It really is all about the people you are surrounded by when you say “I do”, and that goes for the venue organisers, suppliers and coordinators too! Here, we celebrate those incredible people who work around the clock to make sure every couple is as much in love with their wedding day as they are with each other.
Our expert judges oversaw the selections, each choosing special venues and suppliers to honour.
Meet The 2023 Judges...
Mark Rogers
Mark’s beauty career began when he was just 22 and he has been making up brides all over the country ever since. A regular contributor on RTÉ’s Today for more than 14 years, Mark makes beauty and skincare fun and easy with his entertaining Instagram reels.
Dominique Nugent
A social media content creator, Dominique loves all things fashion, hair, beauty and travel. Weddings are close to her heart right now as she only recently planned her own special day, and married the love of her life Paddy in June.
Aimee Connolly
Aimee is one of Ireland’s leading make-up artists and the visionary behind the award-winning make-up brand Sculpted by Aimee Connolly. The beauty guru tied the knot in France last month which means she’s an expert when it comes to must-have wedding trends.
Áine Kenny
RSVP journalist Áine is getting married in September 2024 so she knows first-hand what goes into planning a wedding. While she wants to offer advice to all brides-to-be, she is also hoping to pick up some suggestions for her own big day.
And now meet our 2023 venues...
Best 5-Star Venue
Castlemartyr Resort
Why Say Yes: Look no further than the Capel Suite ballroom for your perfect reception, with floor to ceiling windows and decadent chandeliers, plus a stellar level of service from the wedding team, who will decorate the venue to your tastes.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The resort is just 20 minutes from Cork City, making it so convenient for guests to access the incredible 17th-century manor house.
Picture Perfect: The 13th-century castle ruins on the grounds create a beautiful ambiance where you can snap stunning photos.
T: +353 (0)21 421 9000 | E: reservations@castlemartyrresort.ie | W: www.castlemartyrresort.ie
Best 4-Star Venue
The Johnstown Estate
Why Say Yes: For weddings big or small, the beautiful Johnstown Estate is on hand to make memorable events that honour the couple’s vision and personal traditions. Their incredibly diligent team is committed to making your commitment as perfect as possible.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Your personal wedding-coordinator will craft a thoughtfully designed wedding around your needs, taking all the stress away and making the experience seamless so you can focus on enjoying this special time.
Picture perfect: The Johnstown Estate’s walled garden is an incredible backdrop for breathtaking wedding photos.
W: https://thejohnstownestate.com | T: +353 46 954 0000 | E: info@thejohnstownestate.com
Best Luxury Hotel
Glenlo Abbey
Why Say Yes: This beautiful 5-star hotel set on sweeping grounds is one of Ireland's most sought after venues in which to tie the knot, thanks to its distinguishing meld of 18th Century charm and contemporary taste. Their wedding coordinator will help you choose from the numerous stunning venue spaces and suites to host your celebration, and the esteemed team will decorate it to perfection.
Distinctive features: The abbey is home to the Pullman Restaurant, two former carriages from the Orient Express, a stunning location for rehearsal dinner or 'night before' celebration with close friends and family.
W: www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie | T: (091) 519 600
Best Spring Wedding Venue
Fernhill House
Why Say Yes: This family-run Georgian Manor estate has a myriad of gorgeous choices for your big day, including a wedding garden which is incredibly beautiful in soring, wisteria-adorned chandeliers and a silk-draped marquee or country house in which to tie the knot.
Beauty in the details: The O’Neill family is renowned for providing amazing food and service so you and your guests are guaranteed to create incredible memories that will last a life-time, all which can be captured in the numerous stunning locations for photos throughout acres of gorgeous gardens and stunning Georgian Mansion House.
W: www.fernhillhousehotel.com | T: 023 883325W: www.fernhillhousehotel.com | T: 023 883325
Best Exclusive Venue
The Killarney Oaks Hotel
Why Say Yes: The team at The Killarney Oaks Hotel have been leading the wedding industry in Ireland for over 30 years. Their experienced wedding coordinators oversee every detail, so you can enjoy every moment of your wedding day. With their Roman gardens & grand ballroom, indoor and outdoor ceremonies are magical.
Unique events: No two weddings at The Killarney Oaks are the same, and each couple receives the teams undivided attention to create a wedding day beyond your wildest dreams.
W: www.killarneyoaks.com | E: info@killarneyoaks.com | T: +353 (0)64 66 37600
Best Contemporary Venue
The Sligo Park Hotel
Why Say Yes: The Sligo Park Hotel features 136 bedrooms, state of the art leisure facilities and perfectly manicured gardens which combine with Sligo’s celebrated scenery to provide a spectacular backdrop for wedding photography.
Bet You Didn’t Know: An Italian designed pergola is a recent addition to the venue, where wedding guests will be greeted as they arrive.
Sensational suites: The Sligo Park Suite caters to up to 220 guests in its airy, light filled space. For a more intimate event, the Mespil suite caters comfortably for up to 80 guests.
E: weddings@leehotels.com | T: 071 9190442
Best Country Venue
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village
Why Say Yes: Tucked away in the romantic Wicklow countryside less than an hour’s drive from Dublin, BrookLodge & Macreddin Village is the perfect setting for your wedding. Home to BrookHall, a beautiful venue with french doors, Mezzanine Bar and space for 200 guests.
Bet You Didn't Know: Macreddin Chapel, located just across the village green, is your very own unique venue for an intimate civil ceremony or blessing which seats up to 160 guests.
W: www.brooklodge.com | E: info@brooklodge.com | T: +353 (0) 402 36444
Best Riverside Venue
The Falls Hotel
Why Say Yes: The award winning hotel is located in the heart of the Burren and the Wild Atlantic Way, making it one of the most scenic spots in the country to celebrate your I do's, plus has a choice of two stunning banqueting suites available for the wedding meal, civil ceremonies and partnerships.
Sustainable chic:The hotel gets its electricity from a hydroelectric turbine on the River Inagh, so ideal for the eco-conscious marriers.
T: 353 (0)65 707 1004 | E: weddings@fallshotel.ie | W: www.fallshotel.ie
Best Munster Venue
Fota Island Resort
Why Say Yes: The 5-star resort is your opportunity in Ireland to tie the knot on a private island and is delighted to cater to weddings of any size and style.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The recently refurbished Smith Barry Suite can comfortably host up to 300 guests and is one of the most beautifully decorated venue spaces in Ireland.
Naturally chic: Fota Island was included in the Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland, making it a picturesque oasis in which to celebrate your big day.
T: 021 4883700 | W:www.fotaisland.ie
Best in Ulster
Lough Eske
Why Say Yes: A fairytale setting, located at the shores of Lough Eske and nestled under the Blue Stack Mountains, your day will flow seamlessly from start to finish thanks to the attention of the stellar team.
Wedding coordinator like no other: Lough Eske’s wedding manager Alexandra Manning will oversee and organise your big day with precision and style, creating an unforgettable day for you and your partner while relieving any stress you may be feeling in the lead up by handling your requests with grace and exactitude.
E: alexandra.manning@lougheskecastlehotel.com | T: +353 (0) 74 97 43253
Best in Leinster
The County Arms
Why Say Yes: Situated in the historic heritage town of Birr in County Offaly, this hotel is the pinnacle of 4 star luxury, with stunning modern facilities set among the timeless beauty of a classic Georgian house. Couples have been tying the knot here for 60 years, and past newly-weds speak highly of the amazing food and top-class service.
High end: Their dedicated wedding coordinator will help you plan the wedding of your dreams, with spaces like the charming walled garden and original Gazebo with stained glass.
W: www.countyarmshotel.com | E: info@countyarmshotel.com | T: +353 (0) 57 9120791
Best Connacht Venue
Clayton Hotel Galway
Why Say Yes: The team at The Clayton are renowned for their professional, friendly service and attention to detail.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Clayton is very central, making travel to and from simple.
First Impressions: The Clayton Hotel’s sweeping foyer is the ideal backdrop for an elegant arrival reception, where you and your guests will be made to feel welcome and enjoy the luxury of the marble floors, panoramic windows, and sounds of the grand piano.
W: www.claytonhotelgalway.ie | T:(091) 721 900
Best Ballroom
Langtons Hotel Kilkenny
Why Say Yes: This unique boutique hotel is highly regarded for their ability to create special, highly detailed wedding experiences for the happy couples that choose their venue for unforgettable afters, winning an award for the Best Wedding Venue in Ireland 2022 with Wedding Dates.
Ballroom beauty: The elegant dramatics of the recently refurbished Langton Ballroom, which can cater to larger events, is a show-stopping element of the venue, and the perfect place to celebrate the first hours of wedded bliss.
T: +353 56 7765133 | E: reservations@langtons.ie | W: www.langtons.ie
Best All Inclusive Venue
Westgrove Hotel
Why Say Yes: This 4-star hotel offers everything in one place - superb setting, luxurious facilities, exquisite banqueting and ceremony suite, outdoor roof terrace, swimming pool, superb cuisine and a spectacular award-winning All Inclusive Package.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Their Wedding Garden with gazebo and water fountain is the perfect backdrop for photographs, outdoor ceremonies and next day BBQs.
Dream Day: Their All Inclusive Package takes the stress out of wedding-planning so you can enjoy all the fun bits!
W: www.westgrovehotel.com | E: info@westgrovehotel.com
Best Historic Hotel
Great Southern Hotel
Why Say Yes: A landmark in hospitality since 1854, Great Southern Killarney sits on 6 acres of manicured gardens in the heart of Killarney Town Centre, with stunning views of the Kerry mountains. The Great Southern boasts a beautiful ballroom that can cater for celebrations of all sizes, as well as the stunning new Fredericks, with a private bar and sunken garden area.
Be our guest: The Great Southern Hotel is renowned for its award-winning service with an incredible team on hand to help you personalise your wedding celebrations with big ideas, little touches and memorable details.
E: weddings@greatsouthernkillarney.com | T: +353 64 6638000
Judge Áine Kenny's pick:
Bellingham Castle, Castlebellingham, Louth
Why say yes: "I will be having my own wedding reception here next year. I was blown away by the character of the 17th century castle, it has been very authentically restored. I'd move in if I could!
"Each room has its own theme, it feels very regal. I like that it's an exclusive venue and the staff are so helpful. Plus there are two Irish wolfhounds on site!"
Best City Venue
The Kingsley Hotel
Why Say Yes: The 4-star hotels recently refurbished luxurious Deane-Woodward Suite is the ideal space for a chic city wedding. Intimate but versatile, the venue can be dressed to achieve your perfect wedding vision.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The dedicated wedding team at The Kingsley are renowned for their service, working to ensure your every wish comes true.
Picture perfect: A picturesque riverside location, close to the idyllic Fitzgerald’s Park, the iconic Shakey Bridge and more, the photo opportunities nearby for memorable wedding snaps are second to none.
W: www.thekingsley.ie | T: +353 (0)21 480 0500
Best Scenic Venue
The Four Seasons Carlingford
Why Say Yes: This contemporary hotel is the perfect backdrop for a chic wedding, with a stylish venue set in some incredibly scenic grounds. Wedding photos indoors and outdoors are guaranteed to be breathtaking thanks to the elegance of the interiors and natural beauty of the grounds.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The airy mezzanine can be used for the Bridal Party to get ready ahead of the event.
Natural Beauty: Located in the quirky mediaeval village of Carlingford, the location has so much to offer, nestled in the Cooley Mountains, and overlooking the picturesque Carlingford Lough.
T: 00353 42 937 3530 | E: events@fshc.ie
Best Destination Venue
Kinsale Hotel & Spa
Why Say Yes: Just 5km from Kinsale town, the luxurious hotel is set amidst 90 acres of mature wooded parkland with panoramic views overlooking Oysterhaven Bay, a stunning setting to celebrate your nuptials.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The experienced wedding team have created wedding packages to help you plan your special day with ease, and the dedicated wedding coordinator can tailor make a package suited to your individual tastes, taking the stress away from the planning process.
T: +353 021 470 6000 | E: weddings@hotelkinsale.ie
Best Ceremony
Keadeen Hotel
Why Say Yes: Keadeen Hotel’s new Outdoor Amphitheatre is a complete showstopper and the ideal setting for an unforgettable ceremony. Capable of seating up to 230 guests, it is surrounded by pink cherry blossom trees. A one-of-a-kind outdoor location.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Their extensive, manicured award-winning gardens make for a gorgeous and natural wedding photography backdrop.
Blooming Lovely: The Keadeen Hotel’s spectacular service and attention to detail is renowned, with the recently renovated ballroom always prepared to perfection.
W: www.keadeenhotel.ie | T: +353 (0)45 431 666 | E: info@keadeenhotel.ie
Most Elegant Venue
New Park Hotel
Why Say Yes: From the most lavish of festivities to cosy celebrations, the Newpark Hotel, located in medieval city of Kilkenny, has a dedicated wedding team to make your wedding dreams come true.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Team at Newpark Hotel have been helping couples celebrate their big day since 1966 and have a wealth of experience meaning you’re in safe hands.
Complete package: Our beautifully landscaped gardens are private to you on your wedding day providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding photography.
W: www.newparkhotelkilkenny.com | T: +353 56 7760500
Best Boutique Venue
Ballykealey House
Why Say Yes: The enchanting Ballykealey House is home to the Barnyard, converted into an authentic, rustic venue ideal for a stylish wedding ceremony.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The manor house was constructed in the 19th century arising from the marriage proposal of John James Lecky to Sarah Lucia Smith, so it was literally built with love!
Outdoor bliss: There are several outdoor locations to say I do: from the lawn under the 300 year old tulip tree to the intimate setting of the woodland.
W: www.ballykealeyhouse.com | T: +353 (0)59 9159288
Best Stylish Venue
Oriel House Hotel
Why Say Yes: The recently refurbished Georgian manor house is one of Cork's most prestigious wedding venues, located just 10 minutes from Cork City Centre. The historic manor and grand ballroom are beautiful backdrops for your nuptials. They pride themselves on their extensive menus and incredible service.
Fairytale Suite: The Honeymoon Suite, recently refurbished, is situated in the exclusive 18th Century tower. Romantic and luxurious, perfect for newlyweds to unwind after their memorable day.
T: +353 21 420 8400 | E: weddings@orielhousehotel.ie
Best Picturesque Venue
Eccles Hotel
Why Say Yes: Steeped in rich history, timeless romance and framed by the beautiful Bantry Bay, Eccles Hotel & Spa will ensure that your wedding is an occasion to remember.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Your wedding dinner and drinks receptions will be carefully prepared by award winning Head Chef Eddie Attwell with the best of West Cork's local produce.
Suite Dreams: The Bridal Suite is a dreamy spot for brides to spend their wedding morning.
■ T: 027 63003 ■E: weddings@eccleshotel.com
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