Unless you’re marrying a hotel magnate, or have been determined all your life that you’re having a big party with a bouncy castle in your back garden for your wedding day, finding a wedding venue is going to be one of the tougher things to tick off your list while planning your Big Day. With so much to contend with – price, location, accommodation… it’s easy to get into a tizzy when it comes to finding the perfect Irish wedding venue to suit you. Putting all that aside however, your venue being five minutes from the airport isn’t worth a bean unless you LOVE it! So, with that in mind we’ve put together a little piece to help you along the way in deciding where you’ll spend one of the most special days of your life no matter what your style or couple personality.
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The Royals
Bellingham Castle, Castlebellingham, Louth
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Bellingham Castle, located in the heart of the medieval village of Castlebellingham in County Louth and just 45 minutes from Dublin, is a spectacular setting for a couple looking to feel like absolute royalty on their special day. This breathtaking castle venue offers an exclusive setting where you can enjoy your day in the privacy of your own historic venue with the most serene surroundings. The castle, set on 17 acres of mature woodlands and gardens, overlooks the River Glyde with its own weir and millrace. Have your arrival drinks and canapés in either the castle’s period drawing rooms or its cosy library before indulging in an unforgettable night of dinner and dancing.
Real Wedding: Subtle Sage at Bellingham Castle by Michelle Prunty
The Nature Lovers
Screebe House, Rosmuc, Connemara, Galway
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Located on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, Screebe House, a Victorian fishing lodge built in 1865 has long been famous for its hospitality, comfort and fine cuisine. This beautiful house boasts a large terrace and wonderful landscaped gardens offering a magnificent view over Camus Bay with its own original harbour.
The Trendsetters
The Millhouse, Slane, Meath
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The beautiful surroundings of orchard gardens and river set against the grandeur of the Old Mill makes for a dramatic setting at The Millhouse, Co. Meath. Our favourite thing about this venue is that every wedding held here is different and their wedding team prides itself on creating a bespoke celebration to reflect the personality of the couple, no matter what it may entail. The house itself combines beautifully bespoke contemporary décor with old world charm to create a unique, laid back but luxurious space to host your wedding ceremony and reception.
The City Couple
Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
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The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club is located in the heart of Dublin and is ideal for a couple who dreams of the city as the backdrop to their perfect day. The Club, overlooking Dublin’s landmark St. Stephen’s Green, captures a mix of old world charm and storybook romance. It’s just a short walk from University Church, the Utilitarian Church and Pepper Canister Church, and right across the road from the calm, tranquillity and natural beauty of the park.
The Bohemians
Rock Farm Slane, Slane, Co. Meath
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One of the more unusual venues on the list, Rock Farm Slane is an exciting addition to the weddingsonline venue directory, and one we think will capture the imagination of laid back, boho brides and grooms! Nestled on the banks of the River Boyne, Rock Farm encapsulates the magic of ancient Ireland with its natural surroundings of wooded groves and serene ambiance. Rock Farm offers high end event management and works with Ireland’s top providers of creative pavilion tents to create a magnificent backdrop to your laid back boho-style wedding.
The Foodies
Viginia Park Lodge, Virginia, Co. Cavan
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Newly acquired and restored by one of Ireland’s most eminent chefs Richard Corrigan, Virginia Park Lodge is not only a venue for true ‘foodies’ but offers the style and service to match. Elegant and enchanting, the exclusive venue caters for all styles of wedding and prides itself on creating a bespoke wedding to suit every couple’s personality. With lake views and beautiful gardens, the historical house is the perfect setting for an intimate, chic and special day, and with a bespoke wedding meal reflecting Richard Corrigan’s noted passion for wild, flavour-rich and unpretentious cooking, it’s certainly one to impress!
The Romantics
Rathsallagh House, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow
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Rathsallagh House, built in the 17th Century, is a romantic, cosy and elegant country house set on 500 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and wild forests. Open log and turf fires, a luxurious dining room, ornate bedrooms and deluxe drawing rooms combine to create a relaxed and sumptuous setting that’s exclusively yours throughout your wedding celebration. The walled gardens and orangery is an ideal setting for your ceremony, where guests can take in their peaceful surroundings before being waited on by Rathsallagh’s dedicated, friendly and experienced team.
The Fans of the Finer Things
Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Monaghan
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You want the wow factor? Well Castle Leslie Estate has it in spades. From the acres and acres of undulating Irish countryside that surround, to the house itself, there’s not a single part of this impressive estate that won’t have you feeling like you’re living a fairy tale. Privacy abounds in this perfectly secluded estate in Monaghan, which is still very accessible from either Dublin or Belfast, and the photo opportunities are endless. Castle Leslie Estate is still in the hands of its founding family, is steeped in history and full of character and charm.
[Picture] Real Wedding: Hauntingly Beautiful – Marianne & Richard’s Wedding at Castle Leslie Estate by Brenda McGuire Photography
Read It! Ireland’s Most Luxurious Castle Wedding Venues
The Uber Cool Twosome
Clonabreany House, Crossakiel, Meath
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The spectacular Clonabreany Estate set in the gateway to Boyne Valley consists of two restored Georgian Houses and is a true hidden oasis in the heart of Co. Meath. Couples can look forward to having exclusive use of the venue whether it’s a small and intimate gathering or a large celebration for up to 220 guests. Wedding banquets can be held in the Banqueting Hall or the adjoining marquee, which is full of character and style, while the private courtyard on the estate is a real treat for guests. Ten beautifully finished self-catering houses which sleep over 80 people and sweet old-country feel private sibin ensure that the party can continue into the night with traditional music and great banter. Civil ceremonies and blessings can be carried out in their beautiful new civil ceremony suite with views of Sliabh na Caillighe and the mystical Loughcrew Cairns or for those that dream of saying ‘I Do’ outdoors, their woodland setting offers a truly magical and memorable backdrop.
The Beach Enthusiasts
Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
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Perched on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the Armada Hotel provides the most picturesque setting for a laid back, luxurious wedding. If you’re looking to get married with the calm blue ocean as your backdrop, it doesn’t get much better than this. Wedding receptions are held in the spectacular Atlantic Suite, where floor to ceiling windows offer floods of natural light and the most magnificent sea views, perfect for beach enthusiasts!
