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Have a dream wedding in a Luxury Irish Castle Wedding Venue

Luke McLeod

| Last Updated: Tuesday, 16 April 2024

| Minute Read

Luke McLeod

Last Updated: Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Minute Read

  • Location… Location… Location…
  • Are you dreaming of a fairytale wedding in a magnificent castle, an idyllic setting on the castle grounds? Look no further than Clontarf Castle. With its opulent spaces, luxurious décor, and a dedicated wedding team, Clontarf Castle is the perfect venue to make your dream wedding a reality. 

    As you discover the enchanting castle set up on the beautiful backdrop of Dublin Bay, our winding driveway opens up to a 12th century historic castle. Our petite but immaculately manicured gardens lie at the top of the drive, and offers a great photo opportunity. The welcome you recieve is only the starting point of your wedding day in this magical setting.  

The great rooms of a 12th Century Castle

The jewel in the crown of Clontarf Castle’s wedding venues is our Great Hall. With its grandeur and elegance, this space can hold up to 300 guests in a banqueting setup and will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

As you enter the Great Hall, you will be struck by the magnificent crystal chandeliers, designed by renowned Queen of Irish fashion Louise Kennedy. These chandeliers add a touch of glamour and sparkle to the room, creating the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding.

The Great Hall also boasts a stunning frieze depicting the Battle of Clontarf, adding a touch of history to your special day and makes for the perfect backdrop for your band or DJ. 

Great Hall is a versatile space that offers the ability to divide the room into two separate spaces. We got creative with the names of these venues and called them Great Hall 1 and Great Hall 2…. This feature offers soon to be newlyweds the opportunity to customize their wedding experience according to their preferences and guest list size. Great Hall 1 and Great Hall 2 offers a more intimate atmosphere that can seat up to 180 guests in a banquet setup, perfect for smaller gatherings or those seeking a cozy ambience.

Past Wedding couples who opt for splitting Great into two spaces tend to have a Civil Ceremony in Great Hall 1 followed by there banquet dinner in Great Hall 2. Clontarf Castle is licensed to host civil ceremonies. We can help you to create a thoughtful ceremony in a serene setting.

Furthermore, the Great Hall experience is elevated by its pre-reception foyer, complete with an impressive bar. This area serves as a delightful space for guests to mingle, enjoy delectable canapés, and indulge in a glass of bubbly before proceeding to the main event in the main ballroom. The elegant setting of the foyer sets the tone for the celebration, enhancing the overall charm and sophistication of the Clontarf Castle wedding experience.

While guests mingle and chat at reception it wouldn’t like be Clontarf Castle to squeeze in a bit of History around every corner. In Great Hall Foyer sits a quite striking painting that cannot be missed called “Bull in the Headland” created by Irish artist Deirdre McClorey. This art piece captures the quirky story behind the Viking town of Clontarf and its connection to Clontarf Castle. The name ‘Clontarf’ derives from the term Clain Tarbh, meaning “meadow of the bull;” legend has it that the sound of the sea hitting the shore at Clontarf sounds like the panting of a bull.

    Idyllic Setting for a smaller weddings in Dublin

    Now onto our other Wedding venues in the Castle, for an even more intimate wedding, the Viking Suite is the ideal choice. This charming space can hold up to 120 guests and has its own private pre-reception area. With its traditional décor and warm atmosphere, the Viking Suite is perfect for couples looking for a smaller, more intimate celebration without compromising on style and old-world elegance.

    Viking Suite like Great Hall is versatile and can be divided into three separate rooms. Whether you would like a small Civil Ceremony of 50 Guests in Theatre style setup in Viking 1 and have Viking 2 & 3 together to seat your guests in banquet rounds for dinner. This is just an example of the many options you can seat your guests and plan out your dream wedding with us.

    The team here at Clontarf Castle are dedicated to making your wedding day everything you have ever dreamed of and more. That is why we offer a range of options to suit your needs, from the grandeur of the Great Hall to the intimate setting of the Viking Suite. Our experienced wedding team will work closely with you to create a bespoke wedding package that caters to your every need. From the décor and menu tasting to the entertainment, floral arrangements and accommodation, every detail will be taken care of to make your day as stress-free as possible.

      Wedding Showcase at Clontarf Castle Hotel

      To get a taste of what Clontarf Castle has to offer, why not attend our upcoming Wedding Showcase. We recently held one on April 28th, but we are planning our next edition soon. Our team will guide you through each of our wedding venues, pre-reception areas, packages, dining options, and extras. We will also provide recommendations for wedding suppliers such as photographers, bands, and florists to make the planning process even easier for you.

      This is the perfect opportunity to see our beautiful wedding venue in person and envision your special day. If you can’t make it on this date, we have a showcase every few months. Just check out our page for the new date. You can view the wedding gallery now, for a quick look at the room and style of this castle wedding venue. Discover the thoughts of real couples through our wedding testimonials

        Book the perfect setting at a wedding castle in Dublin

        This stunning Castle is the perfect wedding venue for those looking for a fairytale wedding in a magnificent castle. With its opulent spaces, dedicated team, and bespoke packages, your dream wedding can become a reality.

        Come and see for yourself at our Wedding Showcase and let us help you create the wedding of your dreams. We cannot wait to welcome you to Clontarf Castle and be a part of your special day.

        Our Wedding Showcases occur seasonally so do not worry if you cannot attend the upcoming event. Keep an eye out on our social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for news and updates as to when our next Showcase will be.

        An addition to this, you can also contact our wedding team via email, call or submit a Wedding Enquiry on our website to to book yourself a personal show round with our Wedding Manager who will walk and talk you through what Clontarf Castle has to offer for your dream wedding.

          The Wrap Up

          Located on the coastline of Dublin Bay, Clontarf is just a 20 minute drive from Dublin airport. An excellent venue of choice for weddings with international guests. Dublin city centre is just 15 minutes by car.  

          While you will never forget the best day of your life, your guests won’t stop thinking about a castle experience for your wedding day. An enchanting 12th century castle wedding venue, packed with thought and care to become a a romantic location for your big day. Dare to Dream.

          Keep an eye on our Wedding Blog series, as we discover the award-winning food on offer, the Bridal suite for the married couple and more on our stunning features around the castle. 

            Luke McLeod

            Luke is a seasoned travel writer, with years of experience around Europe, America and at home in Dublin.

            If it’s not discovering some of Clontarf’s finest coffee shops, Luke can be found in the city centre tracing over historic steps of Irish history or chatting with some of his favourite artisan producers in the town.

            Wether it’s a pub for a quiet pint, a day trip from the capital or a dainty market to spend your Saturday morning, Luke’s travel tips will ensure your stay at Clontarf Castle Hotel is a unique experience.

            Clontarf Castle Hotel

            Where luxury awaits