Ireland is host to some of the most stunning historical castles in the world, many of which have opened their impressive doors for couples to celebrate one of the most special days of their lives. The authentic Irish castle experience is one that will be savoured for a lifetime and offers a uniquely romantic setting for a picture perfect day.
With their luxurious tapestries, open fires and stately suites, castle venues are an ideal set up for warm, luxurious winter weddings, and guests will revel in discovering all the little nooks and crannies within over the course of the wedding celebrations. Of course a castle wedding isn’t just for Christmas – summer weddings are right at home with acres of surrounding land brimming with natural beauty, offering an ideal backdrop for those all important wedding photos.
Many Irish castles now offer a whole private experience for couples and their guests, with exclusive use of the castle and grounds, you will be the acting King and Queen of the demesne – not a bad way to begin your life together as a married couple we must say! Of course if it’s a more intimate affair you’re after, remember that although Irish castles can look like they’re built just for grand events, there are often many smaller, luxuriously appointed banqueting and drawing rooms to choose from to hold your wedding dinner.
Find lots more information and inspiration in our wedding venue section on the weddingsonline blog, including Wedding Venues with the Wow factor, the Top 10 Exclusive Wedding Venues in Ireland, Magnificent Marquee Wedding Venues in Ireland and Top Alternative Irish Venues for a Unique Wedding Day.
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Exclusive Venues | Alternative Venues | Hotels | Castle Venues | Country Houses | City Venues
Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon, Roscommon
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
Kinnitty Castle, Birr, Co. Offaly
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 centrepiece of many wedding celebrations at Kinnitty Castle, and is authentically appointed with the striking original features and heritage décor. 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.
Real Wedding: A Chic Irish Castle Wedding by Couple Photography
Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Leitrim
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.
Real Wedding: Love in Lough Rynn by Peter Rowen Photography
Cabra Castle , Kingscourt, Co. Cavan
Situated on over 100 acres of beautiful gardens and forestry, with breathtaking views of the three counties of Meath, Monaghan and Cavan, the Castle grounds provide the perfect, picturesque backdrop in which to capture the most romantic moments of your wedding day. Cabra Castle caters for up to 350 guests. Waterford Crystal chandeliers, five-tiered golden candelabras, rich table linens and cut glass, all grace the Ballroom and continue a theme of elegance and romanticism on your wedding day.
Real Wedding: An Art Deco Day at Cabra Castle by Couple Photography
Bellingham Castle, Castlebellingham, Louth
Bellingham Castle, located in the heart of the medieval village of Castlebellingham in County Louth, just 45 minutes from Dublin, is the spectacular setting that wedding dreams are made of. This breathtaking castle venue offers an exclusive setting where you can enjoy your day in the privacy of your own historic venue with the most spectacular surroundings. The castle overlooks the River Glyde with its own weir and millrace, and is set on 17 acres of mature woodlands and gardens. Enjoy arrival drinks and canapés in the castle’s elegant period drawing rooms or cosy library before indulging in an unforgettable meal that uses only the freshest and finest local ingredients. Guests will certainly understand what is meant by the term ‘wow factor’ when they approach this majestic castle via a private, tree-flanked driveway before being swept into a magical, fairy tale wedding celebration.
Real Wedding: Subtle Sage at Bellingham Castle by Michelle Prunty
Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Tralee, Kerry
If you’re after a fairy tale setting with Kerry’s stunning scenery as a backdrop, Ballyseede Castle is a picture perfect choice. This family owned castle is set on an expansive thirty acre estate and has a choice of three function rooms that can cater for up to 220 guests. There are a range of packages to choose from – the vintage package will transport you to times past with sumptuous gold tablecloths, elegant candelabras and tea stands filled with the tastiest treats. Or if you’d rather tailor make your own, you’ll be spoiled for choice with everything from a cheese and port reception to canapés and castle punch to choose from.
Abbey Hotel, Roscommon
An 18th Century Castle Manor setting nestled in the heart of the Midlands, the private gardens with views of the old historic Abbey Ruins provide the breathtaking backdrop for your special day. The Abbey is a traditional family run hotel with over 50 years experience in the wedding industry catering for both large and smaller wedding parties. The private manicured gardens and central geographical location of the Abbey Hotel makes it an especially appealing venue for couples.
The Dunloe Hotel, Beaufort, Killarney, Kerry
The 5 star Dunloe Hotel simply oozes style and sophistication and is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning of couples and guests. With views over the famous Gap of Dunloe and the River Laune, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops for wedding photos. The wow factor of The Dunloe couldn’t be whittled down to any one thing however – everything from the ultra romantic walled gardens, the luxurious interiors and incredible food prepared from the finest local ingredients makes for a fairy tale wedding celebration. If you’re blessed with the sun on your Big Day, an al fresco reception on the spacious terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding parkland will be an experience every lucky guest will remember for a lifetime.
Waterford Castle Hotel, Waterford
Situated on its own private island on the River Suir, the 16th Century Waterford Castle Hotel is known as one of the top hotels in the country and is a stunning setting for a truly special day. From the moment your guests set foot off the ferry to get to the 310 acre Island resort they will be transported back in time in elegant, lavish surroundings. The magical Waterford Castle also prides itself on its gourmet food, which is guaranteed to be remembered by guests long after the plates are clean!
Trim Castle Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath
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 for 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.
Real Wedding: A Magical, Frosty Day in Trim Castle by Inspired by Love
Barberstown Castle, Straffan, Co. Kildare
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 décor, 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.
Castle Dargan, Ballygawley, Sligo
Castle Dargan’s historic Estate in Ballygawley, County Sligo combines a 4* contemporary hotel, a Championship golf course designed by Darren Clarke and a destination Medi Spa. At the centre 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.
Photo by Bigger Picture Photography
More reading
- Top Alternative Wedding Venues in Ireland Part 1
- Best Restaurant Venues in Ireland for your Big Day
- 9 Top Country House Hotels in Ireland
- 9 Ideal Venues to Suit your Wedding Style
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