Seeking a private enclave for your Irish wedding celebration? Look no further than this list of the most exclusive private hire wedding venues in Ireland. Dotted throughout the island, offering stunning scenery, magical backdrops for exchanging your vows and epic locations to host glamourous celebrations, this list is all you need when planning your destination wedding in Ireland.
Clonwilliam House, Wicklow.
Clonwilliam House is the perfect wedding venue for couples looking for an elegant, chilled-out celebration. Located in Wicklow, just one hour outside Dublin, the house resides in beautiful surroundings looking out over the hills of Wicklow. As you drive through the woodland up the avenue, you are instantly relaxed. With the house hosting a small number of hand-picked weddings every year, you can settle into your home away from home as you take over for your weekend of celebrations.
If the weather is on your side, opt for a chic garden ceremony in the stableyard or beside the main house on the manicured lawn. Move to the barn for dinner which can seat up to 200 with no minimum. The main house can accommodate from 12-14 guests in 6 bedrooms, ideal for the main wedding party and close family. There are plenty of nearby accommodation options for the extended guest list. Make the most of your wedding weekend with a day after BBQ in the stable courtyard followed by croquet and boules on the lawn. Alternatively, relax in the fully-equipped spa with a sauna, hot tub and basement pool.
Ashford Castle, Galway.
Ashford Castle needs no introduction, an ancient 800-year-old castle once home to the Guinness family. Ashford Castle is a romantic and timeless venue with truly exceptional service. Set amongst woodland, manicured gardens and overlooking Lough Corrib, it’s the perfect place for a lavish celebration. The bedrooms, suites and the Lakeside Hideaway Cottage can accommodate up to 160 guests, allowing you and the wedding party to enjoy the full castle experience without interruption. Your ceremony can take place in the elegant Drawing Room or in the beautiful castle gardens. Following the ceremony, enter The Oak hall for a show-stopping wedding banquet. Kick off the celebrations with drinks and entertainment in the Drawing Room. After the celebrations, retire to the Reagan Presidential Suite to put your feet up. Extend your celebrations into the weekend and enjoy a range of unforgettable activities on the estate including falconry, horse riding and golf.
Ballymagarvey, Meath
Dromoland Castle, Clare.
History, grandeur and experience all wrapped into a truly bespoke package, Dromoland Castle allows you to have that magical wedding that you have always dreamt of. Arrive by horse-drawn carriage and exchange vows in the walled garden. Getting married in the summer months? Make the most of the beautiful weather and enjoy a champagne reception in the manicured gardens before sitting down to feast in the lavish surroundings of Brian Boru Hall. Dromoland can host up to 480 guests so it’s perfect for a big celebration.
Castle Durrow
Ballyfin, Laois.
This luxury country house is situated at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains. With only 20 guest rooms, Ballyfin is the ideal venue for an intimate celebration. With no interruptions or distractions, immerse yourself in the gorgeous surroundings. Host a pre-wedding dinner in the Van Der Hagen dining room, to set the mood for the weekend. Tie the knot in the Conservatory with views over the gardens before enjoying a drinks reception in the Saloon. Take your time over the weekend to drink in your surroundings. You and your guests can enjoy the activities available such as boating and archery.
Cliff at Lyons
Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara.
Set in a private 700-acre estate in the heart of Connemara, Ballynahinch offers a private enclave amongst stunning scenery. Catering for a select number of weddings throughout the year adds to the exclusive nature of the weddings that are hosted at Ballynahinch. 48 guests can be accommodated within the castle and up to 140 guests can attend the day’s events. Designed to give the atmosphere of ‘house parties’ of the past, there is an old-world decadence associated with the castle. With a backdrop of the 12 Ben’s mountain range, you can make the most of the outdoors with an array of activities to choose from over the weekend. Set along the Wild Atlantic Way along with the west coast, you can extend your stay and use it as the perfect base for exploring the rest of what Ireland has to offer before jetting off on your honeymoon.
The Merrion Hotel
The Shelbourne
Adare Manor, Limerick.
Nestled on the banks of the River Maigue, Adare Manor is a magical place to begin your new life together. Unique ambience. Tranquil and private estate Luxury accommodation and breathtaking beauty Extraordinary level of service and personal attention transforms a wedding day into an experience. A walled garden is an enchanting option for a summer wedding ceremony. You can also install a marquee within the walled garden to transform it into a unique reception space. With its own private entrance and floor to ceiling windows, the Grand Ballroom is a perfect choice for hosting your evening reception. It can cater for up to 350 guests. Its stand out feature is the sweeping staircase, perfect for photo opportunities with your guests. For your pre-wedding dinner, the Library is the ideal intimate space, with floor to ceiling wooden bookcases and overlooking the picturesque formal gardens. To rest your head after an exciting weekend, I would recommend the Bridal Suite for before and after the wedding day. To finish off the weekend, book one of the Dunraven Staterooms which are situated in the original manor house. You’ll be spoilt for incredible views!
Powerscourt Estate
Castlemartyr Resort, Cork.
With impeccable service and opulent design, Castlemartyr Resort is the choice for any bride looking for an exclusive venue. Situated on a 220-acre estate featuring its own castle ruins, lake and surrounding woodland, Castlemartyr provides a beautiful backdrop for a range of weddings from intimate to big celebrations. Looking for an intimate ceremony setting? The manor house can host intimate celebrations of up to 70 guests. In the summer months, you can have your wedding ceremony on the grounds of the castle ruin. Throwing a big celebration? The Capel Suite with its floor to ceiling windows can cater to up to 220 guests and is a magnificent setting for the evening’s celebrations.
Ballyvolane House
Luttrellstown Castle, Dublin.
Looking for a private hire castle, but don’t want to travel far? Look no further than Luttrellstown Castle. Just 15 minute’s from Dublin city centre, Luttrellstown is ideal for couples wanting the grandeur and seclusion of a castle with an intimate atmosphere. Depending on the guest list, there are plenty of options to choose from when considering where to have your ceremony and reception. The Van Stry Ballroom can host up to 120 while the Kentian Room can accommodate up to 60 for dinner and up to 100 for your ceremony. You can also choose to celebrate your nuptials in the three-story 35,000 square foot Clubhouse which features two bars, a beautiful restaurant and one of the best views of Dublin. The castle features 12 luxurious bedrooms with extensive accommodation options available nearby. Make your stay truly unforgettable by renting the castle for the weekend. Wondering what to do for your day after? You can enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, take in the 567 acres of private parkland or relax with your guest’s with a delicious BBQ featuring the best entertainment.
Kilruddery House
Marlfield House
Castle Leslie, Monaghan.
Castle Leslie is ideal for those looking for authentic original interiors and renowned hospitality. Located in Glaslough, Monaghan, just 80 minutes from Dublin, Castle Leslie is set within 1000 acres of private parkland. For your ceremony, opt to tie the knot in the castle with its old-world grandeur. The castle can host up to 100 for your ceremony. Alternatively, you can hold your ceremony in St. Salvator’s Church on the estate or on the grounds in the leafy woodlands or overlooking the lake. For a larger guest list, the Pavilion can host up to 180 guests.
Steeped in history, the castle features beautiful antiques and elegant interiors and can accommodate up to 20 guests. The Lodge, Old Stable Mews and Village Cottages can accommodate up to 100 guests. You can have exclusive use of the castle or pavilion for your wedding, whether you choose a one-day event or a three-day weekend celebration. There’s plenty to keep your guests entertained, with horseback riding, fishing and in-house massage and treatments at the Victorian Treatment Rooms.
Kilshane House
Palmerstown House
Carton House, Kildare.
A beautiful manor house with aristocratic heritage situated in exceptional surroundings, Carton House is a stunning exclusive wedding venue. Located in Ireland’s Ancient East, just 25 minutes from Dublin, Carton House is the ideal setting for a private wedding celebration. Host your pre-rehearsal dinner in the Duke’s Study or the Tyrconnell room. You can choose between the luxurious Carton Suite Ballroom or the Fitzgerald Suite overlooking the estate to hold your ceremony. They both can host up to 300 guests.
For the day after, a must-see for afternoon tea is the beautifully ornate, Gold Salon, with a soaring ceiling featuring intricate gold motifs. Relax with a round of golf on one of the two championship golf courses, cycle the canal greenway or enjoy a game of tennis.
Sheen Falls Lodge
Liss Ard Estate
Horetown House
Kilkea Castle
