Photo: Courtesy of The Doyle Collection
After St. Patrick's Day, what better time to spotlight Ireland as the next It wedding destination? Whether you or your fiancé have Irish roots or you've just always wanted to see the hills of Moher, Ireland is becoming the next It destination for holidays and weddings. The land famous for famous folklore, first producing toile (no, it wasn't the French), Guinness, and more is also a romantic country filled with a rich history that's still evident in its castles, universities, and various landscapes.
The flight from New York to Dublin is approximately six hours and 15 minutes, which means wedding guests will take advantage of being far from home and most likely extend their trips to see more of the country. To travel across Ireland east to west from Dublin to Galway only takes around two hours by car. Not sold on the idea yet? From how to entertain those making the long journey to the many venue possibilities, we have answers to all in our guide to hosting a destination wedding in Ireland, below.
When to Go
According to locals, one of the best times to visit Ireland is over St. Patrick's Day. The spirits are high during this famous holiday—even though (fun fact!) Halloween also originated in the country—and there will be a lot of revelry that wedding guests will love joining in on. While Ireland's weather is a little like the U.K.'s weather in its unpredictability, Mother Nature tends to behave herself for an outdoor ceremony the best in the spring and autumn.
Photo: Courtesy of The Doyle Collection
Where to Stay
This is an important question: what setting do you want for your wedding? There are truly so many to choose from, but the most romantic places are in the countryside. Want more of a city feel? You cannot go wrong with Dublin.
Photo: Courtesy of The Doyle Collection
The Westbury Hotel in the heart of Dublin—between Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green—is our favorite spot. And this year marks the completion of a multi-year top-down interior renovation—all suites and guest rooms have been touched for this new chapter. (This editor can personally vouch for the luxurious feel of the Signature Suite and its gleaming bathroom.) The unveiling of the 1,400 square-foot P.V. Doyle Suite, which can be booked as a four-suite configuration, is a game changer. Did we mention The Westbury also features babysitting services, an iconic afternoon tea gallery, an award-winning cocktail bar, and more? It's the clear choice for a Dublin wedding.
Photo: Courtesy of The Doyle Collection
There are two ballrooms suitable for ceremonies and receptions. The Grafton Suite can easily accommodate 150 seated guests, while the Trinity Suite is more appropriate for intimate seatings of up to 20. There are also multiple churches around the hotel, ready for religious ceremonies. And The Sidecar bar is no doubt a hot spot and a place to celebrate—it can also be used as an after-party space for a club/lounge-like atmosphere.
Photo: Courtesy of Dromoland Castle
For those wanting a regal experience, try the five-star hotel Dromoland Castle in County Clare, which in fact was once a working castle belonging to one of the last High Kings of Ireland—a local historian can fill you in on all the details upon arrival. Set on 500 acres of countryside, the 16th-century castle combines luxurious history and a modern, world-class experience and is now home to the country's first spa offering Dr. Barbara Sturm treatments.
The entire castle can be taken over for lavish weddings, but it's not required. Smaller celebrations can take place in the Brian Boru Hall with a private entrance and patio for al fresco drinks after the I dos. During the spring and summer, weddings in the Walled Garden or Temple of Mercury in the forest become extra special options for ceremony settings.
Photo: Courtesy of Dromoland Castle
In addition to the 97 rooms (including 14 suites) for loved ones, Dromoland Lodge is also available—a five-bedroom abode set on the 18th-hole Championship golf course. The lodge also features a game room, boot room, parlor with a fully stocked bar, private putting green, and laundry service.
Many famous faces have spent time at Dromoland. The Beatles famously took a few photos on the front lawn in 1964, Nobel Prize-winner Guglielmo Marconi honeymooned there, and other visitors include Nelson Mandela, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, United States Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, and James Bond himself, Pierce Brosnan.
With that roster of clientele, the service is appropriately top-notch. At every meal, expect the silver cloches to be lifted in unison by white-gloved waiters. The kitchen also serves delicious local cuisine and is surprisingly great with accommodating food allergies—who knew you could get a selection of vegan cheese in the Irish countryside? And the rooms recall the royal days of Ireland and will easily please even the pickiest relatives. With a chapel and walled garden on the property, the ceremony locations are nearly endless, and arriving by horse and carriage is a favorite option for couples wanting a fairytale feel.
What to Do
This is where the fun begins. Dromoland Castle has a number of exciting activities to offer private groups, such as afternoon tea, falconry, archery, history walking tours, fishing, horseback riding, clay shooting, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and tennis. It's also worth mentioning that it's also a world-class golf club, and the famous course Lahinch is only a 40-minute drive from the hotel. If there's any Irish lineage in the group, a consultation with in-house genealogist and family historian Lorna Moloney can add a sentimental touch to the wedding weekend.
J.J. Corry Whiskey bonder is also a great place to visit for the whiskey-loving guests. Here, loved ones will get a tour of the property and see the cask room, where you can even create your own custom blend, which makes for a great and memorable wedding favor. It's also one of the only female-founded whiskey bonders in that part of the world.
Any chefs, environmentalists, and foodies will love a foraging day with Oonagh O'Dwyer of Wild Kitchen. It's so fascinating to learn what's local to this part of the world—there's so much seaweed by the coastline, you'll be confusedly craving sushi.
As a way to further bond with the bridal party, head to Burren Perfumery to browse the gardens, have a spot of tea, and shop the selection of hand-made cosmetics and skincare products. The lip balm, face cleanser, shampoo & conditioner, rose perfume, and hand soap & lotion are our must-have recommendations.
Around Dublin, you can't go without visiting the Guinness Storehouse. Best for those 18 years of age and older—sorry kids—this experience is fun for those who are Guinness-fanatics and those new to the drink. Guests will learn how to perfectly pour a pint, which is a serious craft that is heavily mocked on social media when done wrong. You must get a photo of yourself printed on the Guinness foam that sits on the top of the glass, affectionately called a "Stout-ie."
For history fans and those who love Sally Rooney novels, especially Normal People, take a trip to Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed. This famous text contains the four Gospels in Latin based on the Vulgate text which St Jerome completed in 384 A.D., intermixed with readings from the earlier Old Latin translation. Then wander up to the Trinity library's Long Room. Meghan Markle visited this room during a royal tour in 2018 and the first thing she noted was that the busts in the room were all of men. Since she made that comment, there are at least four female busts being created—go Meghan!
And even if you hate tourist traps, at least walk past the famous The Temple Bar—maybe not on St. Patrick's Day though, as that's like walking into Times Square on New Year's Eve.
If you need even more convincing that Ireland is the perfect place to start your journey into marriage, then take a look at these Over The Moon weddings:
This Multi-Day Wedding at Adare Manor Was Designed To Feel Like a Theatrical Performance
This Couple’s Wedding Planner Performed Their Hand-Fasting Ceremony at Killruddery House in Ireland
Instagram Editorial Lead Michaela O’Shaughnessy’s Summer Countryside Chic Wedding in Ireland
The Grooms Wore Velvet Tuxedos to Their Micro-Wedding at a Castle in Northern Ireland
A Rainbow Appeared Above Kilkea Castle at This Summer Wedding in Ireland
These Two Grooms Tied the Knot with a Celtic Handfasting Ceremony in Ireland
