Top Castle Venues in Ireland for Elopement and Weddings
Ireland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and enchanting castles. If you’re considering an elopement or wedding in Ireland, choosing a castle venue adds a touch of fairy tale magic to your special day. Here are the 10 of the castle venues in Ireland, ranked based on their popularity, amenities, and overall charm.
In no particular order:
Ashford Castle
Website: Ashford Castle
About: Ashford Castle, built in 1228, is a grand medieval castle that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. It has hosted numerous celebrities and offers a blend of historical elegance and modern luxury. Famous weddings include Pierce Brosnan and Rory McIlroy.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 3 hours (130 mi), Belfast: 3.5 hours (170 mi), Shannon: 1.5 hours (50 mi), Cork: 3 hours (130 mi)
Dromoland Castle
Website: Dromoland Castle
About: Dating back to the 16th century, Dromoland Castle is the ancestral home of the O’Brien family, whose lineage dates back to one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Dromoland Castle has welcomed three American presidents as well as the likes of Bono, John Travolta, Johnny Cash, Michael Flatley and Sharon Osbourne.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 2.5 hours (120 mi), Belfast: 3.5 hours (180 mi), Shannon: 15 minutes (10 mi), Cork: 2 hours (90 mi)
Lough Eske Castle
Website: Lough Eske Castle
About: Lough Eske Castle is a 17th-century castle set amidst 43 acres of forest woodland. The castle has a storied history and has been beautifully restored to offer luxury accommodations and wedding services.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 3 hours (130 mi), Belfast: 2.5 hours (110 mi), Shannon: 3 hours (125 mi), Cork: 4.5 hours (210 mi)
Kilkea Castle
Website: Kilkea Castle
About: Kilkea Castle, located near Castledermot in County Kildare, Ireland, is a historic medieval stronghold of the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare, for over 700 years. Built by Sir Walter de Riddlesford in 1180, it later passed to the Fitzgeralds through marriage. The castle is famed for its association with Gerald, the 11th Earl of Kildare, known as the “Wizard Earl,” reputed for his alchemical interests. After centuries of various uses, including being leased to tenants and the Jesuit Order, it was sold in 1960. Recently renovated by American businessman Jay Cashman, Kilkea Castle now operates as a luxury resort.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 1 hour (50 mi), Belfast: 2.5 hours (125 mi), Shannon: 2 hours (95 mi), Cork: 2.5 hours (120 mi)
Ballynahinch Castle
Website: Ballynahinch Castle
About: Ballynahinch Castle, a former Irish country house, is now a luxury hotel in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Built in 1754 on the site of an earlier castle, it overlooks Ballynahinch Lake and River and is nestled at the foot of the Twelve Bens mountain range. The castle has been home to notable figures such as Richard Martin, founder of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanager. Originally constructed by the O'Flaherty family in the 14th century, the castle has evolved over time, retaining its architectural integrity while offering modern luxury accommodations and outdoor activities.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 3.5 hours (180 mi), Belfast: 4 hours (200 mi), Shannon: 2 hours (90 mi), Cork: 3.5 hours (160 mi)
Waterford Castle
Website: Waterford Castle
About: Located near Waterford City, Waterford Castle has played a significant role in the region’s history. Initially settled by monks in the 6th century, it later became a Viking stronghold in the 9th-11th centuries. In 1170, Maurice Fitzgerald took control, and the Fitzgerald family maintained their legacy here for over 800 years. Surrounded by the River Suir, the Castle underwent extensive refurbishment after changing ownership in March 2015. The renovations include island walkways, restoring the 16th-century Castle hotel, redecorating 45 self-catering lodges, and the King’s Channel Clubhouse. The refurbishment aims to maintain the Castle’s historical integrity while adding modern luxuries.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 2 hours (100 mi), Belfast: 4 hours (200 mi), Shannon: 2 hours (110 mi), Cork: 1.5 hours (70 mi)
Castle Leslie Estate
Website: Castle Leslie Estate
About: Castle Leslie, also known as Glaslough House, is the ancestral home of the Irish branch of Clan Leslie, located on a 1,000-acre estate near the village of Glaslough in County Monaghan, Ireland. The current Scottish baronial style castle, built in 1870 by Sir John Leslie, replaced an earlier 17th-century mansion noted by Jonathan Swift. The estate features three lakes, extensive parklands, and Renaissance-inspired gardens. Notable visitors include W.B. Yeats, Michael Collins, Mick Jagger, and Sir Paul McCartney, who married Heather Mills there in 2002.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 1.5 hours (70 mi), Belfast: 1.5 hours (60 mi), Shannon: 3 hours (130 mi), Cork: 3.5 hours (180 mi)
Luttrellstown Castle
Website: Luttrellstown Castle
About: Luttrellstown Castle, located in Clonsilla near Dublin, Ireland, dates back to around 1420. The castle has hosted Queen Victoria twice and gained media attention when Victoria Adams married David Beckham there in 1999. Today, Luttrellstown Castle Resort spans 560 acres, featuring a 5-star resort with a golf course and country club, just outside Dublin’s city boundaries. The estate includes a stream forming artificial ponds before joining the River Liffey.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 15 minutes (10 mi), Belfast: 2 hours (110 mi), Shannon: 2.5 hours (120 mi), Cork: 3 hours (140 mi)
Cabra Castle
Website: Cabra Castle
About: Cabra Castle’s origins date back to the 18th century, originally known as Cormey Castle, with an old round tower. Destroyed during the Cromwellian War, the main building was in ruins, but the adjacent courtyard remained intact. In 1808, the Foster family rebuilt the castle, but the cost bankrupted them. The Pratt family bought it in 1813, renamed it Cabra Castle in 1820, and lived there until financial difficulties forced them to sell in 1964. The Brennan family then converted it into a hotel. After changing hands, the Corscadden family acquired it in 1991, expanding and refurbishing it into the 105-bedroom hotel it is today.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 1.5 hours (60 mi), Belfast: 2 hours (80 mi), Shannon: 2.5 hours (120 mi), Cork: 3.5 hours (170mi)
Lismore Castle
Website: Lismore Castle
About: Lismore Castle, located in Lismore, County Waterford, Ireland, originally belonged to the Earls of Desmond and later the Cavendish family. It is the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. Built on the site of Lismore Abbey, the castle has a rich history dating back to 1185, including ownership by Sir Walter Raleigh and Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork. The 6th Duke of Devonshire transformed it into a Gothic-style fortress in the mid-19th century. Today, the castle hosts Lismore Castle Arts, featuring a contemporary art gallery and public gardens with sculptures, though the main interior remains private.
Driving Distance: Dublin: 3 hours (80 mi), Belfast: 5 hours (140 mi), Shannon: 2 hours (80 mi), Cork: 1 hour (30 mi)
Summary
These castle venues in Ireland provide a perfect backdrop for an elopement or wedding, combining historical elegance with stunning surroundings. Each venue offers its unique charm and amenities, making them ideal choices for your special day. For more details, visit the respective websites and start planning your dream Irish wedding today.
The castle rankings are based on reviews from top travel and wedding websites, including TripAdvisor and The Knot. Since there is no one-size-fits-all when choosing a castle venue, reach out to us at Ladybird Ever After, and we can tailor some options for you.