You’ve dreamed of this day for as long as you can remember. As a child, you had the vision – not necessarily glitzy or glamorous, but more of an idyllic fairy tale. Now that you’re engaged, you realize Ireland may be the magical destination of your wedding day dreams.
There are plenty of creative locales and wedding venues in Ireland: The National Gallery, The Guinness Storehouse, even the Dunbrody Famine Ship. But if you’re looking for more mysticism, magic, and romance, you’ll find it in the grandiose castles that serve as wedding venues in Ireland.
Here are a few of the greats:
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
“Every once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives us a fairytale.”
For nearly 200 years, Abbeyglen Castle has been an opulent symbol of Galway. Nestled in between the majestic mountain range and the sea, Abbeyglen Castle is a family owned property, with a team of hospitality pros ready to cater to your every desire. Their wedding packages will allow you to bring to fruition the wedding of your fantasies.
Your hosts at Abbeyglen Castle know that every bride deserves to be the center of attention on her special day. With that in mind, the proprietors of this charming property have an established one-wedding-per-day policy. Dedicated staff will attend to your every need and preferred local vendors will work with you to breathe life into your vision.
Upon arrival, your party will receive the red carpet and champagne greeting befitting a princess and her entourage. You and your photographer will have free reign to capture memories amidst the backdrop of the castle and its magnificent grounds.
While the celebration begins with a canape reception, the extraordinary culinary team of Abbeyglen will prepare to dazzle your guests with a five-course feast. Also, the newlyweds might enjoy a complimentary Superior room for the evening, and guests are welcome to retire for the evening at the castle, provided at special room rates. Assuredly, the wedding that you have dreamt of will come alive at Ireland’s Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.
“Love, life and happiness; may your troubles be few and your blessings plenty.”
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Ashford Castle
“Romantic, Timeless, and Magical”
A castle wedding could not be more romantic than one held at this noble estate, which has hosted sophisticated affairs for more than 800 years. Ashford Castle has welcomed royals, heads of state, and international celebrities to dine, celebrate, and even wed upon the grounds here.
Create the ultimate fairy tale and indulge in the exclusive hire of the entire castle and its property: 350 acres of glorious rural beauty, 83 bedrooms and suites, and a private Lakeside hideaway Cottage. The betrothed and up to 160 guests have access to exclusive use of all restaurants, bars, amenities, and activities. From 3 p.m. on the day you check-in, until noon on the day of check-out, this remarkable estate can belong to only you and your loved ones.
The drawing room of Ashford Castle can accommodate your ceremony. However, if the weather cooperates, you can exchange vows in the castle’s regal gardens, overlooking the sparkling waters of Lough Corrib. After the ceremony, a local photographer, familiar with the secret nooks and idyllic backdrops of the estate, can guide you in securing your memories in eternity. Concurrently, your guests will enjoy cocktails and canapes while catching up or getting to know each other. After the Welcome Reception, the members of the wedding party and guests will gather together to savor the four-course menu of your choosing.
When all toasts are given, and all party-goers have danced to their heart’s content, you and your love can retire to the Bridal Suite. Alternatively, you might choose to spend your first night as a married couple in the Hideaway Cottage, for a bit of seclusion and romance on the edge of Lough Corrib.
The wedding experts at Ashford Castle are committed to providing each couple with the Bespoke Wedding, wholly original and personalized. Assisted by a talented group of local professionals and vendors, every detail will receive its due attention.
“May you be poor in misfortunes, and rich in blessings.”
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
“Combining casual charm with authentic country living.”
Inviting your friends and loved ones to your wedding at Ballynahinch Castle is more like asking them to a party at your country house, rather than to a royal affair. Welcoming, laid-back, informal, and yet a castle nonetheless. Your bespoke gathering will reflect your personalized vision.
The extraordinary team at the Ballynahinch Castle will help you plan and design the wedding celebration of your dreams with the help of their exclusive list of local supporting merchants.
This hotel hosts a limited number of weddings every year. With the entire castle at your disposal – including 48 rooms, and dining facilities accommodating 100 to 140 guests – your party will be exclusive to only your guests.
Over the course of a few days, the wedding party, family, and loved ones can take part in pre and post-wedding entertainment and activities like, fishing excursions, clay shoots, and afternoon tea.
The exalted culinary team of Ballynahinch Castle will be at the center of the festivities. Seasonally created menus highlight the best of what is available locally.
If your dream wedding combines the elegance of a castle with a slightly rustic edge, this just might be the ideal wedding venue for you.
“And may the sun shine
Upon you and warm your heart
Until it glows
Like a great fire
So that other may feel
The Warmth of your love
For one another.”
The team at DestinationWeddings.com has assisted thousands of couples to turn their wedding dreams into reality. There are numerous castles to get married in Ireland, and we have the resources to find you the one that will be the perfect fit for your personalized fairy tale!
