Ireland has long been a dream destination for couples seeking romance, history, and breathtaking landscapes. As we step into 2025, the Emerald Isle has firmly cemented itself as the top choice for destination weddings. From its enchanting castles to its warm hospitality, Ireland offers an unrivalled experience for couples looking to say ‘I do’ in a setting steeped in charm and elegance. Here’s why Ireland is the destination wedding hotspot of 2025.
Timeless Beauty and Diverse Landscapes
Ireland’s natural beauty is unparalleled, offering couples a range of stunning backdrops for their big day. Whether it’s the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the serene shores of Lough Tay, or the rolling green hills of County Kerry, the landscape provides an effortlessly romantic setting. In 2025, there is a growing trend for weddings that embrace the outdoors, and Ireland’s diverse scenery ensures the perfect location for every couple’s vision—be it a coastal elopement or a grand castle affair.
Exclusive Castle Venues
A wedding in an Irish castle is the epitome of fairytale romance. With venues such as Ashford Castle, Luttrellstown Castle, and Ballynahinch Castle offering luxury, exclusivity, and rich history, Ireland continues to captivate couples seeking regal elegance. As the destination wedding hotspot of 2025, there is an increasing demand for private, bespoke wedding experiences, and Ireland’s castles provide the ideal mix of grandeur and intimacy.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Irish cuisine has evolved into a world-class culinary experience, making it an attractive feature for wedding celebrations. With farm-to-table dining, artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood, and an ever-expanding selection of fine Irish whiskeys and craft gins, Ireland is the perfect location for food-loving couples. In 2025, the trend of immersive culinary experiences continues to grow, with couples opting for multi-course tasting menus and personalised farm-to-table feasts.
Luxury Meets Tradition
Modern couples are embracing weddings that blend contemporary luxury with deep-rooted traditions. Ireland offers this balance beautifully. Think five-star manor houses serving Michelin-starred cuisine, lavish floral installations inspired by the wild Irish landscape, and ceilidh bands bringing guests to their feet for an unforgettable night of dancing. The blend of old and new is what makes Ireland stand out as the perfect 2025 wedding destination.
Ease of Planning for International Couples
One of the reasons Ireland is set to be the leading wedding destination of 2025 is the ease of planning for international couples. With well-connected international airports, a strong network of luxury wedding planners, and a host of world-renowned venues offering all-inclusive packages, organising a wedding in Ireland has never been more seamless. Many venues cater specifically to destination weddings, ensuring a stress-free experience for couples and their guests.
An Unforgettable Guest Experience
A wedding in Ireland isn’t just an event—it’s an experience. From pre-wedding whiskey tastings to post-wedding adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way, couples can create an itinerary that ensures their guests enjoy every moment. In 2025, destination weddings are about more than just the big day—they’re about crafting an entire experience, and Ireland delivers on every front.
As the world embraces immersive, luxurious, and meaningful weddings, Ireland stands at the forefront as the ultimate destination for couples tying the knot in 2025. Are you sold? Then you’ll want to know my 5 Essential Tips for Hosting Your Destination Wedding in Ireland. With its timeless charm, breathtaking venues, and unparalleled hospitality, it’s no wonder Ireland is the top choice for couples seeking a wedding to remember.
Are you considering a destination wedding to Ireland? I am absolutely thrilled that you are here! It is no secret that I believe Ireland is the most beautiful and magical place to say “I Do”. In fact, deciding on a wedding venue can be one of the hardest parts because there are so many gorgeous venues to choose from. Ireland is known for its picturesque landscapes and romantic settings, making it a popular destination for weddings. But there are some that stand out amongst the others. Here are the Top Places to Wed in Ireland in 2024:
Ashford Castle (Cong, County Mayo)
A stunning castle set on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle offers a fairytale setting for a wedding. With its gorgeous acres of manicured gardens, lush forests and lively woodland, there is magic floating on the breeze and over the sparking waters of Lough Corrib. Additionally, working with the team of professionals at Ashford Castle is truly a rewarding experience in itself. It is nearly impossible to run out of things to do or options for entertainment. A wedding at Ashford Castle can be customized to fit the personalities of every couple that decides to say their ‘I Do’s’ at this enchanted place.
My other favorite detail? The accommodations at Ashford Castle are beyond compare. Each of the 83 rooms have been lovingly designed and individually restored, whilst taking every effort to incorporate the latest modern luxuries. The unique works of art and antique furniture are carefully and meticulously curated. Every one of the team’s efforts comes to fruition as you and your guests take in the sumptuous fabrics, custom-designed carpets, exquisite toweling, feature lighting and drift off to dreamland on bespoke beds wrapped in Egyptian Cotton bed linens.
A five-star hotel set on a vast estate, Adare Manor is known for its opulent architecture and elegant surroundings. The manicured gardens and the grandeur of the Manor provide a luxurious backdrop for a wedding.
An Adare Manor wedding is always one to be savoured, whether it’s small and intimate or a grand affair. It has a unique ambience, a mix of old-world glamour and modern technology and comfort, suffused with warmth and good old-fashioned Irish hospitality, that makes it one of my personal favourite Irish destination wedding venues. It’s what is known as a Gothic revival calendar house, so named because it has 365 leaded windows, 52 chimneys, seven stone pillars, and four towers, which mark the days, weeks, and seasons of the year. The award-winning hotel also includes a championship golf course (set to host the Ryder Cup in 2027) and a Michelin-starred restaurant. In 2018, it was named Hotel of the Year at the Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards ahead of properties like the famed Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat in France and the Berkeley in London.
But really, what makes Adare so unique is not only the setting, but the people. They have a motto they use, ‘Beyond Everything’, and that is really what they do. They go above and beyond for every single guest and every single wedding. For example, there’s Philip, the wedding butler and one of my favourite people at Adare. He becomes so involved with the wedding couple that when they say goodbye it’s a little like parting from a member of the family. Another example is Mary, part of the Adare Food and Beverage team. She gets to know every member of both families, what they would like to eat and drink, and where they need to be and when. It really is an extraordinary level of service, which reflects my philosophy as a wedding planner. It’s this kind of personal attention that makes guests feel truly pampered and turns an Adare Manor wedding from an event into an experience.
When I speak to couples who imagine their wedding in an an intimate and opulent setting, surrounded by rich history and literary legends, I tell them the Museum of Literature Ireland (also known as the MoLI) is the venue for them. Couples who appreciate this city’s love of literature know that MoLI is the perfect wedding setting. Just traverse through Dublin and you’ll find a myriad of bookshops, historic libraries, literary plaques and statues. Some of the world’s most famous writers called Dublin home.
A relatively new addition to the cultural scene in downtown Dublin, it is a dedicated museum that celebrates the rich literary heritage of Ireland and its literary luminaries. MoLI is a partnership between University College Dublin and the National Library of Ireland. Inside the hidden historic rooms of the MoLI, you will find yourself encompassed by Georgian lavishness and you and your guests will join the ranks of all the fascinating characters that have passed through over the centuries.
Couples who choose the Museum of Literature Ireland have access to the gardens outside, including the beautiful Iveagh Gardens, which were originally owned by the Guinness family. The Iveagh house is located just a few doors down from the MoLI. Intimate weddings at MoLI are a joy to plan. It is stylish and elegant and offers opportunities for celebration both inside and out. I relish creating an atmosphere of exclusivity for you and your cherished friends and family to focus on the moment at hand.
Dromoland Castle (Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare)
Another castle setting, Dromoland Castle, offers a historic and romantic atmosphere. The castle is surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful lake, creating a magical setting for a wedding.
Originally the seat of the descendants of one of the last High Kings of Ireland, Dromoland Castle is now an amazing luxury hotel that has welcomed celebrities and dignitaries from Bono to Nelson Mandela. Magnificent scenery, sumptuous interiors, a championship golf course, and elegant French-inspired fine dining add to the unforgettable experience. The venue is also incredibly versatile, offering a wide range of ceremony and reception spaces of different sizes, from a charming walled garden to the magnificent Brian Boru Hall.
As soon as you step through the elegant Georgian doors of the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, you’re immediately transported into a world of luxury and charm, wrapped in a warm Irish welcome. This place embodies grace, romance, and hospitality – making it an unrivaled destination wedding venue in the heart of Ireland.
The Merrion Hotel takes its distinctive character from 18th-century townhouses, which once belonged to influential Irish figures — boasting 123 guest rooms and 19 suites, a two-star Michelin restaurant, a luxurious spa, and meticulously manicured private gardens. The hotel exemplifies grandeur, splendor, and comfort – everything you might wish for your wedding day.
You cannot go wrong with a Merrion Hotel wedding; it is undoubtedly a testament to Ireland’s rich history, elegantly situated within four meticulously restored Georgian townhouses in Dublin. These 18th-century townhouses, once the homes of notable figures such as Viscount Monck and Garret Wesley, were designed by famed Irish architect Richard Cassels. Over the years, they have witnessed significant events in Irish history, such as the birth of Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington. The hotel’s name, ‘Merrion’, comes from the title ‘Viscount Merrion’, granted to Sir Charles Monck in 1760. Today, the hotel blends its historic grandeur with modern luxury, offering a unique retreat that is deeply rooted in the city’s architectural and social history. It serves as a beautiful reminder of Dublin’s Georgian heritage while providing world-class services to its guests.
I’m always delighted when my clients choose Ballyfin Demesne for their destination weddings in Ireland, as it truly is a special place. Built in 1820, the neo-classical Regency mansion (and later, boys’ school) underwent an extensive renovation in the early 2000s, finally reopening as a luxurious five-star country hotel in 2011. Since then, it has received multiple prestigious accolades, including being voted the best hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and receiving the AA’s Hotel of the Year Award in 2018. If you want something very unique and private, then this is the place for you.
What makes Ballyfin wedding venue so special is that visiting it is like walking back in time. Think of it as a Downton Abbey house party of your very own. On arrival, the staff line up to greet you, just as if you were the lords and ladies of the manor returning to your country pile. And that’s just the start of the old-world charm and traditional Irish hospitality you can expect during your stay. The butlers all have a personal connection to the property, so they are part of the family there, and everyone has a story to tell.
Although Ballyfin is described as a country house venue, I think of it more as a little bit of paradise in the middle of Ireland. On a clear night, it’s easy to imagine what the world was like 200 years ago. With very little light pollution, the countryside is so still and serene that it feels like you’re the only people for miles around. And it’s so private that once you enter you really feel like you have arrived home. I’m delighted to have such a strong relationship with the wonderful team there, and to be able to recommend it to my clients knowing that they’ll love it as much as I do.
A country estate with a Georgian mansion, Mount Juliet offers a blend of luxury and natural beauty. The estate includes a golf course, gardens, and a river, providing various picturesque backdrops.
To describe a bit more about why I suggested Mount Juliet, it is nestled within the verdant Irish countryside, it is a breathtaking wedding venue that offers an idyllic setting at a majestic Georgian Manor house, set on a sprawling 500-acre estate. The bride described to me that she had always dreamt of a winter wedding and this venue seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern luxury, providing an enchanting backdrop for the ultimate fairy-tale winter wedding. Surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, ancient woodlands, and the tranquil River Nore, Mount Juliet is the epitome of romance and charm.
These are some of my favourites and what I would consider the top places to wed in Ireland in 2024. There are so many, so reach out! We can talk about even more Incredible Wedding Locations in Ireland. Remember to consider the capacity, check reviews and testimonials, and visit the location, if possible. You should always discuss your specific needs with your wedding planner as they should be the expert in whatever venue you choose. Once you’ve decided on a location, you can move on to the next best part: First Steps to Planning a Destination Wedding.
