Part of the province of Connacht, County Sligo is a little-known Irish coastal county shrouded in natural beauty and steeped in poetry, myth, and charm. It’s less touristy than some of its neighbours, which means you’ll get that authentic, unspoilt vibe that’s ideal for low-key weddings.
Of course, if you’re planning to go all out, there’s space for that too, and the diversity of the landscape means you can really make it your own. Want to say your vows at the foot of Benbulben? Go for it. Prefer a candlelit ceremony in a historic castle or a barefoot exchange on a quiet beach? You’ve got options.
From luxury hotels with spa packages to cosy country houses and charming coastal venues, Sligo has something to suit every style (and every budget). With the average cost coming in at around £18,300 (approximately €21,600), Irish weddings are some £2,500 (approximately €2,900) less than the UK average of £20,822 (approximately €24,000). That’s a whole lot of beauty for your buck, making it a brilliant choice if you want the wow-factor without the eye-watering price tag!
Rustic country weddings are a popular theme in County Sligo. Its rural location and range of fine country houses make it the perfect setting for a laid-back, countryside celebration full of charm. If freshly picked wildflowers, homemade jam favours, and dancing under festoon lights sound like your kind of thing, you’ll feel right at home here. Throw your very own relaxed garden party in County Sligo.
Beachy boho weddings are also a big hit, especially along Sligo’s coastline in places like Strandhill and Mullaghmore. Neutral tones with pops of blue, driftwood centrepieces, and barefoot ceremonies in the sand are right at home here. Embrace the natural and live your unpolished, beachy dream.
If you’re on the quirkier side, County Sligo is steeped in mythology and lore. Drawing on influence from W.B. Yeats, Queen Maeve, and the area’s ancient legends, you can create a wedding day that feels like something out of a storybook. We’re thinking Celtic handfasting rituals, fairy lights woven through trees, ethereal dresses, and vintage book-themed decor. It’s whimsical, meaningful, and full of atmosphere.
Looking for your dream wedding venue in County Sligo? Look no further. We’ve pulled together our top six Bridebook-approved wedding venues for your consideration.
You can’t go wrong with a stately home, and Castle Dargan Estate is no exception. Set in 170 acres of manicured land and complete with its very own golf course, this elegant estate oozes glamour. Prices start at around €70 per head, so it’s a very reasonable price point for such a beautiful venue. Of course, you can add on extra touches like a drinks reception on the lawn, a spa morning for your wedding party, or even a round of golf the day before for a full weekend celebration. Just beware of the extra costs—they can creep up quickly.
If money is no object and the brief is absolute luxury, check out Belleek Castle. This stunning Neo-Gothic venue dates back to medieval times and brings all the drama and decadence you could dream of. With original stonework, candlelit banquet halls, and antique-filled rooms, it’s perfect for couples who want that full-on fairytale vibe. Prices typically start around €85 per head or €8,700 for 49 guests, so it is on the pricier side, but oh-so worth it to feel like royalty.
If quirky is more your vibe, check out Juniper Barn in Ballymote. This relaxed, countryside venue is set on a 200-acre private estate and is dedicated to protecting the environment that surrounds it. It’s a brilliant pick for eco-conscious couples who want their big day to be both beautiful and sustainable.
There are also a whole host of LGBTQ+ friendly venues in County Sligo. As the first country to legalise gay marriage, Ireland holds a special place in the hearts of many LGBTQ+ couples. The region is home to a growing number of inclusive venues that pride themselves on creating welcoming and safe spaces for every kind of love story. The Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club Sligo, The Driftwood, and Markree Castle are all inclusive options for your big day, offering all the flexibility and warmth you deserve.
Venue hire in County Sligo is as broad as the landscape itself. Prices start from around €3,000 and go right up to €18,000 if you’re going for the most luxurious options. Lots of venues also offer per-person packages, usually ranging from €40 to €135 for food, drinks, and decor basics. Midweek weddings and off-peak dates often come with brilliant discounts too, so if you’re flexible, you might just nab your dream venue for a fraction of the cost.
County Sligo’s rural location means you may need to take a little longer to plan your big day. Venues and suppliers book up quickly, so you’ll need to move fast if you want your pick of venues. We recommend leaving 18-24 months’ lead time—especially if you’re planning a summer wedding or have your heart set on a popular venue. Weekend dates, especially, tend to get booked up quickly, so it’s worth setting your date and starting planning early.
Of course, if you’re planning a mid-week or off-peak wedding, you can get away with a shorter lead time. But, where’s the fun in that? Planning early means you get to enjoy the process of wedding planning that much more, meaning you can bask in your engagement without the last-minute stress. It also gives you a better shot at securing your dream team of suppliers and having the wedding of your dreams.
Ireland is famous for its grey skies and drizzle. But, did you know that a slightly overcast day can make for stunning wedding photos? The diffused lights and neutral background mean you’ll avoid harsh shadows and overexposed shots. Plus, a moody sky over Benbulben or the Atlantic coastline adds a dramatic, cinematic touch that’s hard to beat.
Spring (March-May) brings temperatures of between 4°C and 15°C, making it the perfect time for an outdoor ceremony. The evenings are getting longer and there’s a fresh feel in the air in County Sligo. The landscape is bursting back into life after the chill of winter, and it’s ideal for couples who want that sense of renewal and natural beauty, without the peak-season crowds.
Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to get married in Sligo, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 18°C. The longer days mean more time for outdoor receptions, golden hour photos, and even a beach stroll if you're near the coast. Just bear in mind that it’s also peak booking season, so venues and suppliers get snapped up quickly.
Autumn (September-November) is another beautiful time to get married. The evenings are long, the weather is cool but not cold, and the trees are just starting to change their colours. What could be more beautiful? With temperatures between 6°C and 13°C, an outdoor ceremony is certainly still on the cards if you’d like. But, you can always wrap up warm with a cosy barn wedding and really lean into the autumn aesthetic.
Winter (December-February) is the least popular time to get married in County Sligo, with temperatures coming in between 6°C and 10°C. Truly off-season, the chilly weather and shorter days can put some couples off—but don’t write it off just yet. Winter weddings in Sligo have a unique charm all their own. You’ll need to wrap up warm, of course, but the money you save on a winter wedding means you might be able to splash out on other things. It’s all about prioritisation.
County Sligo is extremely rural, meaning it’s not as accessible as somewhere like Dublin or Galway. But, with a little forward planning and a can-do attitude, it’s totally manageable.
Flying in is likely your best option if guests are coming from the UK or further afield. Airports like Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) are just over an hour away and offer direct flights from several UK cities, making it a handy choice for overseas guests. Dublin Airport (DUB) is another option, especially for international flights. It’s around a three-hour drive from Sligo, with car hire and public transport readily available.
Renting a car is your best bet for getting around. Public transport is unreliable and doesn’t always reach the more remote venues. You may also want to consider a minibus or other group transport for guests to keep their cost of attendance down. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
Accommodation-wise, County Sligo is well equipped. There are a ton of hotels, AirbnbBs, or glamping spots, depending on your guests’ preference. Some hotels even double up as wedding venues, meaning your guests can kick off their dancing shoes and take a short walk to their beds. Just bear in mind that places can book up quickly during the summer months, so it’s worth giving guests a heads-up and maybe even reserving a block of rooms if your venue offers that option.
Pro tip: Make things easy for your guests by including a travel and accommodation guide with your invites or wedding website. A few helpful tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to expect can go a long way, especially if folks are unfamiliar with rural Ireland.
