The Most Beautiful Churches in Ireland to Get Married In

21 hours ago 5

Karen Louise Daly

While civil weddings are firmly on the rise, and couples can now get married at wedding venues and scenic locations around the country, almost half of couples marrying in Ireland still have a church wedding. Thankfully this country is full of beautiful churches, from pretty country chapels in every village, to spectacular cathedrals in many of our towns, if you're of the Catholic or Church of Ireland faiths, you're spoiled for choice for your ceremony. To help you find the right church for your big day, we've put together a list of gems around the country, but it got us thinking - where are the most beautiful churches in Ireland?

Of course many of you will have a favourite. Is it the setting, the atmosphere or the interiors that makes these churches so special or maybe it's the link you have to your local church? If you have your heart set on a church wedding, read through our list before you set your date.

P.S. Don't forget to check out our guide to planning a Catholic wedding in Ireland.

Irish Churches in Areas of Stunning Natural Beauty

With such spectacular scenery to be found in every part of the country, it's no surprise that some churches were founded in true beauty spots...

Sacred Heart Church, Dunlewey (near Moneymore), Co. Donegal. Standing at the foot of Mt. Errigal, the very distinctive Dunlewey Church makes full use of a majestic setting. Nearby wedding reception venue: Rathmullan House

St. Finbarr's Oratory, Gougane Barra, Macroom, Co. Cork. One of the most iconic churches in Ireland , set on a small island in the magnificent Gougane Barra valley. Nearby wedding reception venue: Gougane Barra Hotel

Beautiful Irish Churches in a Country Setting

Looking for a pretty church in an idyllic setting? Look no further than these atmospheric country churches...

Taney Christ Church, Dundrum, Co. Dublin. is a gorgeous Church of Ireland church with striking Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. The church dates back to 1818, with its impressive stained glass and sweet blue door adding even more character to the space. Nearby wedding reception venue: Airfield Estate & Thomas Prior Hall

Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rathfeigh, Co. Meath. Beautiful 19th century church in a valley setting, 30 mins from Dublin. Nearby wedding reception venue: Ballymagarvey Village

Church of St. Craebhnait, Annakisha, Co. Cork. A beautiful historic Catholic church, blessed in 1861 and built in French-Gothic style from locally quarried limestone, with beautiful stained-glass windows and a rich connection to the area’s early Christian heritage. Nearby wedding reception venue: Springfort Hall & Blackwater Castle

St. Lazerian’s Church, Leighlinbridge Co. Carlow. A beautiful historic church steeped in Christian heritage, offering a traditional and atmospheric setting for a religious wedding ceremony in the heart of this picturesque village. Nearby wedding reception venue: Ballykealey House, The Step House Hotel & Borris House

St. John's Church, Knockainey, Co Limerick. A beautifully restored 19th century church set in an old graveyard, this Limerick church is particularly atmospheric for winter weddings. Nearby wedding reception venue: Dunraven Arms Hotel

Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Kilternan, Dublin. This pretty blue church in Stepaside is beloved by South Dubliners and is unique in Ireland and looks more like something you'd find in the US. Nearby wedding venue: Killruddery House

St. Brendans Church, Clodiagh, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. A pretty church shaded among trees, this one is gorgeous for the wedding photos. Nearby wedding reception venue: Ballyduff House

St. John's Church Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. Distinctive white-washed barn church dating from 1791, intimate and beautiful interior. Nearby wedding venue: Dunraven Arms Hotel

St Brigid's Church, Talbotstown, Co. Wicklow. This quaint church looks like any other on the outside, but has the most beautiful altar and ceiling within - well worth a visit. Nearby wedding venue: Lisnavagh House & Gardens

Dramatic Churches in Ireland for a Wedding

For something a little bigger or with some added wow factor, here are a few slightly grander options...

Cobh Cathedral, Cobh, Co. Cork. Perched on the hill overlooking the harbour, Cobh Cathedral dominates the town of Cobh and provides a spectacular view. Nearby wedding venue: The Maryborough Hotel and Spa & Ballyvolane House

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trim, Co. Meath. A beautiful Gothic Revival church in the heart of historic Trim, offering a traditional and atmospheric setting for a religious wedding ceremony, with the town’s medieval heritage providing a wonderfully romantic backdrop. Nearby wedding venue: Trim Castle Hotel

Ballintubber Abbey, Ballintubber, Co. Mayo. Dating from 1216, Ballintubber Abbey is almost 800 years old, and fully operational complete with a beautiful ruined cloister and sacred well on the grounds. The inside is whitewashed with a stunning wooden roof. Nearby wedding venue: The Grace

Multyfarnham Franciscan Friary, Co. Westmeath. Steeped in centuries of Franciscan history and Catholic tradition, it offers a wonderfully atmospheric setting for a religious wedding ceremony. Set amid peaceful riverside grounds, with ancient stone walls, historic ruins and a serene, spiritual feel, it is the only Franciscan abbey in Ireland still standing on the footprint of its original foundation. Nearby wedding venue: The Village Barn

Trinity College Chapel, Dublin. An atmospheric historic chapel in Front Square, with stained glass and beautiful architectural detail. However, this isn't open to everyone: wedding applications are restricted to Trinity staff, students and qualifying graduates, and the ceremony must be conducted by an ordained minister of a mainstream Christian church. Nearby wedding venue: The College Green Hotel, Medley and Fallon & Byrne

University Church, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin. A hidden gem in the centre of the city. The interior is beautifully ornate, and stepping out over the road to Stephen's Green for pictures is the ultimate city bride experience. Nearby wedding venue: The Shelbourne and Stephen's Green Club

Saint Stephens (The Pepper Canister), Mount St., Dublin. A Dublin icon, its distinctive pepper canister shape is known and loved by all, while the interior is elegant and understated. Nearby wedding venue: Stephen's Green Club

More Gorgeous Churches in Ireland

This is only a tiny selection of the beautiful churches we found and were told about - here are a few more you should have a look at. Some of these were recommended by our lovely Instagram followers - thanks guys!