Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your day. Ireland offers an incredible range of options, but not all venues work the same way on a real wedding day. Based on over 16 years of experience photographing weddings across Ireland, this guide brings together venues that consistently deliver — in atmosphere, flow, and overall experience. If you’re looking for honest insight into some of the best wedding venues in Ireland, this is a practical place to start.
Best 20 Wedding Venues in Ireland 2026
1. No. 25 Fitzwilliam
Website: www.25fitzwilliamplace.ie
No. 25 Fitzwilliam is a beautifully refined Georgian townhouse in the heart of Dublin, and it suits couples who want a city wedding that feels intimate, calm, and carefully considered. Unlike larger hotels, it offers a sense of privacy and exclusivity that allows the day to feel personal rather than staged. From the moment guests arrive, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, setting the tone for a wedding that prioritises connection and experience over scale.
Couples are often drawn to No. 25 Fitzwilliam for its elegant interiors and excellent natural light, both of which contribute to a timeless look and feel. The rooms flow naturally from one to the next, allowing the ceremony, drinks reception, and dinner to happen without guests feeling moved along or managed. Because the venue is compact by design, everything stays close, which helps keep the pace of the day easy and unforced.
This venue is particularly well suited to smaller weddings and couples who value quality, discretion, and a sense of understated luxury. Stephen, Darragh and the rest of the wedding team at No 25 are the ultimate example of how to deliver a professional service.
It’s an ideal choice for those who want the convenience of a Dublin city location without the impersonality of a large hotel, and for couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed, stylish, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
👉 View a real wedding at No. 25 Fitzwilliam → Click Here
2. Tankardstown House
Website: https://www.tankardstown.ie
Tankardstown House is a standout choice for couples looking for a country house wedding that feels both elegant and effortless. Set within beautifully maintained grounds in County Meath, the venue offers a strong sense of arrival without feeling overbearing. From the moment guests step onto the estate, the day tends to slow down, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that carries through from start to finish.
One of Tankardstown’s biggest strengths is how well it functions on a wedding day. The Orangery is a bright, spacious setting for both ceremonies and receptions, filled with natural light and surrounded by gardens that work perfectly for drinks receptions and portraits. Because accommodation, ceremony, and reception all take place on site, couples and guests can settle in and enjoy the day without worrying about transport or time pressures. This creates a natural flow and allows the celebration to unfold at an easy, unhurried pace.
Tankardstown particularly suits couples who want a refined, well-organised wedding that still feels warm and personal. It works equally well for medium to large guest numbers and is especially popular with couples hosting family and friends from abroad, as everything is contained within the one estate. Overall, it’s a venue that combines comfort, style, and practicality, making it a consistently strong choice for a relaxed yet polished wedding day.
👉 See a real Tankardstown House wedding → [click here] or more on why I love this venue so much → [click here]
3. Ballybeg House
Website: https://www.ballybeg.ie
Ballybeg House is often chosen by couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed, social, and genuinely enjoyable rather than overly structured. Set in the Wicklow countryside, it has a strong “house party” atmosphere that encourages guests to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day. The courtyards and gardens are central to the experience, especially in good weather, allowing conversations, drinks, and moments to unfold naturally without being confined to a single room. From a practical point of view, everything is close together, which keeps the day flowing smoothly and avoids unnecessary downtime. Ballybeg particularly suits couples planning a summer wedding, those with guests travelling from abroad, or anyone who wants their wedding to feel more like a relaxed gathering than a formal event.
👉 View a real wedding at Ballybeg House → [click here]
4. Markree Castle
Website: https://www.markreecastle.ie
Markree Castle offers a true sense of history and grandeur while still feeling welcoming and lived-in. Unlike some castle venues that can feel imposing, Markree strikes a balance between elegance and comfort. The interiors are rich and atmospheric, with plenty of character, while the surrounding grounds provide space for guests to explore and relax. Couples often choose Markree because it delivers the feel of a traditional Irish castle wedding without sacrificing warmth or flow. It works exceptionally well in all seasons, with strong indoor options for winter weddings and expansive outdoor areas for portraits and drinks receptions when the weather allows. It’s particularly appealing to couples who value tradition, heritage, and a setting that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.
👉 See a real Markree Castle wedding → [click here]
5. Cabra Castle
Website: https://www.cabracastle.com
Cabra Castle is a venue that delivers a strong sense of arrival and occasion, making it a popular choice for couples planning a larger wedding who want impact without chaos. Set high on a hillside in County Cavan, the castle feels impressive from the moment guests approach, yet once inside, the atmosphere is welcoming and well managed. It’s a venue that understands scale and uses it well, allowing celebrations to feel lively without ever becoming overwhelming.
Couples are often drawn to Cabra Castle because it handles guest numbers comfortably. The ceremony and reception spaces are clearly defined and generous in size, which helps the day run smoothly and keeps transitions simple. Guests always know where they need to be, and the flow from one part of the day to the next feels natural rather than rushed. This is particularly important for larger weddings, where logistics can easily start to dominate if a venue isn’t set up properly.
A recent addition that many couples appreciate is Cabra Castle’s new indoor space for civil ceremonies. This dedicated area offers a bright, elegant option for indoor ceremonies, providing peace of mind regardless of the weather and allowing the entire day to take place within the castle itself. It works particularly well for couples who want the formality of a castle setting with the reassurance of a well-designed, purpose-built ceremony space.
The interiors throughout the castle are traditional and refined, offering a classic atmosphere without feeling stiff. The grounds provide variety for photographs and space for guests to step outside and relax, while still remaining close to the main celebration. Cabra Castle suits couples who want a traditional Irish castle wedding with energy and atmosphere, combined with organisation, guest comfort, and thoughtful facilities that support a smooth, enjoyable day.
👉 View a real wedding at Cabra Castle → [click here]
6. Castle Bellingham
Website: https://www.castlebellingham.ie
Castle Bellingham is a venue that consistently delivers a wedding day that feels calm, personal, and very well looked after. It’s a refined manor house rather than a grand or imposing castle, which immediately sets a more relaxed tone. Couples who choose Castle Bellingham often want elegance without formality and a setting where guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
One of the strongest aspects of Castle Bellingham is how naturally the day flows. The ceremony spaces, reception rooms, and gardens are all close together, which keeps momentum throughout the day and avoids guests feeling moved around or managed. This layout allows couples to spend more time with their friends and family, rather than disappearing for long periods. The grounds are ideal for portraits without pulling couples too far away from the celebration, which helps keep the experience connected and enjoyable.
A huge part of what makes Castle Bellingham stand out is the level of service. Patrick and Ciara, who lead the wedding team, are exceptional at what they do. Their approach is calm, organised, and genuinely attentive, which makes a noticeable difference on the day itself. They are present without being intrusive, proactive without being overbearing, and clearly care about getting the details right for each couple. From a photographer’s point of view, that level of coordination and communication creates an environment where everything runs smoothly and stress is kept to a minimum.
Castle Bellingham particularly suits couples who value atmosphere, good service, and a venue that feels personal rather than corporate. It’s a place where weddings feel well paced, thoughtfully run, and genuinely enjoyable — not just for the couple, but for everyone attending.
👉 See a real Castle Bellingham wedding → [click here]
7. Virginia Park Lodge
Website: https://www.virginiaparklodge.com
Virginia Park Lodge is a venue that consistently appeals to couples who place real value on experience, atmosphere, and exceptional food. Set in the Cavan countryside, it has a calm, understated elegance that immediately puts people at ease. The pace of weddings here tends to feel slower and more considered, allowing couples and guests to genuinely enjoy each part of the day rather than rushing from one moment to the next.
A major reason couples choose Virginia Park Lodge is the food. The venue is owned by celebrity chef Richard Corrigan, and that influence is felt throughout the entire experience. Meals are a highlight rather than a formality, and food becomes a central part of the celebration. Guests notice it, talk about it, and remember it long after the wedding day has passed. For couples who care deeply about quality dining and want their guests to be properly looked after, this is a huge draw.
The interiors are stylish, modern, and filled with natural light, which creates a relaxed and welcoming environment throughout the day. The layout allows the wedding to unfold naturally, with no sense of being managed or moved along. Everything happens on site, which adds to the feeling of ease and allows couples to stay present rather than worrying about logistics.
Virginia Park Lodge is particularly well suited to couples who want a wedding that feels thoughtful, refined, and guest-focused. It’s less about spectacle and more about substance — great food, excellent service, and an atmosphere that feels warm, calm, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
👉 View a real wedding at Virginia Park Lodge → [click here]
8. Kilkea Castle
Website: https://www.kilkeacastle.ie
Kilkea Castle appeals to couples who want the atmosphere of a historic castle while still having flexibility and choice in how their day is structured. One of its strengths is the variety of ceremony and reception spaces available, which allows couples to tailor the layout to suit their guest numbers and preferences. The mix of grand interiors, quieter corners, and expansive grounds provides a good balance between scale and intimacy. Kilkea works particularly well for couples who want a traditional setting but also want options — whether that’s adapting to the weather, changing the flow of the day, or creating different experiences for guests as the day progresses.
👉 See a real Kilkea Castle wedding → [click here]
9. Bellinter House
Website: https://www.bellinterhouse.com
Bellinter House is a refined Georgian manor that suits couples looking for a wedding venue that feels elegant without being formal or intimidating. Set in the Meath countryside, it has a calm, balanced atmosphere that allows the day to unfold naturally. From arrival through to the evening celebrations, everything is close together, which helps maintain momentum and keeps guests engaged without long pauses or unnecessary movement.
One of Bellinter House’s biggest strengths is its layout. The ceremony room, drinks reception areas, gardens, and dining spaces are all within easy reach of one another. This makes the day feel well paced and relaxed, allowing couples to spend more time with their guests rather than being pulled away for logistics. The interiors are classic and tasteful, offering a timeless backdrop that complements the day rather than dominating it.
A major advantage for many couples is Bellinter House’s flexibility when it comes to civil ceremonies. The venue is licensed to host civil ceremonies both indoors and outdoors, giving couples genuine choice depending on the season and the weather. Indoor ceremonies take place in a bright, elegant space that feels intimate and personal, while outdoor ceremonies can be held in the gardens, offering a relaxed, natural setting without needing to leave the estate. This flexibility adds peace of mind and allows the entire day to happen in one location.
Bellinter House particularly appeals to couples who want a polished, well-run wedding that still feels warm and approachable. It works beautifully for both medium-sized and more intimate celebrations, and it suits couples who value consistency, good service, and a venue that quietly supports a calm, enjoyable wedding day from start to finish.
👉 View a real wedding at Bellinter House → [click here]
10. Huntington Castle
Website: https://www.huntingtoncastle.com
Huntington Castle is, without hesitation, one of my absolute favourite wedding venues in Ireland. It is a place with real soul and personality, and every wedding held there feels entirely its own. Set on the banks of the River Derry in Carlow, the castle and its grounds feel authentic and lived-in, rather than polished or commercial, which is exactly what gives it such character.
What makes Huntington so special is that it doesn’t try to fit into a standard wedding template. The house, the gardens, and the surrounding landscape all encourage a wedding day that feels personal, relaxed, and deeply connected to the place itself. Couples who choose Huntington are usually drawn to its history, creativity, and slightly unconventional feel. Weddings here tend to reflect the couple more than the venue, which is rare and incredibly refreshing.
Huntington Castle only hosts a very small number of weddings each year, which adds to its appeal. This select approach means that each wedding receives genuine attention and care, and the venue never feels overused or impersonal. For couples, it also means that securing a date requires early planning, but for those who do, the experience is truly special.
This is a venue for couples who want something different — not bigger or grander, but more meaningful. For me, photographing weddings at Huntington Castle is always a privilege. It’s a place that invites real moments, quiet emotion, and honest celebration, and it remains one of the most distinctive and rewarding wedding venues in the country.
👉 See a real Huntington Castle wedding → [click here]
11. Luttrellstown Castle
Website: https://www.luttrellstowncastle.com
Luttrellstown Castle is one of Ireland’s most exclusive and impressive wedding venues, offering a level of privacy and scale that is hard to match. Set within extensive private grounds just outside Dublin, the estate allows couples to take full control of their wedding day, with the feeling that the entire place is theirs. From the moment guests arrive through the long, tree-lined approach, there is a clear sense of occasion that carries through the day.
Couples are often drawn to Luttrellstown for its grandeur, but what makes it work so well as a wedding venue is how flexible and self-contained it is. There is ample space for larger guest numbers without the day ever feeling crowded, and the variety of rooms allows the wedding to unfold in stages, each with its own atmosphere. The interiors are elegant and traditional, while the grounds offer space to step away for quieter moments or portraits without leaving the estate.
Luttrellstown particularly suits couples planning a larger wedding who still want privacy, structure, and a strong sense of control over how the day runs. It’s also popular with couples hosting guests from abroad, as everything happens in one place and accommodation is on site. Overall, it’s a venue that delivers impact and presence, while still allowing the wedding day to feel well paced, organised, and immersive rather than overwhelming.
👉 View a real wedding at Luttrellstown Castle → [click here]
12. Ballymagarvey Village
Website: https://www.ballymagarvey.ie
Ballymagarvey Village is one of those venues that simply works, which is why it remains such a popular choice year after year. Set in the Meath countryside, it offers a complete wedding experience where everything happens in one place, removing a huge amount of stress for couples and guests alike. From the moment people arrive, there’s a clear sense of flow and organisation, but it never feels rigid or over-managed.
Couples are drawn to Ballymagarvey for its balance of style and practicality. The ceremony spaces are bright and welcoming, the drinks reception areas feel social and relaxed, and the dining room is designed to handle celebrations comfortably without losing atmosphere. The layout encourages guests to move naturally through the day, which helps maintain energy and momentum from start to finish.
Ballymagarvey is particularly well suited to couples who want a polished, well-run wedding without sacrificing warmth or personality. It works for a wide range of guest numbers and styles, and it’s especially appealing to couples who want to enjoy their day without worrying about logistics, timing, or transport. Everything is quietly taken care of in the background, allowing couples to stay present and enjoy the experience.
👉 See a real Ballymagarvey Village wedding → [click here]
13. Barberstown Castle
Website: https://www.barberstowncastle.ie
Barberstown Castle has a charm that feels genuinely welcoming rather than formal or imposing. Unlike many castle venues, it has a warmth and intimacy that immediately puts guests at ease. The courtyard plays a central role in the day, acting as a natural gathering point where guests can mingle, chat, and relax between key moments.
Couples often choose Barberstown because it offers character without stiffness. The interiors feel lived-in and comfortable, and the scale of the venue keeps everything feeling personal rather than grand. It’s particularly well suited to couples who want a castle setting but prefer a relaxed, informal atmosphere where guests feel comfortable moving around and engaging throughout the day.
Barberstown works well for medium-sized weddings and couples who value connection and atmosphere over spectacle. The venue supports a steady, enjoyable pace to the day and encourages a strong sense of togetherness, making it a favourite for couples who want their wedding to feel social, warm, and genuinely enjoyable.
👉 View a real wedding at Barberstown Castle → [click here]
14. The Village Barn
Website: https://www.thevillagebarn.ie
The Village Barn is ideal for couples who want a wedding that feels relaxed, informal, and full of personality. The rustic setting immediately creates a sense of atmosphere, and the space really comes into its own as the day moves into the evening. Once the music starts and guests settle in, the barn feels lively, social, and full of energy.
Couples who choose The Village Barn are usually looking for a celebration that focuses on people, music, and connection rather than tradition or formality. The layout encourages mingling and conversation, and the overall feel is more like a great party with friends and family than a structured wedding schedule.
This venue suits couples who want their wedding to feel authentic and unforced, where guests can relax and enjoy themselves without being directed from one moment to the next. It’s particularly popular with couples who value atmosphere and want a celebration that feels memorable for all the right reasons.
👉 See a real wedding at The Village Barn → [click here]
15. Rathsallagh House
Website: https://www.rathsallaghhouse.ie
Rathsallagh House is a venue that suits couples who want their wedding day to feel calm, grounded, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. Set in the Wicklow countryside, the house has a quiet confidence about it — elegant without being grand, welcoming without being informal. The moment guests arrive, the pace of the day naturally slows, which is one of the venue’s greatest strengths.
Couples often choose Rathsallagh because it allows the wedding to unfold gently. There is space to move, to talk, and to breathe, both indoors and out. The grounds are generous without feeling overwhelming, and the interiors feel warm and lived-in rather than formal. This creates an atmosphere where guests are comfortable settling in for the day, rather than feeling like they’re moving through a schedule.
Rathsallagh works particularly well for couples who value atmosphere over spectacle. It’s ideal for those who want conversation, connection, and a steady rhythm to the day, rather than a tightly managed timeline. It’s also a venue that handles all seasons well, offering strong indoor options without losing its sense of character. Overall, it’s a place where weddings feel relaxed, thoughtful, and deeply personal.
👉 View a real wedding at Rathsallagh House → [click here]
16. Carton House
Website: https://www.cartonhouse.com
Carton House is a venue chosen by couples who want scale, flexibility, and reassurance, without sacrificing atmosphere. As one of Ireland’s most established estate venues, it offers a level of experience and infrastructure that allows large weddings to run smoothly and quietly in the background. This means couples can focus on enjoying the day rather than managing logistics.
One of Carton House’s key strengths is choice. With multiple ceremony locations and reception spaces available, couples can shape the day around their guest numbers and preferences rather than being forced into a fixed layout. The grounds are vast and varied, offering plenty of options for portraits and quieter moments away from the main celebrations.
Despite its size, Carton House works hard to ensure weddings don’t feel impersonal. Guest comfort is prioritised, transitions between parts of the day are seamless, and everything is handled with consistency. It suits couples planning larger weddings, hosting guests from abroad, or anyone who wants a prestigious setting with the confidence that everything will be handled professionally and efficiently
👉 See a real Carton House wedding → [click here]
17. Boyne Hill House
Website: https://www.boynehillhouse.ie
Boyne Hill House is a venue for couples who want a wedding that feels modern, intentional, and guest-focused. Everything about the space feels considered — from the clean, contemporary interiors to the way the day flows from one moment to the next. It’s particularly popular with couples who value design, food, and experience over tradition.
Food plays a central role at Boyne Hill House, and it’s often one of the main reasons couples choose it. Meals are an experience rather than a formality, and the emphasis on quality is clear throughout the day. The layout encourages a social atmosphere, allowing guests to mingle easily and feel part of the celebration rather than spectators.
Boyne Hill House suits couples planning a wedding that feels current and relaxed, but still refined. It works especially well for couples who want their wedding to feel different — not in a dramatic way, but in a thoughtful, well-curated one. The overall experience is calm, stylish, and centred on creating a genuinely enjoyable day for everyone attending.
👉 View a real wedding at Boyne Hill House → [click here]
18. Marlfield House
Website: https://www.marlfieldhouse.com
Marlfield House is one of the best examples of a venue that truly excels at intimate weddings. It’s a place where attention to detail, service, and atmosphere take precedence over scale. Set in Wexford, the house and gardens feel peaceful and refined, making it ideal for couples who want a quieter, more personal celebration.
The gardens are a standout feature and play a central role throughout the day, offering beautiful spaces for drinks, conversation, and portraits. Indoors, the house feels elegant but never stiff, and weddings here tend to feel calm and unhurried. Guests are exceptionally well looked after, and that level of care is something couples and families notice immediately.
Marlfield House is particularly well suited to couples who want their wedding to feel meaningful and considered. It’s not a venue for large numbers or big spectacle, but for those who choose it, the experience is deeply personal and memorable. It’s a place where the quality of the day is measured in moments and atmosphere rather than scale.
👉 See a real Marlfield House wedding → [click here]
19. Darver Castle
Website: https://www.darvercastle.ie
Darver Castle offers the character and presence of a castle wedding while remaining practical and approachable. It’s a venue that understands how weddings work, and that experience shows in how the day unfolds. The layout supports a natural flow, helping everything feel connected rather than segmented.
Couples often choose Darver because it feels manageable. The spaces are well proportioned, the grounds offer variety without long walks or travel, and guests always feel close to the heart of the celebration. It delivers the sense of occasion people expect from a castle venue, but without the scale becoming overwhelming.
Darver Castle suits couples who want a traditional Irish wedding setting with structure and ease built in. It’s a strong option for those who want atmosphere and character, but also value a venue that keeps the day running smoothly and comfortably for everyone involved.
👉 View a real wedding at Darver Castle → [click here]
20. Killashee House
Website: https://www.killasheehotel.com
KKillashee House is a venue that handles larger weddings with confidence while still offering space for quieter, more personal moments. Set within extensive grounds, it allows couples and guests to spread out and enjoy the surroundings without ever feeling disconnected from the main celebration.
One of Killashee’s strengths is balance. The gardens provide flexibility and breathing room during the day, while the indoor spaces are designed to accommodate significant guest numbers comfortably. The venue is highly experienced, and that shows in how smoothly the day runs behind the scenes.
Couples who choose Killashee often want a venue that can handle scale without sacrificing comfort or atmosphere. It’s particularly well suited to couples with larger guest lists, or those hosting family and friends from different parts of the country or abroad. The result is a wedding day that feels organised, welcoming, and enjoyable from start to finish.
👉 See a real wedding at Killashee House → [click here]
Final thoughts on the 20 best wedding venues in Ireland
Choosing a wedding venue is a very personal decision, and while the venues listed here are some of the best Ireland has to offer, they are by no means the only exceptional options around the country. Ireland is full of incredible places to get married, and many more could easily have featured in this list.
This guide is shaped by real experience and is reviewed regularly, as venues evolve, new spaces emerge, and others change over time. As a result, the selection will continue to shift, with venues moving in and out of the top twenty. The aim is not to define a fixed list, but to offer a practical, experience-led starting point for couples beginning their search for the right place to get married.