A Castle Wedding in Ireland
Ireland is dotted with castles, large and small, many of which are now available as wedding venues, some large and luxurious and operating as world class hotels, others smaller and available for private rental to wedding parties.
While many come with a serious price tag attached, others are excellent value and no more expensive than venues in standard hotels. Those that are privately rented may or may not provide wedding planning services, though they will all at a minimum be able to put you in touch with local suppliers, but the assistance of wedding planner based in Ireland can be a good investment and save a lot of time if you are planning your day from far away.
Castle Hotels
Dromoland Castle, Co Clare
Probably the best known Castle hotel in Ireland, Dromoland is the ultimate in luxury, with excellent food and service and a very wide range of facilities on-site. It is very well located both for touring and for guests flying in from overseas.
Weddings can be held in the Brian Boru Banqueting hall, which can hold more than 300 guests, with the Drawing Room, Terrace Room and Club Lounge available for more intimate receptions. An experienced and efficient in-house team are on hand to assist with organising the wedding.
Waterford Castle, Co Waterford
Situated on a private island, Waterford Castle is a top quality luxury hotel with an excellent golf course attached. Although close to Waterford city, the island location gives it an away from it all feel and there is an air of quiet sophistication about the place.
It is beautifully furnished with antiques, four poster beds and artwork in the bedrooms and is known for its excellent service and great food. Larger wedding parties can block book the hotel (19 bedrooms), but they are happy to provide a reception venue to smaller groups. There is an in-house wedding planner to assist with organisation.
Castle Leslie, Co Monaghan
This is a somewhat eccentric place, but a wonderful venue and a truely gorgeous building and estate. Family run, there is fishing and horse-riding available on site and 20 individually decorated rooms and suites available to accommodate guests.
Receptions are held in the magnificent Long Gallery and the staff can provide extensive help with organisation. One thing to note is that the hotel does not encourage children on the premises unless the wedding party has block booked the castle. Paul McCartney married Heather Mills here .... less said about that the better!
Kinnitty Castle, Co Offaly
This 11th century castle is a very popular venue with Irish couples and has a wonderful atmosphere - and even a resident ghost! The castle may be old, but the service and facilities are right up to date. Decor is in keeping with the castle's long history, with large, comfortable and well decorated bedrooms, each one different, and lovely old reception rooms perfect for weddings.
Kinnity offer a number of good value pre-priced wedding packages and and are very helpful to overseas couples during the planning stages. They have a practiced and efficient team working to make each wedding a success, so you can be certain that everything will go smoothly.
Private Rental
Lismore Castle, Co Waterford
This is a real fairytale castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the Blackwater river and the Knockmealdown Mountains, at the edge of the picturesque village of Lismore. It is the private Irish retreat of the Duke of Devonshire and only available for weddings at times when he is not in residence.
The castle is rented completely staffed and has 12 large and well appointed bedrooms. Wedding receptions are held in the wonderfully atmospheric banqueting hall which can seat up to 80 guests.
Slane Castle, Co Meath
The family home of the Earl of Mountcharles, Slane is beautifully situated on high on a hill overlooking the River Boyne. It is just a short drive from Dublin, but yet in a totally rural and scenic location.
There are 10 bedrooms available for wedding guests, but they can cater for weddings with anything from 10 to 500 guests. It is a popular venue and the staff are good at offering assistance and putting people in touch with providers of services.
Cloghan Castle, Co Galway
If you have always dreamed of a wedding in your own private castle, then this may be the perfect place. The castle has been restored with great care, providing modern facilities while retaining the original features and the unique atmosphere of castle life. There are seven luxurious bedrooms and a banqueting hall that can cater for up to 120 guests.
Cloghan is rented as a venue only - all other services have to be arranged separately by you. The owners provide a very complete information pack with details of suppliers who regularly work together on weddings here and who will be able to help you arrange everything from afar.
Lisheen Castle, Co Tipperary
A privately owned castle available for rental by the week, this is a good location for both small family weddings and larger ones, which can be held in a marquee in the grounds.
Inside, there is comfort and luxury throughout, and the dining room with its beautiful ceiling murals is an intimate place for a small wedding dinner. Excellent outside caterers are available and the owners are happy to put you in touch with all the expert help you will need.
Lough Cutra Castle, Co Galway
Approached by a mile long drive, this 18th century Gothic style castle is at the heart of a large private estate on the banks of Lough Curta, a 1000 acre lake. Beautifully restored and elegantly furnished, It is very well located for access from Shannon Airport and for touring the region.
The castle is only available for weddings on a private basis. It isn't a hotel so all services including catering must be organised separately - the owners will provide contact details to you. There are 9 bedrooms in the castle and cottages on the estate can accommodate about 20 further people.