Choosing your perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make during your wedding planning journey. That's why real reviews from newlyweds are highly beneficial. Today we are sharing five real Irish couples and their honest experiences, what they loved, what surprised them, and why their venue made their special day unforgettable—helping you choose with confidence.
Ashdown Park Hotel
Lucy and Michael chose the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey, County Wexford.
Photographer: Touch Photography
"The Ashdown is a lovely local hotel to us, they have amazing food, they offer a great wedding package, and the room rates are great too. The wedding co-ordinators, Eimear and Claire were amazing too, they made the whole process seamless."
Cavan Crystal Hotel
Martina and Sean chose Cavan Crystal Hotel in Cavan, County Cavan.
Photographer: Lavery's
"We had looked at so many venues but we chose the Cavan Crystal Hotel. Our initial thoughts were wow. The hotel itself is so clean and well presented and that was so important to us because we wanted our guests to feel the same way we did when they came in on the wedding day.
We always knew the food and service was impeccable but the staff really sold it because they all came over and introduced themselves and it felt so personal compared to anywhere else. Our wedding coordinator was outstanding we clicked immediately with Jordan he is such a people person and it felt like we had our own personal wedding planner. He took care of so many things and every detail was looked after he even created the sweet cart and crisp wall for us which was a bonus.
It's lovely to have a hotel working as hard as you are to make the day so special, that you're not just another wedding, your day is as important to them as it is to you."
Mount Druid
Sinead and Johnny chose Mount Druid in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
Photographer: Lucy Nuzum
"From the minute we stepped foot in Mount Druid, we were like this is a bit of us! We had been recommended Mount Druid by a few people who said it would suit us.
We loved how they have designed the areas, everything is so tastefully decorated but also still really homely. Such funky little touches with such attention to detail. We also loved how there is so many different areas that you feel like the whole day is a bit of an adventure in itself.
The staff are so relaxed and helpful. We loved having the site the night before to relax and get everything set up. All the way through Mount Druid were so easy to deal with. When we were viewing venues initially we weren't really thinking about the weather. But Mount Druid cater for all weather types which made me not be such a Bridezilla in the lead up as it was forecasted 100% chance of rain on the day of the wedding! However the rain cleared early and we had sunshine all day. We knew we would have an amazing time no matter what in Mount Druid."
Arklow Bay Hotel
Joyce and Rob chose Arklow Bay Hotel in Arklow, County Wicklow
Photographer: Rob O Neill
"We had been to a couple of weddings in the hotel that we really enjoyed so when we went to visit & met with Tee she had me sold she is so lovely & helpful. The food is also out of this world."
Rathsallagh House
Katie and Conor chose Rathsallagh House in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow.
Photographer: Couple Photography
"Rathsallagh House won us over immediately. We loved the "old country house" aesthetic; it felt secluded, private, and like our own little world for the day. The crackling fires and historic charm made it the ultimate setting for a December wedding. It also held a very special place in our hearts because Conor’s mam is from the local area, which made the location feel even more meaningful and grounded in family history.
The food was a major highlight for everyone. The beef was absolutely fabulous—perfectly cooked and served. Our guests are still talking about the quality of the meal; it was the ultimate "comfort food" done with high-end elegance."
