Dreaming of an outdoor wedding ceremony? Here is a list of my favourite spots for fabulous al fresco vows:
Ballyvolane House, Cork
With over 80 acres of mature woodland, manicured gardens, parkland and lakes, Ballyvolane House offers a dreamy setting for an outdoor ceremony (with the bonus of a cool converted bar for a contingency plan, if bad weather scuppers things). Marry beneath the trees surrounded by loved ones, before drinks on the lawns in front of the smart country house followed by dinner in the beautiful vintage tent and dancing in the barn. Boho brilliance!
Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co Cork, T: 025 36349, ballyvolanehouse.ie
Village At Lyons
Few settings are more romantic than a restored 18th-century village estate on the banks of the Liffey. Here you can take over this intimate space and have a fun village-style wedding with plenty of glamour. Guests can gather around you on the lawns, beneath shady trees and surrounded by beautiful cottages. Private and pretty, the converted mill, Orangerie, river bank and waterfall make it a perfect oasis for celebrating in.
Celbridge, Co Kildare, T: 01 6303 500, villageatlyons.com
The Glenview, Wicklow
a ceremony with a view difficult beat the rolling grounds Wicklow’s Glenview Hotel. Nestled in the Downs, a short hop from Dublin the sheltered gardens offer an oasis of vibrant plants, flower beds water features. Best all are views of the glen and the mature which form romantic natural lanterns hanging from branches, plenty of secluded spaces for a gorgeous ceremony and a real Secret Garden feel to this popular venue.
Trudder Lodge, Wicklow
Built-in 1835 this former Archbishop’s home has seriously impressive grounds that beg to be partied in. With trees that are centuries old, a Georgian walled garden and paths that weave alongside the lake and through the woods these are the best of country life on the capital’s doorstep. Every wedding here is bespoke, with just 30 a year, so your party can take over for the weekend and celebrate exactly as you wish. Marry on the lawn or terrace, revel in your garden party and dance under the stars till dusk. Trudder, Newcastle, Co Wicklow, T: 087 642 9237
The Station House Hotel, Meath
Imagine getting married in a unique space hidden deep in the woods. Secreted away from Kilmessan’s beautifully restored Station House Hotel is the trains’ original turntable, which has been brilliantly converted into a recessed space in the ground, perfect for seating up to 70 guests with space for extra on the surrounding wall and standing room on the manicured grass An atmospheric and one-of-a-kind outdoors ceremony
Kilmessan, Co Meath, T: 046 9025 239
Markree Castle, Sligo
The newly revamped Markree Castle, just outside Sligo is back on the map for a luxurious wedding venue with its combination of five-star service, setting, impressive architecture and those superb grounds. Imagine exchanging vows in a dedicated wedding garden, a beautiful and tranquil space that enjoys views over the sweeping estate while offering an intimate setting for your day. Afterwards, you can enjoy drinks reception al fresco guests will still enjoy great.
The K Club, Kildare
Built-in 1832 Straffan House forms part of the opulent K Club, a landmark property modelled on a French chateau that’s synonymous with stylish weddings. The manicured formal gardens, complete with striking water features are a highlight and make a beautiful backdrop for a glamorous outdoor ceremony. For something more rustic their private island in the River Liffey is magical. Enjoy drinks on the lawn with a string quartet before moving inside to enjoy the elegant interiors and period furniture, five-star service and sumptuous gourmet fare.
Kildare, T: 01 601 7200, kclub.ie