One of our favourite things about Irish weddings (aside from the fact that the party is generally still going at 5am!) is the huge range of options when it comes to wedding venues - we’ve already found 10 new wedding venues in Ireland for 2018, and it's only January! If you’re still searching for the perfect spot, or you've found a place you love but don’t fancy getting married in the same venue as your cousin (we feel you!), it’s worth considering one of these gorgeous up-and-comers.
With any new or reopening venues, there’s always an element of uncertainty, but we’ve got high hopes for this lot. We can’t wait to see what kind of crafty and colourful shindigs you throw in these exciting new venues...
1. Glin Castle, Limerick
We are falling hard for the neo-classical interiors at Glin Castle, an 18th Century Limerick landmark surrounded by a 350-acre dairy farm and some stunningly beautiful gardens. Up to 30 people can stay in the castle's 12 bedrooms, while three charming reception rooms and a dramatic dining room make it a terrific venue for intimate, bespoke weddings.
For more information, visit glin-castle.com
2. Finnebrogue Woods, Down
A secluded outdoor venue in County Down, Finnebrogue Woods is sure to be a hit among creative couples. An adorable woodland path leads guests to a truly unique reception space, comprising four super cool tipis, which can accommodate up to 160 people, although the venue can be adapted for parties of up to 300. We featured Sarah & Michael's Finnebrogue Woods wedding late last year.
For more information, visit finnebroguewoods.com
3. The GPO, Dublin
A Dublin city icon steeped in more history than could fit in a single blog post, The GPO is known around the globe. But even those who walk by the O'Connell St. behemoth every day might not realise that it's home to a gorgeous courtyard and contemporary events space. The Commemoration Gallery overlooking the courtyard is bright and airy, and the perfect spot for an intimate city venue, catering for up to up to 50 guests for a sit-down dinner and up to 120 for drinks.
For more information, visit gpowitnesshistory.ie
4. Hillmount House, Antrim
This cosy-looking Georgian country house in Larne, County Antrim, can host weddings of up to 100 guests in its chic, customisable, two-storey stable block, but only 10 lucky attendees will have the privilege of staying in the house itself. Ceremonies can be held in the coach house or outside in the meadow, if weather permits, and with the Irish sea on its doorstop, a wedding at Hillmount House makes for unforgettable photos.
For more information, visit hillmounthouse.com
5. Markree Castle, Sligo
A Gothic-style castle in County Sligo, Markree Castle is a new option for those seeking a highly glamorous and luxurious wedding day - the Grand Hall seats 170 for dinner, and between the castle's 30 bedrooms and self-catering cottages, there's on-site accommodation for 110 people. Ceremonies can be held outside in the carefully-manicured gardens, but even on the sunniest of summer days, it'll be hard for couples to resist the stunning interiors of Markree's own chapel, which is suitable for civil ceremonies.
For more information, visit markreecastle.ie
6. Segrave House and Barns, Louth
An absolutely gorgeous spot for a rustic and informal celebration, Segrave House and Barns in the County Louth countryside is bursting with character. With an epic, American-style barn at its centre, the venue is perfect for animal lovers thanks to its resident donkeys and alpacas, while one of the proprietors, Eugene, is an accomplished opera singer who can be coaxed into giving an impromptu performance during the reception! This venue was host to Sinead & Stephen's boldly colourful wedding from earlier this month or Emily & Colm's fun tennis-themed wedding which we featured late last year.
For more information, visit Segrave House and Barns Facebook Page
7. Wilton Castle, Wexford
Nestled on the banks of the Boro River, in the heart of County Wexford is the elegant and rustic Wilton Castle. The building has been lovingly restored to its former glory after a fire in 1923. Up to 100 guests can gather for dinner in the banqueting area, where French doors lead out onto the estate's landscaped gardens, while the castle's four suites deliver old world luxury accommodation.
For more information, visit wiltoncastleireland.com
8. Kilkea Castle, Kildare
This 12th Century castle in the Kildare countryside played host to thousands of weddings before closing its gates in the late noughties, and now, it's back and looking smarter than ever! The 180-acre estate boasts endless opportunities for wedding portraits, while the castle itself is surprisingly versatile - Hermione's Restaurant is suitable perfect for gatherings of up to 100 guests, while the dramatic Baronial Hall can accommodate up to 280.
For more information, visit kilkeacastle.ie
9. Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin
Located on Harcourt Street, just a few steps from Dublin city's much-loved Iveagh Gardens, the Iveagh Garden Hotel is due to open for business on February 16th. It promises to be a seriously stylish destination in the city, if the sneak preview of the super chic Elle's bar above is anything to go by. 56,000 square feet of Georgian real estate make up this brand new venue, so we're expecting big things from their wedding spaces, which will accommodate parties of around 60 for dinner and up to 300 for drinks and dancing.
For more information, visit iveaghgardenhotel.ie
10. The Alex, Dublin
Known to Dubliners as the O’Callaghan Alexander on Fenian Street, this city centre hotel is not strictly new to weddings but couples who choose it for their reception in 2018 or 2019 will certainly feel like they’re in a brand new hotel, thanks to its recent refurbishment and rebrand. Now boasting the kind of chic, vintage-look interiors that make you think “I really need to do something with my living room!”, the Alex can host up to 380 guests for dinner in its largest event space, The Orient.
For more information, visit thealexdublin.ie.
Still searching for that perfect wedding venue? Check out last year's list of New Irish Venues and the Wedding Venue section of our Wedding Book for more ideas!