You're newly engaged, congratulations! You've taken a huge step in planning your happily ever after with the person you love so of course you want to celebrate. Throwing an engagement party is one of the most time-honored traditions of a newly betrothed couple and finding the right location to host this celebration can be an all-consuming stress. 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!
Dublin
1/Bobby's Wine & Champagne Bar
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 amazing craic. With private areas that can accommodate from 15 to 100 and everything in between, whether you're celebrating with only your nearest and dearest or throwing an all-out bash Bobby's is the perfect venue for your engagement party!
2/ Glovers Alley
Glovers Alley in The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a chic, elegant restaurant named in honour of the city’s glove-makers, who once occupied the neighbouring alleyway. Led by chef Andy McFadden and a talented team of chefs, assistants, sommeliers, waitstaff and hosts, if you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Ireland's capital city then Glovers Alley is right up your alley (See what I did there). For a more intimate celebration book their 12-seater chef’s table, or a luxe affair just book out the whole dining room!
3/ The National Gallery
If you're a fan of cultured luxury then why not turn your engagement party into a gallery viewing at the National Gallery of Ireland? Located in the centre of Dublin's cultural quarter, overlooking Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland is a staple of the city and boasts a rich selection of some of the finest art in the country. With your choice of spaces to hire for your celebration, the gallery can accommodate up to 300 guests in the Wintergarden, a bright, double-height space located in the Millennium Wing. And an evening at the National Gallery of Ireland would not be complete without private views of pieces from their collection and special exhibitions!
4/ Café en Seine
One of Dublin’s most iconic and stunning venues Café en Seine is tucked away on Dawson Street, an epicentre of contemporary Parisian culture and creativity just a stone's throw from the city's iconic Grafton Street. With the iconic conservatory style Parisian Street Garden able to accommodate up to 200 people, if you're planning a romantic French destination wedding then this could be the perfect starting point for your love story.
Belfast
1/ Shu Belfast
Set in a fine Victorian terrace on Belfast's stylish Lisburn Road, SHU has become a Belfast institution over the years serving french influenced food using seasonal ingredients. 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.
2/ OX
Proudly boasting a Micheline star, OX has quickly become the dream destination for Ireland's avid foodies. A cool and funky restaurant with a plate glass shop front view over the water, an intimate mezzanine and open kitchen; the restaurant boasts an ethos of developing close relationships with local suppliers and creating menus designed around the best available seasonal produce. 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.
3/ The Merchant Hotel
In the heart of Belfast's historic Cathedral Quarter, you'll find the unparalleled elegance of The Merchant Hotel. When you think of the word opulent, this incredible hotel should be the first thing that comes to mind! From intimate dining spaces to grand banqueting rooms, the hotel offers space for any guest list, intimate or lavish. If an indoor celebration doesn't spark your fancy they venture up to their stunning rooftop garden. Espaliered apple trees, box hedging and festoon lighting make this space a charming city oasis. Available year-round but especially stunning in the Summer, the rooftop garden can hold up to 70 guests for drinks and finger food.
4/ James St
Looking for the perfect relaxed venue to host your engagement party in Belfast? look no further than James St, a casual and contemporary, brick-walled restaurant specialising in chargrilled and aged steaks. If you love nothing more than a good glass of red wine and well-cooked (But not well-done!) steak then you'll be in for a treat! With a focus on fresh, local, ethically sourced produce, a wine list that could take you around the world, and a private dining room that can accommodate up to 40 guests comfortably, if you and your loved ones are self-proclaimed gourmets then you'll adore what the team has to offer.
Cork
1/ Jacobs On The Mall
An elegant yet relaxed dining experience, Jacobs On The Mall is a contemporary restaurant situated in what was once Cork’s Turkish Baths, hidden in the heart of Cork City's financial district. With an emphasis on locally sourced, free-range and organic products, if you want a unique dining experience with a touch of the old Cork County Club flair then You're in for a treat. They offer two private dining rooms with the larger seating up to 28 guests and the smaller accommodating up to 14.
2/ The Mirror Room
The Mirror Room at the River Lee Hotel offers an unparalleled wedding setting along the river in the heart of historic Cork. With beautiful signature touches like the hand-crafted mahogany bar, imposing gilt-edged mirrors, luxurious Italian wall hangings, mid-century German Chandeliers and plush velvet seating. If you're on the hunt for something modern but luxurious then look no further. The Mirror room seats 110 guests in a sit-down restaurant-style and 200 for more informal drinks, this location is perfect for whatever the guest list!
3/ Glucksman
The Glucksman is situated in the picturesque lower grounds of University College Cork. The stunning contemporary architecture houses three floors of gallery spaces. The museum offers two fabulous spaces to host a private party for drinks and canapes. From the River Room with its private terrace onto the riverside walk of the lower grounds to the magnificent views of Cork City from the upper floors, the different spaces in the Glucksman provide an exclusive environment for your special occasion.
4/ Orchids Restaurant
Overlooking the beautiful private gardens and the leafy grounds of the hotel, Hayfield Manor’s private dining room, Orchids is a premier Cork City restaurant, making any occasion special for guests. Comfortably seating 38 people, with a capacity for up to another 20 people in the interconnecting Library. The dream venue for a couple seeking something with a touch of elegance and refinement.
Limerick
1/ 101
Located on the main street, 101 Limerick is a multi-levelled cocktail bar and restaurant with an edge, offering four floors of fun in the heart of the city. Specialising in private parties and bookings the venue offers 10 spaces that can be yours for your engagement party! Their 1920s-inspired Piano Bar, an authentic and comfortable Irish Bar in The Basement, The Secret Garden, their dining space Maggie Choo's, the James Bond-esque Opium Lounge, the relaxed and private The Potting Shed, the sophisticated Boardroom, the elegant and tropical Martini Bar and their lively Orangery.
2/ The Manor House Library
The Manor House Library is an elegant and private dining space in the illustrious Adare Manor. With a capacity for 20 guests this is the perfect venue for an intimate family lunch and stroll around the grounds to celebrate your engagement! Did you know that the Library in Adare Manor is the oldest part of the house, dating all the way back to 1720!
3/ No. 1 Pery Square
One of Limerick's most well-known boutique hotels, No. 1 Perry Square offers quite a few private dining options for your engagement party. Perfect for the Summertime enjoy a fun-filled and utterly delicious barbeque in the garden topped off with a pig on a spit and pitchers of summer cocktails. Or relax by the fireside, sip on bubbly and enjoy a lavish afternoon tea in a relaxed environment to celebrate in style. Both of these options have a minimum booking of 10 guests.
4/ The Spitjack
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, Limerick, 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.
- Gráinne