Just a short scoot down the road to Wicklow brings you to some of Ireland’s most appealing wedding venues.

I’ve already covered castles and manor houses as a perfect choice of wedding venues.

In this blog, I’m focusing on venues that are very easily reached if the happy couple and their family are based in the Dublin area.

Typically, they want their guests to have a short commute, but on the other hand, they want a venue that feels like it’s somewhere very different.

The solution, for many people, is right on our doorstep – the gloriously scenic county of Wicklow.

I’ve been fortunate to have performed as part of the wedding entertainment, in  many venues in ‘The Garden Of Ireland’ over the years.

There’s nothing scientific about this listing – they’re just some of my personal favourites.

Brooklodge Hotel – Capacity 200

If you’re looking for scenic beauty, it’s hard to beat Brooklodge, set in a genuinely spectacular Wicklow Valley.

Even an amateur photographer would look good in this venue – there are so many great locations for the wedding pics.

The food is great, with a commitment to organic or wild produce.

And another great plus that seems to go down a treat with wedding guests is that there’s a quaint little chapel on the grounds, as well as a pub of its own.

You can find more details here – https://www.brooklodge.com/en/wedding-venue-wicklow/

Glenview Hotel – Capacity 160

This is a little gem of a hotel, situated in the shadow of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain and overlooking the truly beautiful Glen of the Downs.

The wedding party will have 30 acres of woodland walks to explore after dinner, and the gorgeous landscaped gardens are just ace for getting photos that will wow you.

Glenview is also a great location for weddings that will feature a second day party.

You can find more detail here https://www.glenviewhotel.com/weddings/

Seafield Hotel – Capacity 320

Diarmuid Gavin designed the beautifully landscaped gardens at Seafield, and it really is an Aladdin’s Cave of wonderful photo opportunities.

It’s set on 160 acres of parkland, with access to the sands of Ballymoney Beach.

Lots of more daring couples head to the beach for photos with a bit of a wild feel to them.

The hotel itself is very contemporary in style, with loads of natural daylight and gob-smacking sea views.

There’s also an award-winning Spa for any of your guests that are staying over for a few days.

You can find more detail here https://www.seafieldhotel.com/weddings.html

Tulfarris Hotel – Capacity 250

Tulfarris is set against one of the most spectacular backdrops you’re likely to find, with the Blessington Lakes and Wicklow Mountains almost certain to feature in your photos.

Over €6m has been spent recently on a lavish renovation programme – and it shows. The 18th century Manor House is very definitely back to its former glory.

Tulfarris is also accredited with an AA Rosette, so you know that the food is going to be excellent.

You can find more detail at – https://www.tulfarrishotel.com/weddings

Tinakilly Country House – Capacity 260

Tinakilly is set in 14 acres of beautifully landscaped mature gardens and overlooks the Irish Sea.

This 19th century mansion has been beautifully restored – but has lost none of its old world charm in the process.

The beautiful reception rooms can cater for up to 100 guests, but if your wedding party is bigger, the new bespoke Marquee can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Tinakilly is very big on locally sourced produce, and even has its own herb garden to supply the kitchen.

It’s available for exclusive hire, so you won’t have to share your big day with anyone other than your friends, family and loved ones.

You can find more detail here https://tinakilly.ie/weddings/

Rathsallagh House – Capacity 250

Rathsallagh is another venue that can cater for a larger wedding, and can comfortably host a party of 250.

The 17th Century Country House boasts a really romantic setting on 500 acres of rolling fields.

There are literally thousands of mature trees and long winding avenues, so you’re guaranteed perfect privacy – and some great trails to walk off that heavy wedding dinner!

There’s a really homely feel when the open log and turf fires are burning away merrily, and the dining room and drawing rooms are the height of luxury, as you’d expect from a 5-star venue.

Despite those five stars, it’s not at all stuffy and manages to make you feel like you’re ‘in your granny’s”, as they say in Dublin.

You can find more detail here https://www.rathsallagh.com/weddings.html

Powerscourt Hotel – Capacity 168

Without a doubt, Powerscourt is one of the country’s premier five-star hotels.

A very easy drive from Dublin, it’s located in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains and is a photographer’s dream.

One of the stars of the show is the magnificent double height Georgian ballroom, complete with beautiful columns and ornate plasterwork on the ceiling

The Garden Rooms overlook the formal gardens, with great views to the Wicklow Mountains.

It’s an absolutely gorgeous place to chill with a G&T and chat with your fellow wedding guests.

You can find more detail here https://www.powerscourthotel.com/weddings#

Druids Glen Resort – Capacity 250

The five-star Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort is another star of the Wicklow landscape, and it’s hard to find a better or more scenic backdrop to your big day.

It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo in this neck of the woods – there are spectacular vistas everywhere you look.

The chandelier-lit ballroom is gorgeous, and a great centrepiece for your wedding celebration.

You can find more detail here https://www.druidsglenresort.com/weddings.html

So there you have it – we’ve come to the end of our three-blog series on great wedding venues.

Wherever you finally decide to have your wedding, I hope that it will work out brilliantly for you, and that it will make a handsome contribution to the best day of your life.

And who knows – I may even see you there if I happen to be the wedding entertainer.

Shane Black
Follow me