Choosing a Wedding Venue in Ireland
For many people a wedding in Ireland means a castle, and there are so many good castle wedding venues that we have given them a page of their own.
There are also a great many lovely old houses and excellent hotels that make equally good venues, the ones here are just a selection. This is just a small selection, where we have not gone for the larger chain hotels but for places with their own unique character or in particularly beautiful locations for a wedding.
Many hotels and other venues, though not all, offer a quite extensive wedding planning service, but this does not usually encompass things like the photographer, booking the church and so on, so local assistance can be very helpful.
Note too that Irish couples tend to book their venues long in advance of their wedding date, so if you are considering a destination wedding in Ireland you will need to think about venues at an early stage in your planning.
St Clerans, Co Galway
For those who only want the best, this is an incomparable venue, rent an entire Manor House Hotel and estate, formerly the home of movie director John Huston, complete with staff, in the heart of beautiful Galway. Accommodation is in wonderfully luxurious suites, each individually decorated and very spacious, and the hotel can sleep about 20-24 people. Weddings can be held in the house for up to 45 guests, larger numbers will need a marquee on the lawn.
The food is renowned, a Japanese chef is at the helm and creates dishes that are visually as exciting as they taste. Expert assistance with planning the wedding is available and there are several lovely churches in the locality.
Cahernane House Hotel, Co Kerry
This family run country house hotel is a gem, a friendly, comfortable and welcoming place where you will instantly feel at home, but with the consistently high standards of food, decor and service of a top hotel. It is close to Killarney and very well placed for guests who wish to tour the region.
Weddings with up to 80 guests can be accommodated, in one of the two beautifully decorated and intimate reception rooms. The management will provide you with every assistance to plan your wedding from overseas.
Echo Lodge, Co Limerick
This pretty, welcoming, country house hotel which incorporates the renowned and wonderful Mustard Seed restaurant, is an ideal venue for a small family wedding. There is accommodation in 19 beautifully decorated bedrooms, and the place really does have the ambiance of a gracious private home.
The food is magic - if you and your guests are foodies, this will be heaven - much of it grown in the hotel gardens or organically produced locally. It's close to Shannon Airport and the owners are very helpful with providing assistance to overseas couples.
Gougane Barra Hotel, Co Cork
Not even all Irish people know about Gougane Barra, an off the beaten track place with a mystical air, surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of West Cork. For a small family wedding in a location that your guests will never forget, this is a great choice.
The hotel is family run and can cater for up to 65 guests, providing a very personal and helpful service to those organising weddings. It is not absolute luxury, but is very comfortable, extremely welcoming and friendly and serves excellent food. And right outside is St Finbarr's Oratory, one of the most beautifully located churches for a wedding anywhere in the world.
Alternatives to Hotels
Coolclogher House, Co Kerry
Your own gracious country house, with a marquee on the lawn and the spectacular scenery of the Ring of Kerry as a backdrop. Sounds good? Coolclogher has been beautifully restored with great style and immediate family can be accommodated in the house, making the day feel like a wedding at your elegant country home.
The owners are most helpful with arrangements and will be able to put you in touch with all the providers you need to arrange the marquee and catering. The gardens are perfect for this sort of event, and the location is perfect for guests who want to so some touring in the days around the wedding itself.
La Peniche, Dublin City
A barge floating on Dublin's Grand Canal, with the leafy banks providing a perfect backdrop - this is certainly an unusual wedding reception venue. Most of the time a very good restaurant, it can be privately chartered and is best suited to weddings with around 20-40 guests.
The food is wonderful and very reasonably priced for Dublin, and the owners can arrange for your party to continue to a private room at a nightclub for after dinner entertainment.
Kytelers Inn, Co Kilkenny
In the heart of the Medieval city of Kilkenny, this old coaching in has been offering hospitality for more than 800 years. For a more casual wedding, the vaulted callers, with its adjoining courtyard complete with an ancient well, is both a romantic and a fun venue.
There is an excellent kitchen here, with great food prepared from local ingredients, and the city can provide all the suppliers you will need for your wedding. Lots to do locally as well for guests who travel and some really wonderful churches close by. The website does not mention weddings, but if you contact the owners you will find them very helpful.