreating to the specatcular Blute Suite for the evening.

The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare
Guest capacity: 300 | View Profile

The 5* K Club is a romantic resort set on 550 acres of mature woods and formal gardens in the Kildare countryside. The house was originally modelled on a French chateau and now offers couples “18th Century grandeur with 21st Century service”. Drinks receptions take place in the main house which boasts beautiful historic pieces and art filled walls. Couples then have their pick of reception spaces with the Legacy Suite being a popular choice thanks to its fairy light backdrop, fireplace and black and white checker dance floor.

Photo by Dermot Culhane Photography

Cabra Castle , Kingscourt, Co. Cavan
Guest capacity: 290 | View Profile

Cabra Castle is a magical family owned-and-run castle in Co. Cavan. Situated on over 100 acres of beautiful gardens and forestry with breathtaking views, it’s the perfect backdrop for romantic wedding photos. The Castle’s interiors are equally breathtaking with an old world elegance and charm; hand-painted ceilings, exquisite antiques, Gothic-style leaded windows and a grand staircase. The elegance continues in the Ballroom with Waterford Crystal chandeliers, five-tiered golden candelabras and rich table linens.

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Lough Eske Castle, Donegal Town
Guest capacity: 280 | View Profile

Lough Eske Castle (‘Lough Eske Castle – A Solis Hotel & Spa’) is a 5* castle hotel located on a secluded lakeside estate just outside Donegal Town. It has a rich history dating back to the 1400s and blends old world charm with modern elegance. The stunning ballroom – traditional, with a contemporary twist – can host up to 280 guests and extends into your own exclusive tranquil gardens, providing plenty of beautiful photo opportunities. Couples can also make the most of the stunning artworks dotted throughout the grounds for a unique backdrop!

Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare
Guest capacity: 300 | View Profile

Built in the late 16th century, Dromoland Castle is a luxurious venue set on a 450 acre estate just outside Ennis in Co. Clare. This picturesque estate can cater for weddings both big and small – the majestic Brian Boru Hall is a romantic setting for larger celebrations and boasts beautiful arched balconies, heraldic tapestries, elegant chandeliers and rich wood panelling. Smaller, more intimate celebrations can enjoy the elegant surroundings of The Drawing Room and The Terrace Room.

Fota Island Resort, Fota Island, Co. Cork
Guest capacity: 300 | View Profile

Nestled at the heart of a tranquil island, Fota Island Resort‘s breathtaking coastal scenery and leafy woodlands make it a picturesque setting for weddings. The 5* resort’s elegantly designed Smith-Barry Suite can accommodate up to 300 people and is sure to impress guests with its dramatic chandeliers, state of the art lighting and grand fireplace. It also has its own private terrace – the perfect spot for al fresco drinks during summer months. There’s also lots of fabulous facilities onsite including championship golf courses and a stylish spa.

Luttrellstown Castle, Castleknock, Dublin 15
Guest capacity: 180 | View Profile

Luttrellstown Castle is a stunning castle venue that can be exclusively yours for your celebrations and can host up to 180 guests. From its majestic facade and impressive walled gardens to the sumptuous interiors such as the cosy library with its old world charm and the magnificent ballrooms where you can party the night away, the historic castle is sure to make an impression. The picturesque grounds also provide ample photo opportunities.

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Main photo courtesy of  Cliff at Lyons