Ireland has no shortage of beautifully restored, dripping with historical significance manor houses and castles nestled in the rich, rolling countryside. But what if you're more of a city girl? We at SOCIAL & PERSONAL WEDDINGS love a good city wedding, not only does it open you up to a host of amazing food and entertainment, the photograph opportunities are stellar, the public transportation is wonderfully convenient and there is a never-ending bounty of options for post-wedding celebrations. We've gathered our fourteen favourite Irish city venues, perfect for a lavish, memorable and 100% Instagram worthy wedding!
1/ The Marker Hotel
Dublin
Located in the heart of Dublin's Docklands, The Marker Hotel has become one of the most sought-after venues for anyone looking for a five-star, city centre wedding. Offering both the best in luxury and location, The Marker Hotel can cater for both intimate weddings and larger gatherings of up to 240 guests.
The Marker Hotel2/ The Ulster Museum
Belfast
Ulster Museum is the home of Northern Ireland’s treasures – past and present. Their rich collections of art, history and natural sciences take you on a journey across the globe and to the far reaches of space. A stylish space in the heart of the Ulster Museum, the Atrium is surrounded by some of the finest pieces from the museum’s national collection and is a beautiful venue for wedding receptions. Its white colour palette is a blank canvas to build on if you want to add colour and detail to your dream day. You will have exclusive use of the museum after 5 pm and guests can arrive earlier for a drinks reception in the Belfast Room or explore the museum’s stunning collections as the venue can only accept one wedding per day, the team will ensure that you have their undivided attention throughout.
3/ Dublin City Hall
Dublin
One of the most stylish venues in Dublin, City Hall is perfect for any event that calls for a location with impact. Beautifully restored to its original architectural splendour, it is the ideal place to celebrate personal and professional milestones. With the capacity to seat up to 200 guests it really is a spectacular place to get married.
4/ No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place
Dublin
Located in Dublin's Georgian Mile, No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place spans three floors; each floor has a classic and contemporary style. Impeccably restored Georgian features highlight the property's rich heritage. The elegant space is the perfect backdrop for intimate gatherings, wedding receptions and civil ceremonies. The capacity for a seated meal is 60 guests in the elegant Gandon Rooms with the option to invite an additional 20 guests to an evening drinks reception.
5/ Stephen’s Green Club
Dublin
Stephen’s Green Club has been hosting events for almost two centuries, keeping abreast of changes and innovations, while holding on to the standards, traditions and values that will make your wedding and your reception both unique and timeless. The Club provides the atmosphere and formality that turn a day into an occasion, coupled with the intimacy of a true family gathering. The Hibernian Room, on the first floor, boasts superb views of St Stephen’s Green where sunlight streams through the original sash windows which makes it the ideal location to host your reception meal. The dramatic fireplaces and ceiling height mirrors remind your guests of the former Georgian home. Stephen’ Green Club has a capacity for wedding parties from 30 to 80 people.
Stephen’s Green Club6/ The Merchant Hotel
Belfast
Situated in the historic heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The Merchant Hotel provides the grandeur of a stately home with the convenience of a city centre location. The timeless elegance of both the Victorian and Deco wings of The Merchant Hotel are complemented by all of the contemporary facilities you would expect from a five-star hotel.
7/ Marco Pierre White Donnybrook
Dublin
Marco Pierre White’s Courtyard Bar & Grill in Donnybrook is a beautiful and unique restaurant wedding venue, where old-school glamour with a modern twist is on the menu! Tucked behind a vine gate, guests can stroll through the lush courtyard into relaxed luxury. Clubby, urbane and suave, this is an intimate wedding venue designed to offer something different. Choose from either their elegant Garden Room, which accommodates up to 60 guests, or absorb the atmosphere of the historic dining room, which can seat up to 140 guests comfortably.
8/ The Kingsley
Cork
From its prestigious setting overlooking the River Lee to its opulent interior, The Kingsley is Cork’s most elegant address for weddings with style. Chic and contemporary interiors, stunning river views and excellent service right in the heart of the city combine, making The Kingsley the ideal wedding venue for a discerning duo. The luxurious Deane-Woodward Suite, complete with dramatic chandeliers, wood-panelled walls and plush interiors, can accommodate up to 180 guests.
9/ The River Lee
Cork
The River Lee offers an unparalleled wedding setting along the river in the heart of historic Cork. Perfectly suited to both larger events for up to 120, or to today’s more intimate weddings, their dedicated and passionate team will work directly with you to create a bespoke occasion that is completely your own, assuring happy memories that will last a lifetime. With The Mirror room sitting 110 restaurant-style and 200 informal and their stylish Lookout able to sit 60 Cabaret Style and 120 in informal seating, this location is perfect for whatever the guest list!
The River Lee10/ No.1 Perry Square
Limerick
Ideally nestled in Limerick’s Georgian Quarter, the understated elegance of No.1 Perry Square is a perfect intimate wedding venue. Weddings are accommodated on a private hire capacity and enable you and your guest’s exclusive use of the house. Exclusive use of No.1 Pery Square is a great way to celebrate a wedding for you and your guests. Hiring the hotel in its entirety gives exclusive use to all areas including the park facing drawing room, Georgian terrace and secret walled garden. The venue can accommodate up to 85 persons comfortably in the Drawing Room or Restaurant and for smaller events for under 30 guests, there is the exclusive use of the main house.
11/ Langtons House Hotel
Kilkenny
Through the passing of time but without compromising the core values Langton House Hotel has risen to become a four-star hotel where luxury, sophistication and glamour sit comfortably alongside good fun, indulgence and a feeling of welcome. The location allows guests ease of access to the beautiful river walks, Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House, St Canice’s Cathedral, Medieval Mile Museum and all the beautiful boutiques and high street shops in Kilkenny City Centre. Their stunning Ballroom is suitable for 30 to 342 guests. Set Theatre is suitable for 20 to 108 guests and for more intimate celebrations Harry’s Bar seats from 6 to 40 guests comfortably.
12/ The Merrion
Dublin
The Merrion, located in the heart of Dublin city centre, is the capital’s most luxurious five-star hotel, and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World. An impeccable restoration of four Georgian townhouses, The Merrion is a marriage of exquisite comfort, relaxed elegance and advanced guest facilities. The Merrion prides itself on designing bespoke arrangements for weddings of under 50 guests, however, up to 80 guests can be accommodated in their larger rooms.
13/ The Westbury
Dublin
Located in the centre of Dublin’s historic streets, The Westbury stands as an iconic city landmark and spectacular setting for an unforgettable wedding day. Perfectly suited to today’s more intimate-style weddings, their dedicated and passionate team will work directly with you to create a bespoke occasion that is completely your own, assuring happy memories that will last a lifetime. With The Grafton Room seating 150 banquet stye and 80 cabaret-style, The Kildare Suite 40 people banquet style and 20 cabaret-style. For more intimate occasions The Trinity suite sits 20 guests.
The Westbury14/ The Dean Hotel
Dublin, Galway, Cork
The Dean has long been one of Dublin’s and Ireland’s top places to stay, located right in the heart of Dublin 2, the venue is bang in the middle of Dublin’s nightclub district. If Dublin city doesn't quite tickle your fancy but you love the chic Brooklyn vibe of the Dean then you're in luck! The hotel has opened in Cork city centre and will be opening in Galway city centre later this year! The Blue Room accommodates up to 120 people for all-day events or evening-only celebrations for an intimate wedding.
- Gráinne