Throwing an engagement party is one of the most time-honoured traditions of a newly betrothed couple, and finding the right location to host this celebration can be much harder than you would initially think. Luckily for you, we've gone city to city to find you the perfect spot to gather friends and family and share a toast to your engagement!
1/ Bobby's Wine & Champagne Bar
Co. Dublin
Nestled in the heart of Dublin city, just a 20-minute walk from St Stephens Green, you'll find Bobby's, a chic and contemporary eatery/wine bar with a knockout interior. Treat your guests to a luxe lunch, a boozy brunch or a night on the town with non-stop champagne and fantastic craic. With private areas that can accommodate from 15 to 100 and everything in between, Bobby's is the perfect venue for your engagement party!
2/ Lennan's Yard
Co. Dublin
Located on the iconic Dawson Street in the heart of the city, Lennans Yard is a multifaceted venue that aims to restore, revive, and revitalise the best of Dublin’s culture. It offers two gorgeous event spaces: its intimate Whiskey Bar, which can accommodate a 26-person sit-down meal, and its rustic Stables, which date back to 1870 and accommodate groups of up to 60 for drinks and light bites.
3/ Urban Brewing
Co. Dublin
If you're looking for a unique venue in Dublin, look no further than Urban Brewing in Georges Dock. This unique, historical, and secret brewery is housed in a grade-one listed building dating back to 1820. It offers a list of over 200 wines, an array of whiskeys and gins, and its own microbrewery! Whether you are looking for an intimate setting or a grand affair, Urban Brewing features unique spaces to accommodate any celebration, able to host up to 350 guests for a seated dinner.
4/ Morrison Hotel
Co. Dublin
The freshly restyled Halo room in the Morrison Hotel is the perfect venue for five-star service! Not your typical hotel function room, Halo was originally designed as an upmarket restaurant space in its own right, and it shows. With an imposing art piece by Clea Van Der Grijn and oversized mirrors, the space feels like a modern art gallery. Able to accommodate up to 70 people for a seated meal or 120 people for drinks and light bites, this stunning venue is strikingly unique.
5/ Shu Belfast
Co. Antrim
Set on a fine Victorian terrace on Belfast's stylish Lisburn Road, SHU has become a Belfast institution, serving French-influenced food using seasonal ingredients over the years. Located on the first floor, The Upper House has become the ultimate destination for private events in the city, with a fabulous burr walnut and Taj Mahal marble-clad bar and fabulous views of the tree-lined Windsor Avenue. The Club Room and Boardroom are joined by sliding doors that, when open, can accommodate up to 56 guests.
6/ OX
Co. Antrim
Proudly boasting a Micheline star, OX has quickly become the dream destination for Ireland's avid foodies. The restaurant boasts an ethos of developing close relationships with local suppliers and creating menus designed around the best available seasonal produce, a cool and funky restaurant with a plate glass shop front view over the water, an intimate mezzanine, and an open kitchen. Their private dining area holds a capacity of 28 guests, and available dining options range from canapés to a 3-course meal to a full 6-course tasting menu.
7/ The Crafty Vinter
Co. Antrim
Home to state-of-the-art wine dispensers, over 500 bottles of wine, classic cocktails, speciality coffee, delicious plates and cheese boards, few wine bars in Belfast are as extensive and exciting as the Crafty Vinter. Enjoy al fresco drinks on the fully heated and covered outside terrace and discover your new favourite wine. A lot more intimate than other venues on the list, if you're planning a small celebration of 10 people, why not book their Bespoke Wine Tasting package?
8/ Aniar
Co. Galway
Aniar is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Galway’s West End. The restaurant's name translates to "From West," and the local area is a key inspiration. The ever-changing menu, adorned with wild and foraged local ingredients, and the chic, moody décor reflect this. For a fun twist on a traditional engagement party, why not book your nearest and dearest into one of Aniar's boutique cooking classes?
9/ Nua Vista
Co. Kerry
Situated along the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, the Nua Vista in the Ring of Kerry Golf Club offers a chance to start your celebration with a few rounds on the green and soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding Caha Mountains and McGillycuddy Reeks. The restaurant can accommodate up to 130 guests and is perfect for a full family affair. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink from our extensive drink menu before they enjoy a selection of fresh, local produce and seasonal fare with an added Mediterranean flair.
10/ Perch Coffee & Wine
Co. Cork
The newest addition to the Kingsley Hotel, by day, Perch Coffee & Wine offers a plethora of high-quality breakfast and lunch options, freshly baked pastries and, of course, coffee. By night, it transforms into a vibey wine bar on the river, offering a selection of small plates, delightful cocktails and an eclectic and interesting wine list. Whether you're planning a family brunch social or elegant cocktails at night, Perch might just be the perfect location for you.
11/ The Spitjack
Co. Limerick
A rotisserie concept and the first of its kind, offering only the highest quality Irish produce, the SpitJack in Limerick is modern, unique and perfectly chic. Nestled on the lower level of The SpitJack at 6/7 Bedford Row, you'll find an impressive private room for an elegant engagement party. With the capacity for up to 40 guests in a sit-down dinner, your loved ones will enjoy incredible food and stunning service.
12/ Terre
Co. Cork
Nestled within a restored 18th-century manor house at the 5-star Castlemartyr Resort, Terre is where French artistry meets southeast Asian vibrancy, inspired by the abundance of Ireland’s land and seas. The intimate 24-seat restaurant has been decorated in a rich, earthy colour palette emulating the surrounding Irish landscape, with an open kitchen and chef's table that allows you to get up close and personal with the culinary process.
- Gráinne