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24 Oct 2025
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24 Oct 2025
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A wedding in the restored 18th-century chapel at The Abbey, Kildare
As the Irish summer hits its stride, SaveMyDay.ie has fresh insights from its latest SaveMyDay.ie Irish Wedding Trends Poll. Couples across Ireland continue to favour the warmer months for their weddings, with new data from the recent poll revealing a 15% rise in the number of couples planning to say “I do” between May and September compared to last year.
The Abbey Wedding & Events Venue in Athy, Co. Kildare has been spotlighted among Ireland’s Top Summer Wedding Venues for 2025.
These months, which span the heart of summer and its ever-popular shoulder seasons, remain a top choice thanks to longer evenings, increased guest availability, and the abundance of beautiful natural backdrops. From outdoor ceremonies drenched in golden-hour light to garden receptions and coastal celebrations, summer offers the perfect canvas for couples seeking a memorable and atmospheric big day.
Shell Holden, wedding expert and co-founder of SaveMyDay.ie, said: “Summer weddings in Ireland are evolving beautifully. Couples are leaning into venues that offer not just a stunning backdrop, but a full experience. From festival-style weekends with glamping and food trucks to garden gatherings, 2025 is all about creating immersive, personal celebrations. We’re seeing a huge appetite for indoor-outdoor flow, non-traditional layouts, and venues that reflect the couple’s personality and values.”
According to SaveMyDay.ie, top venue trends for summer 2025 include:
Nature-first locations like woodlands, gardens and coastal escapes
Blank-canvas spaces transformed with bold florals and creative lighting
Historic venues with a modern twist, from castles to orangeries
Multi-day festival-style venues with relaxed vibes and guest experiences
Sustainable and all-inclusive options that simplify planning with style
This summer, SaveMyDay.ie has selected 10 incredible wedding venues from across the country that capture the most in-demand summer trends of 2025.. From scenic coastal escapes to glamping festival vibes these award-winning locations offer unforgettable settings for every type of celebration.
This restored 18th-century chapel venue offers couples exclusive access to breathtaking ceremony spaces, antique-filled ballrooms, secret bars, and luxurious on-site accommodation. It’s romantic, opulent, and full of wow-worthy details from start to finish.
Situated in the heart of Kildare, Ireland, The Abbey Wedding & Events Venue seamlessly blends a one-of-a-kind traditional and historical charm with a glamorous modern luxury, offering an idyllic setting for weddings as unique as the venue itself. An all inclusive venue that boasts the
ability to house a breathtaking ceremony due to its historical onsite chapel, a sumptuous wedding feast held in its luxurious ballroom as well as the wedding after party in the transformed chapel complete with its own nook bar.
The centerpiece of this exclusive-use venue is its meticulously restored 18th-century chapel, adorned with stunning stained-glass windows and original heritage tiles, providing a romantic backdrop for ceremonies.
Its old-world charm features and majestic arches offer a truly breathtaking setting for a wedding ceremony drenched in romance that will not only wow guests, but also provides a fantastic backdrop for capturing precious memories in the form of wedding photography. The Abbey offers couples the ability to say I-Do in whatever way they choose, with the possibility of holding secular, civil and spiritual ceremonies under their exquisite roof.
Beyond the chapel, the reception room that greets guests at The Abbey is decorated with a glamorous vintage touch and is ideal for hosting pre-dinner drinks. The luxurious jewel tones of the reception room decor is married perfectly with the beautifully landscaped gardens and the private courtyard which features an ornate bronzed gazebo, ideal for outdoor receptions and picturesque photo opportunities.
The open-plan ballroom, illuminated by crystal chandeliers, offers a sophisticated space for dining and celebrations, comfortably hosting up to 200 guests. With tables adorned with flickering candelabras, the special couple and their guests can dine in a relaxed opulence. Culinary excellence is a hallmark of The Abbey, with on-site catering that tailors menus to a couple’s individual preferences, ensuring a memorable and delicious dining experience for all guests.
For accommodations, The Abbey provides 38 contemporary bedrooms, including two prestigious wedding suites. The bespoke-designed bridal suite features a dedicated preparation area equipped with illuminated makeup stations and three floor-to-ceiling mirrors, ensuring a luxurious start to the wedding day for the bride and her party, as well as an ideal space for makeup and hair professionals to work their magic.
One of the highlights of The Abbey Wedding & Events Venue is its versatility as an all-in-one wedding destination, with each space offering unique settings for various aspects of a wedding event. The chapel itself can be transformed into a spectacular entertainment space for evening festivities, complete with its own Chapel Bar and nook, enhancing the seamless flow of celebrations from day to night. A venue that is spectacular across the seasons, The Abbey also offers wedding barbecue’s during the warmer months of the year.
The staff behind The Abbey work tirelessly to ensure that every couple who walks through the threshold of this special venue are left with timeless memories of their special day. The combination of historical elegance, modern amenities, and dedicated event spaces makes The Abbey a premier choice for those seeking a distinctive and enchanting venue for their special occasions.
The Abbey Wedding & Events Venue are opening their doors every weekend in January 2025 in order for prospective couples to get a closer and more intimate look at this fantastic all-in-one venue. To book a place email: weddings@theabbey.ie
Couples who book their 2025 wedding in the month of January with The Abbey Wedding & Events Venue can also avail of a very special 15% discount off the venue hire.
A family-run gem in the rolling hills of Kilkenny, Mountain View boasts 120 acres of countryside, panoramic views, and multiple celebration spaces—from an atmospheric Cowshed to a Grand Marquee and Greenhouse restaurant. With a luxury glamping village and award-winning wedding menus, it’s ideal for couples craving relaxed festival vibes and culinary flair.
This much-loved, family-run estate in Clonakilty offers stunning West Cork views, wisteria-covered marquees, and a marriage garden blooming with colour. Hosting up to 300 guests, Fernhill brings four generations of hospitality and warmth to every celebration, just minutes from the bustling seaside town.
A lush hidden courtyard, stylish Library Room, and glamorous dining space make this Donnybrook favourite a chic choice for urban celebrations. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or full-venue takeover, this restaurant offers luxury with loads of personality.
Perched on the Wild Atlantic Way, this restaurant-with-a-view serves breathtaking ocean panoramas alongside a foodie-focused experience. Outdoor ceremonies in the seafront garden, glass-walled dining, and a famously warm Kerry welcome make this a dream for coastal romantics.
Set in a converted 200-year-old church in Killorglin, 10 Bridge Street fuses history with modern flair. From stained-glass ceremonies to lively “Party Pair” receptions, couples can tailor their day with everything from four-course feasts to family-style sharing plates.
Set where the Cooley and Mourne Mountains meet the sea, this hotel blends grandeur with natural beauty. Choose from elegant ballrooms or a garden gazebo, and celebrate with views of medieval Carlingford village just a stroll away.
An exclusive Georgian townhouse beside the iconic capital city park. Perfect for intimate weddings, it features the sun-drenched Hibernian Room, domed-ceiling Card Room, a private courtyard for summer receptions, and 12 boutique bedrooms oozing period charm.
Hidden in the heart of West Wicklow, this intimate woodland retreat offers ceremonies under a forest canopy, receptions in a cozy Long Hall, and foodie feasting in a larch cabin or pavilion. Perfect for couples who want sustainability, soul, and scenery—without compromising on gourmet touches.
With over 800 years of history and a striking castle façade, Clontarf Castle offers couples exclusive use, landscaped gardens, a romantic terrace, and luxurious guest accommodation. A blend of medieval magic and modern luxury.
Couples can explore all ten summer spotlights—plus hundreds more show-stopping Irish venues—at SaveMyDay.ie, where they can connect with venues and enquire for free.
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