The very first Wedding Venue Awards 2026 didn’t just happen… it landed.
From the moment guests arrived at Langtons Hotel in Kilkenny, there was a real buzz in the air. Venue teams from every corner of Ireland swapped their day-to-day hustle for an evening of celebration, connection, and (let’s be honest) a well-earned night out.
And because this was our first-ever in-person awards, it felt like something special. The kind of night people will be talking about long after the final award was handed out.
How the Winners Were Chosen
These weren’t just popularity awards…
Each winner was selected through a powerful mix of:
- Real couple reviews
- Public voting
- An independent judging panel
And the winners are….
Across 20 different categories, a wide range of venues were recognised, from long-established favourites to newer names making their mark.
Each winner reflects a different venue style, but all share a strong focus on delivering an exceptional wedding experience for their couples.
Best Castle Wedding Venue
A category full of drama, history, and wow-factor settings.
Winner: Clontarf Castle Hotel
Silver: Cabra Castle
Bronze: Kinnitty Castle
Best City/Town/Urban Venue
Where seamless execution meets unbeatable location.
Winner: Langtons Hotel Kilkenny
Silver: Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
Bronze: Talbot Hotel Carlow
Best Exclusive-Use Venue
Total privacy, total magic.
Winner: Segrave Barns
Silver: Drumhalla House
Bronze: Mountain View
Best Family-Run Venue
Where personal touches make all the difference.
Winner: The Glenside
Silver: Maryborough Hotel & Spa
Bronze: Castlecourt Hotel
Best Manor House/Country House Venue
Timeless settings with unforgettable atmosphere.
Winner: Maryborough Hotel & Spa
Silver: Springfort Hall Country House Hotel
Bronze: Bellinter House Hotel
Best Outdoor Venue
For couples dreaming of fresh air and stunning backdrops.
Winner: Mountain View
Silver: Sneem Hotel
Bronze: Glasson Lakehouse
Best Resort/Destination Venue
More than a wedding – a full experience.
Winner: Lough Erne Resort
Silver: Fota Island Resort
Bronze: Knockranny House Hotel & Spa
Best Sustainable Venue
Leading the way with thoughtful, future-focused weddings.
Winner: Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel
Silver: Thomas Prior Hall at Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Best Use of Social Media
The venues couples can’t stop saving, sharing, and sending.
Winner: County Arms Birr
Silver: Segrave Barns
Bronze: Fota Island Resort
Best Waterside Venue
Views that do half the work for you.
Winner: Actons Hotel Kinsale
Silver: Kinsale Hotel & Spa
Bronze: The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre
Most Inclusive Venue
Going above and beyond to make every couple feel welcome.
Winner: Langtons Hotel Kilkenny
Silver: Talbot Hotel Carlow
Bronze: Shamrock Lodge Hotel
Rising Star Venue
The ones to watch.
Winner: Drumhalla House
Silver: Ballyness Resort
Bronze: Bellinter House Hotel
Best Wedding Hotel in Connacht
There’s a certain magic to weddings in Connacht. Between the scenery and the laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where celebrations feel natural and relaxed. The hotels in this category understand that completely, creating weddings that are beautifully put together without ever feeling overdone.
Winner: Castlecourt Hotel
Silver: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
Bronze: Knockranny House Hotel
Best Wedding Hotel in Leinster 2026
Leinster offers so much variety when it comes to wedding venues, and that’s reflected in this category. Whether couples are planning something big or keeping things more intimate, these hotels know how to adapt and make it work. It’s all about creating a day that feels right for each couple.
Winner: Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
Silver: The Glenside
Bronze: County Arms Birr
Best Wedding Hotel in Munster 2026
Munster is known for its incredible scenery, and these hotels make the most of it. With views that do half the work for you, the focus turns to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy the day. It’s that balance of beauty and ease that makes these venues stand out.
Winner: Kenmare Bay Hotel
Silver: The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre
Bronze: The Park Hotel Dungarvan
Best Wedding Hotel in Ulster 2026
In Ulster, it’s all about the people behind the scenes. These hotels are known for their friendly, down-to-earth approach, making couples and their guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. The result is a wedding that feels thoughtful and full of genuine moments.
Winner: Manor House Country Hotel
Silver: An Grianan
Bronze: An Chuirt Hotel & Health Club
Grand Prix
Setting the standard for excellence from the very first moment.
Winner: Langtons Hotel Kilkenny
A Night That Brought the Industry Together
The room was full of energy – applause and those “this could be us next year” moments.
You could feel how much it meant to the teams being recognised… and how much everyone else wanted a piece of it.
It was a celebration of the incredible standard of wedding venues across Ireland and a reminder that this industry is only getting better.
Take a look at the rest of our Wedding Venue Awards 2026 winners down below:
Meet Ireland’s Best Wedding Coordinators of 2026
Thinking About Next Year?
If you were in the room, you already know…
If you weren’t – consider this your sign.
With the success of our first live event, Wedding Venue Awards 2027 is already shaping up to be even bigger. More competition and even more eyes on the venues that enter.
So whether you’re aiming for a nomination or already picturing your team on stage… now’s the time to start thinking about it.
Because next year?
You’ll want to be in that room.
