Over the past couple of years, we've seen weddings change shape, size and style quite dramatically in Ireland, but if there's one trend that we just can't get enough of, it's restaurant weddings. Of course, a gorgeous restaurant wedding requires a gorgeous restaurant wedding venue, and we're spoiled for choice on that front in Ireland. We've already done an extensive post on the best restaurant wedding venues in Dublin, which you can check out here, but today, we wanted to show the rest of the country some love!
From hip foodie collectives in Galway to beachside gems in Kerry and fine dining destinations in Belfast, these restaurant wedding venues include both city and countryside spots, spaces for intimate groups of just 60, right up to venues that can cater for 130 guests. But what they have in common is that they're all ideal for fun and informal weddings that are also effortlessly stylish. Ready to discover some charming, underrated and off-the-beaten-track wedding venues in Ireland? Of course you are!
Thomas Moore Tavern
Located in the heart of Wexford town, the Thomas Moore Tavern (named after the renowned Irish poet who grew up on the site) is the oldest bar in the county, so it just oozes personality. With hearty, award-winning cuisine and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, it's a luxurious spot with tonnes of vintage charm.
Location: Cornmarket, Wexford Town | Capacity: 60 | Website: thomasmooretavern.com
Jacobs on the Mall
Plush, Instagram-worthy interiors and Asian-influenced, contemporary cuisine await you and your guests at this Cork City hotspot, which is perfect for foodie couples. The kitchen team will work with you to create a bespoke menu for the big day, and the dining space is so dramatic, it really only needs a few finishing touches.
Location: South Mall, Cork City | Capacity: 130 | Website: jacobsonthemall.com
Deanes at Queens
Located in Belfast's buzzing university quarter, Deanes at Queens has an exceptionally cool and modern vibe, which is perfect for an alternative wedding. And with Head Chef Chris Fearon of Great British Menu fame working on the menu, your guests won't forget your wedding feast in a hurry!
Location: College Gardens, Belfast | Capacity: 140 | Website: michaeldeane.co.uk
The Mustard Seed
For restaurant-level fine dining in a country house setting, it's hard to beat intimate weddings at The Mustard Seed in Ballingarry, Co. Limerick. With stylish interiors and 16 gorgeous bedrooms, it's one of those restaurant wedding venues that instantly feels like a home away from home.
Location: Ballingarry, Co. Limerick | Capacity: 75 | Website: mustardseed.ie
Ard Bia
The very best of Irish produce is put to creative use at Ard Bia, the hip and trendsetting Galway City restaurant that also functions as a wedding venue. If you dream of showing your guests Irish food like they've never tasted before, in rustic surroundings, this is your spot!
Location: Spanish Arch, Galway City | Capacity: 110 | Website: ardbia.com
Jacks' Coastguard Restaurant
The unspoiled beauty of rural Kerry is right on your doorstep at Jacks' Coastguard Restaurant in Cromane, which boasts panoramic views across to Rossbeigh Beach and Inch Peninsula. If that isn't tempting enough, they serve some of the freshest seafood in the country. The restaurant seats up to 130 inside, but for bigger celebrations, they can arrange a marquee on the lawn, overlooking the beach.
Location: Cromane, Killorglin, Co. Kerry | Capacity: 130+ | Website: jackscromane.com
Blairscove House and Restaurant
A truly unique spot on the Wild Atlantic Way, this stylish restaurant hideaway is housed in former farm buildings (including a pigsty!). For informal weddings with up to 100 guests and an emphasis on delicious, seasonal and locally-sourced food, Blairscove is a no-brainer.
Location: Durrus, Co. Cork | Capacity: 100 | Website: blairscove.ie
The Barking Dog
Eclectic interiors and international flavours make The Barking Dog one of the top-rated restaurants in Belfast, and a super cool venue for alternative weddings. The menu boasts tapas and pasta dishes as well as fish and meat specials, all presented like works of art, and there are cocktails to match!
Location: Malone Road, Belfast | Capacity: 70 | Website: barkingdogbelfast.com
Fern House Café at Avoca
A serene spot in the heart of the Wicklow countryside, the Fern House Café at Avoca is an impossibly elegant space for your wedding feast. Built in the style of a Victorian glass house, it serves the kind of flavourful and satisfying fare that the Avoca brand are known and loved for.
Location: Kilmacanoge, Co. Wicklow | Capacity: 130 | Website: avoca.com
The Pigeon House
Hidden away in one of Ireland's cutest villages is a restaurant, grocer, bakery and coffee house housed in a 19th Century Inn. Every inch of this former public house is charming, but the Pigeon House restaurant is something special - a welcoming spot in which to enjoy modern twists on Irish cuisine, as well as first-rate pizza, surrounded by quaint, country-style interiors.
Location: Delgany, Co. Wicklow | Capacity: 100 | Website: pigeonhouse.ie
Sol y Sombra
Restaurant wedding venues don't get more unique than Sol y Sombra, an award-winning tapas restaurant housed in a restored Co. Kerry church. If you and your other half are fans of Spanish cuisine (and let's face it, who isn't!?), and you're looking for an exclusive-hire reception space where you and your guests can party into the wee hours, this is a cute and colourful choice.
Location: Killorglin, Co. Kerry | Capacity: 120 | Website: solysombra.ie
Featured image credit: NavyBlur via One Fab Day
Still haven't found the perfect spot for your big day? You'll find a full list of our recommended wedding venues right here.
