September has rolled around, school is back, and we're all back in the work mode, so I'm guessing that all of you who started sporting new bling over the summer, are starting to to get serious about the wedding planning. And of course, first on the list is the all-important wedding venue. Nothing can be organised properly until the perfect location has been decided upon and a date is set. So while it seems like yesterday that I was collating a great list of new wedding venues around Ireland for 2014, over the past few months we had noticed that there were more and more new names coming across my desk, so today's post about New Wedding Venues in Ireland for 2015 is one for any couples hoping to plan a 2015 wedding but finding it hard to find a unique wedding venue that's available (we know your pain, they're all booked up!) We've also included a couple of wedding venues here that we haven't featured before at all, so while not completely new to hosting weddings, they were new for us and we're guessing may be new names for you too.
1. Old Court Chapel
Sitting at the mouth of Strangford Lough just outside Portaferry, a new gem is hidden among the woods. The Old Court Chapel has just opened its doors for weddings and is offering both ceremony and reception options. The 17th Century Chapel from which the venue gets its name is a beautiful location to make your vows, while a beautifully restored stable and barn with a large yurt in place as a permanent marquee accommodates 120 for dinner. This is an exclusive hire venue, where you will have more flexibility in terms of décor and catering - a perfect (almost) blank canvas for a unique celebration.
Website: www.
2. Killyon Manor
If a boho-aristo dance-until-dawn country house party is your idea of a dream wedding, then Killyon Manor may just be your perfect place. This is a true country pile with attitude, the beautifully light and airy ballroom (seating up to 120 people) with its enormous sash windows opening onto the lawn is a true blank canvas for whatever style of event you can imagine. The Killyon attitude is all about letting loose and having a great time, whether it's glamping in the gardens, picnicking in the orchard or bbqing in the courtyard.
Website: www.killyon.com | Location: Co. Meath
3. Field of Dreams
Barns have been the big wedding story of 2014, and our love affair with rustic weddings isn't going to end any time soon, so we were really excited to find out about Field of Dreams just outside Bangor, a place that offers a variety of options on an outdoorsy wedding theme. The Retreat is a huge glass-fronted barn-style space sitting picturesquely on the lake and in the grounds a 22ft tipi is available for partying the night away (as if the barn wasn't enough!). You'd be spoiled for choice in how to make the make the rustic wedding dream a reality.
Website: www.
5. Glendalough House
Long reknowned as a haven for horse-lovers, the 1,500 acre estate is a hidden gem in Wicklow and not a place we've heard of for many weddings yet, so if you're struggling to find that great location for a private event, a blank canvas that you can get creative with, then Glendalough House is well worth checking out.
Website: www.glendaloughhouse.
6. Drumhalla House
Located on the shores of Lough Swilly with sweeping views of that enchanting landscape, Drumhall House is a luxury escape in the wilds of Donegal. With the utmost privacy and beautiful accomodation for an extended group, it would be perfect for an intimate wedding or if you wanted to make a real weekend escape for a bigger party then you couldn't ask for a more beautiful place to pitch a marquee and party a couple of days away.
Website: www.drumhallahouse.ie | Co. Donegal
7. Gyreum, Sligo
Last week we featured the lovely wedding of Sorcha and Sean who adopted a more sustainable, eco-friendly approach to their wedding, and if you're similarly inclined then the Gyreum in Sligo might be a venue worth considering. Located in Castlebaldwin in Sligo, between the plateau of Moytura and the shores of Lough Arrow, it is a one-of-a-kind place that will appeal to those seeking something truly different. Designed to mimick the shape of an ancient cairn, and to be aligned to solstice events, the round building blends into the landscape but offers spectacular views across 5 counties from its glass veranda. Inside a large circular central space can be adapted to a variety of event styles.
Website: www.gyreum.com | Location: Co. Sligo
8. Tempo Manor
Not so much new (they've been doing weddings for 25 years!) as new to us at One Fab Day (we're always 100% honest) we couldn't believe we hadn't yet featured this lovely Victorian manor house, as it's clearly such a gem. Situated in 300 acres of beautiful grounds and woodlands in the heart of the Fermanagh lakelands, they have always been a favourite for weddings as the house is so lovely and the lawns by the house overlooking the lake provide a most perfect setting for a marquee, and latterly tipis! Quite the idyllic spot.
Website: www.tempomanor.com | Location: Fermanagh
9. Ulster Museum
It seems Belfast is setting the trend for ultra-modern contemporary venues, as not only is the Mac uppidSituated in the heart of Belfast within Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum combines culture and history with panache and is home to exquisite collections of art, history and natural sciences. This stunningly transformed landmark is the perfect location for a trend-setting occasion.
Website: www.nmni.com | Location: Belfast
10. Virginia Park Lodge
First up is the new offering from well-known chef Richard Corrigan (formerly of Bentleys - where I had my engagement dinner!), he recently acquired the lovely Virginia Park Lodge on the shores of Lough Ramor in Cavan. This has a long history as a country house but needed a good dose of TLC and a big renovation, which Richard and his team have given it. One to watch for 2015.
Website: www.virginiaparklodge.com | Location: Virginia, Co. Cavan
100 Best Wedding Venues 2015
Hope this little looky at new venues was useful. Next week we announce the 100 Best Wedding Venues 2015 so keep an eye out!
And if you can't wait, then have a look at the 100 Best Wedding Venues 2014 - the free guide is available here.
