Just because your wedding day has passed doesn't mean the party has to end! Extend the fun by having a second day celebration, squeeze in extra quality time with your guests, especially those who travelled from abroad, and soak up more of the love and laughter without the formalities or obligations of your big day. We've picked out 10 0f our favourite Dublin city Second Day venues that will be a perfect pick for any wedding party.
1/ Bobby's
Enjoy a boozy brunch in one of Dublin's chicest wine bars! Treat your wedding party to a luxe lunch, non-stop champagne and amazing craic then spend the day shopping your heart out in the city centre. The venue can be hired out or smaller groups can book in advance to ensure the most amazing experience revelling in Dublin luxury!
2/ Clontarf Castle
Extend the joy from your reception dinner and throw a family meal in Clontarf castle! Depending on the weather and the season you can opt to book one of their lounges for a sit-down dinner/buffet/finger foods or opt for a big, lush barbeque on the terrace! It's a great way to decompress from the wedding and have a chat with family and friends you didn't get to see on the big day.
3/ The Shelbourne
Afternoon tea in the Shelbourne hotel is the staple of a fancy day in the city if you're a bit of a culchie like me, embrace your classy side and bring your loved ones along! With a booking side of up to 20 people, this is the perfect treat for those who didn't want to stay up till the wee hours dancing the night away with you and your friends. For an added bonus spring for the champagne afternoon tea!
4/ The National Gallery
Enjoy a day at the museum in the National Gallery. I guarantee that after a long night of celebrating with your friends having a relaxed and peaceful second-day location would feel like a blessing! Take a stroll around the exhibitions with your friends and family and soak in the culture that Dublin offers; meet up for a coffee and a scone in their cafe or sample one of the many surrounding places for a chill second day.
5/ Marco Pierre White
Get dressed to the nines and enjoy a lavish lunch at the iconic Donnybrook steakhouse and grill! Marco Pierre White Donnybrook embraces old school glamour and high-quality dining for a truly memorable experience. If you fell in love with a more casual white dress then this is the perfect opportunity to break it out and shine!
6/ Dublin Zoo
If you're planning a child-free wedding but want to make sure you don't hurt the feelings of family members then make your second-day event all about the kids! Plan a day trip to the Dublin zoo, pack a lavish picnic and book a private tour and make your second-day event something that the little ones will never forget. After the chaos of planning a wedding, enjoying a fun day of exploring the vast exhibitions and embracing your inner child can be the perfect stress relief.
7/ The Merrion
After months of planning, prepping and stressing, spending a day in the spa and lounging by the pool with your favourite people sounds heavenly! This is usually an event for a smaller group so consider treating your bridal party/your parents and new in-laws to a day of pampering in the lap of luxury. The spa at the Merrion hotel really lives up to the 5 star standard of the hotel, with a menu of services and treatments that would have your jaw on the floor and your skin, hair and nails looking fresh and rejuvenated!
8/ Smock Alley Theatre
Catch show the day after your wedding in the Smock Alley Theatre and soak up the unique and iconic culture of Dublin city! This beautiful building, originally built in 1662, has been dutifully restored to glory and has become a bustling hub of Irish theatre, music and art. Go and see a performance then take advantage of the in-house bar and catering facilities or walk outside and find yourself slap bang in the middle of the cities bar district!
9/ Maneki
Carry on the fun from your reception and enjoy dinner & karaoke at Maneki! I get it, we don't want to get too drunk at the reception in fear that we do something embarrassing while all eyes are on you; if you're a bit of a partier and want to enjoy that chaos then gather your close friends and family and have a fun night of doing shots and singing Madonna!
10/ St Stephen's Green
If the weather permits there's nothing nicer than a relaxing picnic in St Stephen's Green! You can keep it simple and get some takeaway food to enjoy or you can go all out with a charcuterie board, sweet treats and a bottle of wine or two for you and your guests to enjoy; There's nothing nicer than a calm and peaceful day enjoying the sun, spending time with friends and people-watching! Just watch out for the seagulls.
- Gráinne