Kings of the castle
Top wedding venues you’ll remember fort-ever
IRELAND is known internationally for its abundance of historic, romantic and utterly beautiful castles.
These wow factor wedding venues are ideal for couples after a fairytale feel for their celebrations or those looking for the right balance of historic charm and luxury for their big day.
Fans of Bridgerton have been enthralled by the hit show’s elegant backdrops, manicured gardens and opulent interiors and this has spiked an increased interest in castle and stately home venues to host weddings.
Here, SaveMyDay.ie — launched last year by Dublin-based couple Ian Menzies and Shell Holden to showcase unique Irish wedding venues — has curated a list of some of the best castle wedding venues across Ireland.
Located on the stunning northern coastline of Dublin, Clontarf Castle boasts a breathtaking façade, dedicated art galleries, original 12th century architecture, landscaped gardens and a romantic outdoor terrace.
A family-run business, Cabra Castle is centrally located in the heart of Co Cavan and is surrounded by 100 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and parkland. The castle’s interior exudes old-world elegance and charm with its hand-painted ceilings, antiques, chandeliers, and grand staircase.
Enter this spectacular estate through a magnificent set of medieval gates at the top of a meandering driveway, through an ancient forest which is surrounded by fifty acres of lush green estate and on the idyllic shores of Lough Meelough, creating a truly fairytale first impression for wedding celebrations.
Nestled in the medieval village of Castlebellingham and set on the banks of the glistening River Glyde, Bellingham Castle is an opulent exclusive-hire castle wedding venue where couples and their guests can enjoy a truly magical day in complete privacy.
Take a step back in time with Kerry’s only castle hotel, a wedding venue steeped in history and set on 30 acres of ancient woodlands and manicured gardens.
Ballyseede Castle was the chief garrison of the legendary Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond, and stands proud as a historic castle that has been fought over, lived in and loved and has kept its ancient grandeur to this day.
Standing on a secluded 500-acre estate with mature trees and a river flowing through, this 17th century authentic Irish castle is located along the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way.
On their big day, couples can arrive at this gothic masterpiece by wedding car, by boat to the estate’s boathouse along the River Unshin, or by horse and carriage through the spectacular ‘port la couer’ at the front of the castle.
This enchanting 18th century castle in Killiney offers the perfect blend of old world elegance and modern hotel luxury.
Its private gardens offer panoramic backdrops of south Dublin’s scenic coast for wedding portraits.
Overlooking a 13th century lakeside ruins of a Knights Templar castle, Temple House is a beautiful Georgian country house with terraced gardens set within the idyllic surroundings of a 1,000 acre private estate.
Temple House’s exclusive venue offers couples the setting for a great house party style wedding set against a historic backdrop.
A 19th-century coach house adjacent to the medieval castle and tower of Ballyhannon Fortress Castle, which dates back to 1490, is the magical setting for Castlefergus Lodge.
Outdoor ceremonies and marquee weddings can be hosted with the historic castle landmark as backdrop to the celebrations.
For more, see www.savemyday.ie