Irish weddings are a unique experience. The landscape is best described as rolling hills resembling a patchwork quilt. In just a few minutes, you can travel from the city to the countryside. Slane Castle, for instance, is just a short drive from Dublin city and you’ll see plenty of Irish countryside on your way. Wedding castles in Ireland are truly something special. As a resident of Ireland, I have some first hand information that might come in handy. So let’s check out a few castles to consider for your wedding day!
Clontarf Castle – Dublin
The Clontarf Castle is one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. This historic castle is located just 10 minutes north of Dublin city center and sits atop a hill overlooking the River Tolka. The castle was built in the 12th century, the castle was once home to the Fitzgerald family, who ruled over much of Ireland during the medieval period. Today, the castle is owned and operated by the FitzGerald Group, a leading hospitality group based in Northern Ireland.
In addition to hosting weddings, the castle also provides accommodation for groups of up to 400 people. Guests are able to enjoy a full day of activities including golfing, fishing, horse riding, hiking, kayaking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, falconry, archery, and even wine tasting.
Clontarf Castle has a number of wedding packages to choose from. There is a minimum number of 40 adults for wedding packages. If your wedding is smaller accommodations can be made. There is a wedding executive available to ensure your wedding day is exactly the way you planned it.
On a personal note, I attended a birthday party at Clontarf Castle and it was fantastic so I can only imagine what it’s like to attend a wedding there. Plus, it’s only a short cab ride from Dublin Airport.
Slane Castle – County Meath
The Slane Castle Hotel & Spa is located a short drive from Dublin Airport also and offers guests a truly unique experience. The hotel is set on beautiful grounds surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque lakes. Guests are welcomed into the grand Victorian building, where they can relax in one of the spacious guest rooms or suites, or take advantage of the many amenities offered including spa treatments, fine dining, golf courses, tennis courts, fishing ponds, horse riding facilities, and much more.
Slane Castle was one of the first venues to be granted a license to hold civil ceremonies. It also known to hold concerts each summer on the grounds.
The King’s Ballroom seats 80-100 guests. The Gandon Room holds 64 guests. Other rooms are available for pre and post-dinner receptions.
Belleek Castle – County Mayo
Belleek Castle is located on the west coast of Ireland along the Atlantic ocean. Perched on the picturesque banks of the River Moy, Belleek Castle is a 19th Century Neo Gothic-style Irish castle surrounded by a fairytale-worthy forest. One of the best things about this wedding venue is its versatility. The Medieval drama of the Great Hall boasts an open fire and intricate wood paneling. The rustic romance of the restored 19th Century stables, with their exposed beams and brickwork, give you lots of spaces to choose from. Each one has a different look and vibe. Throw in award-winning, fine-dining cuisine, and a warm, West-of-Ireland welcome and you’ve got easily one of the best wedding venues in the country.
Belleek Castle offers a wide range of accommodation choices including self-catering cottages, luxurious lodges, and guesthouses. The castle can accommodate up to 200 guests and is close to the M6 motorway just off the N4.
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Ashford Castle – County Mayo
Ashford Castle is an 800 year old castle set on 350 acres that include beautifully landscaped gardens, a lake and woodlands. There are 83 traditional rooms and suites, 6 restaurants, and 3 bars. Relax in their award-winning spa with 5 treatment rooms, a sauna and a steam room.
Ashford Castle offers exclusive wedding packages which include accommodation, catering, and entertainment. There are many activities available throughout your stay. Contact Ashford Castle for more information.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
This castle is located on the west coast of Ireland in the heart of Connemara just north of Galway. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel offers guests the choice between two different room options. They are called standard rooms and deluxe suites. These are both decorated with traditional Irish decor and offer the same facilities. But there is one difference: the standard rooms come with a double bed while the deluxe suites come with a king-size bed.
The wedding packages offered by Abbeyglen Castle Hotel include everything needed for the wedding ceremony and reception.
FAQs About Destination Wedding Castles in Ireland
How much would a destination wedding in Ireland cost?
The average cost of a destination wedding in Ireland averages $35,000 including the honeymoon.
What is the best month to get married in Ireland?
Off-peak months are January to April, October, and November. You can save money by getting married on a day other than Saturday.
These are just a few of the many castles located in Ireland. Any one of the ones listed above would be a magical setting to get married. There’s also the added benefit of honeymooning in Ireland.
Ireland is also a short flight to many European destinations. So if you’d rather honeymoon in London or Paris, for instance, it’s just a quick flight away.
Would you ever consider getting married in Ireland? Or maybe you’d prefer to get married in another European country. Let me know by leaving a comment below.
