Ireland’s Top 18 Best Castles for a Dream Fairy-Tale Wedding

Ireland is home to some of the best wedding venues and castles in the world, and at the top of that list is our access to some of the most incredible castles in the world—and I have the pleasure of working and experiencing all of them!

For those who dream of their perfect day being set among breathtaking grounds, with history, opulence, and majesty at their disposal, castles give you the fairy-tale vibe you may be after. If you’re in the stages of choosing which one is right for you, keep on reading as I take you through

Exceptional elegance awaits you in Castle Durrow, Co. Laois. Built-in 1716, this incredible 300-year-old mansion is nestled in the heart of Ireland and is regarded as one of the country’s hidden gems.

Once home to Viscounts Ashbrook, this stunning castle is elegantly designed and features many unique and notable features, such as its original cantilevered grand staircase and magnificent stained-glass window.

The castle grounds are also home to breathtaking gardens, making the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.

Not only will you feel like true royalty in such a venue, but the ambience at Castle Durrow will make your entire wedding party feel like Lords and Ladies for the entirety of your wedding day.

From 1180, Kilkea Castle, located in beautiful Co. Kildare, is one of Ireland’s oldest inhabited castles and one of its most breathtaking.

Within its 180-acre grounds, you will find spectacular backdrops and walks throughout its gardens and woodlands. Inside the castle, you can expect the grandeur of the highest standard, with unique features around every corner.

The venue also offers couples an array of choices when planning their big day, no matter their party size. It is one of Ireland’s most magical wedding venues, and it will undoubtedly blow you away from the moment you make your way toward the castle through its beech-lined avenue.

Kilkea Castle Wedding Venue

Kilkea Castle Website

Kilkea Castle – The perfect Fairytale Wedding Venue

Located in Co. Dublin, Lutterllstown Castle is one of Ireland’s most sought-after wedding castle venues. With the philosophy ‘because every marriage should start with a little magic’, it is easy to see why.

This incredible 15th-century castle is nestled amongst 567 acres of private estate, offering expansive private parklands that will be a dream backdrop for your wedding day photographs. Inside the castle, you will be surrounded by ornate finishes and artistic masterpieces that complement your photographs.

The castle offers two venues for weddings: the castle itself or the Clubhouse, a stunning 35,000-square-foot lodge built upon the golf course and offering views of the glorious Wicklow Mountains.

Luttrellstown Castle is so popular that even David and Victoria Beckham married here!

Lutterstown Wedding Real Wedding – Learn More

The 13th-century Barberstown Castle, nestled amongst the natural beauty of Co. Kildare, is renowned for its incredible atmosphere and weddings. Rich in history and with romance in abundance, this castle wedding venue has been a favourite in Ireland for many years. Set within 20 acres of grounds, Barberstown Castle is also a dream for your wedding photographs, with draping trees, colourful flowers and a wild variety of wildlife around every corner.

Within the castle itself, you will be immersed in its history and transported back in time through its antiques, art and furniture, all of which are fit for royalty. In terms of venues, the impressive Banqueting Hall has a private garden space and will surround you with the ambience you desire to feast, toast and be merry with your wedding guests. If you’re planning a smaller wedding, the Castle Keep is a beautiful, intimate venue where you will dine by candlelight, surrounded by ancient stone walls.

Barberstown Castle is a quick 30-minute drive from Dublin’s City Center!

Bellingham Castle is a 17th-century castle in County Louth. An opulent venue, it offers couples luxurious facilities and an ambience that will make their wedding day as special as possible.

Located along the picturesque River Glyde, the castle is surrounded by 17 acres of beauty, including a weir and a man-made river island.

Within the castle, you will be spoilt for choice of venues, from the elegant period drawing rooms to the incredible Bute Suite.

The venue is also renowned for its culinary creativity, which promises you and your guests the feast of a lifetime.

Lough Rynn Castle Estate and Gardens is a stunning 19th-century castle in Co. Leitrim.

A true fairy-tale venue, this beautiful castle is simply idyllic and perfect for those wanting to get married in a secluded location surrounded by nature.

With options that include drinks on the lawn or by a cosy, warm fire, Lough Rynn Castle caters to everyone’s tastes.

The incredible Baronial Hall will take your guests breath away as you dance the night into the early hours. Outside, rolling lawns, woodland pathways and much more, you will be surrounded by nature within this 300-acre estate.

The castle also offers newlyweds the option of many distinctive castle bedrooms as their wedding night suite, while guests can also stay in the castle or in the self-catering lodges two minutes from the castle.

And me working :)

The stunning Cabra Castle is located just one hour from Dublin, along the edge of the gorgeous Dun a Ri Forest Park in Co. Cavan.

A bespoke wedding castle venue, Cabra Castle offers couples an amazing experience that will combine family-run touches with historic, old-world elegance. Built in 1760, Cabra Castle is set amongst 100 acres of gorgeous parklands and gardens, providing stunning backdrops for your wedding photographs.

The castle is not only available to couples for their wedding reception, but it is also a recognised venue for civil ceremonies.

More info: https://www.romanticcastlesireland.com/

The award-winning Darver Castle Estate is a 15th-century private estate with 50 acres of beautiful parklands and grounds in Co. Louth. A haven of luxury and tranquillity, Darver Castle Estate was restored by its current owners to offer the perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern-day comforts.

A short 45-minute drive from Dublin, this romantic venue has a magnificent banqueting suite full of character and charm. It can accommodate weddings with 50 to 280 guests.

The cuisine at Darver Castle is also renowned and is perfectly complemented by the team’s unparalleled service.

When you arrive at Durhamstown Castle, your fairy-tale wedding begins the moment you arrive. A meandering avenue will greet you through stunning meadows to the castle’s door.

This unique Georgian venue is a dream wedding venue for many. It has exceptional drawing rooms, a stunning croquet lawn, and the incredible Great Barn, all of which offer an array of choices when designing your perfect wedding day.

This unique venue can accommodate up to 30 guests for your wedding day and is based in Co. Meath, a short drive from Dublin.

Located in Birr, Co. Offaly, the stunning 13th-century Kinnitty Castle is known as one of Ireland’s most romantic castle wedding venues for good reason!

This enchanting castle sits among 650 acres of parklands and rolling lawns.

Drenched in original features and home to many fantastic venue options on-site, it has something for every size of wedding. Known also for its unique fine dining and opulent 37 distinctly styled bedrooms, this beautiful wedding venue will have the happy couple feeling like royalty and all guests in attendance.

Kinnitty Castle is located 90 minutes from Dublin.

The breathtaking, 12th-century Clontarf Castle is a luxury boutique castle venue located just 10 minutes from the heart of Dublin’s City Center, but it is a world away from its bustling streets.

Located on the northern coastline of Dublin, Clontarf Castle has seen generations of happy couples celebrate their wedding day within its walls. As such, it offers an array of wedding venue options, including the Great Hall and the Viking Suite, all offering something special to suit every couple and their needs and personalities.

Located in Loughrea, Co. Galway, the magical Cloughan Castle is a beautiful resorted castle that prides itself on being exclusive to you on your wedding day.

This beautiful venue is home to ornamental stonework, an imposing four-storey tower, and scenic panoramic countryside views, making it one of the West Coast’s most perfect wedding venues. Cloughan Castle offers couples a choice between two venues and seven magnificent bedrooms. It is truly an exclusive wedding venue.

Located along the Wild Atlantic Way in Co. Sligo, the 17th-century Markree Castle is one of Ireland’s largest privately owned castles.

Located on a secluded 500-acre estate, this amazing castle underwent extensive renovations in 2017 to make this venue even more incredible.

With rich décor, picturesque views and an authentic old-world charm, you can truly expect a magical ambience on your wedding day here.

Manicured gardens and endless views also provide couples with many incredible photo opportunities.

Ballyseede Castle in Co. Kerry prides itself on being a distinctly different wedding venue.

Offering a personalised wedding experience to suit every couple, this picture-perfect castle is home to a newly built orangery, beautifully decorated formal lounges, exquisite gardens, and so much more, including 30 acres of parklands and gardens to explore and enjoy as your wedding backdrop.

Kilronan Castle in glorious Co. Roscommon recently was awarded the Gold Medal for best wedding venue in Ireland. This accolade shows its commitment to making every couple’s special day the most magical it can be. This fairy-tale, 18th-century castle offers a unique setting for your wedding, accompanied by excellent service and award-winning dining.

The castle is known for blending tradition and luxury with the comforts of the modern era.

Set on its private 310-acre island, this Castle boasts some serious WOW factor!

It is a short drive from Waterford City on the River Suir. The Castle becomes yours exclusively for your wedding day, with 19 rooms and suites available for you and your wedding guests.

If you dream of old-world charm and sophistication on your wedding day, the Waterford Castle Resort is well worth considering.

“I’ve often mentioned how important it is to find a wedding venue that matches the romance you share with your partner. As a wedding photographer, I am passionate about finding moments in every wedding that truly reflect the unique bond of each couple. Castle Leslie provides many beautiful settings for these moments, which I will share in this article.”

Huntington Castle was built in 1625 by Sir Laurence Esmonde after an impressive career in service to Queen Elizabeth I and King James I and after marrying Ailish O’Flaherty who was the granddaughter of the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley.
Originally built as a garrison to protect the Dublin-Wexford trade route along the River Derry, it wasn’t until 1680 that Huntington was renamed as such and began to evolve into the family home it is today. With formal gardens laid out in around 1687 and two other architectural changes being made, the castle has remained relatively untouched from the 1860s onwards.