If you've been reading One Fab Day for a while, you'll know that one of our favourite styles of wedding is a laid-back country house bash, the kind that feels like an elegant garden party in splendid surroundings. If that sounds like your dream wedding, then this list of the best outdoor wedding venues in Ireland should be your first port of call! The houses, castles and hotels on this list are all wedding venues that come highly recommended by us, that not only boast an outdoor element, such as the option to host your drinks reception on a carefully-manicured lawn, but really capture that relaxed, homely feel and drop-dead gorgeous aesthetic that a garden party-style wedding requires. So let's dive in! Oh, and if you're really strapped for time, we recommend scrolling down to the end of the feature, where you'll find all of the garden party venues in handy list form.
Ballyvolane House
If it's a sophisticated, drinks-on-the-lawn kind of affair you're after, an al fresco reception at Ballyvolane House might be just the spot for you. This supremely cool country house venue also boasts several outdoor options for ceremonies. See Cath and Donn's beautiful wedding day here which also doubled as a baby naming ceremony!
Where: Castlelyons, Co. Cork | up to 140 guests | ballyvolanehouse.ie
Martinstown House
The private estate at Martinstown House includes includes mature woods and farmlands, a stunning Walled Garden and a purpose-built woodland ceremony space, which should be enough to tempt you and your guests out of doors, but one of our favourite things about this gorgeous venue is the option to have your drinks reception on the lawn. One couple, Tom and Mackenzie, even had an outdoor dancefloor - click here to see their al fresco wedding day in more detail.
Where: The Curragh, Co. Kildare | 240+ guests | martinstownhouse.com
Ashley Park
Surrounded by woodlands and its own lake, the gorgeous grounds at Ashley Park are ideal for a garden party celebration. It the weather doesn't work in your favour for an outdoor ceremony, it also features, The Boathouse, a stunning converted structure with a glass extension overlooking the lake. Check out how couple Michelle and Connor used the gardens for their reception here.
Where: Ardcroney House, Co. Tipperary | up to 300 guests | Â www.ashleypark.com
The K Club
The meticulously-groomed gardens at The K Club regularly play host to epic wedding ceremonies, before or after which guests can gather in front of the resort to mingle and take in the view of the gorgeous estate. The K Club's private island is a more intimate (but just as exciting!) option for garden party-style celebrations. Check out Jessica and Suraj's incredible outfoor ceremony here.
Where: Straffan, Co. Kildare | up to 350 guests | thekclub.ie
Lisnavagh House and Gardens
For a garden party atmosphere built around outdoor drinks, lawn games and maybe even an al fresco first dance, Lisnavagh House and Gardens is a laid-back and luxurious option. And when the evening chill kicks in, guests can wrap themselves up in a blanket and congregate around a warming pit fire. Check out Mary and Paddy's wonderful woodland wedding here to see for yourself.
Where: Lisnavagh, Co. Carlow | up to 160 guests | lisnavagh.com
Killashee
Boasting wild woodland walks and blooming gardens, Killashee is the kind of venue that demands an outdoor element - that is, if the weather obliges! If you don't plumb for an outdoor ceremony, your guests will still love wandering the grounds with a glass of bubbly in hand!
Where: Kilcullen Road, Co. Kildare | up to 250 guests | killasheehotel.com
Cloughjordan House
Some of our all-time favourite garden party-style real weddings have taken place at Cloughjordan House, including James and Dee's sun-soaked big day. For a fun, post-ceremony reception featuring lawn games, bubbly and canapés, this venue is definitely one to consider.
Where: Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary | up to 180 guests | cloughjordanhouse.com
Virginia Park Lodge
Between the lakeside location, naturalistic gardens and the incredible food masterminded by Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan, Virginia Park Lodge is a truly unique wedding venue, and, as you'll see from Kate and Greg's big day and Niamh and Aodhán's fun-filled bash, a delightful spot for an al fresco drinks reception.
Where: Virginia, Co. Cavan | up to 300 guests | virginiaparklodge.com
Blairscove House and Restaurant
Part garden, part courtyard, the stylish and rustic outdoor space at Blairscove House and Restaurant is just made for low-key parties! If your guest list features 100 people or less, this relaxed, farm-style gem could be "the one".
Where: Bantry, Co. Cork | up to 100 guests | blairscove.ie
Innishannon House Hotel
An 18th-century country house in Cork that could pass for a French chateau, Innishannon House Hotel is a uniquely quaint and quiet spot in which to exchange vows. Both ceremonies and drinks receptions can be held outdoors in the gardens, which overlook the River Bandon.
Where: Innishannon, Co. Cork | up to 200 guests | innishannon-hotel.ie
Marlfield House
A ceremony on the lawn at Marlfield House, in the shade of the trees, overlooking this jaw-dropping Georgian mansion, is hard to resist! Add in a drinks reception in the beautiful gardens at the front of the house, and you've got yourself an unforgettable al fresco wedding!
Where: Courtown Road, Co. Wexford | up to 110 guests | marlfieldhouse.com
Clonabreany House
We've seen a couple of incredible wedding ceremonies in the dramatic surroundings of the forest near Clonabreany House, but this venue is equally well-suited to chic soirées that start with an outdoor drinks reception.
Meath | up to 220 guests | clonabreanyhouse.ie
Coolbawn Quay
The lakeside location of Coolbawn Quay make it a dynamite wedding venue in any weather, but if you've got your heart set on an outdoor ceremony and/or drinks reception, you'll love the range of options at this Tipperary hideaway - check out Jen and Paul's real wedding for sunny summertime inspiration!
Tipperary | up to 220 guests | coolbawnquay.com
Faithlegg House Hotel
You'd be hard pressed to find a more peaceful spot than Faithlegg House Hotel in Co. Waterford, which looks great in all seasons, but is down-right sensational on a sunny day, when guests can try their hands at oversized lawn games while sipping on summer punch.
Waterford | up to 200 guests | faithlegg.com
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village
Known around the country for its organic restaurant, The Strawberry Tree, foodie destination BrookLodge & Macreddin Village is also perfect for couples who love the outdoors. Your guests will love wandering the peaceful grounds, and if you get really lucky with the weather, you can dine al fresco by Macreddin brook.
Wicklow | up to 200 guests |Â brooklodge.com
Ballintubbert House and Gardens
A country house with a chic, eclectic style and a magical festival vibe, Ballintubbert House is always popular with cool and alternative couples. Boasting bold interiors, delightful, Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed gardens and charming wildflower meadows, it's a truly lovely part of Co. Laois. The gardens are ideal for outdoor ceremonies and and drinks receptions alike.
Laois | up to 200 guests |Â ballintubbert.com
Rathmullan House
A laid-back Georgian House venue in a super scenic location just minutes from a two-mile long beach, Rathmullan House sounds too good to be true! The Irish climate sadly doesn't allow for a dinner party on the beach, but drinks on the lawn at Rathmullan is the next-best thing.
Donegal | up to 150 guests | rathmullanhouse.com
Barnabrow House
Bursting forth with lush greenery, the grounds at Barnabrow House are so magical, couples often battle through rain showers to have their ceremony and drinks reception outdoors (and we can't say we blame them!)
Cork | up to 150 guests | barnabrowhouse.ie
Luttrellstown Castle
Delivering all the grandeur and glamour of a big budget period drama, Luttrellstown Castle is a truly lovely spot for a wedding, whether your guest list is 10 or 180 people long! If you're dreaming of a ceremony under the weeping beech tree, croquet on the lawn, speeches on the steps overlooking the gardens, or a mix of all three, this wedding venue really brings the drama!
Dublin | up to 180 guests | luttrellstowncastle.com
The Village Barn
A unique barn wedding venue in Co. Westmeath that's bursting with rustic charm, The Village Barn is home to its own chapel, a cosy barn reception space, a light-filled Orangery that's ideal for pre-dinner drinks, and a quaint pub called Willies Bar. For outdoor celebrations, it's got to be the beautiful, cobble-lock court yard, which leads out to the venue's picturesque gardens, and is perfect for drinks, chats and lawn games.
Westmeath | up to 220 guests |Â thevillagebarn.ie
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
The mature gardens at Glenlo Abbey Hotel are so pretty, they simply demand to be used for chic ceremonies and drinks receptions! This outdoor wedding venue boasts so much character and charm, your guests will instantly fall in love with it.
Galway | up to 170 guests | glenloabbeyhotel.ie
Bellinter House
Part luxurious country manor, part cool, boutique hotel, Bellinter House is home to some of the most photogenic outdoor spaces in the whole country! We've seen couples host cocktails and canapés in the forest, exchange vows under the weeping willow tree, and demolish confetti piñatas in the gardens, so the opportunities really are endless. Check out Lisa and Tim's sunny-day wedding for more inspiration!
Meath | up to 160 guests | bellinterhouse.com
Gloster House
The beauty and drama of this Co. Offaly estate really can't be overestimated - if country house elegance is what you're going for, Gloster House should definitely be on your to-visit list! Ceremonies on the lawn and drinks receptions overlooking the gardens are both dreamy, so long as the weather plays ball!
Offaly | up to 180 guests | glosterhouse.ie
Ballymagarvey Village
The word fairytale is often used to describe the atmosphere at Ballymagarvey Village (possibly due to the high numbers of fairy lights dotted around the venue!), and, if you are blessed with a sunny day, like real couple Alan and Olivia, you can take the romance to the next level with a buzzy drinks reception in the courtyard garden.
Meath | up to 226 guests | ballymagarvey.ie
Horetown House
A firm favourite among cool and creative couples, Horetown House is home to lots of rustic and stylish indoor spaces, but, on a sunny day, a drinks reception outside on the lawn is a must. Real couple Aileen and Aaron had a live brass band soundtrack theirs!
Wexford | up to 200 guests | horetownhouse.ie
Tinakilly Country House and Gardens
Tinakilly Country House and Gardens was the location for one of our favourite real weddings of last year, the colourful and relaxed bash of Emma and Brian. Sun-soaked pints, outdoor speeches and lawn games (anyone for a round of giant Connect 4!?) all featured at this wedding, and the lush surroundings of Tinakilly provided the perfect backdrop.
Wicklow | up to 220 guests | tinakilly.ie
Liss Ard Estate
A 163-acre estate in the blissful West Cork countryside, Liss Ard Estate is full of incredible outdoor spaces, including gardens, woodlands, and meadows, its own private lake and the James Turrell Sky Garden, a completely unique sky- and stargazing spot! Outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions are a must at this venue, provided you get the appropriate weather!
Cork | up to 120 guests |Â lissardestate.ie
Markree Castle
A luxury castle venue with a house party feel, Markree Castle is surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful Sligo countryside, and boasts jaw-droppingly gorgeous woods for ceremonies and well-groomed lawns for drinks receptions. For evidence, look no further than Billy and Neasa's real wedding and Rosie and Niall's big day.
Sligo | up to 170 guests | markreecastle.ie
Ballybeg House
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Wicklow mountains, Ballybeg House is a garden party wedding venue with a difference! Located in picturesque Ballybeg, near Tinahely in Co. Wicklow, it's a secluded but welcoming spot with a gorgeous walled garden for romantic outdoor ceremonies, and plenty of space for al fresco drinks receptions.
Wicklow | up to 160 guests | ballybeg.ie
Step House Hotel
Located in the rural town of Borris, the Step House Hotel is not quite a countryside estate, but when you're in the elegant walled gardens sipping on a glass of Champagne, you'll certainly feel like you're on the grounds of a historic manor!
Carlow | up to 200 guests | stephousehotel.ie
Old Court Wedding Company
A private estate in Co. Down, oldcourtweddingcompany.co.uk is home to a 17th century Church, restored stables, a yurt-inspired marquee and several acres of natural gardens sweeping down to the shores of Strangford Lough. The venue is exclusively yours for your wedding, and offers the opportunity to have your drinks reception under the trees, overlooking the lake!
Down | up to 120 guests | oldcourtweddingcompany.co.uk
Powerscourt Hotel
The dramatic architecture at Powerscourt Hotel make it suitable for the kind of garden parties that a royal family might throw! The near-iconic Japanese Gardens can host magical drinks receptions, while the Secret Garden, with its classical courtyard feel, is even more opulent.
Wicklow | up to 400 guests | powerscourthotel.com
The Johnstown Estate
A rural residence dating back to 1750 and set on 120 acres of parkland overlooking the river Blackwater, The Johnstown Estate is a truly special place, with lots of lovely outdoor spaces in which to host outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions.
Meath | up to 350 guests |Â thejohnstownestate.com
Hillmount House
Located in Drains Bay, near Larne in Co. Antrim, Hillmount House is a privately-owned Georgian house, complete with stable block, coach house, orangery, stunning sea-view gardens, a woodland meadow, orchard, and formal gardens. In short, it's an ideal spot for an outdoorsy wedding with a garden-party feel.
Antrim | up to 140 guests |Â hillmounthouse.com
Butler House
Suitable for parties of up to 120 guests, Butler House is an intimate, bespoke wedding venue in Kilkenny city that's dripping with old world glamour. As well as stunning interiors, it boasts an incredible Georgian garden, which is perfect for wedding portraits and day-two parties, and a lovely lawn and patio for outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions.
Kilkenny | up to 120 guests | butler.ie
Juniper Barn
A unique, romantic and rustic wedding venue comprising three incredible, recently-restored barn spaces, Juniper Barn boasts a backdrop of a Georgian house, estate walls, mature gardens, woodlands and a lake brimming with wildlife. Their gardens make for a beautiful outdoor ceremony space, and are equally well-suited to summertime drinks receptions.
Sligo | up to 120 guests |Â juniperbarn.ie
Cashel House Hotel
A beautifully-maintained country house wedding venue with panoramic views of the Wild Atlantic Way and fantastic food, Cashel House Hotel is among our favourite wedding venues in the country for a reason! Built in 1840, the venue is bursting with charm thanks to its award-winning gardens, which are available for outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions.
Galway | up to 140 guests, more with a marquee |Â cashelhouse.ie
Belle Isle Castle
A 17th Century castle in Fermanagh offering exclusive, two-day hire, Belle Isle Castle is a versatile option for intimate weddings of up to 60 guests. The 470-acre estate is full of flowering meadows and tranquil gardens, while the beautiful Sunken Garden is simply made for magical outdoor ceremonies.
Fermanagh | up to 60 guests | belle-isle.com
The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Ireland
- Ballyvolane House | Co. Cork | up to 140 guests
- Martinstown House | Co. Kildare | 240+ guests
- Ashley Park | Co. Tipperary | up to 300 guests
- The K Club | Co. Kildare | up to 350 guests
- Lisnavagh House and Gardens | Co. Carlow | up to 160 guests
- Killashee | Co. Kildare | up to 250 guests
- Cloughjordan House | Co. Tipperary | up to 180 guests
- Virginia Park Lodge | Co. Cavan | up to 300 guests
- Killruddery House and Gardens | Co. Wicklow | up to 160 guests
- Blairscove House and Restaurant | Co. Cork | up to 100 guests
- Innishannon House Hotel | Co. Cork | up to 200 guests
- Marlfield House | Co. Wexford | up to 140 guests
- Clonabreany House | Co. Meath | up to 220 guests
- Coolbawn Quay | Co. Tipperary | up to 220 guests
- Faithlegg House Hotel | Co. Waterford | up to 200 guests
- BrookLodge & Macreddin Village | Co. Wicklow | up to 200 guests
- Ballintubbert House and Gardens | Co. Laois | up to 200 guests
- Rathmullan House | Co. Donegal | up to 150 guests
- Barnabrow House | Co. Cork | up to 150 guests
- Luttrellstown Castle | Co. Dublin | up to 180 guests
- The Village Barn | Co. Westmeath | up to 220 guests
- Glenlo Abbey Hotel | Co. Galway | up to 170 guests
- Clonwilliam House | Co. Wicklow | up to 180 guests
- Bellinter House | Co. Meath | up to 206 guests
- Gloster House | Co. Offaly | up to 180 guests
- Ballymagarvey Village | Co. Meath | up to 226 guests
- Horetown House | Co. Wexford | up to 200 guests
- Tinakilly Country House and Gardens | Co. Wicklow | up to 220 guests
- Liss Ard Estate | Co. Cork | up to 120 guests
- Markree Castle | Co. Sligo | up to 170 guests
- Ballybeg House | Co. Wicklow | up to 160 guests
- Step House Hotel | Co. Carlow | up to 200 guests
- Old Court Wedding Company | Co. Down | up to 120 guests
- Powerscourt Hotel | Co. Wicklow | up to 400 guests
- The Johnstown Estate | Co. Meath | up to 350 guests
- Hillmount House | Co. Antrim | up to 140 guests
- Butler House | Co. Kilkenny | up to 120 guests
- Juniper Barn | Co. Mayo | up to 130 guests
- Cashel House Hotel | Galway | up to 140 guests, more with a marquee
- Belle Isle Castle | Co. Fermanagh | up to 60 guests
