Let’s go outside: a list of outdoor wedding venues in Ireland

Dreaming of an outdoor wedding ceremony? Here is a list of my favourite spots for fabulous al fresco vows.

bellinter house outdoor ceremony setting under big tree

Quick List of Venues:

Ballyvolane house, co. Cork – famous for its magical woodland ceremonies and glamping options.
Cliff at Lyons , co. Kildare – Orangerie, riverbank and waterfall
Mount druid, co. Westmeath – a quirky, alternative space set on 100 acres with a walled garden and lake.
Virginia park lodge, co. Cavan – offers stunning views of Lough Ramor and Michelin-quality outdoor dining.
Killruddery house, co. Wicklow – features world-class 17th-century gardens for a regal outdoor feel.
Dromquinna manor, co. Kerry – perfect for a waterside ceremony right on the shores of Kenmare Bay.
Marlfield house, co. Wexford – known for its terrace and formal gardens that feel like an oasis.
Cloughjordan house, co. Tipperary – a relaxed venue with a beautiful woods shed and lawn spaces.
Ballintubbert gardens, co. Laois – designed specifically for garden lovers with multiple “outdoor rooms.”
Lisnavagh house, co. Carlow – a gothic backdrop with massive lawns and ancient trees.
Ballymagarvey village, co. Meath – features a picturesque courtyard and manicured garden settings
Markree Castle, co. Sligo – a dedicated wedding garden, outdoor dancing are and woodland ceremony area
The K Club, Kildare –Built-in 1832 The manicured formal gardens, complete with striking water features

Detailed description of venues:

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

Cliff 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 wedding in Cliff at Lyon Celbridge, Co Kildare, T: 01 6303 500, villageatlyons.com

Mount Druid

Walled Garden: A secluded, intimate space used for outdoor ceremonies and private wedding photography.Lakeside Boathouse: A tranquil setting for drinks receptions. When the weather is fine, guests can enjoy drinks on the outdoor deck by the summer house overlooking the lake.Parkland & Pine Trees: The estate features over 200,000 broadleaf trees, providing a sprawling natural backdrop for guests to stroll between the Tin Chapel, Boathouse, and Barn.Outdoor BBQ Area: Located at the rear of the Barn within the walled garden, featuring a large fireplace for relaxed evening dining

Virginia Park Lodge

Virginia Park Lodge is a former hunting estate set on 100 acres of private grounds overlooking lough ramor in co. cavan. it is owned and operated by michelin-starred chef richard corrigan, making it a top choice for couples who prioritize high-end food and a luxury-countryside feel.outdoor & ceremony spacesthe pavilion: a stunning glass-walled space that brings the outdoors in, overlooking the lake and gardens. it can host up to 300 guests.walled garden: a meticulously maintained kitchen garden where much of the lodge’s produce is grown. it is a popular spot for outdoor ceremonies and garden drinks.lakeside views: the estate features direct access to lough ramor, providing a natural backdrop for photographs and woodland walks.the parterre: formal gardens located directly behind the main house, ideal for elegant outdoor receptions.

Killruddery House

killruddery house, co. wicklow a magnificent 800-acre estate featuring some of the oldest formal gardens in ireland. it offers a “regal” atmosphere with high-end architecture and stunning landscapes. outdoor spaces: the long ponds, sylvan theatre (a natural grass amphitheatre), and the walled garden. the orangery: a victorian glass house inspired by the crystal palace, perfect for receptions with an outdoor feel. capacity: up to 160 in the orangery; larger numbers in the grain store. vibe: aristocratic, historic, and grand.

Dromquinna Manor

a 40-acre waterfront estate located on the shores of Kenmare Bay. it is famous for its “glamping” and sophisticated seaside aesthetic.outdoor spaces: the seaside lawn for ceremonies directly overlooking the water and the shuttes (a pier-side bistro).accommodation: includes luxury safari tents (glamping) and the historic manor house.capacity: the drawing rooms host up to 80; the ballroom up to 180.vibe: coastal chic, relaxed luxury, and nautical.

Cloughjordan House

a 400-year-old French-style manor house that functions as a “party” venue with a heavy focus on organic, home-grown food.outdoor spaces: the “woods shed” (a rustic open-air ceremony space), the sweeping front lawn, and the organic vegetable gardens.accommodation: unique “podna” cabins, cowshed rooms, and main house bedrooms (sleeps approx. 85).Capacity: The ballroom seats up to 180 guests.vibe: festival-style, foodie-centric, and unpretentious.

Ballintubbert Gardens

known as the “garden of ireland,” this venue consists of 14 acres of internationally renowned gardens designed as a series of “outdoor rooms.”outdoor spaces: the rose garden, the linden walk, and a circular sunken garden for ceremonies.The Orchard Marquee: a luxury permanent marquee set within the orchard for the main reception.Capacity: up to 220 guests in the marquee.vibe: intimate, bohemian, and a paradise for horticulturists.

Lisnavagh House

a gothic revival mansion set within 600 acres of parkland with dramatic views of the wicklow mountains.outdoor spaces: the “yew tree walk” for outdoor blessings and the vast lawns framed by ancient trees.the garden wing: a flexible space for dining that opens directly onto the gardens.capacity: up to 170 guests in the garden wing.vibe: private, gothic, and expansive.

Ballymagarvey Village

a beautifully restored 18th-century flax mill village that offers an entirely private, self-contained “hamlet” feel.outdoor spaces: the Victorian walled garden, the courtyard with its open fires, and the lakeside walk.the banquet hall: a high-ceilinged stone barn with exposed beams and views of the waterfall.capacity: up to 220 guests.vibe: enchanting, rustic-luxe, and highly professional.

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 train’s 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 an al fresco drinks reception 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