Irish Castle Wedding Venues

Looking for a destination wedding location? Ireland is a popular choice, with its charming culture and people, fairy tale castles and estates, and magnificent scenic surrounds providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. In this post, I’ve listed a selection of the top castle and estate wedding destinations in Ireland that will suit a range of budgets. Not only do they provide a stunning wedding venue, they also offer you and your guests an opportunity to enjoy many of the Irish outdoor pursuits. Many of these venues also offer luxurious spas in which to indulge and relax in.

Ashford Castle

Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

Voted Number 1 Best Resort Hotel in the UK and Ireland by Travel + Leisure ‘World’s Best’ Awards 2016, Ashford Castle is a medieval castle dating back to 1228. It is the oldest castle in Ireland and fits everyone’s fantasy of a medieval fortress, with soaring turrets, breathtaking views of Lough Corrib and a resident ghost. You can actually hire this entire stunning castle for your wedding!

Guests: Up to 164. For those looking for a smaller, intimate wedding venue, the elegant Connaught Room which offers incredible views of Lough Corrib is available for up to 40 guests. Or the Inglenook Room, with its beautiful Renaissance fireplace, is the perfect venue for up to 10 guests.

Accommodation: 82 rooms, suites and a Hideaway Cottage.

Dining: Dine in your choice of restaurants including the elegant George V Restaurant (gentlemen require a jacket and tie) or the traditional thatched cottage that houses the restaurant, Cullen’s at the Cottage. You can also enjoy a bistro style meal at the dramatic and atmospheric restaurant The Dungeon and drinks at the Prince of Wales Bar.

Hotel activities: The rural setting accommodates a host of outdoor activities, including fly-fishing, 9 hole golf course, horseback riding, and hawk flying overseen by Ireland’s first school of falconry. For those rainy days, relax in the cinema or visit the spa and enjoy a treatment. Enjoy some exercise at the fitness centre or play a game of tennis on the all-weather courts.

Book your stay at Ashford Castle

Dromoland Castle

Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Claire, Ireland

Only a short drive from Shannon airport, this charming Castle was built in 1822 in “baronial” or “Gothic Revival” style and is set on an enchanting lake. This was the ancestral home of the Dromoland O’Briens who were the Kings of Thomond and whose lineage goes back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, the only High King of Ireland. Now a stunning 5-star hotel, the Castle features glittering antique chandeliers, grand staircases, and blazing log fires, making it stunning historic wedding venue.

Guests: The Castle’s Brian Boru Hall can accommodate 120 to 300 guests. For smaller weddings the Terrace Room for 31 to 70 guests or The Drawing Room for 10 to 30 guests. Both offer views of the estate.

Accommodation: 100 beautifully furnished rooms guestrooms and suites.

Dining: There are plenty of dining choices, including the Fig Tree Restaurant at the Golf and Country Club and a formal dining experience at the Castle’s Earl of Thomond’s Restaurant (jacket for gentlemen and no denim). You can also enjoy cocktails in Dromoland’s Library Bar or a more casual dining experience at Shannigans Gastro Pub.

Hotel Activities: Spoil yourself at Dromoland’s intimate luxurious spa, or enjoy one of the many outdoor pursuits including the 18-hole golf course. Appreciate the natural beauty strolling through the peaceful 400 acre Dromoland Estate. Enjoy activities such as clay shooting, archery, fishing, and falconry, or take boat out on the scenic lake or enjoy a pony and trap ride.

Mount Juliet Estate

Thomastown (near Kilkenny)

This award-winning manor house, turned luxury hotel, is set within 1500 acres of lush gardens and woodland in the beautiful countryside of County Kilkenny. They offer two lovely wedding options – either the stunning Georgian Manor House or a picturesque Riverside Marquee. There is also the option of hiring the entire Manor House for 24hrs.

Guests: The Riverside Marquee Wedding seats up to 250 guests, with breathtaking views over the river Nore to Ballylinch Stud. For smaller weddings, The Lady Helen wedding experience in the Georgian Manor House caters for up to 95 guests, in the Michelin Star Lady Helen Dining Room and the Tetratema Parlour.

Accommodation: 32 rooms in the Manor House, 16 rooms in Hunters Yard (5 minutes from the house), as well as lodge accommodation in the Rose Garden Lodges and Chauffeur’s Lodge.

Dining: Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at Majors Bar before dining at their Michelin Star, Lady Helen Restaurant. Or, have a more relaxed meal at the President’s Bar.

Hotel activities: This hotel will appeal to golf and horse lovers. As well as an onsite 18-hole championship golf course, it also has a state of the art Equestrian centre. There is a wide range of outdoor leisure activities available, including fishing in the River Nore which provides the opportunity to catch trout, salmon and carp as well as archery and falconry. For those of you looking for more laid back relaxing activities, there is also a leisure centre and spa which offer a heated pool, a gym and health and beauty treatments.

Book your stay at Mount Juliet Estate

Lyrath Estate Hotel & Spa

Kilkenny, Ireland

Set amidst 170 acres of parkland, Lyrath Estate Hotel is the ultimate luxury Kilkenny wedding venue. The magical setting of Lyrath Estate’s provides a lovingly restored 17th Century Manor House, Lady Charlotte’s historic gardens and the rolling hills, tranquil lakes and unspoilt views of the estate.

Guests: Lyrath House offers seating for 60 to 100 guests, The McCurdy Suite is a spacious room that can offer seating for 100+ guests.

Accommodation: 139 guest rooms and suites.

Dining: Lyrath Estate is also known for its 2 award-winning restaurants. La Perla serves contemporary Irish cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, Tuppers is a traditional Irish bar which also serves bar food, and Yindee’s restaurant which serves authentic oriental food. If you are after a drink, then enjoy the sophisticated X Bar.

Hotel activities: Oasis Health Club that includes an indoor infinity pool, gym, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite and hot tub. You can also indulge in treatments at the Spa & Wellness centre.

Book your stay at Lyrath Estate House & Spa

Hayfield Manor

Cork city, Ireland

Located only 20 minutes walk from Cork centre city and 0.9 miles from the famous Cork English Market, Hayfield Manor estate is a family owned and managed luxury hotel. Despite being located in the heart of Cork city, this estate is set in peaceful leafy grounds which provides an intimate wedding venue but with all the advantages of being nearby Cork city.

Guests: There are three wedding locations, The Drawing Room which suits small weddings with up to 40 guests, The Executive Room which seats up to 60 guests, and The Kane Suite which seats up to 115 guests.

Accommodation: 88 rooms which includes three grand suites and one master suite.

Dining: There are five dining options to choose from, The Vine Wine Cellar which seats 28 people; The Executive Dining Room which seats 55 people; Orchids Private Dining Room which seats 36 people; Orchids Restaurant 80 people; or for large groups you can combine Orchids Restaurant and Orchids Restaurant Private Dining to seat a minimum of 115 people.

The onsite restaurant Perrotts Garden Bistro offers Mediterranean cuisine, and the stylish Orchids Restaurant serves a classic Irish menu using local produce. Hayfield’s Bar has a range of fine spirits and wines.

Hotel activities: The hotel features a spa where guests can indulge in beauty treatments and enjoy the heated swimming pool, steam room, and outdoor hot tub. Being so close to Cork means that you and your guests can also enjoy the sights of the city.

Book your stay at Hayfield Manor

Solis Lough Eske Castle

Donegal, Ireland

The five-star Lough Eske Castle is located on a secluded lakeside estate just outside Donegal Town and has a rich history dating back to the 1400’s. This magnificent castle sits in 45 acres of forest woodland and beautifully manicured gardens.

Guests: The Castle can accommodate up to 300 guests. Large weddings can be held in the ballroom, or, for smaller, intimate weddings you can use the Library, or Presidential Suite which boasts views over the picturesque gardens of Lough Eske for up to 50 guests. Or, for an outside ceremony, the Rock Garden.

Accommodation: 96 luxurious five-star guestrooms and suites, including a two-bedroom Presidential Suite.

Dining: The onsite restaurant, Cedars Grill, has a terrace and features traditional dishes including seafood from the nearby port of Killybegs, while the Gallery Bar serves light meals.

Hotel activities: Guests can enjoy the Solis Spa which features a steam room, sauna and massage suites. There is also fitness centre with a swimming pool located in a glass atrium, offering views over the grounds. There are plenty of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy including fishing on Lough Eske lake and hiking in the stunning rugged Donegal countryside. Donegal Golf Club is only a 15-minute drive away, while Donegal Adventure Centre and Surf School is a 30-minute drive. I also recommend a day trip to the breathtaking Glenveagh National Park and Castle.

Book your stay at Solis Lough Eske Castle

Lough Rynn Castle

Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland

Located on the secluded shores of the Lough Rynn, the stunning Lough Rynn Castle was originally the ancestral home of the Earl of Leitrim. Dating back nearly 200 years, this historic castle is surrounded by over 300 acres of breathtaking scenery and ancient forests and features a stunning walled garden. Awarded Best Castle Venue of the Year 2015, the castle still retains all of its historic splendour, with antique furnishings, open fires, wood panelling, and decorative stone and glasswork.

Guests: The Ballroom at Lough Rynn Castle caters for large groups and overlooks the woodlands with a view of the Lake in the distance.

Accommodation: The castle bedrooms are tastefully decorated with beautifully preserved original features. There are 44 bedrooms including Classic Rooms, Lake View Rooms, Deluxe Rooms plus 2 luxurious Suites, with panoramic views of the Estate.

Dining: The onsite Sandstone Restaurant offers an elegant fine-dining experience using fresh seasonal produce from Leitrim and the surrounding counties. The Baronial Hall offers afternoon teas and there is an onsite cocktail bar.

Hotel activities: Local activities include hiking, golf, sailing and cycling.

Book your stay at Lough Rynn Castle

Ballyseede Castle

Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland

Ballyseede Castle has a history dating back to the 1590’s. Set in 30 acres of private gardens and native woodland, Ballyseede has been wonderfully transformed into a luxury hotel. The castle still retains its original features including Doric columns that lead to an elegant oak staircase, impressive drawing rooms with ornate cornices and adorned with marble fireplaces.

Guests: Up to 220 guest can be accommodated in the Coachroom, whilst smaller weddings can be held in other parts of the castle.

Accommodation: The Castle has 28 rooms, 5 of which are in the Lodge on the Castle grounds.

Dining: Alongside elegant accommodation, you can enjoy fine dining with traditional Irish cuisine at their onsite restaurant, O’Connells which serves locally sourced food. All day dining and drinks are offered at Poppy’s Bar.

Hotel activities: The hotel is also ideally located for touring both the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, which are two of the most scenic areas in Ireland. Local activities include boating and angling, hiking, golf, sailing and cycling.

Book your stay at Ballyseede Castle

Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa

Ballyfarnon, County Roscommon, Ireland

The original castle was built in the early 1800’s by Colonel King Tenison, and in 1876 the 12th Earl of Kingston added a five storey over basement baronial tower and battlements. Sadly, over the years it became an unoccupied ruin, but in 2006 a major reconstruction was carried out to convert the castle into a luxury hotel. This lovely estate is nestled amongst acres of woodland and is full of character and old world charm.

Guests: Over 200 guests can be accommodated in the stunning ballroom, smaller weddings can be accommodated in other parts of the Castle.

Accommodation: 84 bedrooms, 8 suites and 8 self-catering lodges located on the estate.

Dining: Fine dining restaurant with a range of dishes made using locally sourced produce.

Hotel activities: Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa features an indoor swimming pool and on-site spa and wellness centre. Local activities include hiking, golf, sailing and biking. Lough Key Forest and Activity Park is a 20-minute drive away and boasts a variety of wildlife and historic buildings.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Waterford, Country Munster, Ireland

The stunning Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is set on a 310-acre private island surrounded by the River Suir. The island is accessible via a short crossing on the resort’s private car ferry over the King’s Channel.

The 16th century luxury castle is steeped in Irish history. The island was the home to monks during the 6th and 8th century, then Vikings during the 9th to 11th century. During the Norman invasion of 1170, Maurice Fitzgerald, the English Earl of Pembroke, was taken prisoner here. After being rescued, the Earl was rewarded with large tracts of land that included the island, which is where he eventually made his home. This unique location offers couples a stunning wedding location.

Guests: 120, but a marquis wedding can be arranged for larger weddings on the Castle’s croquet lawn.

Accommodation: 19 elegant bedrooms, 5 suites and 14 deluxe bedrooms. There are also 3 bedroom self-catering lodges on the estate.

Dining: The castle features the Castle’s Munster Room, an award winning restaurant critically acclaimed in the 2015 Michelin Guide. You can also enjoy their fine Irish whiskey collection in the Fitzgerald Bar.

Hotel activities: Local activities include golf on an 18-hole course, clay-target shooting, a driving range, archery, tennis and croquet. There are also several nature trails and walking paths to explore.

Ballynahinch Castle

Ballynahinch, Galway, Ireland

Built during the first decade of the nineteenth century, this stunning historic castle was originally home to Donal O’Flaherty who married Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen of Connaught. The castle is set within 450 acres of woodland with the beautiful backdrop of the 12 Ben’s Mountain range. This luxury castle hotel offers rooms with striking views over the river, mountains, and woodland.

Guests: For mid-week weddings Sunday to Thursday, the hotels 48 bedrooms must be booked for a minimum of one night, and the reception a minimum of 95 guests and a maximum of 130 can be accommodated. For weekend weddings the hotels 48 bedrooms must be booked for a minimum of 2 nights. A minimum of 100 guests and a maximum 130 guests can be accommodated for the reception.

Accommodation: 48 bedrooms, all of which must be booked for your wedding.

Dining: The onsite restaurant, The Owenmore, offers dishes that use local fresh fish, game, wild mushrooms, duck, and woodcock. You can also dine and enjoy a drink at The Fishermans Pub.

Hotel activities: Activities organised by the hotel include walking, cycling, guided boat trips on Roundstone Bay, pony trekking and woodcock and clay shooting. This 4-star luxury castle hotel overlooks its impressive salmon fishery on its large private estate. The tranquil river and lakeside walks reveal the local wildlife on the estate. The hotel also has a private tennis court. Ballynahinch Castle also has plenty to see and do around it too. Visit the stunning Kylemore Abbey and walled garden, and spend a day exploring the beautiful Aran Islands.

Book your stay at Ballynahinch Castle

Clontarf Castle 

Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland

Dating back to 1837, the Clontarf Castle was designed by the Irish architect William Vitruvius Morrison for John Edward Venables Vernon. This venue offers couples the opportunity for a castle wedding with the convenience of being nearby to Dublin city centre.

Guests: Up to 120 guests can be accommodated in The Great Hall, and 100 guests in the Viking Suite. Located in the 12^th century wing, the Fahrenheit restaurant accommodates up to 70 guests.

Accommodation: 111 rooms including suites.

Dining: The Fahrenheit Grill serves fine cuisine and specialises in local beef and fish dishes. The Knights Bar has ornate ceilings, huge open fireplaces and stained glass windows. The Indigo Lounge, with its stylish sofas and red chandeliers, serves morning coffee, afternoon tea and an excellent selection of wines.

Hotel activities: Clontarf is an excellent holiday location, because not only is it close to Dublin which provides excellent shopping, breathtaking gardens, stunning walks, and lots of exciting things to see and do. The beautiful coastal village of Howth is also nearby which I recommend exploring.

Book your stay at Clontarf Castle

NORTHERN IRELAND

Manor House Country Hotel

Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Located in the heart of The Fermanagh Lakelands on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, this charming country house Manor House Country Hotel is one of Northern Irelands leading hotels. Steeped in history, the Manor House was originally built in 1710. Now a family-owned hotel, the Manor House was awarded the AA Hotel of the year 2016/2017 for Northern Ireland. It was also awarded Northern Ireland’s wedding venue of the year in 2013 and 2015.

Guests: Choose from a range of wedding venues including a stunning marbled ballroom with chandeliers that can cater for very large weddings of over 300. However, it can also be partitioned for a smaller space. You can also choose from several smaller suites for more intimate weddings.

Accommodation: 79 bedrooms including 3 suites.

Dining: Fine dining is available at the hotel Rosette Belleek Restaurant, as well as casual dining at their Cellar Door Bar & Bistro. You can also enjoy a drink at their Watergate Bar.

Hotel activities: There are plenty of activities to enjoy including a lake cruise, an onsite 9 Hole Par 3 Golf Course, Pitch & Putt area and tennis court. The hotel has an onsite Leisure Centre which includes a swimming pool, steam room, hot tub, sauna, outdoor hot tub and a fitness suite.

Book your stay at Manor House Country Hotel

Ballygally Castle

Ballygally, Northern Ireland

Set on the Antrim Coast, Ballygally Castle was built in 1625. Said to be haunted, the 4-star Ballygally Castle Hotel is reputed to host several ghosts. Ballygally Castle offers breathtaking views over the Irish Sea towards Scotland and sits surrounded by beautiful Northern Irish countryside and inviting sandy beaches. As well as impressive views of the Ballygally Bay, there is also a large walled garden and terrace, and a lounge with an open fire and antique furniture.

Guests: Up to 150 guests can be catered for in their new Kintyre Ballroom that has panoramic views over the Irish Sea. Smaller weddings can be catered for in their suites.

Accommodation: 54 bedrooms including suites, tastefully decorated, combining contemporary décor with the distinctive character and charm of the Castle.

Dining: The Garden Restaurant overlooks the grounds and serves a modern British menu.

Hotel activities: Just 2 miles from Cairndhu Golf Course, Larne town centre and Ferry Terminal are a 10-minutes drive away. Overlooking the Irish Sea, The Ballygally is just 40 minutes from central Belfast, discover 10 free things to do in Belfast.

Book your stay at Ballygally Castle