Castle Wedding Venues Ireland
Have you found the love of your life and now want to take the first big step of wedding planning? Considering a Castle Wedding Venue in Ireland? Below I have compiled a list of the best castle wedding venues in Ireland. This is by no means the definitive list but these are all wedding castles in Ireland which I have played in. I have first hand experience working in these amazing wedding venues and would happily recommend them to any of my wedding couples.
- Capacity – Can the venue hold your expected guest numbers. Ensure everyone can be seated comfortably without an enclosed feeling during dinner and for the evening. Guests should be able to move freely around the room. Likewise, if you are considering a more intimate wedding, match this to the room size. Although some ballrooms are amazing and grand, bringing 80-100 only your close family and friends will mean you feel lost in a room that can cater for large numbers.
- Accommodation – If you plan to stay for a number of days with your guests, can the venue take care of this for you. Is there enough rooms for your bridal party and guests. If not, are there alternatives close by that will eliminate your guests having to travel a long distance to the venue. A top tip here, if this is needed, can the venue arrange a bus/taxi transfer as needed. Usually this is not a problem and isn’t necessarily expensive.
- Date Flexibility – Are you flexible on your wedding date? Some venues offer some flexibility and may be able to modify the packages slightly to accommodate a midweek date. Likewise, many vendors offer a preferable rate for weddings taking place midweek, Sunday-Thursday. At any stage you can check my availability here
- What can the venue supply – Many venues can provide you with décor including chair covers, centrepieces, plates, lights, candelabras and other small items you can use to decorate the venue. This can save you a lot of money, so it is worth finding out what different venues can offer. We can supply uplighting as an add-on service if required.
- Weather options – Does your venue have options for both an indoor and outdoor setting for their ceremonies. This is especially important if you plan to have an outdoor wedding. Should the weather not be favourable, does the venue have a plan b option which they can use an alternative should the weather not be co-operating on the day. Be sure to check with your photographer so they are aware of both options and can plan accordingly. If you are having a DJ for your ceremony music check with them also.
Castle Wedding Venues Ireland List:
Ballyseede Castle is steeped in history. It was the chief garrison of the legendary Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond, many of whom refused to swear allegiance to the crown, which resulted in the infamous Geraldine Wars that continued intermittently for three centuries.
Following the defeat of the Desmonds in 1584, the castle – plus 3,000 acres of land – was granted as a perpetual lease to Robert Blennerhassett; the rent being one red rose to be presented each year on Midsummer’s Day.
This noble family and their descendants occupied Ballyseede until 1966, when Arthur died and bequeathed the estate to a distant relative who sold it. It was at this time that it was converted into a luxury hotel.
Ballyseede Castle today, is a family-owned and operated hotel. Marnie and her husband Rory, along with their dedicated team, have awakened the hidden gem that is Ballyseede Castle – making it Ireland’s leading destination wedding venue and hotel.
Location: Ballyseede, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Enquire: https://www.ballyseedecastle.com/weddings/wedding-enquiries
Ireland’s most magical address, Dromoland Castle promises history and grandeur and luxury all wrapped up in a truly bespoke experience.
Perhaps you’d like to arrive by horse drawn carriage and exchange vows in our Walled Garden. Maybe you’re dreaming of a champagne reception on the lawns before feasting and dancing the night away in our magnificent Brian Boru Hall.
Daring to dream of a one-of-a-kind marquee or extravagant structure on the lawns? We’re here to deliver on your dreams, working with top specialists. With the majestic Castle as your backdrop, your five-star wedding day can be as intimate or grand, traditional or informal as your hearts’ desire.
Noted for our sensational cuisine, your Dromoland Castle wedding feast will be complemented by unparalleled service, luxurious accommodation, gorgeous views, opulent public areas, and the dreamiest settings for your photos.
Location: Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co. Clare
Waterford Castle:
Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort is uniquely situated on a private 310-acre Island, enjoying a truly picturesque and enchanting location on the River Suir. Access to the Island is by our private car ferry, operating throughout the day.
Experience a wonderful sense of anticipation as you make the short crossing by ferry to the island and travel the beech-lined drive to the castle. As you enter the massive studded oak doors on your wedding day as husband and wife you will be surrounded by the castle’s 500 year old history to celebrate the most romantic and memorable occasion of your lives with those you hold dear.
The 16th Century Castle combines the gracious living of an elegant past with every modern comfort, service and convenience providing a stunning venue for an unforgettable Wedding Day. The antiques, period décor and delicate details throughout the castle will captivate your imagination bringing you back to times gone by.
Imagine having the most special of days on your very own private island in a castle that’s exclusively yours for your wedding day.
Location: Waterford Castle Resort The Island Co. Waterford X91 Y722
Kinnitty Castle:
Kinnitty Castle Hotel, Ireland offers luxury accommodation in the picturesque village of Kinnitty, Co. Offaly. Nestled in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the 4* Castle Hotel offers the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.
Arrive up the winding avenue, opening into breathtaking views of the 13th century castle seated on 650 acres of parkland, inclusive of 60 acres of rolling lawns. Enter the lavish medieval revival castle, drenched in original features, heritage colours and regal atmospheres dating back to 1209.
Wander through the fine settings of the Library Bar, The Sli Dala Restaurant and the Drawing Room all with magnificent character. Relax beside our unique open fires, enjoy the best of local cuisine prepared by the Kinnitty Culinary Team.
Location: Kinnitty, Birr, Co. Offaly
Enquire: https://www.kinnittycastlehotel.com/wedding-enquiry-form.html
Blackwater Castle:
A medieval Castle for rent in Ireland, the spectacular home of the former Viscount of Fermoy and Lords of the Barony of Fermoy, is a truly unique heritage site of international significance.
History, heritage, nature and a warm Irish welcome meet in a spectacular setting at Blackwater Castle, a twelfth Century Castle on the banks of the River Awbeg, which is surrounded by woodlands and a private river and is the perfect setting for a unique Irish Castle wedding.
This “charming historic location” which is “steeped in history” (Hitched.ie) is a hidden gem tucked away in the hills of North Cork and is just “perfect for a private wedding” (One Fab Day). We have also been selected among the Best Wedding Venues in Ireland (One Fab Day) for five consecutive years since 2014 and in the top 20 Castle Wedding Venues in Ireland (WeddingDates.ie). Trips To Discover identified us as one of the top 10 most romantic private hire venues while Tanya Sweeney writing in The Irish Examiner on 6th May 2015 claimed that Blackwater Castle was one of only 6 wedding venues that you would ever need in your wedding venue little black book.
Location: Castletownroche, Co.Cork
Ashford Castle:
Ashford Castle is an idyllic setting for a truly awe-inspiring wedding. This 800-year-old castle has an incredible history, a fairy tale location and was recently voted the Best Hotel in the World.
Having welcomed royalty, heads of state and celebrities, our experienced wedding planners are equipped with all the skills, talent and enthusiasm required to make every moment utterly magical. Ashford Castle is the ultimate wedding destination.
Make Ashford Castle truly your own, you can hire the entire estate so it’s exclusively yours. The castle’s 83 bedrooms, suites and Lakeside Hideaway Cottage will accommodate up to 160 guests, allowing you and your wedding party to enjoy the full castle experience without interruption.
Location: Cong, County Mayo
Enquire: https://www.ashfordcastle.com/weddings-and-events/event-enquiry
Markree Castle:
Markree Castle is an extraordinary venue – an authentic and historic Irish Castle located in the north-west of Ireland on the route of the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way.
Recently reopened after extensive and sensitive renovations, now is the time to discover a fairytale of elegance and service in a majestic part of Ireland.
Markree Castle was purchased by renowned family of Irish hoteliers, The Corscaddens, and has been lovingly and extensively renovated to the highest standards. It now joins the family’s Romantic Castles of Ireland hotel and venue portfolio.
The family’s fourth luxurious Irish Castle venue, Markree Castle reopened in March 2017. Extensive renovations have been completed to ensure the comfort of guests and the future of the castle. At every stage of the renovation process, the character and history of Markree has been protected and restored. Furniture and original features have been painstakingly rebuilt and reclaimed.
Location: Collooney, Co. Sligo
Enquire: https://www.markreecastle.ie/enquire
Belleek Castle was built between 1825 and finished in 1831. Belleek Castle is the ideal romantic venue for your wedding day. They can cater for the very small to the very large weddings, in either the Great Hall, or the charming and warm Library Restaurant.
The enchanting Castle is located in 200 acres of woodland and is dating back to the early 1400’s. The gardens are a beautiful backdrop for photos on the day, and there are many romantic photographic opportunities inside as well. The grandeur and the splendour of the iconic country house, the exquisite food, many open fires, as well as the excellent service and attentive hospitality combines to make your wedding day at Belleek a truly memorable occasion.
Belleek Castle was also listed in the 100 Best Wedding Venues in Ireland from “One Fab Day”
Location: Belleek House, Garrankeel, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Enquire: https://www.belleekcastle.com/moposa-enquiry-belleek.html
Kilronan Castle:
Recently awarded Gold Medals best wedding venue in Ireland, we believe that every marriage should start with three sensations – being happy, being relaxed and being well and truly spoilt. Our team of dedicated wedding specialists are here to help ensure you, your spouse and your family and friends enjoy the kind of fairytale wedding only a 18th century castle can accommodate.
As a unique setting for the most special day of your life, you and your guests will also be taken care of like never before. From award-winning food and drink, to awe-inspiring luxury and service, we have everything worthy of the most special day.
The magnificent ballroom is the perfect fairytale backdrop to your day and has capacity for lavish weddings for up to 350 guests to enjoy the unique experience of an Irish castle wedding. The ballroom is perfectly designed for smaller more intimate numbers, with various room layouts & set up styles offered, any size wedding is just magical.
Location: Ballyfarnon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Castle Durrow:
Set in a beautiful, 18th century building, Castle Durrow offers a timeless setting for your wedding.
Built in 1716, this magnificent 300 year old mansion has been fully restored to its former glory of when it was used as the private house of the Flower Family, later to be known as Viscounts Ashbrook. All of our rooms have been elegantly and individually designed by Shelly and Peter Stokes with family heirlooms and antiques dotted around the building.
Enjoy your first moments as husband and wife in our historic castle. The extensive gardens and beautiful interiors provide the perfect scenery for your wedding pictures, before you return to greet your guests and welcome them with sparkling Prosecco and delicious canapes. After your drinks reception, indulge in an exquisite meal, specially designed by a dedicated team of expert chefs for you and your guests. Begin your married life together in luxury in the stunning Lord Ashbrook suite and greet your friends the morning after your wedding day in the beautiful dining rooms for a delicious breakfast.
Location: Durrow, County Laois
Other notable Castle Wedding Venues in Ireland:
- Castle Leslie, Gaslough, Monaghan
- Castle Dargan, Ballygawley, Sligo
- Cloghan Castle, Loughrea, Co. Galway
- Clontarf Castle, Clontarf, Dublin 3
- Dunboyne Castle, Dunboyne, Co. Meath
- Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Leitrim
- Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin
- Luttrelstown Castle, Castleknock, Dublin 15
- Solis Lough Eske Castle, Donegal
- Trim Castle Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath
Castle Wedding Venues in Ireland Videos:
Make It Memorable!
If you want your wedding to be really fun, really different, and really special, or you’d like your guests to call it the ‘wedding of the year’ or even ‘best wedding ever’ then call Paudie Walsh.
He makes it fun, he makes it memorable, he makes it exciting and enjoyable for everyone involved, including you, the wedding party and all your guests.
