We are extremely lucky in Ireland to be blessed with so many stunning wedding venues, hotels and outdoor areas that cater for weddings. In recent years the trend towards exclusive use wedding venues has been growing rapidly. And it's not hard to see why!
Being able to privately hire the entire venue for your special day is certainly very enticing to potential couples looking to get married. Having a private venue means you are guaranteed privacy for you, your family and friends and your suppliers on your wedding day.
I have picked 10 of my favourite exclusive use wedding venues in Ireland (in no particular order) There are so many amazing venues to choose from that I have yet to visit, but these are 10 exclusive venues that I have had the pleasure of officiating ceremonies at over the last couple of years.
(I have used photos that I have taken myself while at these venues)
1. Mountain View - Ballyhale - Co. Kilkenny
Tucked into the hillside in Ballyhale Co. Kilkenny, with amazing views over the countryside, Mountain View is a truly unique wedding venue. The food is to die for, the staff are exceptional and the ceremony and wedding spaces truly are one of a kind. This is a must view venue!
2. Bellingham Castle - Castlebellingham, Co. Louth
If an oppulent Irish Castle is top of your wish list for your Irish wedding then you have to check out Bellingham Castle! Set on a 17-acre estate, this 17th Century Castle truly is a very luxurious exclusive use, private hire wedding venue. I always receive a warm welcome when I visit the castle and getting to meet Rí and Líadán, the gorgeous Irish Wolfhounds, is always a bonus!
3. Blairscove House & Restaurant - Durrus, Bantry, Co. Cork
Set within a beautiful courtyard and landscaped gardens, overlooking Dunmanus Bay, Blairscove will take your breath away. Family owned and run for three generations, the care and love that is put into this venue is evident from the moment you first walk in. This venue has a laid back vibe with superior service and definitely won't disappoint.
4. Ashley Park House - Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
A beautiful 18th-century country house set among 76 acres of woodland, Ashley Park House is intimate and private and very beautiful. Their ceremony space, the Boathouse, looks out onto Lough Ourna and is without doubt one of the most magical ceremony spaces I have been too. It truly is special and flooded with natural light, you will be guaranteed amazing photos from your magical day.
5. Newbay House - Newbay, Co. Wexford
Set on 16 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, including a fabulous Willow Tunnel, this stunning period house is just 2 hours from Dublin, on the outskirts of Wexford Town. As soon as you enter Newbay House you know you have arrived somewhere very special. The house has been lovingly restored with a touch of contemporary elegance and the entire house and gardens are yours privately for your wedding day. Their wedding co-ordinator Maria is also one of the best in the business!
6. The Abbey - Athy, Co. Kildare
The Abbey is a period building which has been completely transformed into one of the most fabulous exclusive-use wedding venues in the country. With it's own on site chapel for ceremonies and truly unique wedding reception spaces for drinks receptions, dining and entertainment, this unique venue has it all, and more! It even has a dedicated bridal suite with four make-up stations! You have to check this one out!
7. Ballykealey House - Ballon, Co. Carlow
Ballykealey is a magical 19th Century house, set nestled beneath the Blackstairs Mountains, near Ballon, Co. Carlow. With it's stunning gardens and woodlands, perfectly picturesque for a beautiful outdoor ceremony, Ballykealey House provides everything you could ever want from a private wedding venue. The Barnyard, located within the walls of the original farmhouse, is the perfect option for an indoor ceremony if the Irish weather is not on your side, but with it's rustic charm, you will find it hard to choose between an indoor and outdoor ceremony!
8. Tankardstown House - Rathkenny, Co. Meath
Tankardstown House is an elegant 18th-Century Manor House and Orangery. With beautiful on-site accommodation and an award winning restaurant, Tankardstown has it all. The entire venue is so impressive and as you enter the Orangery for your wedding ceremony, it will take your breath away. One of the most amazing ceremony spaces I have ever worked in, I look forward to returning time and time again! An elegant venue, bursting with natural light and an abundance of beautiful outdoor areas for photographs, Tankardstown really is one of the best!
9. Clonabreany House - Crossakiel, Co. Meath
Clonabreany is a beautiful Georgian country estate located just one hour from Dublin. It is the perfect venue with a gorgeous large space for outdoor ceremonies. With elegant reception rooms in the main house, the Grand Marquee for your evening reception and the choice of an indoor ceremony in the Orchard Room, Clonabreany is a stylish, unique, exclusive use wedding venue that will capture your heart.
10. Darver Castle - Darver, Readypenny, Co. Louth
Darver Castle has everything you could wish for when it comes to finding the perfect Irish Castle Wedding Venue. It has the most romantic feel to it when you are walking around. They have a magnificent banqueting room and their private ceremony room is situated in the cosiest of courtyards. With 50 acres of parkland to wander around, this exclusive venue steeped in history is definitely one to put on your list! I love it!