One of the most fascinating things about being in a city, is no matter how long you live there, it will always surprise you. Ask any Dubliner about wedding venues and they will reel off a long list of hotels, but what about something a little different? What about the hidden gems around Dublin that hold events, some of which the average Dublin citizen won't ever have thought or even heard of. Today we bring you a small selection of interesting, unknown, unique and even underground (really!) wedding venues in Dublin's fair city, all of which offer amazing options for a fabulous ceremony and some for a party after!
The Chocolate Factory is a creative studio based in an old Williams & Woods Chocolate Factory in the heart of Dublin city. This super cool arty space also has an incredible roof garden, the perfect location for some alternative wedding snaps!
Stephen's Green Hibernian Club
On the other side of Stephen's Green there is a place you have probably passed on many an occasion, but never really noticed - the Stephen's Green Hibernian Club is on the section of the Green between Grafton Street and Dawson Street. The long dining room on the first floor looks out at the trees but the true hidden gem of the club is the Card Room with its magnificent glass domed ceiling.
Drury Buildings is the new cool hipster joint in Dublin 2 owned by Declan O’Regan who also owns Dublin hotspots Hogans, L’Gueuleton and the No Name Bar. Drury Buildings is the closest thing you will get in Dublin to a New York loft style wedding location.
Another Drury Street spot, Medley has a New York style loft style feel to it and is available for private hire complete with personalised catering from chef Andrew Rudd - a perfect choice for foodies looking for an intimate venue.
Located on the top floor of the historic Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is the Powerscourt Theatre an event space with a difference. The painted brick walls, large Georgian windows complete with blackout shutters and timber floors create the ideal unique surroundings perfect for an alternative style wedding ceremony (no receptions unfortunately).
Another very grand venue that's probably not on your radar is the President's Hall at the Law Society in Blackhall Place. Unfortunately the pictures on the website don't do it justice, but from what I can remember from being at my aunt's 50th there a few years ago, it's quite like the grand hall in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham - can seat a wedding reception of 200 comfortably.
From June to September The Royal College of Surgeons opens its doors for summer weddings. From open fires & high ornate ceilings, the original building has an air of luxury and warmth whilst the new side of the building offers a selection of rooms with a multi purpose design within a prestigious setting. With lots of capacity options this stylish city centre location could be the location of your dreams.
The Pillar Room in the Rotunda
Before you going bringing a baby into the world at the Rotunda Hospital, you can try the place out for a different sort of big occasion - the Pillar Room is available to rent for exclusive functions including wedding receptions. Though probably only worth considering if you're planning on having a very big wedding - at 300 sq.m. this is a true banquet hall in the grand style.
Any other gems you know of?
(please note, this is an update of a post we did a long time ago - 2010!!, and the comments below reflect some of the other places we had highlighted, which have since limited their options for event hire)
