Destination Wedding: Ireland

You’ve just gotten engaged and are caught in the whirlwind of romance, love and celebrations to mark the next chapter in your journey. Congratulations! When you began to plan your wedding, your vision always came to one idea. An out of the box, maybe a wild card idea, but you couldn’t get it out of your mind. A destination wedding, with a backdrop of an Irish Castle surrounded by ancient loughs filled with mystery and secrets.

You remembered growing up hearing tales of Ireland. The whispers of Tír na nÓg, the unspoken stories of the Children of Lir and the bravery of Cú Chulainn. The promises of your heritage, your genetic make-up, and your very existence come down to the old stories you were told. Ireland is home for me, the lands call me back no matter how far I stray. The crashing waves sooth my heavy heart and in the ruggedness of the dense forests I will always hear dear Ireland’s whispers. I am never lost when I wander afar, I am simply just home.

The legends, the myths and the stories are what sculpted our history. The legends of mystic lakes and faraway lands are also in your history. These tales also told a story of who you are, and who you are becoming. The sole reason your heart yearns for Ireland to celebrate your wedding journey is because you hear the whispers too. You hear the magic. You feel the loving embrace of your ancestors who are ready to celebrate this pivotal moment in your life.

We are the island of a hundred thousand welcomes. As I have said Ireland is my home, but it is more than that. In exploring the finest destination venues that Ireland has to offer, I am offering more than information for you. I am inviting you to come home. To my home. To your home.

The next step in your destination wedding planning journey will be to select a venue which can execute your wedding weekend aligned with your specific values, style, vision and priorities. Ireland’s top destination venues offer exclusive access to their Castles and Manor Homes, alongside highly skilled professionals from your Michelin Star Chefs curating a wedding menu to entice your culinary senses, to your Events Team who will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. The venues I am going to tell you about are rare opportunities to embrace Ireland’s heritage, and your heritage, and craft a wedding experience which will be utterly breathtaking for you, and your guests.

Remember that each venue will offer slightly different experiences for you and your guests. It is important to select your chosen venue against your unique priorities: is it the ability to host 250 of your loved ones in a grand ballroom, is it having the ability to celebrate your wedding over three days and have your guests all in one place, or is it the unique history of a specific area of Ireland that sings it’s siren for you?

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo

Your royal adventure begins as you enter through the grand stone gates of the Forbes Five-Star hotel. Ashford Castle stands proudly against the rugged West Coast landscapes, encapsulated by the waters of Lough Corris for over 800 years. The Guinness family were once the stately owners of the West’s spectacular Castle and grounds, the Castle is now managed by a dedicated team who are driven by passion for the Castle’s history and grandeur. Ashford Castle can accommodate both larger wedding celebrations in the exquisite Connaught Room, or celebrate with your guests overlooking the Lough and immerse yourselves in the stories of the Children of Lir. Should you wish to opt for an intimate setting of up to 10 people, the stately Inglenook Room will envelope you in elegant tapestries and soft candlelight to set the scene for a romantic celebration of your story and your heritage. Ashford Castle not only provides the breathtaking backdrops for your wedding celebrations, but the exclusive use of the Castle boasts accommodation for up to 166 of your honoured guests to remain on site and keep the celebrations going Irish style, across their 83 bedrooms.

Adare Manor

Adare Manor, Co. Limerick

Adare Manor was created as a Gothic masterpiece by the Earl of Dunraven and his adoring wife Lady Caroline. Their dream was to build a home that would delight, astonish and impress every person who visited. Two centuries later, Adare Manor has exceeded The Earl’s expectations in every respect. They have left you with a legacy of luxury to celebrate and embrace. Adare Manor indulges my own beliefs that Ireland is a home for everyone, and it certainly does not disappoint. With exclusive use of the Manor and its exquisite grounds for your wedding day, this fairytale castle promises to be your 840-acre home too, nested on the banks of River Maisie. From the moment you arrive at the Manor House, the majestic driveway invites you into an exhilarating experience of contemporary luxury and promises to surpass your expectations beyond everything you could have imagined. Adare Manor offers a heartwarming setting which boasts architectural elegance, allowing you and your loved ones to relax in a sea of beauty. From the spectacular Grand Ballroom to the whimsical Walled Gardens, whatever your vision, whether you’re thinking of an intimate gathering for your very dearest friends and family or planning a showstopping event of royal proportions, the devoted wedding team will see to it that no detail is too intricate to bring to life.

Gloster House

Gloster House, Co. Offaly

Gloster House is a 300 year old demesne nestled at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountain ranges. The gardens, water features, woodlands and lakes not only makes Gloster House a magical place, but truly defines the ancient tales and whispers of Ireland’s past. The story of Tír na nÓg is made believable by the beauty and tranquility of the properties extensive gardens. The now deconsecrated church, The White Chapel, brings together your loved ones under the roof with its high ceilings and intricate plasterwork as an intimate backdrop for your wedding ceremony. The church stands proudly in the estate to remind us that our ancestors, who once celebrated their marriage vows to each other in this very church, will be celebrating with you on your wedding day. A love that is forged in Ireland, under the brickwork that has stood the test of time, will promise you countless blessings to follow. This is now your home. Your love will become an important layer in The White Chapel’s story where the tales of Gloster House and Ireland’s past will now be woven into your reality.

Luttrellstown Castle

Luttrellstown Castle Resort, Co. Dublin

Luttrellstown Castle Resort boasts an 560 acre estate, affording you the exclusivity of the estate to embrace your Irish heritage in one of Ireland’s finest Castles. From the enchanting Castle, and the Gardener’s Cottage, to the elegant Salon, Luttrellstown Castle is more than a wedding venue, it is your home, in an original 15th century abode of the Luttrellstown Family. The Castle boasts two stunning function spaces: the Van Stry Ballroom, accommodating up to 120 guests, with large windows filling the room with spacious light, to cast your eyes to the historic paintings and elegant chandelier centrepieces. The Kentian Room, with space for an additional 60 guests. With 20 individually designed bedrooms within the Castle and an additional five bedrooms in the Gardeners Cottage just minutes away, your guests can indulge in your carefully curated wedding experience. Saving what I would consider the best to last - The Library at the Castle: the moodier room is exquisite for your wedding party photographs, bringing a flair of sophistication to your film photographs. The floor to ceiling windows offer you solace to the darker elements of the library setting, allowing you to curate memories in the hue of the Irish sunsets.

The Clubhouse at Luttrellstown Castle is also a breathtaking three storey Swiss alpine lodge which majestically overlooks the 18th green of the golf course. The backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains reminds you of your call to Ireland, with the mountain’s shadows bringing a familiarity to your surroundings.

Cashel Palace

Cashel Palace Hotel, Co. Tipperary

A Palladian manor, in the heart of Ireland, Cashel Palace is a luxury hotel in Tipperary, meticulously restored and exquisitely reimagined to become synonymous with a place of notable hospitality. Spectacularly located by the Rock of Cashel, affords the the five star property a rich tapestry of Irish history, presenting itself as an idyllic location for a destination wedding, enveloped in nature and overlooked by ancient history. For the couples seeking to discover their Irish heritage, without compromising on natural beauty or exquisite architecture, Cashel Palace becomes home to the whispers bringing your heart to its true home.

The magical garden backdrop offers tranquility for you to embrace before you walk down the aisle, overlooking ancient trees and rolling hills. Let Ireland’s ancient mythical creatures speak with your heart as you envelope yourself in the stillness of the Tipperary countryside. From large elaborate celebrations held in the elegant ballroom, where your guests are guaranteed to immerse themselves in grandeur and elevated sophistication, to a smaller, personal setting, the hotel prides itself on the comforting and welcoming atmosphere. Due to the hotel being in the vicinity of The Rock of Cashel, you can exchange your intimate vows in a room overlooking the infamous Rock, where Ireland’s heritage began. Whether you want to believe in the legend of Saint Patrick protecting our beautiful Emerald Isle or your passion for the rugged architecture of Mother Nature, it belongs in your unique journey - Cashel Palace will not disappoint you.

Markree Castle

Markree Castle, Co. Sligo

Markree Castle is nestled in a secluded 500-acre estate in County Sligo. I may be biased, but Co. Sligo will always hold a special place in my heart. The unforgiving terrain, the expanse of beaches and of course the ancient Irish history unearthed in every village - Markree Castle is the physical embodiment of what it means to be Irish. Offering an exclusive three day package specifically designed for Destination Weddings, Markree Castle eagerly awaits your arrival for you to experience your Irish heritage and welcome you home.

Whether you are seeking home comforts for your wedding day, or dreaming of visiting Ireland for the first time, Markree specialises in assisting international couples with executing their destination wedding dreams. The working history of the Castle affords you plentiful opportunities to rediscover the hidden secrets of the Castle from arriving by horseback through the ‘port la couer’ at the front of the Castle, or by boat to the boathouse. Whatever your grand entrance visions may be, Markree’s history specialises in assisting you with curating the wow factor you are searching for.

As an exclusive estate, the privacy for up to 210 of your esteemed wedding guests will ensure that each guest experiences the royal treatment through the ancient walls of the Castles architecture. No traditional Irish wedding experience could be completed without attending a traditional Irish Chapel to say your vows. Stood on the very stone where priests before you have stood to celebrate your ancestors wedding nuptials, your Humanist or Spiritual ceremony will be one of a kind, as Markree’s exquisite Chapel is breathtaking, from intricate stained glass windows, to an antique Church organ, this is the only onsite chapel within an Irish Castle.

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare

Dromoland Castle needs no introduction. Its long history is steeped in Irish battles, wars fought and families changing hands. As early as 1014 Donough O’Brien, a son of Brian Ború, controlled Dromoland when it was a defensive stronghold. It was similar in structure to Bunratty Castle, which was also an O’Brien stronghold at that time. For the next 900 years a branch of the O’Briens lived and ruled from Dromoland Castle. Each generation of the O’Briens have left their own mark. The legacy they left behind is full of ancient Irish myths and legends, all of which bring the Castle and your story to life.

Nestled in a 500 acre estate, Dromoland Castle invites a regal dream to your wedding backdrop. From ancient stone walls, to ambient table decor to compliment the historic architecture of each unique room, your journey will start and finish with your legacy: Brian Ború. With its own private entrance, The Brian Ború Hall is perfect for a statement arrival. Exquisitely plastered ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, heraldic banners and a knock-out sweeping staircase, the Gothic Kincora Gallery sets the tone for an utterly breathtaking wedding experience for you and your guests. A private patio is the perfect spot for al fresco drinks, overlooking the lands which your ancestors defended, or perhaps you’ll prefer the grandeur of the balcony for champagne and canapés. The majestic Brian Ború Hall, with its soaring ceilings, can be configured to personally suit your wedding numbers and decor ideas. Regal, impressive and elegant, the Brian Ború Wing offers endless possibilities to your destination wedding experience.

Should you wish to invite the intimate setting into your wedding journey, The Terrace Room offers intimate and personalised wedding experiences for those closest to you. Located in the heart of the Castle, the enchanting light-filled space that caters for up to 65 guests allows you to immerse yourself in Irish legends of love. The myriad of options for your civil ceremonies promises Dromoland Lough in the moody Irish weather, alongside the picturesque walled gardens and Temple of Mercury. The estate of Dromoland is Ireland’s finest example of history, without compromising your experience of sophistication and exquisite elegance.

Castlemartyr Resort

Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork

Castlemartyr is nestled amidst County Cork’s woodlands, steeped in ancient Irish history and tradition. The castle from which the village of Castlemartyr takes its name was first built in 1210 by The Knights Templar, who was one of the most famous of the Christian military orders under the leadership of Richard Earl de Clare, more commonly known as Strongbow. Painstakingly restored to its original grandeur, the Manor House now forms the centrepiece of the Castlemartyr Resort. The ‘Manor House Experience’ at Castlemartyr Resort captures some of that rich history for your guests to immerse themselves in, with historically titled Manor House guest rooms, complete with plaques giving further insight into Irish history.⁠⠀⁠⁠⁠

The Grand Ballroom can host 200 adorning guests, where they will be transported to floor-to-ceiling windows, chandelier centrepieces, magnificent drapes all of which is laced with Irish heritage. The longer you allow the history to envelope you, the closer you will feel to your true self and your genetic history. The Resort, of which the 800 year old Castle sits proudly with a watchful eye on you and your guests, contains 103 guest rooms and suites, along with 47 luxury self-catering lodges, perfect for inviting all of your loved ones to remain on site before and after your wedding, to fully immerse themselves in the unique experience of ancient Irish history and contemporary sophistication.

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Mount Juliet Estate

Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny

Experience contemporary sophistication laced with Georgian grandeur at Mount Juliet Estate. The opulent elegance of the Georgian Manor, to the sophisticated Hunter’s Yard, the Estate welcomes you to immerse yourself in your heritage and ancient Irish traditions, to create a breathtaking, bespoke experience for you and your guests. Mount Juliet pays homage to the traditional Irish ways, by inviting you and your guests for an intimate storytelling around the fire, telling tales of Irish legends and allowing your soul to return to its home. Whether this is your first experience stepping foot on the ancient volcanic island, or returning to immerse yourself in Ireland’s promises, your experience in Mount Juliet will feel familiar. You will know you’re home.

Mount Juliet Estate’s beautiful natural scenery offers idyllic and breathtaking backdrops, leveraging your guest's experience with a wow factor you have been searching for until now. Boasting exclusivity and timeless elegance, The Manor House offers experiences of Georgian glamour and exquisite dining experiences for up to 96 guests. Hunter’s Yard offers contemporary sophistication for up to 200 of your esteemed loved ones, drawing on the grandeur of Irish equine history to provide the level of luxury you seek without compromising history.

Ballyfin Demesne

Ballyfin Demesne, Co. Laois

Ballyfin Demesne has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland, situated on 614 acres it is a place of great tranquillity. To quietly embrace your heritage, allowing yourself to be embraced by Irish culture and tradition, the 400-year-old Great House is surrounded by lakelands, grottos, follies, walled gardens and woodlands to allow the gentle Irish breeze to wash over you slowly.

Your guests will experience exclusivity, opulence and exquisiteness from the moment they arrive at Ballyfin Demesne. A venue which doesn’t force you to choose or compromise on any elements of your wedding experience, Ballyfin affords you contemporary luxury balanced beautifully against the noble Irish tradition of hospitality. The State Dining Room can accommodate 70 of your guests, providing tranquil views over the water cascade, to the grandeur of the Ballroom which can accommodate up to 120 guests. From vibrant outdoor terraces, whimsical garden spaces and intimate reception rooms, Ballyfin provides a unique experience where your guests can enjoy pre and post-wedding celebrations in tranquillity.

The Eighty Foot Library has become a magnificent backdrop for moody photographs, telling a tale of your experience and breathing sophistication into Irish traditions. The hidden doorway in a bookshelf in the Library pays tribute to your playful nature as a couple, which carefully crafts a story bespoke to you for your guests. With 17 bedrooms and three suites, all of which are exquisitely appointed, Ballyfin promises to delight you with its individuality in each room, as the venue celebrates your individuality. With relaxation as a priority for Ballyfin, your destination wedding promises to balance a glorious celebration with peace, breathtaking experiences with tranquillity and opulence with serenity.

This is an exclusive example of Ireland’s finest venues for your Destination Wedding. I welcome you to explore our heritage, culture, traditions and legends where we have woven our dedication to love into our very landscape. Destination Wedding experiences in Ireland promise you sophistication, elegance, opulence, history and exclusivity, in addition to allowing you to explore the noble traditions and history of an island that forms your very genetics. In return, all I ask from you is to come home and allow our ancient land to give you a hundred thousand welcomes.