An Grianan Hotel is a family-run hotel located in Burt, Co. Donegal, just 10 minutes from Derry and 15 minutes from Letterkenny. It opened its doors in March 2006 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The hotel boasts 43 beautiful bedrooms, including the magnificent Honeymoon Suite and two other luxurious suites.
‘Make it Special, Make it An Grianan’
There are two function areas: the Tuatha De Danann Suite, the pride and joy of An Grianan, known for its spectacular circular shape, domed ceiling, and tall windows that flood the room with natural light—making it the perfect wedding venue. This room can cater to up to 300 guests. The smaller function room, the Magh Tuireadh Suite, can accommodate 80–100 guests and is tastefully decorated in warm creams and gold, ideal for intimate weddings.
What Makes An Grianan Hotel Special
As a family-run hotel, it’s telling that many of the staff have been part of that family for almost two decades. The team is welcoming, professional, and experienced—always ready to assist and fully committed to making every couple’s wedding day extraordinary. An Grianan prides itself on being a one-wedding-per-day venue, having successfully hosted over 2,200 weddings to date.
It’s the Friendly Wedding Coordinators
Deirdre has been at the hotel since its opening in 2006, winning several notable awards along the way. Aisling, her daughter-in-law, has been working alongside her for the past 5–6 years. Both are passionate about their roles, which is reflected in glowing reviews from couples who have celebrated their weddings with An Grianan.
“There aren’t enough words to credit this hotel and its incredible staff. From the moment we sat down with Deirdre, we were sold. She paid attention to details I would never have thought of, and we were looked after so well from start to finish. Nothing was a bother for her, and I felt confident and comfortable knowing we were in safe hands throughout the planning process. It felt like having a mammy to guide us! Aisling and the staff made our wedding day so special, ensuring every little detail was perfect. The food was delicious, the room setup was beautiful, and the decor, menu, and package options were outstanding. We loved every minute of our day and can’t recommend An Grianan and their team enough.”
From the first meeting, it’s about building trust. Each wedding is unique, as couples bring their own ideas and themes. The team will discuss dates, packages, pricing, colour schemes, and every aspect of the couple’s celebration. About six weeks before the wedding, you meet the coordinator again to complete a detailed timeline for your day, ensuring every moment is planned, from walking up the aisle to the evening buffet at 11 p.m. This allows couples to review and request any changes. At An Grianan, they focus on solutions, not problems.
It’s the Customisable Wedding Packages
An Grianan offers three all-inclusive packages, customisable to suit different budgets. While maintaining competitive pricing, they won’t compromise on quality. The Head Chef fosters an interesting and dynamic culinary experience, catering to individual and unique requests. For example, a couple wanted a pig-on-a-spit for their evening reception, which was delivered and a huge success.
“All those lovely personal touches made the day all we wished for.” – Emma
It’s the Stunning Photographic Opportunities
The private gardens provide a perfect setting for wedding photos, offering a variety of stunning backdrops. The Old Church Restaurant, with its beautiful stained-glass windows, is a staple in wedding albums. The Beer Garden has been recently transformed with stylish new patio furniture from local company Rockwell Ornaments. During summer, this space buzzes with guests enjoying drinks before dinner.
Nearby, the historic Grianan of Aileach Ring Fort is just a five-minute drive away, offering breathtaking views for wedding photography. Additionally, the shores of Lough Swilly, with its stunning beaches, are less than 10 minutes away.
It’s Beautiful for Civil Ceremonies
As a fully registered venue, the function rooms are approved for civil ceremonies. The team works closely with Donegal County Council registrars to ensure seamless coordination, whether couples opt for a civil, spiritualist, or humanist ceremony.
It’s all on show at their Wedding Fayre
An Grianan hosts two wedding fayres each year—on the last Sunday of September and the last Sunday of February—in collaboration with Perfect Bliss Wedding Events. Over 60 top-class exhibitors and industry professionals from across the North West and the Republic of Ireland gather, giving couples the opportunity to connect with the best in the business. The atmosphere is electric, and it’s the highlight of the calendar.
At the end of each fayre, they have an amazing prize draw for couples who have booked their wedding with them in the previous year. Prizes include €5,000, €3,000, and €2,000—totalling an incredible €10,000 in giveaways! Very generous indeed!
An Grianan is a triple award-winning venue in the 2024 WeddingDates Awards. They won the top-rated wedding venue in Donegal, the top-rated wedding venue in Ulster and the top-rated 3-star venue in Ireland. If you want to find out more about this fabulous friendly wedding venue in the North West, send them a message below right away.
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