These Dublin castle wedding venues are all a short drive from the city center and each have something special to offer couples looking for something a bit more unique for their wedding day in Ireland. Whether it’s the exclusivity of Luttrellstown, the medieval moated charm of Drimnagh Castle, the coastal hillside appeal of Fitzpatrick’s Castle, the fortress grounds of Swords Castle and it’s restored chapel, the always popular appeal of Clontarf Castle’s charm, or Ardgillan’s parklands overlooking the Irish sea, there is plenty of variety to choose from with these five Dublin Castle venues.

Swords Castle
This 13th-century castle is located at the end of Main Street, Swords, County Dublin, and can host ceremonies in its restored chapel and courtyard for around 100 guests. While the chapel can be hired exclusively, there may be visitors and tourists within the courtyard but it’s normally quiet. The castle is set in the grounds of the well maintained adjacent public park which is ideal for some wedding photos, the castle walls and towers make for a great background. There’s an 18th century pub next to it, The Pound, which serves gloriously creamy pints of Guinness in the snug - ideal for early arriving guests to meet up before the ceremony. For wedding receptions nearby we recommend Kettles Country House, Roganstown Country Club, The Grand Hotel Malahide, and Portmarnock Resort.

Clontarf Castle
This 12th century castle is a wonderful mix of modern facilities and historic charm, with a Great Hall that can host 350 or so wedding guests Clontarf Castle also has a dedicated restaurant and fantastic bar, both of which serve food all day. While not an exclusive venue, the great reception room is set off to one side of the entrance atrium away from other hotel guests and is all but private. The atrium allows plenty of space to get in a shot from one of the overlooking landings of all guests, and there is a very small garden close by that can be used for family photos. While Clontarf Castle doesn’t have its own lawns and gardens, there is enough there to make it work for wedding portraits without having to go elsewhere. That said, we have used the nearby St Anne’s Park, the Wooden Bridge, and the dunes at Dollymount Strand for wedding photography too - so, plenty of options depending on what couples are looking for. A perennial favourite for couples that is on our books every year, and one we’ve always looked forward to.

Luttrellstown Castle
If you’re looking for utter luxury and privac, Luttrellstown Castle is the ideal setting for a fairytale wedding in County Dublin. The entire property will be exclusive to your wedding, including its 560 acre estate with manicured gardens and mature trees, grand reception rooms, a to-die-for library, and banquet hall. No matter the weather there are many locations indoors and out for wedding photographs, beginning with the fabulous staircase, all the way through to the period interiors that look out onto breath-taking views across its lawns to the Wicklow mountains. An internationally known wedding venue and rightly sought after for its privacy, attention to detail, and absolute discretion.

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
Located on Killiney Hill, not far from the coast, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel can accomodate 300 guests. With its blend of old-world charm and modern luxury this is the kind of wedding venue whose reputation for excellence makes it a popular choice for Dublin weddings. There are plenty of locations near by for wedding portraits — we’ve used Killiney Beach and Dalkey Hill Park as locations (great views out over Killiney Bay), alternatively White Rock Beach or the Vico Bathing Place are available for those who are feeling a bit more adventurous and want to get their steps in on their wedding day.

Drimnagh Castle
To be honest, we didn’t even know Drimnagh Castle place existed as a wedding venue in Dublin until recently. It’s another exclusive use venue, ideal for smaller weddings with a capacity for 60 guests. I can’t think of any other castle in Ireland that has it’s own flooded moat, so it’s that medieval fancy tickles your bits then this is the wedding venue for you. That kind of authentic historic feature on the site of 13th century fortifications, though most of what remains is from 15th century additions, have made it an ideal location for films and TV - Ella Enchanted, The Tudors, etc. With its restored Great Hall and genuine medieval vibe, this is the kind of Dublin wedding venue that would appeal to anyone looking for