Getting married should be the happiest day of your life, so follow our ultimate guide to make it so – minus the stress! Showcasing the best that Ireland has to offer when it comes to organising your dream day, the RSVP Wedding Awards 2019 has it all covered. Whether it’s finding a fairytale venue to bagging an exquisite designer gown, here’s all the insider information you need to ensure your special day is just that.

BEST 5 STAR VENUE

Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork

Why say yes: Just 20 minutes from Cork city, Castlemartyr Resort is nestled in 220 acres of mature landscape – the perfect location for an outdoor ceremony.

Bet you didn’t know: The 18th-century manor house has been restored beautifully and the ballroom here is unlike any other we’ve seen. Nearby, the 13th-century castle ruins offers the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.

The wow factor: The outdoor amphitheatre is a great spot for a wedding ceremony with a difference.

T: 021-4219000 | E: atsales@castlemartyrresort.ie

BEST 4-STAR VENUE

Meadow Court, Co. Galway

Why say yes: Superb food and service combined with stunning surroundings create the ultimate combination for your big day.

Bet you didn’t know: Wedding packages begin at €35.95pp and if the weather is good on the day, the bridal party can avail of the beautiful elevated garden.

No greater love: Catering for civil ceremonies, large and intimate gatherings and LGBT weddings, the staff ensure each celebration is intimate, personal and a memory to cherish for life.

W: www.meadowcourthotel.com | T: 091 841051

BEST LUXURY HOTEL

Cabra Castle, Co. Cavan

Why say yes: Built in 1760, this family-run castle and its history will combine to create the wedding of your dreams.

Bet you didn’t know: Part of the Romantic Castles of Ireland collection, the Corscadden family and Cabra Castle have built a reputation for memorable weddings since 1992.

Hidden gem: Nestled on the edge of Dún a Rí Forest Park, the castle is surrounded by 100 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

T: 042 966 7030 | W: www.cabracastle.com

MOST UNIQUE VENUE

Palmerstown House Estate, Co. Kildare

Why say yes: If you’ve always wanted to be the Lady of the Manor, this is your chance! 

Bet you didn’t know: A wedding at the Manor House is magical and now it can be yours for the day. Boasting 20 bedrooms, it caters for weddings with up to 120 guests. For a larger crowd, The Golf Lodge is ideal.

Picture perfect: The estate is bursting with history, stunning scenery and many nooks and crannies to create amazing memories.

T: 045 906 901 | W: www.palmerstownhouse.ie

BEST ULSTER VENUE

The Silver Tassie Hotel & Spa, Donegal

Why say yes: This family-run gem is renowned for its warm, friendly service and top-quality food. They’ve been hosting weddings for more than 30 years so you know your dream day will be in very safe hands.

Bet you didn’t know: The Silver Tassie is fully licensed to host civil ceremonies and its elegant Woodland Suite can be adapted according to your guest numbers.

Dream team: Nothing is ever too much trouble for wedding coordinators Georgina and John who are always on hand to discuss the bridal party’s requirements.

T: 074-9125619 | W: www.silvertassiehotel.com

BEST MUNSTER VENUE

Fota Island Resort, Cork

Why say yes: Elegantly combining old world charm with the new, this five-star hotel is set on an idyllic private island. 

Bet you didn’t know: The 780-acre estate is included in the Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland, offering a spectacular backdrop for your treasured wedding album.

Wedded bliss: The luxurious Smith-Barry Suite can accommodate up to 300 guests, and during the summer months there’s nothing nicer than an alfresco drinks reception on the private terrace. The Clubhouse – an elegantly converted old stone building – is perfect for a smaller affair, catering for up to 120 guests.

T: 021 4883700 | W: www.fotaisland.ie

BEST LEINSTER VENUE

Bellinter House, Co. Meath

Why say yes: With its unique character and distinctive interiors, this property is a must for any style-conscious couple.

Bet you didn’t know: This 18th-century Georgian manor is set on the banks of the River Boyne and is nestled among sweeping lawns and ancient trees while boasting a labyrinth of secluded spots for you to explore.

Rustic charm: The setting and style of Bellinter House creates a wonderfully relaxed, informal, warm and welcoming atmosphere which can only be appreciated by seeing it for yourself.

T: 046 9030900 | E: events@bellinterhouse.com

BEST CONNAUGHT VENUE

g Hotel, Galway

Why say yes: A truly beautiful venue, the g oozes drama and flamboyancy, and it has won many accolades since opening in 2005.

Bet you didn’t know : Fully inclusive wedding packages start from €67pp with delicious canapés and prosecco at your reception accompanied by the resident pianist, a choice of menus by award-winning chef Jason O’Neill, and wine with your meal in the wedding suite.

Making heads turn: The exotic interior was created by hat designer to the stars Philip Treacy so you can rest assured that your big day will be as unique as this iconic hotel.

T: 091 865200 | E: weddings@theg.ie

BEST EXCLUSIVE VENUE

Kilshane House, Co. Tipperary

Why say yes: Fireworks, music, and dancing until dawn... what’s not to love about this spectacular venue?

Bet you didn’t know: Kilshane House is available to hire exclusively for the wedding of your dreams and its all-inclusive packages are pretty impressive.

Happy ever after: The Orangerie, with a full bar at one end and dancefloor at the other, can comfortably seat 220 guests. The Conservatory can seat 100+ for a barbecue the day after the wedding, and there is plenty of accommodation – 56 ensuite bedrooms in fact – for guests.

T: 062 82444 | W: www.kilshanehouse.ie

MOST SCENIC VENUE

Mount Falcon Estate, Co. Mayo

Why say yes: You and your guests will have the run of the house, along with the option of getting up close and personal with the majestic birds of prey.

Bet you didn’t know: Set amongst 100 acres of stunning landscaped gardens and woodlands, Mount Falcon caters for up to 200 guests and is a prime location for second day events, so you can make that special moment memorable for longer.

Capture your heart: Delicious food, plentiful drinks and those all-important home comforts organised by wedding planner Alexa will make your day feel even more special.

T: 096 74472 | E: events@mountfalcon.com

 

MOST ROMANTIC VENUE

The Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Cork

Why say yes: A truly special place that boasts 18 acres of natural woodland, 300-year-old listed gardens, a new conservatory-style orangery and a newly-refurbished art deco mood-lit ballroom.

Bet you didn’t know: No detail is too small for the dedicated wedding team at The Maryborough. They ensure each wedding is personal and bespoke, celebrating who you are as a couple.

It’s all heart: The wedding package includes leisure club membership and a training programme for three months prior to the wedding for the bride and groom.

T: 021 4365555 | W: www.maryborough.com

 

BEST WINTER WEDDING HOTEL

Fernhill House, West Cork

Why say yes: This historic house overlooks the gorgeous Clonakilty countryside and its gardens are turned into a winter wonderland with abundant decorations and fairy lights.

Bet you didn’t know: Fernhill has many areas for extra special photos including the antique spiral staircase, open fires, outdoor gazebo and beautiful water features.

Touch of class: The O’Neill family is renowned for providing amazing food and service for generations so you and your wedding guests are guaranteed to leave with a smile.

T: 023 8833258 | W: www.fernhillhousehotel.com

 

BEST CASTLE VENUE

Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Donegal

Why say yes: The team here go above and beyond to provide superior hospitality and dedication to guests that is personal, thoughtful, reliable and complete. 

Bet you didn’t know: Lough Eske Castle is the only five-star hotel in Donegal and consists of 97 beautifully appointed guestrooms.

Room with a view: The majestic Blue Stack Mountains surround the hotel providing a stunning backdrop amidst 43 acres of  unspoilt woodlands. Trust us, you will never want to leave.

T: 074 9743117 | W: www.lougheskecastlehotel.com

 

MOST PICTURESQUE HOTEL

Falls Hotel & Spa, Co. Clare

Why say yes: The River Inagh and Cascades Waterfall run along the perimeter of the grounds, which provide both a unique and memorable photographic backdrop and idyllic arrival reception setting.

Bet you didn’t know: This same river also provides the power for the hotel through a hydro turbine, making your wedding more eco friendly!

Icing on the cake: The award-winning River Spa is the ultimate escape for a pre-wedding treat... relax, rejuvenate and restore yourselves in the run up to your big day.

T: 065 7071004 | W: www.fallshotel.ie

 

BEST COASTAL VENUE

Dingle Skellig Hotel, Co. Kerry

Why say yes: With breathtaking views stretching right across Dingle Bay – home to Fungi the dolphin – and beautiful sandy beaches on your doorstep, this is one of the most unique settings in Ireland.

Bet you didn’t know: They have just completed a multimillion investment which includes 32 new guest rooms and suites. Their wedding packages start from €70pp with options available for celebrations of up to 280 guests.

Starring role: The spacious Skellig Suite opens onto the sun terrace where landscaped gardens lead down to the shores of Dingle Bay.

T: 066 915 0200 | W: www.dingleskellig.com

 

BEST DESTINATION VENUE

Celtic Ross Hotel, West Cork

Why say yes: From the moment you make contact, right through to your big day, the wedding team here go above and beyond to make sure everything is just right for you and your guests.

Bet you didn’t know: They were recently awarded an AA rosette for Culinary Excellence, so your wedding reception meal is guaranteed to be outstanding.

Romance is alive: You will enjoy breathtaking views of Rosscarbery Bay, and just moments away from the hotel you can stroll hand-in-hand through the dunes on The Warren Strand – a beautifully romantic backdrop for wedding photographs.

T: 023 884 8722 | W: www.celticrosshotel.com

 

MOST STYLISH VENUE

Kinsale Hotel & Spa, Co. Cork

Why say yes: Besides the peaceful setting overlooking Oysterhaven Bay this hotel only caters for one wedding per day.

Bet you didn’t know: Whether you’re inviting 40 or 240 guests, it makes no difference – the Rathmore Suite is magnificent with unspoilt views over the bay and countryside. Wedding guests can stay in one of 70 beautiful bedrooms, suites and 19 garden lodges.

Dream come true: The enchanting woodland entrance is enticing enough however what sets this venue apart is the personal attention and support it offers couples to ensure their perfect day.

T: 021 470 6000 | W: www.kinsalehotelandspa.ie

 

BEST BALLROOM

Keadeen Hotel, Co. Kildare

Why say yes: It’s Kildare’s oldest family-run hotel and has recently undergone a refurbishment in the reception and banqueting rooms. The all-important honeymoon suite has been extended too.

Bet you didn’t know: Plans for their new outdoor Wedding Ceremony Garden with secluded amphitheatre style seating are underway and it will be completed in 2020.

One true love: The hotel is committed to a “one wedding a day” policy and it’s highly recommended you view the venue so you can see first-hand the setting that will make your day so special.

T: 045 431666 | W: www.keadeenhotel.ie

 

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Conygham Arms, Co. Meath

Why say yes: Chic and stylish, this is a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn in the historic village of Slane.

Bet you didn’t know: Adorned with beautiful French touches and country style décor, there is a charming and unique atmosphere throughout.

Say it with flowers: The Lavender Suite opens onto a terrace and landscaped gardens, and they both also lend themselves to the perfect space for wedding ceremonies. So whether your day is immense or intimate, trendy or traditional, this boutique hotel is ideal.

T: 041 9884444 | W: www.conynghamarms.ie

 

BEST RURAL WEDDING VENUE

Aherlow House Hotel, Co. Tipperary, E34 VW22

Why say yes: Situated in the Glen of Aherlow, this is a truly scenic venue with award-winning service and food to match.

Bet you didn’t know: From the moment you arrive Aherlow House will weave its magic spell for you – surrounded by a landscape of tall trees, woodland walks and the Galtee mountains.

Dance the night away: The Díarmuid and Gráinne Banqueting Suite caters for 240 guests. With an interior of pastel shades, natural daylight and crystal chandeliers, it bestows large windows which bring the outdoor beauty indoors. Their winter 2019/2020 wedding packages start from €39pp, and for a private viewing contact their weddings and events manager, Eve Quigley.

T: 062 56153 | W: www.aherlowhouse.ie

 

BEST RESORT HOTEL

Seafield Hotel & Spa, Co. Wexford

Why say yes: A true getaway, this award-winning hotel has its own private access to Wexford’s magnificent coast, and the setting at Ballymoney Shore really is perfect for those all-important pictures.

Bet you didn’t know: The resort also includes the multi-award-winning Oceo Spa, complementing 102 carefully designed deluxe bedrooms and 30 courtyard apartment suites.

A shore thing: Enjoy undivided attention from the wedding team as you exchange vows and celebrate in style in one of four bespoke event spaces, including the impressive Pavilion marquee and exclusive clubhouse.

T: 053 9424000 | W: www.seafieldhotel.com

 

BEST CIVIL CEREMONIES

Pillo Hotel, Co. Meath

Why say yes: They have just completed a full refurbishment of their drinks reception and ballroom.

Bet you didn’t know: Their family first customer service ethos is at the core of everything they do, ensuring that from the moment you and your guests walk through the doors you are cared for with attention to detail like no other!

Seal the deal: The Pillo’s new interior provides a sleek, modern backdrop for your dream wedding, with packages starting from €49.50pp.

W: www.pillohotelashbourne.com | T: 01 8350800