When you think of a Christmas wedding, you think of sipping mulled wine before a roaring fire, dancing through snowy trees and sharing a hearty banquet with family and friends. There's no better venue for a winter wedding than one of Ireland's stunning and historic castles, and just your luck, there are a few! Why not take inspiration from our list of the most romantic castles Ireland offers and plan an elegant winter wedding?
1/ Castle Leslie
Co. Monaghan
Nestled on 1,000 acres of the undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie is a stunningly beautiful secluded estate in Monaghan, Ireland. Still in the hands of its founding family since the mid-17th Century, Castle Leslie Estate is steeped in history and has been the venue for countless parties and celebrations.
2/ Castlemartyr Resort
Co. Cork
Nestled in the East Cork countryside, Castlemartyr Resort sits within a 220-acre estate featuring its own river, 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.
3/ Dromoland Castle
Co. Clare
Surrounded by five hundred acres of unspoiled parklands and woodlands, steeped in a thousand years of eventful history, and brimming with an irrepressible spirit of five-star delight, the 16th-century Dromoland Castle is a self-contained world of lighthearted luxury. Straight from the pages of a romance novel, guests will be in awe as they approach the fairy-tale castle.
4/ Kilronan Castle
Co. Roscommon
Kilronan Castle, located on the shores of Lough Meelagh, Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon, is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. One of a few Irish castle estates that can trace its history back to royal families, this 200-year-old Castle is steeped in history, full of character and old-world charm, and the perfect setting for your wedding.
5/ Lough Rynn Castle & Estate
Co. Leitrim
Lough Rynn Castle, one of Ireland’s most luxurious castle hotels, sits majestically on the shore of Lough Rynn, surrounded by over 300 acres of breathtaking scenery. The estate prides itself on having the West of Ireland’s largest and most unique walled gardens, which lead down to the shores of the Lough. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, they will see to your every need; everything has been designed with one’s desires in mind.
6/ Glin Castle
Co. Limerick
The neo-classical interiors at Glin Castle make it the perfect location for a bespoke castle wedding. Glin Castle is the perfect destination if you are planning a romantic, intimate wedding that is special and memorable in every way. Overlooking the River Shannon and hills of County Clare, the grounds provide a uniquely picturesque setting for your celebrations.
7/ Huntington Castle
Co. Carlow
Huntington Castle is the perfect venue for a unique and intimate wedding in the picturesque countryside at the foot of the Black Stairs Mountains. Its fatefully restored interior gives visitors a strong feeling of being in a Jacobean castle. Each nook and cranny is bursting with history and a story begging to be explored! Every bride deserves a fairytale wedding, and at Huntington Castle, this dream can come true.
8/ Kilkea Castle
Co. Kilkea Castle
An impressive 12th-century castle, Kilkea Castle is overflowing with charm and history. Its 180 acres of lush and lovingly maintained grounds are perfect for photos, a peaceful stroll, or a bundled-up ceremony under the bright winter stars. If you want a venue with a story, then this is the perfect one for you! With over 800 years of hosting Weddings and Celebrations behind it, Kilkea Castle is ready to open its doors and let new light in through the noble windows.
9/ Ballynahinch Castle
Co. Galway
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is set within 700 acres of woodland, with the beautiful backdrop of the 12 Bens Mountain range. This 4-star luxury castle hotel overlooks its impressive salmon fishery on the large private estate. Intimate, out of the way and stylishly preserved, to celebrate your wedding at Ballynahinch Castle is to make a statement!
10/ Barberstown Castle
Co. Kildare
Barberstown Castle was built in 1288 by Nicholas Barby and has hosted many grand celebrations throughout the centuries. It is a Four-Star country house with a Historical Castle and is a proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book and Historic Hotels of Europe. The venue is renowned for its atmosphere and is steeped in a rich history, highlighted through fabulous interiors, art, antiques, and furniture.
11/ Luttrellstown Castle
Co. Dublin
This incredible Irish castle is in the heart of a tranquil, sprawling, 567-acre private estate with 20 luxurious bedrooms. Luttrellstown Castle is a 5-star experience for those seeking an exclusive location for a most intimate celebration. Able to accommodate a guest list of 20 close family and friends or up to 180 loved ones, this is the perfect venue for a romantic celebration in the peace of the Irish countryside.
- Gráinne