Cabra Castle wedding

Finding a venue that combines history, beauty, and convenience can make all the difference. Cabra Castle in County Cavan offers a unique setting that blends these elements. Having had the opportunity to film a few weddings here, I’ve seen how its distinct character and surroundings contribute to a day that couples and their guests remember fondly.

A Historic Setting in a Convenient Location

Cabra Castle, with its origins dating back to 1760, offers a genuine taste of history that’s hard to find elsewhere. For many, especially those from abroad who may not have experienced a real castle before, the chance to celebrate in a centuries-old Irish landmark is something truly special. Just an hour from Dublin and 90 minutes from Belfast, it’s easy to get to but feels far removed from the surrounding towns and cities. It lies on the edge of Dún a Rí Forest Park and is surrounded by 100 acres of gardens and parkland, making it an incredibly picturesque setting for your celebration.

Emily and Dave, newly weds entering Cabra Castle in style · Photography by Rashida Keenan

Emily and Dave were married here last June and we are delighted to share their Creative film with you. Rashida Keenan was the perfect partner on the day, some of her beautiful photography from the day is shared here, thanks Rashida!

Getting Ready and First Looks at Cabra Castle

Starting your wedding day with a touch of luxury sets the tone for the entire day. Emily and her bridal party made the most of The Gate Lodge at Cabra Castle, an ideal space within the castle grounds for getting ready.

It’s a place where everyone can gather, get ready together, and share the excitement of the day in a relaxed setting. We love capturing these moments before the ceremony. With The Lodge here being close to the ceremony space it means there’s no rushing around — just a calm start to a big day. It’s all about convenience and comfort, helping to keep the mood light and focused on the fun ahead.

First Look outside ‘The Lodge’ at Cabra Castle · Photography by Rashida Keenan

Emily shared a special ‘First Look’ with her family and bridesmaids — a moment full of emotion and joy that we were delighted to capture on film.

Wedding Ceremony options at Cabra Castle

Cabra Castle offers a variety of ceremony locations, perfect for both large celebrations and smaller, more intimate gatherings. Emily and Dave chose The Granary for their ceremony—a versatile space that worked beautifully for their day. Whether you’re planning a grand event or something more low-key, Cabra Castle has a setting to match your vision.

The Granary

The Granary is a wonderful place to both host and film a wedding ceremony, offering ample space and natural light that is not often found in a castle venue. Whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony, it’s a welcome new addition to Cabra Castle – a purpose-built, versatile space that can accommodate up to 250 guests for both ceremonies and events.

Emily and Dave, the newly weds, following their ceremony in The Granary. Photography by Rashida Keenan

The space is filled with light, thanks to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that provide views of the surrounding woodlands. It is typically adorned with soft lighting and hanging floral arrangements. The wedding ceremony hire fee for The Granary is €1,000.00.

The Gallerie Veranda

The Gallerie Veranda is perched slightly above the Castle walls and is quite a unique space overlooking the Castle rose garden with views to the Dún a Rí Forest Park. If getting married under Castle turrets and towers is your thing, the Gallerie Veranda is a great option for slightly smaller ceremonies, with space for up to 120 guests. Hire fee is €1,200.00

The Ballroom

For those who prefer a more traditional indoor setting, the original Castle Ballroom provides an elegant space for larger ceremonies, accommodating up to 200 guests. Hire fee is €1,350.00

Outdoor Options

For couples who prefer an outdoor ceremony, the Castle Lawns can host up to 250 guests. Hire fee is €2,500.00 For a more intimate setting, the Grand Old Oak Tree offers a natural and understated location for up to 40 guests. Hire fee is €250.00.

Reception Spaces for Every Celebration

Cabra Castle is well-prepared to host receptions of varying sizes, with several options available depending on your guest list and preferences.

• The Grand Ballroom: This is the castle’s main reception space, capable of accommodating up to 270 guests. The room setting is a little unique in that the top table is elevated slightly above the rest of the guests. It’s a typically classical setup for dining and dancing in one room, with a layout that suits larger celebrations.
• The Gallerie Veranda: For smaller receptions, the Gallerie Veranda provides a gorgeous space with probably the best views the Castle has to offer.
• The Granary: Also available for post-wedding celebrations, The Granary can host up to 130 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s an ideal choice if you’re planning to extend the festivities with close friends and family.

The Ballroom at Cabra Castle · Photography by Rashida Keenan

Gardens and Photography Opportunities

You won’t need to leave the Castle grounds for your wedding photography – as you can imagine there are numerous opportunities for wedding photography. The castle’s gardens, woodlands, and lawns provide a variety of settings, making it easy to capture different moods and moments throughout the day.

Wedding celebrations outside Cabra Castle · Photography by Rashida Keenan

Accommodation for You and Your Guests

Cabra Castle provides a range of accommodation options to ensure plenty of room for all your guests – an important consideration for many of our couples who want to keep everyone on-site for the full wedding experience.

• Castle Bedrooms: These rooms offer a traditional experience, with each suite featuring unique characteristics that reflect the castle’s history.
• Courtyard Rooms and Cottage Bedrooms: These options provide a more rustic feel, with modern comforts and a cozy atmosphere.
• The Gate Lodge: Located within the castle grounds, The Gate Lodge is a four-bedroom lodge that’s well-suited for the bridal party or close family. It combines privacy with the convenience of being close to the main event.

Booking Cabra Castle for your wedding

To get a full sense of what the venue has to offer, you can schedule an in-person tour of the castle and its grounds. For couples planning from afar, the team also offers Zoom tours, making it convenient for those booking from abroad.

As you research, it’s of course helpful to watch films of the venue online. Try to focus on videos shot during the same season as your wedding to get a realistic sense of how the castle and its surroundings will look on your big day.

How Much Does a Wedding Cost at Cabra Castle?

Cabra Castle does not charge a venue hire fee unless the number of guests falls below 100, in which case there is a fee of €1,500.
Several wedding packages are available to suit different budgets and preferences. Below is a summary of the costs associated with each package:

Low Season: January 5th – March and November (excluding public holiday weekends)
High Season: April – October and December
These prices are per guest.