We’re often asked about Irish wedding castles and we have to admit, it’s extremely easy for us to offer recommendations – there are just so many beautiful, romantic and historic castle wedding venues to choose from! Of course, we do have our favourites, which we’ve listed in this handy post. Spanning eight centuries and just as many counties, our list includes everything from iconic countryside estates to luxurious coastal hideaways. Without further ado, here are the top Irish castle wedding venues from around Ireland and Northern Ireland!
Luttrellstown Castle
We struggle to think of a more glamorous backdrop for a wedding than Luttrellstown Castle. A historic castle with a striking Gothic facade, perched on a 560-acre estate in Dublin 15, it’s the kind of place that you usually only get to experience through TV shows and movies! Although Luttrellstown Castle represents the height of luxury, it has an unexpectedly cosy atmosphere, so, whether you’re inviting 20 people or 180, your guests will feel right at home. Every last room is a showstopper, from the elegant dining halls to the atmospheric Library, so you’re spoiled for choice when choosing where to have your ceremony, drinks reception and wedding feast!
Co. Dublin | up to 180 guests | luttrellstowncastle.com
Kilkea Castle
Ireland is full of historical hotspots, but few are as impressive as the 12th Century castle at Kilkea. This big screen-worthy wedding venue has been hosting epic parties of all kinds for 800 years, but was out of action between the late noughties and 2018, so it really offers the best of both worlds – it’s a well-established venue that your guests will probably have never have been to before! The 180-acre estate is simply made for wedding portraits (we’re particularly fond of the beautiful rose gardens), and the castle itself is surprisingly versatile – the bright and airy Hermione’s Restaurant is suitable for gatherings of up to 50 guests, while the dramatic Baronial Hall can accommodate up to 270.
Co. Kildare | up to 270 guests | kilkeacastle.ie
Castle Leslie Estate
An iconic castle wedding venue with exquisite food, astounding interiors and plenty of accommodation for you and your guests, Castle Leslie Estate is one of Ireland’s most sought-after wedding venues for a reason. Still in the hands of its founding family since the mid 17th Century, Castle Leslie is steeped in history and romance. The castle and 1,000-acre estate are equally charming whether your guest list is 70 or 260 guests long, thanks to the wealth of atmospheric, antique-filled spaces for ceremonies and receptions, and, as it’s located just 80 minutes from Dublin Airport, it’s easy to reach wherever your guests are coming from.
Co. Monaghan | up to 260 guests | castleleslie.com
Belleek Castle
Perched on the picturesque banks of the River Moy, Belleek Castle is a 19th Century Neo Gothic-style castle surrounded by a fairytale-worthy forest. One of the best things about this castle wedding venue is its versatility. Between the Medieval drama of the Great Hall, which boasts an open fire and intricate wood panelling, and the rustic romance of the restored 19th Century stables, with their exposed beams and brickwork, there are lots of spaces to choose from, each with a different look and vibe. Throw in award-winning, fine-dining cuisine, and a warm, West-of-Ireland welcome and you’ve got easily one of the best castle wedding venues in the country.
Co. Mayo | up to 200 guests | belleekcastle.com
Fitzpatrick Castle
Offering stylish surroundings, friendly service and breathtaking views overlooking Dublin Bay, Fitzpatrick Castle is the kind of wedding venue that you just don’t expect to find in Dublin! With over 40 years of experience in hosting weddings large and small, the Fitzpatrick Castle team are exceptional at what they do, and, better still, they’re happy to collaborate with couples to create a wedding day that’s truly personal to them. The venue’s magnificent gardens look gorgeous in wedding portraits, and the internal spaces are pretty special, too – you’ll find it tough to choose between the Victorian interiors of the castle suites and the knockout coastal view that awaits you and your guests in the elegant Royal Suite.
Co. Dublin | up to 300 guests | fitzpatrickcastle.com
Barberstown Castle
Tucked away in a particularly lush part of the Kildare countryside, just 30 minutes from Dublin, Barberstown Castle is a magical wedding venue housed in a historic castle. Specialising in bespoke wedding celebrations, tailored to reflect the personality of each individual couple, the venue boasts pretty ceremony rooms and medieval banquet rooms, meaning they can cater for anything from intimate gatherings of 50 to lavish affairs of up to 250 guests. A popular choice for foodie couples thanks to the high quality of their cuisine, Barberstown Castle is also renowned for its electric atmosphere – there are 700 years of history contained within those walls, after all!
Co. Kildare | up to 250 guests | barberstowncastle.ie
Slane Castle
An exclusive wedding venue set within a 1500-acre estate, Slane Castle offers each couple exclusive use for their wedding day, using the King’s Ballroom, which seats 100 guests, or the Royal Marquee, seating 180 guests. Exclusive hire of Slane Castle allows you to use all adjacent rooms, such as the elegant Morning Room, and Main Castle Hall, as well as the Castle Dining and Drawing rooms for all your pre- and post-dinner receptions, including Civil Ceremonies. The extensive gardens, woodland, courtyard and gothic arches provide the perfect backdrop for your photos, too!
Co. Meath | up to 180 guests | slanecastle.ie
Clontarf Castle
There are over 800 years of history pulsing through the walls of Clontarf Castle, so an atmospheric wedding day is guaranteed, regardless of what kind of party you’ve got planned. You might be thinking of a lavish celebration in the regal Great Hall or hoping for an intimate soirée in the medieval dining room – either way, it’s going to be an exceedingly opulent and memorable day! Your guests will be wowed from the minute they clap eyes on the castle’s dazzling façade, while the landscaped gardens and wild woodlands provide incredible backdrops for your wedding portraits.
Co. Dublin | up to 400 guests | clontarfcastle.ie
Belle Isle Castle
A 17th Century castle in Fermanagh offering exclusive, two-day hire, Belle Isle Castle is a versatile option for intimate weddings. The venue offers three locations for civil or humanist ceremonies – the beautiful Sunken Garden, atmospheric Abercorn Wing Drawing Room or the elegant Hamilton Wing Drawing Room – and for luxurious receptions, the Grand Hall will seat 60 guests for dinner. While the inside of the castle is stunning, the estate itself, which is located on the banks of Lough Erne and spans 470 acres, is nothing short of breathtaking.
Co. Fermanagh | up to 60 guests | belle-isle.com
Dromoland Castle
For breathtaking scenery, luxurious interiors and elegant cuisine, the historic Dromoland Castle in beautiful Co. Clare is the place. It has been hosting epic celebrations since the 16th century and if your dream day features a ceremony in an elaborate walled garden, a sun-soaked Champagne reception outdoors, a ceremony at the foot of an impressive staircase, or a memorable wedding feast in opulent surroundings, this venue is surprisingly versatile for whatever kind or size of celebration you have in mind.
Co. Clare | up to 300 guests | dromoland.ie
Bellingham Castle
An exclusive-hire venue, Bellingham Castle and its 17-acre, riverside estate is only 50 minutes from Dublin and Belfast, but feels like another world. If old world luxury is your vibe, you’ll feel right at home among the antique furniture, the ceiling-high wine cabinets and the manicured gardens. And of course gorgeous Irish wolfhounds, Ri and Liadán, will steal the show
Co. Louth | up to 200 guests | bellinghamcastle.ie
Ballyseede Castle
Ballyseede Castle boasts 400 years of history, luxurious drawing rooms, an elegant Orangery and a rustic Coachroom, all in one historic venue set on beautiful gardens and woodlands. Every bedroom is full of colour and character, and dripping in vintage luxury with Medieval touches, but it retains the warmth of a family-run hotel. Expect a hearty Kerry welcome!
Co. Kerry | up to 220 guests | ballyseedecastle.com
The Best Irish Castle Wedding Venues in Ireland & Northern Ireland
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