Are you recently engaged and planning your dream wedding? Congratulations! Choosing the perfect venue sets the stage for your perfect day, and with so many stunning locations to consider it can be a daunting task. As luck would have it, we bring you the top ten wedding venues in Ireland as reviewed by engaged couples. From picturesque countryside estates to elegant city landmarks, these venues have captured the hearts of newlyweds. In the first part, let’s dive in and discover the top five most reviewed venues in 2023.
LOUGH REA HOTEL AND SPA
Lough Rea Hotel and Spa is a lakeside venue just a stone’s throw away from the town of Loughrea in Galway. It has a picturesque location with views across Lough Rea and the scenic Galway countryside.
Their award winning team is adept at accommodating all your wishes, various wedding themes, concepts and guest lists, recognising the special significance of your special day. Wedding packages can be tailored according to your needs and their menu demonstrates the best use of local and Irish produce, and they have an extensive wine list.
The venue can accommodate up to 350 guests and is classically decorated. With elegant Murano glass chandeliers, velvet drapery, adjustable mood lighting, their ballroom has views over the lake. They will also host intimate civil ceremonies and they have a rooftop garden that is a perfect place for parties of up to 50 people. It could be a good spot for a post-wedding family BBQ and drinks.
LANGTONS HOTEL
At number two in our list, is multi award winning venue, Langtons Hotel, a family-run business in Kilkenny city. The business opened in 1938 and was run as a public house. Located on John Street in the city center – you’re minutes from the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle, and all the historic sites of the town. Kilkenny is a buzzing place, with myriad shops, restaurants, cafes and more.
The venue and team at Langtons, are incredible when it comes to weddings. There’s literally nothing they can’t do. There’s wedding packages of course, but anything you want they can cater to. The venue has an array of beautiful spaces for different size guest lists and themes. Ballroom is a spectacular room with 20ft ceilings, ornate cornicing and hand painted silk wallpapers with its own private bar and access to a unique garden bar. The famous Set Theatre, designed by David Collinsis seriously stylish and can host anything from a private civil ceremony to a full-on reception, with access to a sweet courtyard for chilling out.
If you’re looking for something more intimate, check out Harry’s Bar. The bar was recently refurbished with some cool lighting and candles and got that cozy vibe to add magic to your special. Their Garden Room restaurant is designed by Gild and Cage which is suitable for small, medium or large weddings.
Last but not least, Bridie’s Bar and General Store is a quirky little spot perfect for kicking off your wedding celebrations or keeping the party going the day after. It’s got this awesome walled garden where you can chill out in Victorian-style bus shelters.
AN GRIANAN HOTEL
Next up in the list of our top ten wedding venues in Ireland, is a charming stone-clad venue nestled in the hills of Donegal – An Grianan. Another family-run business, it is only 10 minutes drive from Derry and 15 minutes from Letterkenny. Imagine exchanging vows in a landscaped garden, with a 150-year-old church right there on-site. The historic An Grianan Fort is just a short distance away from the venue for perfect wedding photos. The venue has successfully hosted nearly 2000 weddings. Their wedding coordinators have also won multiple awards and the venue has a loyal staff that is working with them for a very long time.
The hotel has two versatile function spaces, one of which is The Tuatha De Danann Suite, a unique circular space for up to 300 guests. It has lots of natural daylight and has elegant crystal chandeliers.
Hosting only one wedding per day, means you’ll certainly be the star of the show for your special day. All eyes and attention will be on you, as you take over the whole hotel and make it your own. And if you’re thinking of a civil ceremony, the hotel has a space for these ceremonies too. The Magh Tuireadh Suite is tailored for more intimate weddings.
They have an enticing motto “Make it Special, Make it An Grianan”. Definitely worth checking out
BALLYLIFFIN LODGE AND SPA
Speaking of mottos another Donegal gem has one too: “YOU DREAM IT, WE’LL DO IT”
Situated by the Sea, our next venue is Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa. Nestled in the charming village of Ballyliffin with stunning views of Pollan Bay’s sandy beaches and the rugged coastline of Malin Head. It is also known as “the most northerly 4-star hotel in all of Ireland”.
The hotel has recently renovated their ‘Aughrim Suite’ which can be adapted for both intimate and larger size weddings. It can accommodate wedding celebrations from 100 up to 500 guests. The venue promotes a buy local policy and use high-quality local suppliers to design their ever changing menu.
The hotel is also licensed to host civil ceremonies on their Glashedy Garden Terrace with the North Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. Or, you can choose the Gate Lodge which is a mix of traditional cottage charm and luxury. If you are looking forward to a relaxing time after the wedding, you can avail of the leisure facilities on-site. There’s a gym, pool, hot tub, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
The venue is family-friendly and has a kids’ club and games room. They also supply gadgets like iPads and toys in the main function room to keep any little ones engaged while you enjoy the wedding celebration. The hotel offers a variety of different packages according to your needs and styles.
SHAMROCK LODGE HOTEL
With over 70 years of hosting Athlone weddings, The Shamrock Lodge Hotel is our next family-run venue reviewed by our lovely couples. Tucked away at the end of a charming tree-lined avenue, this place is like a hidden gem, surrounded by lush gardens, a perfect backdrop for great wedding photos.
The John Broderick Suite is a spacious, modern Banqueting suite that can cater to weddings of up to 250 guests with views of the gardens.
You can plan to say “I Do” in the John McCormack Suite, followed by dining and dancing the night away in the aforementioned John Broderick Banqueting Suite. The Princess Grace Honeymoon Suite, is named after the visit in 1961 Princess Grace of Monaco.
Renowned for great food and service, this midlands venue on the left bank of the Shannon is worth a look. The team are ready and waiting to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
These five venues were the top five venues in Ireland as reviewed by our couples in 2023. All were award-winning venues in the WeddingDates Awards 2023. Check out the full list of the winners as announced in December. Your reviews really do make a difference. Keep an eye out for part 2 coming soon.
