15 Top Elopement Destinations in Ireland
Rugged mountains, vast landscapes, breathtaking views and hikes… why wouldn’t you whisk yourselves off to my stunning home country of Ireland to get hitched?
Why elope in Ireland?
More and more couples are shunning the big fat wedding with hundreds of guests, years of planning and tons of money spent on throwaway items and food for people they barely know, and heading outdoors to elope - it’s cheaper, easier and potentially a lot more romantic too.
Why Ireland?
The Emerald Isle is the perfect place to do it - it’s scenic, it’s mountainous, and the crumbling old castles are the icing on the fairytale cake. Windswept hair, flowing dresses, warm hugs and passionate embraces will happen. Plus, you can legally get married in most places - as long as it has an address or landmark name then your marriage will be legally binding. Plus, most places allow for a handful of guests (usually standing only) so you don’t have to leave your nearest and dearest behind completely.
Where to elope in Ireland?
In my 17 years (and counting!) as a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve discovered all the best spots and would love to help couples from the USA elope in Ireland. I love the great outdoors, and I’m guessing you do too. So pull on those hiking boots and check out my top fifteen epic elopement destinations.
Click the button below to view our elopement packages and prices and skip the top 15 elopement locations.
1. Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne
Location:
County Londonderry (Northern Ireland)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A stunning seaside location with historical charm
The wedding lowdown:
Mussenden Temple is an 18th-century building perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. While the temple itself is not available for weddings, the surrounding estate offers several picturesque spots for ceremonies and photoshoots. The estate can accommodate up to 80 guests for a marquee reception, and there are several nearby hotels and B&Bs for accommodations. Note that the temple and estate are open to the public, so it's best to plan for a weekday wedding to avoid crowds.
Fun Fact:
Mussenden Temple was designed by architect Michael Shanahan, who was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy.
2. Cliffs of Moher / Hags Head
Location:
County Clare (Mid-West Region)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
Rugged coastlines with sweeping, epic views
The wedding lowdown:
For an unforgettable ceremony, consider Hags Head or O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher. Both offer stunning backdrops, but avoid summer crowds with a spring or autumn elopement or a sunset ceremony. Chairs are not allowed, but you can bring around 20 guests. Don't forget €100 cash to access Hags Head by car (even closer to the cliffs).
Fun Fact:
Hags Head and O'Brien's Tower, both located at the Cliffs of Moher, have been featured in numerous movies and music videos.
3. Lough Tay / Guinness Lake
Location:
County Wicklow (East Coast and Midlands)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A stunning backdrop for your wedding photos
The wedding lowdown:
Lough Tay, also known as the Guinness Lake, is a beautiful and secluded lake located in County Wicklow. It's surrounded by the scenic Wicklow Mountains, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos. The lake is particularly picturesque due to its clear blue waters and the contrasting dark color of the surrounding mountains. Although it's a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing, it's also a hidden gem for weddings and elopements.
Fun fact:
Lough Tay got its nickname as the Guinness Lake because the black sand beach surrounding the lake resembles a pint of Guinness when viewed from above. The beach is actually man-made and was created using imported sand to enhance the beauty of the area. The Guinness family owns a nearby estate and is said to have contributed to the creation of the beach.
4. The Mourne mountains
Location:
County Down (Northern Ireland)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
Breathtaking mountain views and a remote, tranquil setting
The wedding lowdown:
For a stunning outdoor ceremony, consider the Mourne Mountains. This picturesque range offers a rugged, natural backdrop that is sure to impress. The area is particularly stunning in the autumn when the leaves on the trees turn golden brown. There are several scenic trails in the area, such as the Mourne Way, which would be perfect for a nature-inspired ceremony. Keep in mind that the mountains can be chilly and windy, so be sure to dress appropriately and consider having a backup plan in case of inclement weather.
Fun fact:
The Mourne Mountains have been used as a location for several movies and TV shows, including Game of Thrones.
5. Dunlace Castle
Location:
County Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
It’s like a fairytale to do your vows on a rugged Irish Clifftop overlooking this awesome ancient castle
The wedding lowdown:
Dunluce Castle is a perfect spot to do your vows with a beautiful backdrop for adventure elopements but there’s a farmer, Sean own those land, if you want to do some portraits with the castle in the background it will cost £50, if you want to hire the ground for your elopement ceremony for just £200. Within a few miles of the castle are the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway, Ballintoy Harbour and many other epic locations.
Fun fact:
The Dunluce Castle was the Pyke’s Castle, the seat of the house greyjoy in HBO’s epic fantasy series – Game of Thrones. Same for the Ballintoy Harbour.
6. Muckish Mountain & poisoned glen
Location:
Co Donegal (North-West Region)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
Dramatic mountain scenery and secluded surroundings
The wedding lowdown:
For a unique outdoor ceremony, consider Muckish Mountain and the nearby Poisoned Glen. Muckish Mountain provides a stunning backdrop for photos, while the tranquil Poisoned Glen offers a secluded location for your ceremony. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Keep in mind that the area can be difficult to access.
Fun fact:
Muckish Mountain was once a site for quarrying and mining, but is now a popular spot for hiking and hillwalking. The Poisoned Glen is named after the legend of a young woman who was poisoned by a jealous rival, and is said to be haunted by her ghost.
7. Dunseverick Castle
Location:
Co. Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A rugged and historic coastal setting
The wedding lowdown:
For a dramatic and historic outdoor ceremony, consider Dunseverick Castle. This ruined medieval castle sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, providing a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. The castle is located on the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, and is close to other popular attractions such as the Giant's Causeway. Keep in mind that the castle ruins can be uneven and slippery, so plan accordingly.
Fun fact:
Dunseverick Castle was once the seat of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, which spanned parts of Ireland and Scotland. It is said to have been destroyed by Vikings in the 10th century.
8. Kinbane Head
Location:
Co. Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A secluded and dramatic coastal setting
The wedding lowdown:
For a secluded and dramatic outdoor ceremony, consider Kinbane Head. This headland offers breathtaking views of the sea and rugged cliffs, and is home to the ruins of Kinbane Castle, which dates back to the 16th century. The location offers privacy and a sense of intimacy, perfect for a small wedding or elopement. Keep in mind that the terrain can be uneven and steep, so proper footwear is a must.
Fun fact:
Kinbane Head is said to have been the site of an ancient fort or dun, which was later replaced by Kinbane Castle. The castle was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, and now stands as a romantic ruin overlooking the sea.
9. Killarney National Park
Location:
Co. Kerry (South-West Region)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A romantic and natural setting
The wedding lowdown:
For a romantic and scenic outdoor ceremony, consider Killarney National Park. This expansive park offers a variety of stunning locations to choose from, including the historic Muckross House and Gardens, the serene Muckross Lake, and the dramatic Torc Waterfall. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and eagles, which can add to the sense of magic and wonder on your special day.
Fun fact:
Killarney National Park is home to Ireland's only native herd of red deer, which have roamed the park for centuries. The park was also once the site of a 15th century Franciscan friary, which was destroyed during the suppression of the monasteries in the 16th century.
10. The Giants Causeway
Location:
Co. Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A unique and otherworldly natural setting
The wedding lowdown:
For a truly unique and otherworldly outdoor ceremony, consider The Giant's Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its distinctive basalt columns that form stepping stones leading into the sea. Legend has it that the causeway was built by the giant Finn McCool to cross the sea to Scotland. The location offers stunning views of the sea and rugged coastline, and can be paired with a reception at the nearby Causeway Hotel.
Fun fact:
The Giant's Causeway is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and seals, which can be spotted along the coastline. The site has also been featured in various films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones.
11. Wicklow Mountains
Location:
Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow (East CoastRegion)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A stunning mountain setting for an adventurous elopement
The wedding lowdown:
Ideal for couples who want a nature-filled elopement, with stunning hills, lakes, and trails as backdrops. Choose a scenic viewpoint or a secluded spot for your ceremony, but prepare for unpredictable mountain weather by having a backup indoor location.
Fun fact:
The Wicklow Mountains National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey like the peregrine falcon. The park is also home to the historic ruins of Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement that attracts visitors from around the world.
12. Hornhead
Location:
Co. Donegal (North-West Region)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A rugged and historic coastal setting
The wedding lowdown:
For a dramatic and picturesque outdoor ceremony, consider Horn Head. This striking headland offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline, with cliffs, bays and sea stacks adding to the sense of drama. The location is perfect for adventurous couples who want a wedding with a sense of wildness and raw beauty. Keep in mind that the site is outdoors and can be exposed to the elements, so plan accordingly.
Fun fact:
Horn Head is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic driving route that runs along the western coast of Ireland. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals and seabirds, which can often be spotted from the shore.
13. Menlo Castle
Location:
Co. Galway (West Region)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A romantic and historic wedding venue
The wedding lowdown:
If you're looking for a unique and historic wedding venue, consider Menlo Castle in County Galway. This 16th-century castle has been beautifully restored and is now a popular location for weddings and other events. The castle is surrounded by lovely gardens and a peaceful river, providing a picturesque backdrop for your special day. Inside, the castle features elegant and atmospheric spaces that are perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Fun fact:
Menlo Castle has a tragic history - it was the site of a devastating fire in 1910 that claimed the lives of several members of the Blake family, who owned the castle at the time. The fire was so intense that it burned for three days, and by the time it was finally extinguished, the castle was in ruins. Today, the castle has been restored to its former glory, but it remains a haunting reminder of the tragedy that occurred there over a century ago.
14. The Black Fort (inis mor)
Location:
Co. Galway (West Region)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
A unique and historic location with stunning views
The wedding lowdown:
For a truly unforgettable outdoor wedding location, consider The Black Fort. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this ancient stone fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is steeped in history and myth. The site is perfect for couples who want a wedding that feels both timeless and magical, with a sense of mystery and wonder. Keep in mind that the site is outdoors and can be windy, so be sure to dress appropriately and consider providing blankets or shawls for guests.
Fun fact:
The Black Fort is believed to date back to the pre-Christian era, and is said to have been used as a lookout point by the Celts. According to local legend, the fort was built by the Fir Bolg, a mythical race of people who were said to have inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
15. Slieve League cliffs
Location:
Co. Donegal (North-West Region)
Perfect if you’re looking for:
Jaw-dropping views of towering sea cliffs
The wedding lowdown:
If you're looking for a dramatic outdoor wedding location, look no further than Slieve League Cliffs. These cliffs, which rise up to over 600 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, are among the highest and most spectacular sea cliffs in all of Europe. The views from the top are truly breathtaking, and the rugged, wild beauty of the area is sure to make your wedding day unforgettable. Keep in mind that the cliffs can be windy and exposed, so be sure to dress appropriately and take safety precautions.
Fun fact:
Slieve League Cliffs have been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the 2017 film "Star Wars: The Last Jedi". In the movie, the cliffs were used as the location for the planet Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker was living in exile.
