Back in the day, I would always dream of a fairytale wedding of my own after watching animated movies where a princess married her Prince Charming.
I initially thought that would stay a dream until I found out that Ireland has grand castles that can serve as wedding venues. Now, I can wear my white ballgown while being surrounded by stone walls and chandeliers.
So if you’re planning your wedding soon and want to feel like a Princess for a day, continue reading this blog as I go over the castles in Ireland where you can say ‘I Do’.
1. Luttrellstown Castle
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Website: http://www.luttrellstowncastle.com/
Address: Kellystown, Castleknock, Co. Dublin, D15 RH92
Contact Details: +353 1 860 9600
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a luxurious wedding that brings back the old-world charm then you should consider having it at Luttrellstown Castle. Located in a 560-acre greenery, this 15th-century castle will transport you to a set of your favorite TV series.
When you book the castle, you can maximize the entire place for your wedding. You can expect that there will be no shared spaces—just the couple, your family, and friends.
Once inside, you’ll notice the high ceilings, woodwork, and chandeliers all over the castle. You’ll love that there’s no need to set up photo walls as the castle and the halls inside are your main backdrops already.
What’s great about this castle is that it can host an intimate wedding party to a grand celebration. They will even customize a package based on your preference!
For your wedding, you can choose to exchange your vows in the Gothic Hall and proceed to the Van Stry Ballroom for your reception.
Additionally, you’ll have access to five bedrooms in the castle and the Gardeners Cottage which is just a few minutes walk from the venue.
Pro tip: If you’re staying in Luttrellstown Castle for a day or two after the wedding, there’s a golf course that you can explore inside. You can even avail of 1-day golf lessons, which is perfect if you’re just exploring the sport.
2. Kilkea Castle
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Website: http://www.kilkeacastle.ie/
Address: Kilkea Castle, Kilkea Demesne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 XE97
Contact Details: +353 59 914 5600
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
With over 800 years of history, Kilkea Castle is a great wedding venue if you want to feel romantic in a grand castle. Once you’re here, you’ll notice the big arched windows and stone walls that surround the place.
You’ll love that this 180-acre estate can host both intimate and grand wedding celebrations, depending on which hall you’re booking.
If you’re only having 50 guests, you can choose Hermione’s Restaurant. Meanwhile, if you need spacious lush grounds to accommodate your 270 guests then you can opt for the Baronial Hall.
When it comes to accommodations, you’ll love that there are over 140 bedrooms you can choose from, allowing you to be in the estate before and even after your wedding. You can schedule your wedding photography during this time too.
After the wedding, you’ll love that you can relax in their in-house spa. And if you’re down for a thrilling experience, you can solve puzzles at their Escape Rooms!
Additionally, you can also try playing golf and tennis on the estate.
Pro tip: If you want to feel like a true royalty for a day, consider trying the ancient sport of falconry.
3. Castle Leslie Estate
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Website: https://www.castleleslie.com/
Address: Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan
Contact Details: +353 47 88100
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you want to feel like a character in a storybook that’s about to meet her prince charming then you should consider Castle Leslie Estate as your wedding venue.
This estate provides a private space for you and your guests so there are no distractions from outsiders.
You’ll have an option to have your ceremony inside a castle or at the pavilion. But if you want a more unique wedding experience, you can maximize the outdoor areas, allowing you to have the main castle as your backdrop.
You’ll love that the estate offers various wedding packages, ensuring couples don’t need to worry about a lot for their big day.
The package already includes course meals, wine, arrival drinks, complimentary accommodation for you, and discounted rates for your guests.
What’s great about this estate is that they have different accommodations depending on your preference.
If you want to feel like royalty, you can opt for rooms inside the castle. Meanwhile, if you want to try staying inside a luxurious country house then you should book The Lodge.
Pro tip: After the wedding, you can head to the Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre. Here, you can learn how to ride horses with the lake and woodlands as your scenic backdrop.
4. Belleek Castle
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Website: http://www.belleekcastle.com/
Address: Belleek Castle Hotel, Garrankeel, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 KV04
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you want to get married near the River Moy and, at the same time, fulfill your fairytale dreams of saying ‘I Do’ in a castle then Belleek Castle could be your wedding venue!
There are several halls and spaces that you can use in this castle, depending on your guest size and theme preference.
If you want to keep a medieval theme during your ceremony, you can opt for The Great Hall inside the manor. The room is surrounded by wooden archways, wood-paneled walls, and stone columns.
There’s even a grand staircase here to make a dramatic entrance. It’s also a great shot to take photos during your wedding.
For those who want a more rustic theme, you can choose to exchange vows at The Stable Block. Here, you’ll be surrounded by bricks and sparkling chandeliers.
On the other hand, you can still opt for an outdoor wedding. Just choose a spot in this 200-acre property, great if you’re expecting several guests during your big day.
Pro tip: If you require a church wedding, there are several cathedrals to choose from near Belleek Castle. You can choose the grand St. Muredach’s Cathedral or opt for smaller ones such as St. Michael’s Church and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
5. Fitzpatrick Castle
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Website: https://www.fitzpatrickcastle.com/
Address: Killiney Hill Rd, Scalpwilliam Or Mount Mapas, Killiney, Co. Dublin, A96 N125
Contact Details: +353 1 230 5400
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For over 40 years, the Fitzpatrick Castle has been hosting small and large weddings in Ireland.
What’s great about saying ‘I Do’ in this castle is that it overlooks Dublin Bay, adding a more breathtaking moment for the lovely couple, including their guests.
You’ll love that they offer wedding packages, allowing them to handle all the major wedding details for you. Even better, you’ll have a dedicated wedding planner who will guide you in every process.
When it comes to accommodations, there are over 100 rooms to choose from inside the estate. You’ll feel like a prince or princess in their classic rooms but don’t worry, all the modern amenities are here!
Pro tip: Since Dublin Bay offers perfect sunset views, you can consider planning your ceremony or reception during sunset for a more dramatic vibe.
6. Barberstown Castle
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Website: https://www.barberstowncastle.ie/
Address: Barberstown, Straffan, Co. Kildare, W23 CX40
Contact Details: +353 1 628 8157
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you who want to get married in a 13th-century castle filled with vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and stone walls then Barberstown Castle Hotel could be the wedding venue for you!
What sets this wedding venue apart is that they offer virtual meetings and online site tours if you’re located outside Ireland, allowing you to plan your big day even while you’re away.
Additionally, aside from the wedding package that they offer, they will go the extra mile and arrange a personalized package to meet your preferences.
If you want a traditional touch on your wedding day, you’ll love that they offer a traditional welcome to your families called Gathering of the Clans in the medieval castle kept right before your intimate wedding starts inside the banquet hall.
Moreover, your reception can also have the traditional hog roast barbecue. This wedding venue also offers great cuisine, making it a great choice for the foodie couples out there!
To make the most of your stay, consider booking accommodations at the onsite hotel. The classic rooms here will transport you to the Victorian era, with bonus modern amenities!
Pro tip: Since Barberstown Castle offers traditional touches to weddings, consider adding more Irish aspects to your wedding such as hiring a harpist or a ceilidh band during your reception.
7. Slane Castle
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Website: https://www.slanecastle.ie/
Address: Slanecastle Demesne, Slane, Co. Meath
Contact Details: +353 41 988 4477
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Slane Castle is another venue that can host both small and big weddings.
This venue allows you to plan a 3-day wedding event, allowing you to exclusively use the entire space for the whole weekend. The wedding planner can even help you come up with a program—from welcoming your guests to celebrating your dream wedding.
If you want an indoor reception, you’ll love the high ceilings and gothic arches at The Great Hall. Meanwhile, if you want to celebrate it amid the lush greenery and outdoor breeze, then you can opt for the courtyard.
Pro tip: Slane Castle has limited bedrooms and can only accommodate up to 17 guests. Consider booking nearby hotels ahead of time to avoid inconvenience.
8. Lough Rynn Castle
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Website: https://www.loughrynn.ie/
Address: Lough Rynn Castle & Estate & Gardens, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, N41 WE16
Contact Details: +353 71 963 2700
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a more secluded wedding venue in Ireland then this 19th-century Lough Rynn Castle is the one for you. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the lake and well-curated gardens, making the vibe even more romantic.
When you book this venue for your wedding, you’ll have exclusive use of the entire place, ensuring you and your guests’ privacy.
If you have over 300 guests, you can opt to celebrate at the ballroom and be surrounded by high ceilings and chandeliers, with a great view of the lake.
Meanwhile, for those of you who love the outdoors, the castle’s gardens have the best view of the lake, making your exchange of vows more romantic.
Additionally, you don’t need to worry about accommodations as the castle has over 40 bedrooms. And if you need more rooms, the management can help you secure self-catering lodges nearby which is just a two-minute walk from the castle.
Pro tip: If you prefer a more intimate wedding ceremony, Lough Rynn Castle has a small chapel on the estate.
9. Darver Castle
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Website: http://www.darvercastle.ie/
Address: Darver Castle, Darver, Readypenny, Co. Louth, A91 RDX2
Contact Details: +353 42 937 9466
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Darver Castle is a great wedding venue if you want to feel like royalty yet feel an intimate vibe on your special day.
What’s great about this place is that it keeps the venue private during your wedding, allowing you and your guests to roam around the castle without intruders.
You can maximize the perfectly curated lawns to exchange your vows and proceed to the banquet hall where you’ll see exposed stone walls and ceilings with fairy lights.
For those of you who are located outside Ireland, you’ll love that you can request them for virtual tours, allowing you to see the estate to see the best wedding package for you.
Meanwhile, they also host civil ceremonies and partnerships in the Ceremony Room. Even better, this hall can accommodate up to 250 guests, great if you’re planning a large celebration.
Additionally, if you wish to stay on the castle grounds, there are 50 rooms you can rent out during your wedding weekend. This will allow you to invite your guests to stay with you as well.
Pro tip: If you’re staying at Darver Castle after your wedding, breakfast for you and all your guests is part of the package. Just proceed to the Grain Store Breakfast room to enjoy your breakfast meals.
10. Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa
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Website: https://www.kilronancastle.ie/
Address: Castletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 R867
Contact Details: +353 71 961 8000
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you who are looking for Gothic architecture, grand staircases, and stone towers, then this 19th-century Kilronan Castle is the perfect wedding venue for you.
What’s great about them is that you’ll be assigned a dedicated wedding organizer who will assist you in planning your wedding. You’ll also be delighted that the venue can handle your catering needs, preventing you from being too stressed out during planning.
When it comes to accommodation, there are a total of 85 rooms for you. Your package also comes with a discounted bed and breakfast rate for your guests.
Pro tip: If you’re staying at Darver Castle after your wedding, breakfast for you and all your guests is part of the package. Just proceed to the Grain Store Breakfast room to enjoy your breakfast meals.