Dublin, with its vibrant culture and rich history, has a choice of elegant 5* wedding venues within the city limits. However many couples want to step outside the capital and experience the countryside. If you’re planning a wedding in Ireland, I would encourage you to pair the charm of rural Ireland with the sophistication of a luxury celebration. Below, you’ll find our handpicked selection of luxury wedding venues near Dublin, each offering a different style, atmosphere and level of exclusivity.
During my recent visit, I explored a variety of Irish wedding venues within an hour of Dublin – castles, historic homes and grand hotels – so I could share them with planners and couples considering a destination wedding in Ireland. My focus remained on venues suited to luxury weddings, especially those ideal for couples working with a wedding planner, though I’ve also included a few dedicated wedding venues where the in-house team expertly manages the day.
Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin
If you want a venue that represents old-world charm and complete privacy, Ballyfin Demesne is an exceptional choice. This impressive 18th-century mansion sits above a lake within 614 acres of parkland and offers a gated, discreet arrival that feels instantly exclusive.
“Everyone is looking for something different in their perfect venue, but from the 100s of venues I’ve seen, this is the one I sent clips of to my own daughter tagged as “I’ve found your perfect wedding venue”
— Alison Hargreaves
Ballyfin Demesne has gained a reputation as one of the top luxury hotels in the world. It hosts only a handful of weddings each year, on an exclusive hire basis. Inside, you’ll find elegant reception rooms, two ballrooms, an Orangery and beautifully designed bedrooms. Outside, guests can enjoy stables, a fishing lake, clay pigeon shooting, archery, a spa and a wine-tasting cellar. When it comes to luxury wedding venues near Dublin, Ballyfin stands in a class of its own.
Slane Castle, Slane
Just 40 minutes northwest of Dublin, Slane Castle stands proudly in open parkland overlooking the River Boyne. Its stone-pillared entrance hall leads into impressive reception rooms and a carefully restored ballroom, complete with original art and antique furniture. Two bars and a retro basement nightclub offer late-night options, and the venue also serves whiskey from its on-site distillery. For couples seeking a historic yet lively setting, Slane Castle delivers both grandeur and atmosphere.
Carton House, County Kildare
Only 25 minutes west of Dublin, Carton House is a beautifully restored Georgian mansion set within a 1,100-acre estate. With gardens, a private lake and sweeping parkland, the grounds suit multi-day celebrations. The venue also offers a championship golf course, a luxury spa and extensive accommodation. It’s a strong option for couples looking at luxury wedding venues near Dublin but who also want space for activities, pre-wedding dinners and guest experiences.
The K Club, Straffan
Set in the picturesque village of Straffan, The K Club spans 550 acres of manicured gardens, with a 19th-century mansion at its heart. The venue features elegant ballrooms, landscaped terraces and views across the River Liffey. Two championship golf courses and a luxury spa make it ideal for multi-day weddings. For couples looking for both grandeur and intimacy, The K Club remains one of the area’s standout luxury venues.
Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath
Ballinlough Castle is an 18th-century private residence available for exclusive-use weddings an hour northwest of Dublin. The castle sits within 320 acres of quiet parkland where a herd of organic Aberdeen Angus cattle roam, overlooking a boating and fishing lake. Indoors, the reception rooms suit intimate weddings of up to 18 guests. For larger events, the Old Haybarn offers flexible space for 30–40 guests. The venue can arrange catering for guests staying within the main house, but does allow external catering. There is no corkage charge and the venue offers three-night stays starting at around €20,000 for up to 18 guests. While the relaxed setting is less polished than hotel venues, it ensures a memorable home-from-home celebration for intimate weddings.
Exclusive-Use Wedding Venues That May Also be Worth Considering
Ballymagarvey Village, Balraith
Ballymagarvey Village blends a traditional manor house with a conservatory, adjacent to a ceremony and evening reception area, with stone-built cottages arranged around landscaped lawns. With stone archways, flower borders, water features and a romantic courtyard, it’s a popular choice for summer weddings. The venue holds up to 170 guests and suits couples seeking a picturesque countryside celebration, particularly in the summer.
Tankardstown House, Slane
Near Slane Castle, Tankardstown House is a beautifully restored manor house with a standout walled garden. It is a popular choice for outdoor ceremonies. Meanwhile receptions are often held in the traditional but modern Orangery. Within the grounds, but separate from the main venue, is a wedding preparation suite, and a restaurant used for night-before events and breakfast. Accommodation is in the main manor house and there is a more modern accommodation block beyond the walled garden. The setting makes this a good choice for a luxury wedding, and with a 2-3 night buy-out, planners will have the flexibility to stage really special weddings here.
Bellingham Castle, Castlebellingham
This 17th-century castle is one of Dublin’s most popular wedding venues and while it is considered a mainstream venue, it is operated with a clockwork efficiency that leads to a high level of satisfaction more associated with 5-star venues. The traditional interiors and furnishings in the reception rooms and bedrooms are sensitively merged with a more modern and elegant style in the ballroom which opens onto a terrace and vine-covered pergola. Bellingham Castle is on the edge of the small town of Castlebellingham, 45 minutes north of Dublin, and is surrounded by 70 acres of scenic parkland, landscaped gardens and lakes. We would recommend planners consider a 2-3 night buy-out to have the flexibility needed for a luxury wedding.
Final Thoughts
Each of the venues we have featured has a different appeal, but all are suitable for creating an unforgettable luxury wedding for discerning clients if taken on an exclusive use basis. So, step outside Dublin and discover the luxurious possibilities that await less than an hour away. If you want to explore more luxury wedding venues near Dublin, take a look at our full selection on our Ireland venues page.