With the majority of brides and grooms-to-be seeking something unique and extraordinary for their special day, the rise of the alternative wedding comes as no surprise. Hugely popular country house wedding venues are hot on the heels of the more traditional hotel setting – and it’s easy to see why.
Not your average ballroom, we’ve selected five of the most stunning properties to share with you. From exclusive retreats to breathtaking views of the Wild Atlantic Way, these most certainly are the wedding venues of dreams.
Ballinacurra House
Ireland’s ultimate exclusive-hire venue, Ballinacurra House has played host to a number of A-list celebrities throughout the years. It was a renowned favourite of the late Michael Jackson – even Kim and Kanye tried to hire the house for their honeymoon only to be rebuffed as it was already booked!
Bursting with personality and five-star luxury, Ballinacurra House is the number one choice for those seeking something totally out-of-the-ordinary. With the vibrant seaside town of Kinsale and some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery right on its doorstep, it’s easy to see why this venue is a photographer’s dream.
Each room at the property has been meticulously themed offering 22 suites throughout the Main House, Cottage and Coach House, as well as various lounge and entertainment rooms. With the addition of the Cuban Cocktail Bar, the new Rotunda and now the Pontiac Firebird Classic American muscle car, Ballinacurra continues to lead the way in terms of offering that unique edge modern-day wedding couples are lusting for. Contact Des or Lisa on +353 (0) 21 477 9040 or email info@ballinacurra.com to find out more about booking your wedding weekend.
Renvyle House Hotel
From the moment you enter the gates of Renvyle House and meander down the avenue into the welcoming warmth of this old country house, you’ll realize just how special it truly is. An historic four-star hotel sitting on a 150 acre estate along the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, Renvyle is a magical place for a wedding celebration.
With award-winning food, hospitality and service, every tiny detail will be looked after for you, allowing you time to catch up with friends and family and enjoy every minute of your day. The dining experience at Renvyle House is legendary. Head Chef Tim O’Sullivan and his team go to great lengths to ensure you and your guests receive the very best when it comes to serving your evening banquet. Fresh, locally sourced, produced and prepared ingredients will be served with exquisite attention to detail, exceeding your every expectation. Ronnie, Lorna and Philip of Renvyle House will all ensure that your nearest and dearest are well looked after – nothing will be too much trouble.
With breathtaking scenery in abundance, there is a great choice of locations on the property for stunning wedding photographs. From manicured gardens, a private freshwater lake right on the house’s front door, a beach to the rear and enchanting woodlands, you will be spoiled for choice.
Barnabrow Country House
Located in the beautiful rural setting of East Cork, Barnabrow Country House can be exclusively yours. An intimate cocoon of intimacy on your special day, the meandering pathways at Barnabrow beckon guests to explore. They delight in the nooks and crannies that they unearth and are surprised by the occasional fairy that passes them by.
The mature grounds of the estate are for your personal memories, the individually designed bedrooms of the Manor House and the Courtyard for your comfort, the cosiness of Mor Chluana cottage for drinks before dinner, the countryside views from the wooden deck for your pleasure, and the grandeur of the medieval-style banqueting hall with its renowned chef and famed food for your wedding feast.
Barnabrow Country House boasts a variety of picturesque locations where ceremonies can be conducted – either inside or in the great outdoors. On balmy summer days a ceremony held in leafy Fairy Grove is simply magical. When climates forbid, guests celebrate the union in the elegant conservatory that seats 75 but can accommodate many more standing.
The canapes prepared by Michelin star-trained chef, Stuart Bowes, tantalise the palate and promise of the wedding feast to come. Your guests will be utterly charmed at Barnabrow, leaving them wondering at your cleverness to have found such a rare gem.
Raheen House Hotel
Raheen House Hotel is one of the leading wedding venues in Munster. This romantic hotel, with a history going back to the 17th century, offers couples the chance to celebrate their wedding amidst exquisite surroundings. The exclusive-use hotel offers 15 elegant bedrooms within the tranquility of its private walled gardens, perfect for wedding celebrations. The refinement extends throughout the whole house including the Drawing Room for smaller weddings and Cobdens for larger parties.
The hotel, which was awarded the Top Rated Venue in Tipperary for 2015 and 2016, boasts a team of dedicated wedding experts who assist couples in creating their bespoke wedding, transforming each dream into the most unforgettable day.
Organising weddings for couples based overseas has become a speciality for the team at Raheen House Hotel. Whether it’s regular Skype calls prior to your arrival home, or calling into the venue to show your family around, each wedding couple is given undivided attention during the run-up and on the big day itself.
Conveniently located, Raheen House Hotel is a mere five-minute walk from the centre of Clonmel Town. Both Waterford and Cork airports are a short distance away, with the hotel being just an hour away from both. Clonmel Bus and Train Station are just five minutes by car.
Rathsallagh Country House
Rathsallagh Country House is one of the few very unique venues in Ireland that is truly exclusive and private on your special day. A founding member of Ireland’s exclusive Blue Book, the two-time winner of County House of the Year in Ireland and most recently crowned Hotel Venue of the Year for Leinster 2017 holds an array of worthy accolades. Including; Historic Hotels of Europe Wedding Experience for 2017 and Best Customer Service in Wicklow 2017.
Located less than one hour from Dublin and Dublin Airport, Rathsallagh a large country house converted from Queen Anne stables in 1798. Imagine the wedding of your dreams in a romantic setting on hundreds of acres of rolling fields, thousands of mature trees and long winding avenue ensuring your complete privacy.
With its 18th century walled gardens and Orangery, Rathsallagh is ideal for civil ceremonies and blessings. Exchange vows on the lush lawns in a breezy outdoor ceremony, indoors if the weather doesn’t permit, or at one of the traditional and quaint local country churches nearby. The team at Rathsallagh have all the information needed to make contact with and help you arrange the ceremony of your choice.
