Say 'I do' in unforgettable style at The Abbey in Co. Kildare. This historic, premium and exclusive-use wedding venue in Athy really has everything you need to make every event special over your wedding weekend. There's a uniquely rustic and period feel to the aesthetics of this thoroughly modernised venue, which has undergone an incredible transformation putting it at the top of so many newly-engaged couples' venue wish lists. Particularly, as it's just an hour from Dublin. So if your wedding mood board is serving Bridgerton glamour, then look no further than here.
Limited Dates Still Available in 2024
There's a huge banquet hall dining area, an 18th-century on-site Chapel set against the backdrop of ornately landscaped gardens brimming and charming countryside for beautiful photos, unique entertainment spaces that ooze style and charm and best of all, it's all yours as there is only one wedding per day! The expert weddings team will be on hand to help you turn your wedding day dream into a reality. This one-of-a-kind venue only has a limited amount of dates left for weddings in 2024, so keep reading to find out how weddings at The Abbey are magical for couples and their guests.
The Vibe at The Abbey
Suitable for weddings both intimate and grand, this breathtaking venue is perfect for couples who want a timeless location with all the modern luxuries they could dream of on their big day. With so many different spaces and options available within the venue, The Abbey takes pride in customising each and every wedding to the couple, meaning every celebration is totally unique. Ideal for those who want to have their ceremony and reception in one place, there's a Chapel onsite which seats between 40 to 200 guests which is packed with gorgeous details that makes it an extraordinary place to say 'I do'. From the 12-metre vaulted ceilings to the original stained glass windows and the stunning mosaic floor which is 170 years old, it will leave your guests in awe the minute they step inside.
If you've been dreaming of an outdoor wedding, this venue does it all as the extensive back courtyard is all yours too. You'll receive a red carpet arrival at The Abbey and there are loads of exquisite entertainment spaces such as the Garden Parlour, Lounge and Whiskey Rooms, the picture-perfect wedding photo opportunities are endless. Another truly unique feature is that you can host your evening celebration in the Chapel itself, complete with a dedicated Chapel Bar and all the bells and whistles to make it an unforgettable party.
The elegant open-plan ballroom caters to a spectacular banquet reception for up to 200 guests. With six bespoke shimmering chandeliers overhead which hold 70,000 crystals in all, candlelit tables, and magnificent seasonal floral arrangements, your wedding will feel like you've just walked into a fairytale. There are crisp white tablecloths, table centrepieces, 24 carat gold-rimmed crockery and a cake and cake knife also available. The dedicated in-house wedding team will guide and inspire you through the entire planning process to create the wedding day of your dreams, from start to finish.
The Food & Drink at The Abbey
Utterly fantastic food is always on the menu at The Abbey, brought to life using only the finest and freshest locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Crowd-pleasing dishes include slow-braised feather blade beef, delicate Loch Duart salmon with roaring bay mussels, a delectable array of vegetarian options and of course sumptuous desserts that will be the cherry on top of an unforgettable feast. Your wedding party can look forward to a delicious and hearty breakfast the next morning too.
What is it that makes the food so mouthwateringly memorable? It's the modern cooking style, the focus on vibrant flavour and the collaboration with catering partners 3Cooks who together have over 75 years experience in luxury five-star hotel kitchens and in Michelin Star restaurants around the country.
The Accommodation at The Abbey
There are 38 modern bedrooms which can sleep up to 100 guests, and two prestigious wedding suites for you to prepare for your special day. There's plenty of scope to extend your celebration into day two also, and the space is wheelchair and family friendly with two accessible rooms for guests with additional needs.
The feature that we particularly love, and we think you will fall head over heels in love too, is the extravagant prep area that has been created in the bridal suite at The Abbey. You'll find four vanity stations and a grand floor-to-ceiling threefold mirror with the perfect lighting for flawless makeup application, and fabulous photos with your bridal party. Every bride's dream, right? You can even watch as your nearest and dearest arrive at the venue as you're getting ready, to let the excitement build! Surround yourself in luxury on your wedding night in the Honeymoon Suite.
What Couples Say About The Abbey
Guests and wedding couples alike have fallen for the The Abbey in a big way after experiencing it - and we know you will too. And who better to tell you than the couples who have gotten married there already. Here's what they have to say after choosing The Abbey as their wedding venue:
"The Abbey went above and beyond in our expectations. We and all our guests agreed that the venue was exceptional. The venue is absolutely gorgeous, every space is amazing and so unique."
"The food is still being talked about months after our wedding! 3Cooks are absolutely out of this world and the food was top class on the day. I’m still dreaming about our meal we had. I just hope I get invited to a wedding in The Abbey in the future so I can experience it all again."
"The bridal suite for getting ready is amazing; we felt so relaxed which was helped by not being on top of each other and having food delivered (twice - we had snacks and mimosas ordered at 12 but they also impromptu brought us up some breakfast since we couldn't go down for it)."
"Arizbeth and her team were absolutely amazing from start to finish. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Always there to answer any questions and made the whole planning experience as stress free as possible. She really knew how to take any stress away and was so so helpful the whole time. Not only is she an amazing wedding coordinator she is a lovely person as well."
"When we found the Abbey we absolutely fell in love. It ticks so many boxes - an exclusive use venue, one-of-a-kind architecture and interior design, an absolutely delicious menu, easily accessible by car and public transport yet tucked away in its own private enclave, even a Chapel with its own bar that doubles up as a dance floor at night!"
"The Chapel on site is absolutely stunning and so convenient for everyone; to have the Chapel, bar area, and ball room so close was great to keep the day moving and the guests happy; and also the ability to have most guests stay on-site - and to have exclusive use of the whole place made us feel so comfortable and special."
"The bedrooms are really lovely; comfortable and calming. I like that there aren't TVs especially in the honeymoon suite; we barely looked at screens the whole weekend - just listened to each other and our guests and music, really kept everyone in the moment."
"Every corner of The Abbey is beautiful. The Chapel is out of this world and was one of the deciding factors for us picking here. I have never seen a more beautiful Chapel. The reception room is divine - the rich colours on the walls and chandeliers give it that touch of class and elegance. Our photos are just fabulous."
Make Your Wedding Dreams a Reality
Already dreaming of exchanging vows in the Chapel, or strolling through the courtyard in the sunshine, before dancing the night away under glistening chandeliers? There are limited wedding dates available for 2024 so the clock is ticking to book a date for your special day. If The Abbey is your dream rustic wedding venue you can contact the wedding team via the website to arrange a viewing at theabbey.ie/request-brochure/.
For more information about The Abbey, visit theabbey.ie.
