There is no denying that Ireland has some of the most spectacular weddings venues in the world, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring scenery. If you are looking for a waterside wedding, then there are countless options, with stunning lakes, pristine beaches and glistening waterways dotted all around the country. The immeasurable sense of peace that we feel around water has been described as our "blue mind"— a state of disconnect from our hectic lives and a chance to unplug from modern life and take a moment of solitude and enjoy the now. What more could you want on your wedding day?
Here are our top waterside venues for your big day!
1/ Coolbawn Quay, Tipperary
Nestled on the eastern shores of Lough Derg in North Tipperary, Coolbawn Quay is set on an idyllic lakeshore bordered by forests and lush rolling green fields. Built in the style of a traditional Irish village the venue has a sense of timeless tranquillity but with all the comforts of contemporary life. A private destination venue, Coolbawn Quay can be yours exclusively on the most special day of your life, giving you total privacy to celebrate with friends and family. The ideal location for waterside vows with drinks on the deck!
2/ Fota Island Resort, Cork
Set at the heart of a tranquil island, Fota Island Resort boasts breathtaking coastal scenery and secluded woodlands settings, providing endless photo opportunities for your big day. Whether you choose to have your wedding in Fota Island Hotel & Spa or The Clubhouse at Fota Island Resort, all guests have access to the beautiful grounds, the state of the art spa, the world-class golf courses and of course, unrivalled food and hospitality.
3. Castle Leslie, Monaghan
With 1,000 acres of unspoilt Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie is a stunningly beautiful secluded estate in Monaghan, Ireland. Steeped in history, Castle Leslie has hosted countless parties and celebrations down through the centuries and is a magical place to celebrate your BIG DAY.
4/ Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Club, Waterford
Uniquely situated on a private 310 acre Island, Waterford Castle enjoys a genuinely picturesque and enchanting location on the River Suir close to Waterford City. This unique location offers the most spectacular surroundings for you capture your wedding photos, with even your arrival involving crossing a river on a boat. Voted 7th of the 50 Best Hotels in The World 2016 by Conde Nast Traveller, having your wedding here is indulging in a little bit of paradise. Whether you want an intimate gathering for your bid day, or planning a bigger celebration, the castle can cater for both smaller and larger functions up to 120 guests. On the day itself, you will enjoy exclusive use of the castle and its 19 uniquely designed bedrooms, giving you the utmost privacy and room to enjoy this special moment in your life surrounded by those you love.
5/ Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, Dublin
Tucked away in a quiet corner of ‘The Velvet Strand’, one of Ireland’s most stunning stretches of uninterrupted coastline, sits the historic Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links. A beachfront hotel, the venue has impressive views of Dublin’s Bay, Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, making this location the perfect backdrop for your wedding album. With a dedicated team to look after your every need, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.
6/ Harvey's Point, Donegal
Nestled at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains of Donegal and overlooking the still waters of Lough Eske, Harvey’s Point Hotel is the only choice for a magnificent lakeshore wedding.
Catering for waterfront wedding blessings couples can choose to say their vows at the water's edge, moving inside to the spectacular ballroom boasting panoramic views over Lough Eske and the mountains beyond from every table for their reception.
7/ Castlemartyr Spa & Golf Resort, Cork
CastlemartyrNestled in the East Cork countryside, Castlemartyr Resort sits within a 220-acre estate featuring a meandering river, tranquil lake and surrounding woodlands. Here you can enjoy all the luxury and space of a country wedding with the convenience of being situated a mere 20 minutes from Cork City.
In keeping with the resorts exclusive feel, there is a policy of only hosting one wedding per day. A variety of rooms of different sizes and preference may be used for civil ceremonies, as can the stunning gardens, weather permitting.
The hotel has 103 guestrooms and suites ranging from 500 sq ft to over 2,000 sq ft in size, meaning that whether you are having a small and intimate celebration or a larger gathering, they will be able to cater accordingly.
8/ Marlfield House, Wexford
Shoot your wedding photography along the banks of Marlfield House's ornamental lake and have a wedding album that you will treasure forever. Renowned for its hospitality and service the hotel is recognised as one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Wexford, Ireland. All rooms and suites are styled to provide you with elegant, comfortable interiors, furnished with antiques and paintings. Set in 40 acres of woodland, ornamental lake, rose, vegetable and herb gardens, it is a haven of tranquillity, with peacocks, hens, dogs and ponies waiting to greet you on your garden walk.
9/ Lough Erne, Fermanagh
Lough Erne Resort is an idyllic, romantic Fermanagh wedding venue, nestled between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough, that offers a degree of luxury unmatched by competitors. With stunning 360-degree views, the exquisite Ross Suite combines with the Lakeview terrace to create a real-life fairy-tale setting to celebrate your wedding and a stunning backdrop for your wedding photography.
The perfect setting for any marriage celebration, for small and intimate gatherings up to lavish receptions for 300 guests; the combination of five-star service, excellent menus, modern luxury meets old-time country house elegance.
10/ The K Club, Kildare
romantic, historic, Irish country house set on 550 acres of lush Kildare countryside, The K Club will deliver only the highest standards on your wedding day. The resort can cater for large and lavish weddings or more intimate affairs, from just 14 people right up to 350 guests in the Legacy Suite.
With a wide range of banqueting suites and stunning, manicured gardens perfect for your photographs, The K Club offers brides and grooms an unforgettable wedding day. Promising you their undivided attention by hosting only one wedding a day and renowned for their amazing food prepared by award winning chefs, The K Club guarantees a magical and memorable reception.With a wide range of banqueting suites and stunning, manicured gardens perfect for your photographs, The K Club offers brides and grooms an unforgettable wedding day. Promising you their undivided attention by hosting only one wedding a day and renowned for their amazing food prepared by award winning chefs, The K Club guarantees a magical and memorable reception.
Opening image credit: jtobiason.com