Ireland has no shortage of exceptional exclusive-use wedding venues which are perfect for large groups of over 80 guests. But what if you want to hire a country house as a small private wedding venue to have all to yourself? You could be planning an intimate wedding, or planning a destination wedding in Ireland for a smaller group of guests, so a private country house or castle would be perfect. So we went looking for idyllic private country houses for your intimate small wedding celebration!
Country Houses for Small Weddings
1. Ballyfin Demense
One of the most prestigious wedding venues in Ireland, the phenomenally luxurious Ballyfin Demesne features a truly romantic Georgian conservatory. The atmospheric space boasts stunning views of the grounds, including ancient forests, and magnificent gardens.
Where: Co. Laois | Capacity: 75 | ballyfin.com
2. Clonalis House
A gorgeous Victorian Italianate villa just outside Castlerea in Roscommon, Clonalis House is perfect for a very intimate wedding as it can accommodate a wedding group of 22. Take your vows beneath an ancient oak tree or in the cosy chapel, before retiring to the main house to enjoy the four-poster beds, a panelled library, huge fireplaces and views to the river; this is the Irish country house wedding dream come true.
Where: Co. Roscommon | Capacity: 22 | clonalishouse.com
3. Belle Isle Castle
Belle Isle Castle and Private Island in Northern Ireland is a versatile castle that offers three locations for ceremonies; the beautiful Sunken Garden, atmospheric Abercorn Wing Drawing Room or the elegant Hamilton Wing Drawing Room. Not to mention that it is literally a castle on an island in a lake! Spring weddings can make the most of the beautiful bluebells in the woods for photos. A wedding party of up to 65 guests can dine in the banqueting hall with castle accommodation and cottages in the grounds for all guests.
Where: Co. Fermanagh | Capacity: 65 | belle-isle.com
4. Ardtara House
This renovated 19th-century Country House Hotel oozes charm, character and is a foodie couple's dream. Located between the Giant's Causeway and Belfast it has nine spacious bedrooms with high ceilings, filled with antiques and original working fireplaces. Weddings of from 24 to 78 guests can be held in either the Garden room and Clark Room Restaurant or both, with restful views over the extensive lawn surrounded by mature woods.
Where: Co. Antrim | Capacity: 78 | ardtara.com
5. Barrow House
Exquisite taste is the only way to describe the refurbishment of this 300 year-old Georgian Country House. It sits in a private sheltered cove on the water's edge of Barrow Harbour in Fenit. The house and gardens are available for use with room for 18 guests inside in the Marble Room, or more outside if the ceremony takes place on the boat deck in the garden.
Where: Co. Kerry | Capacity: 18 | barrowhouse.ie
6. Inch House
Inch House is a tranquil 18th century farmhouse near Nenagh, which is still family-run by the Egans. It has a working farm and garden providing gorgeous produce for the dining table but with added mod cons for anyone with an eye on an eco-conscious wedding. The house is powered by solar energy and there is an electric car charger on site.
Where: Co. Tipperary | Capacity: 30 | inchhouse.ie
7. Viewmount House
Once the home of the Earl of Longford, Viewmount House was built in 1740, but now it's a luxury hotel that can be yours exclusively. With an orchard, and Japanese gardens making a wonderful backdrop for your photos, and a cosy interior, a smaller wedding of up to 80 would be very at home.
Where: Co. Longford | Capacity: 80 | viewmounthouse.com
8. Delphi Lodge
Nestled at the base of the mountains in Connemara in the West of Ireland, this venue is for those who like comfort and style but a bit of adventure. Taking full advantage of the rugged terrain and amazing scenery, the magnificent lake and mountainside views make for amazing wedding portraits. A wedding party of a minimum of 24 can be accommodated up to a max of 34.
Where: Co. Galway | Capacity: 34 | delphilodge.ie
9. Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge
This Ballingarry gem is a favourite for its gourmet dining options. With Head Chef Angel Pirev creating mouthwatering seasonal menus, the old Victorian Lodge house offers pure gastronomic delight and would be a real treat for up to 80 guests. The house is an oasis of old-school charm and the hospitality is unsurpassed.
Where: Co. Limerick | Capacity: 80 | mustardseed.ie
10. Glin Castle
Also in Co. Limerick is the home of a real life Knight. The Knight of Glin and his family, the Fitzgeralds, have been here for generations, and now you can join them in their home overlooking the River Shannon to celebrate a very special intimate and totally private wedding for up to 64 guests.
Where: Co. Limerick | Capacity: 64 | glin-castle.com
11. Dunbrody House
Run by renowned celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and his wife Catherine, Dunbrody House prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere, attention to detail and of course, gastronomic delights. Wedding menus are personally designed with Kevin, so you’re guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime meal.
Where: Co. Wexford | Capacity: 25 | dunbrodyhouse.com
Still looking for the perfect wedding venue in Ireland? See our post with 16 Idyllic Beach Wedding Venues or these 38 Amazing Wedding Venues Along the Wild Atlantic Way or find lots more inspiration in our wedding venue section.
