If you’re looking for an unusual wedding venue that captures your heart and wows your guests, you’re going to love what we have for you today! Our guide to top alternative wedding venues in Ireland includes everything from chic and unique country houses, luxurious castles, elegant restaurants and magnificent manor houses fit for your wedding day. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate affair in the countryside, a laid back and quirky celebration by the sea or a big shindig in a hidden wedding venue near Dublin City – we have the venue for you!
Clonabreany House, Crossakiel, Meath
Capacity: 220 | www.clonabreanyhouse.ie
The spectacular Clonabreany Estate set in the gateway to Boyne Valley consists of two restored Georgian Houses and is a true hidden oasis in the heart of Co. Meath. Couples can look forward to having exclusive use of the venue whether it is a small and intimate gathering or a large celebration for up to 220 guests. Wedding banquets can be held in the Banqueting Hall or the adjoining marquee, which is full of character and style, while the private courtyard on the estate is a real treat for guests. Ten beautifully finished self-catering houses which sleep over 80 people and sweet old-country feel private sibin ensure that the party can continue into the night with traditional music and great banter. Civil ceremonies and blessings can be carried out in their beautiful new civil ceremony suite with views of Sliabh na Caillighe and the mystical Loughcrew Cairns or for those that dream of saying ‘I Do’ outdoors, their woodland setting offers a truly magical and memorable backdrop.
The Angler’s Rest, Strawberry Beds, Dublin
Guest capacity: 120 | theanglersrest.ie
The Angler’s Rest is a venue enjoying increasing popularity as an alternative venue for an intimate and unique wedding day. The stunning setting on the banks of the River Liffey at the Strawberry Beds combined with its tremendous reputation for fine food and its proximity to Dublin city centre make The Angler’s Rest an ideal choice for couples looking for an impressive and memorable wedding venue near the capital. The dedicated team work together with their couples to ensure that no stone goes unturned on their quest to make each wedding as personal and as special as it ought to be. Wedding photos can be taken at the nearby Pheonix Park as well as at the beautiful backdrop of the venue itself.
Ballybeg House, Arklow, Wicklow
Guest capacity: 160 | www.ballybeg.ie
Laid-back, cosy, romantic and warm – the idyllic Ballybeg House has been the venue of choice for couples searching for that unique venue that not only offers a serene and dreamy setting for their big day, but that can plan and seamlessly execute the perfect wedding celebration. Ballybeg has hosted over 200 weddings in the last five years and continues to surpass expectations. An exclusive venue, it’s yours throughout your entire celebration. Create your own personal haven with the help of Ballybeg’s visionary wedding team who will ensure that everything is to your exact specifications throughout. The venue’s speciality is a personalised Victorian Marquee for weddings of up to 130 guests and an outdoor ceremony in their beautifully manicured gardens with the Wicklow Hills as a backdrop is a picturesque moment that will warm the heart of any guest, no matter what the weather brings.
Bang Restaurant, Merrion Row, Dublin 2
Guest capacity: 50 | www.bangrestaurant.com
The distinguished Bang Restaurant in the heart of Dublin’s city centre offers a chic and elegant setting for an intimate wedding celebration in the city. Modernly appointed with a collection of striking contemporary art prints, their upstairs private Gallery Dining Room – which seats up to 50 guests – is known as one of the most stunning rooms the city has to offer. The walk from either the University Church, Civil Registrar or the nearby St Stephen’s Green will provide you with timeless and artistic ‘city wedding’ photos to cherish for years. Of course the restaurant’s Head Chef is their raison d’être – the award-winning Phil Yeung works with couples to create a wedding menu that will astound and delight guests during every course and suit your budget no matter what it happens to be.
Bellingham Castle, Castlebellingham, Louth
Guest capacity: 200 | www.bellinghamcastlehotel.com
Bellingham Castle, located in the heart of the medieval village of Castlebellingham in Co. 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.
Blackhall Place, The Law Society of Ireland, Dublin
Guest Capacity: 250 | www.lawsociety.ie
The stately and prestigious Blackhall Place is one of the finest properties in the country in which to hold a bespoke, unique city wedding. The headquarters of the Law Society in Ireland provides a historic setting for couples to exchange vows in a wholly exclusive affair. The President’s Hall with its beautiful feature stain glass window and high ceilings is the room of choice for civil ceremonies. There is also an opportunity to hold a marquee wedding on the grounds for a contemporary city wedding with a larger guest list.
Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry
{Photo by Pawel Bebenca}
Guest capacity: 110 | www.cahernane.com
The Cahernane House Hotel, perched at the edge of the Killarney National Park, is your own private and unique country house in which to spend one of the most romantic and unforgettable days of your life. Each of the Cahernane’s reception rooms, with their original portrait paintings, antique furniture and fireplaces with open log fires, set a perfect scene for such a special occasion. Guests will love the cosy yet grand atmosphere, where every request is adhered to yet nothing is imposed. As the wedding couple you can choose from a variety of onsite venues for your ceremony including the house’s quaint Conservatory, with its panoramic views of Killarney National Park, or the more intimate Library, with its antique furniture, oak panelling and open log fire. When it comes to your wedding meal, you will be spoiled for choice with Cahernane’s seasonally produced wedding menu, which offers award winning cuisine using locally sourced produce.
Marlfield House, Gorey, Wexford
Guest capacity: 145 | www.marlfieldhouse.com
The family-owned Marlfield House and Gardens has been welcoming guests to the most romantic of country houses for over 35 years. A unique and idyllic setting, this magnificent mansion house set on 36 acres of lush green grounds is a perfect choice for couples looking for a peaceful and private setting to enjoy a chic and stress-free wedding celebration. The fairy-tale house is exquisitely appointed with open fires, authentic antiques, historic artworks and fresh floral arrangements to create a warm, dreamy atmosphere. Guests at larger weddings will feel right at home in the candle lit conservatory dining room which overlooks the parterre garden and meticulously manicured lawns, while those lucky enough to attend a more intimate celebration will enjoy the unique, elegant settings of the Print Room as they are treated to a sumptuous wedding meal.
The Millhouse, Slane, Meath
{Photo by Studio33Weddings}
Guest capacity: Up to 300 | www.themillhouse.ie
The beautiful surroundings of orchard gardens and river set against the grandeur of the Old Mill makes for a dramatic setting at The Millhouse, Co. Meath. Every wedding held at this stunning country house is different and their wedding team prides itself on creating a bespoke celebration to reflect the personality of the couple, no matter what it may entail. The house itself combines beautifully bespoke contemporary décor with old world charm to create a unique, laid back but luxurious space to host your wedding ceremony and reception. The Millhouse can recommend the ultimate suppliers to plan a truly bespoke event, completely tailored to your needs – whether it’s an elegant affair in their Grand Pavillion or a laid back picnic and BBQ by the river nearby, in their own words there is no party “too lavish, crazy, beautiful or perfect.”
The Red Door Country House, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
Guest capacity: 160 | www.thereddoor.ie
Nestled among mature trees and landscaped gardens, The Red Door Country House stands proudly on the banks of Lough Swilly in the historic village of Fahan, just a few miles south of Buncrana in Inishowen, Co.Donegal. The exclusive setting, unrivalled scenery and fantastic variation in colour in every season provide a stunning backdrop for wedding celebrations. Traditional open fires in the bar and ‘Kate’s Room’ enhance the homely atmosphere and these areas provide a perfect meeting place for guests before and after dinner. Wedding ceremonies and receptions are held in the beautifully appointed ‘Willow Room’, ‘Violet Room’ and ‘Scarlet Room’.
Rosedale House, Co. Dublin
Guest capacity: 300 | www.rosedale.ie
The romantic Rosedale house is a classic exclusive wedding venue with a unique and contemporary twist – this elegant country house is not only home to some seriously stylish themed rooms, it also has its own private nightclub and luxurious piano bar. The romantic, private Rosedale is neatly tucked away in south county Dublin, overlooking the Irish Sea. Guests will no doubt be bowled over by the rustic countryside feel which is brilliantly contrasted by the elegant, modern interiors of this historical house. Although the venue is ideal for an intimate celebration, it can cater for a larger event with a purpose built marquee set in their walled garden. Treat your guests to cocktails in the piano bar the night before the big day, and a hog roast in the Rose garden the day after, or create your own bespoke weekend with the help of the wedding team. Whatever you chose, it will be truly unforgettable.
Screebe House, Rosmuc, Connemara, Galway
Guest capacity: 200 | www.screebe.com
Located on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, this Victorian fishing lodge built in 1865 has long been famous for its hospitality, comfort and fine cuisine. This beautiful house boasts a large terrace and wonderful landscaped gardens offering a magnificent view over Camus Bay with its own original harbour. All of the rooms are individually furnished with exquisite antique interiors.
Ballymagarvey Village, Balrath, Co. Meath
Guest capacity: 226 | www.ballymagarvey.ie
Ballymagarvey Village needs to be on the list of every couple looking for a stylish and serene wedding venue that they can call their own for the entirety of their wedding celebration. This stunning 18th Century Flaxmill Village nestled away in County Meath is simply a haven of peace and tranquillity, and ideal for a couple who wants complete privacy from the moment they arrive. The meticulously restored country house is the focal point of this charming setting and has nine luxurious yet homely rooms for the bridal party to retire to when the sun comes up. Over 100 acres of parkland surround the main house, allowing for an abundance of photo opportunities. Guests can have their pick of seven beautifully appointed courtyard cottages to lay their head for the night. If you want just a taste of how quaint and unique this venue is, have a look at their brilliant virtual tour.
Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club is located in the heart of Dublin city. The building’s history captures a mix of olde world charm and storybook romance – creating the perfect location for your Dream Wedding. The Club overlooks Dublin’s landmark St. Stephen’s Green. It is just a short walk from University Church, the Utilitarian Church and Pepper Canister Church, and right across the road from the calm, tranquillity and natural beauty of the park.
More reading
- Best Restaurant Venues in Ireland for your Big Day
- 9 Top Country House Hotels in Ireland
- 9 Ideal Venues to Suit your Wedding Style
- Ireland’s Most Luxurious Castle Wedding Venues
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