It’s not for no reason that Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, being home to iconic green rolling fields and hills set against a pristine coastline. Besides its exciting natural vistas, Ireland is also home to iconic structures such as Dublin Castle and Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden. One shouldn’t miss visiting Killarney National Park and Giant’s Causeway, especially if you’re looking to take some pre-nuptial photos.
But you don’t have to stick to just pretty photos, so why not immortalize your love with a wedding in enchanting Ireland? With its charming villages and spectacular scenery, Ireland promises a ceremony right out of the movies. At a loss as to where to plan your ceremony? Scroll down for the best locations for destination weddings in Ireland and elevate your special day with an unforgettable stage to display your love.
1. Newtown Mount Kennedy
Newtown Mount Kennedy is a beautiful village in Ireland situated south of Dublin nestled by the country’s eastern coast. The village is situated near a few iconic landmarks, including The Great Sugar Loaf, Victor’s Way Sculpture Garden, and Lough Tay Lake.
The award-winning Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club is within a 10-minute drive from the center of Newtown Mount Kennedy and is an ideal wedding venue. It boasts lush grounds and beautiful gardens, not to mention its palatial decor choices. They also provide professional planning services.
The property is a great option for a romantic getaway, especially if you love being active with leisure amenities such as an aerobics studio, steam room, gym, and pool provided for the guests. Free parking is available.
2. Cong
Situated in County Mayo, within a 45-minute drive from Galway, Cong’s shot to fame was through the Oscar-winning movie, ‘The Quiet Man’ starring Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne, which was shot in the town. Naturally, this suggests that there are plenty of photogenic spots across town! You can visit famous attractions such as Cong Abbey and The Quiet Man Museum to soak in the small-town vibes.
Cong is also home to Ashford Castle. The grand structure allows intimate weddings within its halls, or you can book the entire castle and have a magical wedding by the lake. The destination is the perfect option for fulfilling a fairytale wedding.
3. Dublin
Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is the nation’s largest city and is unsurprisingly the cultural hub, so you’ll have plenty to see and do here. Spots such as Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral are excellent places to have a pre-wedding photoshoot.
If you’d like a regal wedding, Dublin’s Clontarf Castle Hotel, a magnificent structure dating back to the 12th century with magnificent grounds and gardens, will suit you well. The property even offers unique wedding packages to make for easier planning.
The newlyweds and the wedding guests will surely appreciate the luxurious rooms and award-winning restaurant!
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Address: Castle Avenue, Clontarf
4. Ballyfarnon
Ireland has plenty of romantic villages and Ballyfarnon is an enchanting settlement in County Roscommon that you shouldn’t miss out on. The charming village is rather secluded and there are plenty of unexplored tracks and trails that you can check out with your lover. You can also head out on an adventure along the Blueways in the vicinity, and the waterfront towns nearby are worth checking out as well.
Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa is located just outside central Ballyfarnon, within a 45-minute drive from Sligo Airport. The castle offers multiple venue options for weddings and up to 360 guests can be accommodated here. You can house the bridal party right at the castle with its beautiful en-suite rooms with a vintage charm. The indoor pool and spa will ensure that the guests have plenty of fun.
Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa
Address: Castletenison Demesne
5. Kingscourt
Kingscourt’s historic name was Dunaree (which literally translates to king’s fort) and the historic charm is still very apparent in this small town in County Cavan. There are plenty of pretty landscapes within and surrounding the town. Attractions such as Cabra Castle and Dun A Ri Forest Park offer beautiful spots to take photos.
Cabra Castle, an 18th-century structure, doubles as a magical wedding venue, its large lush grounds enticing anyone who dreams of a fabulous open-air wedding. Cabra Castle Hotel offers en suite rooms with a mix of vintage furnishings and modern comforts, with large TVs set against antique four-poster beds.
6. Kinnitty
Kinnitty is situated near the town of Birr, just 13 km (8 miles) east, and is famous for its rustic charm. It’s conveniently situated close to attractions such as Slieve Bloom Mountains, Garraunbaun, Saighir, and Fancroft Mill and Gardens, so there will be plenty to explore if you plan to honeymoon here after a fun wedding.
Kinnitty Castle calls itself one of Ireland’s “Most Romantic Wedding Venues” and it’s not hard to see why. The magnificent facade lends itself to any fairytale setup with the lush grounds completing the imposing structure. Kinnitty Castle Hotel features rooms with a vintage charm, making it an enchanting place to spend the honeymoon.
7. Ballynahinch
Situated in County Down, Ballynahinch is a beautiful town in Northern Ireland. Like the others on this list, Ballynahinch has a few pretty locations in and near it that you can explore with your lover including Montalto Estate, Loughinisland Churches, and Slieve Croob.
Of course, its most famous landmark might just be Ballynahinch Castle, a magnificent lakeside castle that promises a memorable wedding ceremony. It’s also a great option for a stay, providing access to a swimming pool and other luxurious amenities. Its rooms are beautiful with their vintage furnishings and historic decor. The newlyweds can look forward to unique activities such as pony trekking and woodcock shooting courtesy of the hotel.
8. Straffan
The charming village Straffan is nestled by River Liffey, situated within a 30-minute drive west of Dublin. Couples have plenty to do here, but maybe you can start your retreat here with a relaxing session at The K Spa at The K Club. If you love golf, make sure to head to Palmer Smurfit Course.
Barberstown Castle dates back to the 13th century and is situated right outside central Straffan. The magnificent castle boasts pristine grounds and its indoor spaces emanate a certain rustic vintage charm, keeping close to its historic identity. Luxurious touches permeate the castle with classic paintings, antique furnishings, and beautiful chandeliers.
9. Glaslough
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Surrounded by shimmering lakes and dense woods, Glaslough is a beautiful village in County Monaghan perfect for secluded holidays and luxurious weddings. The village has a certain romantic ambiance to it, especially with historic stone-cut buildings populating much of the village center.
However, Castle Leslie Estate is Glaslough’s star attraction, and lucky for you, the property allows wedding ceremonies! There’s perhaps no better gift to your beloved than to get married in “Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel”. The castle’s lakefront setting offers a variety of enchanting spots to tie the knot. Besides, the luxurious castle hotel has an opulent spa, a cutting-edge equestrian center, and magnificent rooms with balconies that overlook the woodlands, so you can house the bridal party here to add an extra sense of grandeur to your celebrations.
Castle Leslie Estate
Address: Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, Ireland
Travelers Review: 4.67 (from 1,621 reviews)
10. Luttrellstown Castle
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Luttrellstown Castle is literally royalty when it comes to weddings, having hosted the iconic wedding of David Beckham and Victoria Adams. The magnificent castle is located right outside Dublin and has a history spanning to the early 15th century. It looks straight out of a fairytale with its eccentric turrets, and you can host your ceremony at the castle itself or at its clubhouse which is styled like an alpine lodge.
The castle also offers luxurious accommodations, sparing no expense for its guests and adorning the rooms with vintage furnishings and magnificent crystal chandeliers.
Luttrellstown Castle Resort
Address: Kellystown, Castleknock, Co. Dublin, D15 RH92, Ireland
Travelers Review: 4.6 (from 876 reviews)
Plan a magnificent wedding in Ireland
With this list of beautiful Irish destinations, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to places to have your wedding. Make sure to check out the local marriage laws before planning your nuptials, and opt to have your wedding at one of the above destination wedding locations for a spectacular ceremony.
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