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25th Jun 2015
Earlier this year, we chose 100 of our favourite Irish wedding venues from around the country and asked you, our readers, to vote for the one that made your day. Votes poured in, with the country’s?best places to get hitched battling neck and neck to score the top gong. Wedding plans at the ready, ladies: here’s who came out on top this year?
Cliff House Hotel?Famed for its Michelin-star restaurant, with an exquisite menu made with locally sourced foods from the Munster region, both national and international visitors alike flock to the Cliff House. Indulge your wedding guests with a mouth-watering wedding feast, complemented by the breath-taking scenery of Ardmore Bay. What their brides say ?Everything about our wedding in the Cliff House was perfect. The staff made an extra effort to ensure that we got to enjoy our day, which made us feel very special. Our guests adored the venue, bar, service, beautiful ocean-front scenery and, of course, the delicious food. We could not have been happier with choosing this incredible place as our wedding venue.?
Middle Road, Ardmore, Co Waterford, 024 87800
?Runner Up
Fallon & Byrne The beautifully sunlit ballroom makes Fallon & Byrne the ultimate intimate urban venue to enjoy excellent food and service for understated nuptials.
11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, 01 472 1010
BEST FOR BIG SPACES
Powerscourt House & Gardens??A Palladian-style mansion predating the 1300s, surrounded by 47 acres of abundant gardens and located at the foothills of the romantic Wicklow mountains, makes Powerscourt House and Gardens a majestically spectacular setting for your nuptials. What their brides say “Powerscourt House not only gave us the day we had been dreaming of, but also allowed us to be stress free and really enjoy every minute of our special day.”?Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, 01 204 6000
Runner Up
Brooklodge?and Macreddin Village Get married in the private chapel located in the resplendent gardens of Brooklodge to the music of the stream flowing through the grounds, a thoroughly romantic setting for your nuptials.?Macreddin Village, Co Wicklow, 0402 36444
BEST FOR GLITZ & GLAM
The Shelbourne Hotel?Centrally located on Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, steeped in 191 years of history and part of our national heritage and identity, The Shelbourne has long been hosting momentous events. These days, their impeccable in-house floristry team, Flowers by the Shelbourne, are revered for their ability to create stunning ceremony flowers, bridal bouquets, reception arrangements, and boutonnieres. What their brides say “A unique venue, with fantastic service and exquisite food. The attention to detail at The Shelbourne is second to none.” 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, 01 663 4500
Runner Up
Galgorm Resort & Spa Revered as Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel, Galgorm offers the finest selection of restaurants, gorgeous guestrooms and banqueting facilities.?136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, 048 2588 1001
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BEST FOR COSY CHARACTER
Ballymagarvey Village?An exclusive venue situated in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley, Ballymagarvey Village is associated with some of Ireland’s greatest love stories, predating the 13th century. Let its stunning surroundings provide the setting to your fairytale wedding. What their brides say ?I would highly recommend Ballymagarvey Village. Nothing is a problem and the staff treated us like we are the most important people in the world. I am so glad that we found Ballymagarvey for our wedding; if I was to do it all again I would not hesitate to return to this outstanding venue.?
Balrath, Navan, Co Meath, 041 982 5959
?Runner Up
Rathsallagh House Gather together in this beautifully intimate venue, complete with impeccable service and a familial feeling that runs throughout the house and grounds.?Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, 045 403 112
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NATURE’S CALM
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Coolbawn Quay?Nestled in a special conservation area, perched on north Tipperary’s lakeshore, with panoramic views of Lough Derg, Coolbawn Quay is possibly one of the most picturesque locations in Ireland. The grounds are nature personified and the venue’s infrastructure sensitively complements its surroundings with the magnificent Lakeshore Pavilion, a spectacular venue for your nuptials. What their brides say ?We fell in love with Coolbawn Quay immediately. Our wedding day was so relaxed and all of our guests were incredibly looked after by the amazing staff. We are so grateful to Coolbawn for making our day so spectacular from start to finish.??Nenagh, Co Tipperary, 067 28158
Runner Up
Inchydoney Island?The staff at Inchydoney Island understand that no two couples are the same, which is why they go out of their way to provide a service and standard that will make each day unique.?Clonakilty, Co Cork, 023 883 3143
CASTLE MAGIC
Castle Leslie Estate?Castle Leslie is one of the last great Irish castle estates that is still in the hands of its founding family. The Co Monaghan castle, with exquisitely unique interiors and old-style hospitality, rests on a stunning and secluded 1,000-acre estate; a truly idyllic setting for your special day. What their brides say “Our expectations were not only met, they were exceeded in every possible aspect. Thank you Castle Leslie for creating such a magical experience that we shall have for all time.”?Glaslough, Co Monaghan, 047 88 100
Runner Up
Castle Durrow Attention to detail that includes a garden designed with wedding photography in mind, along with exquisite amenities and services, solidifies Castle Durrow’s status as an other-worldly venue that will provide nothing short of excellence.?Durrow, Co Laois, 057 873 6555
HISTORIC GRANDEUR
Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort?A magical castle-style venue, with a warm and homely feel, Adare Manor is a timeless setting to bring your love story to the next chapter. The Minstrels? Gallery is the venue’s stunning grand banqueting hall, which will cast a romantic light on your dinner with twinkling chandeliers and glimmering candelabras. What their brides say ?Our wedding day was a fairytale experience highlighted by exceptional service, a magical atmosphere marked by delighted guests who continue to comment on Adare Manor’s excellence, to this day.??Adare, Co Limerick, 061 605 200
?Runner Up
Marlfield House Luxurious warmth springs from Marlfield House – truly a venue of style, it’s decorated with beautiful antiques, ornate tapestries and noted paintings.?Courtown Road, Gorey, Co Wexford, 053 942 1124
CITY VIBES
The g?Hotel??& Spa?Renowned as one of Ireland’s most exciting and modern hotels, with its individual interior designed by internationally respected Philip Treacy, the g?Hotel & Spa is the ideal venue for both alternative and traditional weddings. Its central location in Galway makes it accessible and packed with urban appeal. What their brides say ?We wanted a classy, stylish venue that exuded glamour and the g?Hotel certainly met our requirements. The day of our wedding was seamless; everything went so well. The food was a resounding success and a huge talking point among the guests, which was something that was very important to us.??Dublin Road, Galway, 091 865 200
Runner Up
The Morrison Located in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, overlooking the River Liffey, The Morrison holds a prominent position as a hip and vibrant premier destination for all occasions, especially your wedding day.?1 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, 01 887 2400
PLANNING EASE
Fota Island Resort?Fota Island Resort is one of Ireland’s leading five-star hotels. The prestige of this outstanding venue is based upon their excellent service and serenity, amid some of the country’s most idyllic greenery and naturally preserved landscape. What their brides say ?To say our wedding at Fota Island Resort was magical is an understatement. The setting, food and bridal suite were all amazing. Our on-site wedding co-ordinator could not have been friendlier or more accommodating; she was such an amazing help. I would, and have, recommended Fota Island Resort to everyone as the perfect wedding venue.??Fota Island, Co Cork, 021 488 3700
?Runner Up
The Lodge at Ashford Castle Located in one of Ireland’s most prestigious historical estates, overlooking the breath-taking Lough Corrib, the Lodge is a homely vibe with all the grandeur you could ask for.?Ashford Castle Estate, Cong, Co Mayo, 094 954 5400
INTIMATE SPACES
Tinakilly Country House and Gardens?An avenue lined with majestic oak trees guides you to stunning views over mountains, lakes, sea and the warm welcome of a beautifully restored manor, four-star Tinakilly House in Co Wicklow. The venue boasts beautiful Victorian architecture with their Captain Halpin Suite, just one of Tinakilly’s many rooms that lead out to lush gardens, ideal for intimate wedding receptions. What their brides say ?Tinakilly House made our wedding dream come true. We were blessed with a personalised, friendly and professional service in the beautiful country house, with its newly built wedding pavilion that stunned our guests.??Rathnew, Co Wicklow, 0404 69274
Runner Up
Finnstown Castle Hotel Conveniently located 20 minutes from Dublin’s city centre, Finnstown Castle Hotel offers the capital city one of the most quintessentially spectacular castle estates.?Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, 01 601 0700
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