Kinnitty Castle, Birr, Co. Offaly
Capacity: Up to 200 | Prices from: €50
Kinnitty is a lavish Gothic revival Castle dating back to the 13th century. The medieval styled “Great Hall of the O’Carroll’s” banqueting suite is the centerpiece of many wedding celebrations at Kinnitty Castle, and is authentically appointed with the striking original features and heritage decor. Guests can extend their unique wedding experience by staying in one of the castle’s distinctively styled bedrooms, where high ceilings and cast iron rolled top baths add to an elegant, regal atmosphere. Kinnitty is all about character and is a true Irish castle experience on the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the Heart of the Midlands.
Barberstown Castle, Straffan, Co. Kildare
Capacity: Up to 280 guests
Located just 30 minutes from Dublin city and Dublin airport, Barberstown Castle is the perfect location for a destination wedding in Ireland. The castle originally dates back to 1288 and its medieval decor, with its high ceilings, impressive tapestries, cast iron chandeliers and exposed wooden beams and stone walls, brings a very tangible old-world feel to the magical banqueting hall. It is truly like stepping back in time. Barberstown Castle was awarded the 2013 Castle Venue of the Year at the weddingsonline awards in February 2013.
Photo by Bigger Picture Photography
Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare
Capacity: up to 300 | Prices from: €85
The archetypal luxury Irish castle, Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare is, quite simply, the fairytale wedding destination. Built in the late 16th century, Dromoland is a Renaissance structure surrounded by a 450 acre estate. The captivating winding road to the Castle’s Kincora Gallery paves the way for an enchanting evening, where guests can wonder at vaulted ceilings and beautifully crafted floor-to-ceiling windows. The wedding party can then saunter to the majestic Brian Boru Hall, which features arched balconies, heraldic tapestries, elegant chandelier and rich wood paneling, to create a uniquely romantic atmosphere. Venues for more intimate celebrations in the castle include The Terrace Room and The Drawing Room, suitable for parties of 30 to 70 people and 10 to 30 people, respectively.
Photo by Studio33Weddings
Castle Leslie, Gaslough, Monaghan
Capacity: Up to 260 | Prices from: €65
Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie is a stunningly beautiful secluded estate in Monaghan, only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast. Still in the hands of its founding family, it is steeped in history and full of character and charm. A truly private rural escape, it is a magical setting for either an intimate or grand wedding celebration.
Photo by Brenda McGuire Photography
Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Clare
Capacity: Up to 300 | Prices from: €52
Bunratty Castle Hotel is based in the historic and beautiful village of Bunratty in the West of Ireland, and takes its name from the famous 15th century Bunratty Castle which is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. The hotel itself is modernly appointed to provide a warm and intimate setting for couples and their guests, while the banqueting hall calls on its historic surroundings taking advantage of exposed wooden beams and atmospheric lighting to create an enchanting ambiance.
Castle Dargan, Ballygawley, Sligo
Capacity: Up to 300 | Prices from: €50
Castle Dargan’s historic Estate in Ballygawley, County Sligo combines 4* contemporary hotel, a Championship golf course designed by Darren Clarke and a destination Medi Spa. At the center of the estate lies the opulent 18th century Castle Dargan House, luxuriously appointed to provide an elegant, homely setting for the wedding party. The idyllic 170-acre country estate provides the most romantic setting for a celebration, with spectacular views of fresh water brooks and rolling hills, old stone walls and ancient castle ruins.
Cloghan Castle, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Capacity: Up to 120 | Prices from: €20
Renovated from the 13th century ruins of a fortified Norman keep, Cloghan Castle is a striking medieval style castle where couples can create the wedding day of their dreams. Perfect for an intimate celebration, Cloghan is a self-catering castle that can be rented exclusively for up to 120 guests. The castle provides a warm and elegant atmosphere where guests can soak up the historic setting’s beautiful exposed brick walls and huge open feature fireplaces throughout. There are seven luxuriously appointed bedrooms within the castle for the couple and their bridal party.
Photo by Aspect Photography
Clontarf Castle, Clontarf, Dublin 3
Capacity: Up to 400 | Prices from: €69
Clontarf Castle is an eclectic mix of old and new, nestled in the quiet and elegant suburb of Clontarf, 10 minutes from Dublin City Center. The venue underwent a €10 million renovation in recent years, bringing it right up to date with luxuriously appointed suites, designer decor and a cool and contemporary bar/lounge (perfect for a cocktail drinks reception). The 12th century castle retains its unique dramatic high ceilings, stained glass windows and original staircase, all coming together perfectly in the magnificent Great Hall.
Dunboyne Castle, Dunboyne, Co. Meath
Capacity: Up to 240 | Prices from: €50
The former home of The Lord of Dunboyne, Dunboyne Castle Hotel is a large 18th century mansion idyllically set in 21 acres of mature, formal gardens. The hotel is reached through a tree-lined avenue, which provides an elegant introduction to the serene atmosphere inside. Modernly appointed to take full advantage of the natural light and landscaped gardens outside, Dunboyne Castle is close to Dublin and a great choice for those with guests arriving from abroad.
Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Leitrim
Capacity: Up to 320 | Prices from: €66
Based upon 300 acres of magnificently manicured grounds and natural beauty, Lough Rynn Castle Resort is a magical setting for a luxury, fairy tale Irish castle wedding. The castle is steeped in history, located on the shores of Lough Rynn, and boasts breathtaking scenery, lush green pastures, ancient forests and historical points of interest. Like its sister castle hotel Kilronan, the castle has been renovated beautifully by the Hanly Group to blend old and new, history and luxury, to provide a comfortable, atmospheric setting that makes for seriously special memories for all.
Photo by Peter Rowen Photography
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin
Capacity: Up to 280 | Prices from: €55
Fitzpatrick Castle in the lovely leafy suburb of Killiney in Dublin stands steadfast in the hills of Killiney overlooking Dublin Bay. The 18th century castle has been in business as a hotel and wedding venue for just over 40 years and its staff brings a wealth of experience to every catered celebration. The striking maroon and white-tipped exterior of Fitzpatrick Castle is balanced with a traditional interior, where wedding guests can wander around taking in the classic decor with deep wood furnishings, elegant fireplaces and grand chandeliers.
Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon, Roscommon
Capacity: Up to 320 | Prices from: €45
Restored by the Hanly Group in 2006, the original Kilronan Castle was built in the early 1800’s and belonged to Colonel King Tenison. The immense restoration resulted in the romantic, historic wedding venue, which seamlessly blends old-world elegance with contemporary luxuries. The estate spans over 49 acres of charming, natural Roscommon beauty, creating the picturesque setting many of the great Irish poets and musicians emerged from, including Kavanagh, Yeats, McGahern, O’Carolan and Percy French.
Photo by Upendo Images
Luttrelstown Castle, Castleknock, Dublin 15
Capacity: Up to 150 | Prices: On request
The venue of choice for even the most discerning of brides (the pickiest of picky peeps Victoria Beckham married her – and a lots of other women’s – Prince Charming here in 2007!) Luttrelstown Castle is the ultimate in luxury Irish castle weddings. Available for exclusive, private rental, this is your own stunning stately home to share with up to 150 guests throughout your wedding celebrations. A marquee can be set up on the grounds of the estate, where the castle itself will provide a spectacular backdrop as you dance the night away before retiring to your exquisitely appointed bridal suite.
Markree Castle, Collooney, Co. Sligo
Capacity: Up to 170 | Prices from: €55
Renowned as one of Ireland’s premier wedding locations, Markree Castle provides the ultimate in romantic, Victorian style luxury. Set in a secluded 500 acre estate in County Sligo and home to the Cooper family for 370 years, Markree Castle has been lovingly restored by the current owner Charles Cooper and his wife Mary to become one of the finest country house hotels in Ireland. Celebrate your civil ceremony in the castle’s recently restored Victorian Gothic chapel before treating your guests to a splendid wedding feast in the magnificently striking gold and duck egg blue banqueting suite, where a regal atmosphere will provide a memorable, exclusive Irish castle experience for all.
Photo by Darek Smietana
Solis Lough Eske Castle, Donegal
Capacity: Up to 280 | Prices from: €55
The ‘wow factor’ venue if ever there was one, Solis Lough Eske Castle (or, to give it its full and somewhat heavier name “Lough Eske Castle – A Solis Hotel & Spa”) provides the most spectacular setting for weddings in the North West of Ireland. A five star castle hotel located on a secluded lakeside estate just outside Donegal Town, Lough Eske Castle has a rich history dating back to the 1400s, being associated with the founding fathers of Donegal. The style here is traditional with a luxuriously contemporary twist. The hotel’s acclaim for its superior hospitality is cemented by the various notable titles that it has held for the past FOUR consecutive years (including World Luxury Hotel and World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel, to name a few).
Trim Castle Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath
Capacity: Up to 350 | Prices from: €60
Trim Castle Hotel overlooks the magical and magnificent Trim Castle. Glorious views and contemporary elegance are what Trim Castle Hotel weddings are about. An ideal location from guests travelling from abroad or from Ireland’s capital, the hotel is just 40 minutes from Dublin City Centre and Dublin Airport, within the peaceful-yet-popular Heritage town of Trim, Co. Meath.
Belleek Castle, Ballina, Co. Mayo
The iconic Belleek Castle on the banks of the River Moy has all the warmth and style that one would expect from an intimate wedding venue, set in a structure that dates back almost half a century. Belleek is the ancestral home of the Earl of Arran and the hotel retains all its original medieval decor and antiquities, creating an other-wordly experience for couples and their guests.