The first step to planning the perfect celebration is finding the right venue.
So say Naoise McNally and Susan Gallagher, founders of popular Irish wedding website One Fab Day.
Now, the two women have put together a comprehensive list of the 100 Best Wedding Venues in Ireland, declaring that “whether you’re looking for a rustic barn off the beaten track, want to say ‘I do’ in the stylish surrounds of a chic-city boutique hotel or want to make the ultimate commitment on your very own private island, Ireland has it all.”
The experts have given us a short list of ten of Ireland’s most unique offerings for your special day, would any of these tempt you into saying ‘I do’?
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Ten of Ireland’s Most Original and Wonderful Wedding Venues
1. Ballyvolane House
This elegant country house with festival attitude is the home of master hoteliers so if you dream of boho chic, but lack the time, Ballyvolane is for you.
One Fab Day loved: From the loft chill-out area to the quirky décor of the bar, the converted barn is the perfect party venue.
2. Bantry House
Boasting quite possibly the best view in Ireland, Bantry House sits proud and lofty in its formal gardens overlooking Bantry bay. A range of options are available from ceremony only to marquee reception.
One Fab Day loved: The pure unadulterated grandeur of the formal rooms of the house – simply the most breathtaking house in Ireland.
3. Blairscove House
The ultimate gourmet retreat, Blairscove is a restaurant par excellence situated in the most secluded location in West Cork, enjoying stunning views across Bantry Bay.
One Fab Day loved: From the restaurant dessert bar to the apartment bathrooms, every element of this property is decorated with a connoisseur’s eye.
4. Cloghan Castle
There’s private, and there’s self-catering – at the 13th Century tower house Cloghan Castle you are simply handed the keys and the party is yours to perfect.
One Fab Day loved: In fine weather guests can sip drinks on the flat roof, enjoy the panoramic vista (and keep an eye out for marauders.)
5. The Taproom at Hilden Brewery
Tucked away in a leafy suburb of Lisburn, the Taproom is an acclaimed restaurant at Hilden Brewery. The converted loft space provides a great option for smaller numbers.
One Fab Day loved: Home-brewed beer, made on site and the option to erect a marquee or tipis in the courtyard for bigger parties – party central.
6. Inish Beg Estate
A private island just before Baltimore, Inish Beg is a secret hideaway perfect for hosting a small party in the boathouse, or a blow-out in a marquee.
One Fab Day loved: The gardens are full of hidden treasures, their winding paths are joy to explore, or as an aisle to a woodland wedding ceremony.
7. Markree Castle
A family home and castle all-in-one. Markree is majestic and homely all the same time. The beautiful dining room at Markree is unusually large for an Irish country mansion, seating 170 in stunning surroundings without need for a marquee. The castle boasts its own Victorian chapel, that can be used for civil ceremonies.
One Fab Day loved: For groups of over 60 guests. Markree is reserved exclusively for the wedding party at no extra charge – a real bonus for those on a budget but who want that feeling of privacy.
8. Mount Druid
A truly unique venue in Ireland, a glamping paradise with its own corrugated iron ‘chapel’ – Mount Druid is the place for those couples looking for a festival style celebration or boho ball.
One Fab Day loved: A luxury yurt bridal suite – pity you will only be heading to bed at dawn.
9. No. 5 at the National Gallery of Ireland
Art lovers will rejoice at the notion of marrying at the National Gallery, in the elegant private rooms of No. 5 South Leinster Street, overlooking the atrium entrance hall to the gallery.
One Fab Day loved: Even if your wedding party is larger, it is possible to hire the rooms just for civil wedding ceremonies.
10. Set Theatre at Langtons House Hotel
Langtons is a Kilkenny institution, a maze of individually designed rooms, offering options for large and small parties, each with the wow factor.
One Fab Day loved: The Set Theatre, with it’s amazing interior will make your guests jaws drop to the floor. It’s got Style with a capital S.
For more wedding ideas and the list in full, see OneFabDay.com
