Dublin, with its vibrant culture and rich history, has a choice of elegant 5* wedding venues within the city limits, however this feature is aimed at anyone looking to combine the charm of the Irish countryside with the elegance of a luxurious celebration.
I visited a variety of stunning Irish wedding venues within an hour of Dublin, from castles and hotels to private homes, each offering their own style of opulence, charm, and a touch of magic.
My focus has been on luxury venues best suited to couples planning a wedding in Ireland with the help of a wedding planner, but I've also included a few dedicated wedding venues where their venue teams will guide couples through their wedding day.
Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin
If you're seeking a venue that embodies the essence of old-world charm and exclusivity, Ballyfin Demesne is your answer. This impressive 18th-century mansion, set above a lake amidst 614 acres of parkland with a gated entrance, offers an unrivalled sense of privacy and grandeur.
From the experts
Ballyfin Demesne has gained a reputation as one of the top luxury hotels in the world and hosts just a handful of weddings each year, on an exclusive hire basis. The venue boasts elegant reception rooms, an Orangery, two ballrooms and gorgeous bedrooms. With stables, a fishing lake, clay pigeon shooting, archery, a luxury spa and wine tasting cellar all on site, your guests will not want to leave.
Slane Castle, Slane
Located just 40 minutes north west of Dublin, Slane Castle stands proudly in open parkland overlooking the River Boyne, where huge concerts are hosted every summer. The huge stone-pillared entrance hall leads to impressive reception rooms and a carefully restored ballroom, with original artwork and antique furniture extending upstairs to the guest bedrooms. The venue's two bars and below-ground retro nightclub serve whiskey from Slane's own on-site distillery.
Carton House, County Kildare
Carton House is a beautifully restored Georgian mansion just 25 minutes west of Dublin, set in a sprawling 1,100-acre estate with gardens, a private lake and parkland. It is a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and leisure stays, with a championship golf course, extensive spa and luxurious accommodation making it a great choice for a multi-day wedding.
The K Club, Straffan
Nestled in the picturesque village of Straffan, The K Club's 550-acre estate features a 19th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens and the River Liffey. With its elegant ballrooms, stunning outdoor spaces, and world-class service, The K Club is perfect for couples looking for a grand, yet intimate setting. The venue's two championship golf courses and luxury spa add an extra layer of indulgence for pre-wedding pampering or post-ceremony relaxation.
Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath
This 18th-century castle is a private residence available for hire on an exclusive-use basis for weddings. It is in a rural location an hour north west of Dublin, and is set in 320 acres of serene parkland where a herd of organic Aberdeen Angus cattle roam, overlooking a large boating and fishing lake. In addition to the receptions rooms within the castle, which are suitable for intimate weddings of up to 18 guests, there is additional event space in a rustic courtyard with a partially converted haybarn, set over 2 floors with space for ceremonies and receptions of 30-40 guests. The venue can arrange catering for guests staying within the main house. External caterers are welcome, and are required for larger weddings in the Old Haybarn. There's no corkage charge. It's available for rentals of a minimum of 3 nights, from around €20,000 including accommodation for 18 guests for the 3 nights. The relaxed and private setting is not as polished as hotel venues, but ensures a memorable home-from-home celebration for intimate weddings.
Exclusive-Use Wedding Venues That May Also be Worth Considering
Ballymagarvey Village, Balraith
This unique venue has been cleverly designed with a traditional Manor House and conservatory adjacent to a ceremony and evening reception area with attractive stone cottages and barns set around terraced lawns. Stone arches, flower borders, a water feature and lanterns give an enchanting feel to the terraced grass courtyard. It's a very popular wedding venue, particularly in the summer, with capacity for up to 170 gusts. It's a great choice for couples looking for a picture-perfect country setting.
Tankardstown House, Slane
This impressive manor house sits within gated parkland, near Slane Castle. A standout feature is the walled garden, making this a popular choice for outdoor wedding ceremonies. Receptions are hosted in the traditional but modern Orangery that adjoins the Manor House. 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 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.
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.