Castleknock Hotel: A Beautiful Wedding Venue in Ireland

Articles, Wedding Venues

The motto at Castleknock Hotel is simple: The only time you’ll lift a finger is when you’re admiring your new wedding ring. If being treated like a queen is what you’re after, this is the wedding venue for you! Since Castleknock Hotel is our Hotel Venue of the Year: Leinster, we sent three of our WOL Awards judges to the hotel to see what they think! The three judges are Sara Kennedy of Irish Wedding Blog, Anne Marie Boyhan of WhatSheWears.ie and Mark Richarson, who is widely recognized as Ireland’s leading sales and communication skills expert. This is what they had to say…

 

First impressions

“When we arrived there was a great buzz in the hotel. We went to the bar for a pre drink but straight away we went out to the patio area where people were sitting back and enjoying a drink. There were blankets if you got cold but the sun was still splitting the tree’s and that outdoor area seems to be a fabulous sun trap! As soon as we entered the restaurant, the whole team made us feel very welcome. In fact, from the moment when you walk through the door, every staff member we walked by said hello and there was a really pleasant feeling.” – Sara Kennedy

 

“Really impressed with the location, so close to Dublin yet in the countryside and on the edge of the Phoenix Park – this venue has so much going for it. I always tell people that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, lovely attentive staff, welcome note and a bottle of wine in the room. I’ll be back!” – Mark Richardson

 

“Amazed at the setting for the hotel, it really felt like an escape to the countryside. There was a great atmosphere when we arrived and I loved the details of lanterns and flowers at the hotel entrance. We received a warm welcome from the team and were impressed at the little touches, such as a welcome note and bottle of wine in our room.” – Anne Marie Boyhan

 

 

Service and food

Service: As mentioned above, it was superb. Matthew is an absolute credit to the hotel. The timing of the food was great and we were left with just enough time between courses and we were never without a drink. I never once had to go looking for anyone, everything was just so easy.

Food: I have to say, this new menu blew me away. I was happy with the previous menu but this one is a different level. I had the goats cheese starter and it was a taste sensation. The steak was just unreal. It’s rare that you get a steak as amazing in a hotel but this was almost like it was slow cooked. We’ve already said that we will be bringing our family up there to have the steak in a few weeks. I feel I have to share this with everyone!” – Sara Kennedy

 

Service: lovely well trained staff, very attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Food: Yummy, well presented and gorgeous. Perfect for a romantic dinner or indeed a banquet.” – Mark Richardson

 

Service: all round very good and friendly, especially great in the restaurant which made our evening there even more enjoyable. Food: we enjoyed three course meal and drinks in the Earth & Vine restaurant. The food was tasty and well presented and staff were super attentive and we really relished this time as we don’t often have a kids-free dinner!” – Anne Marie Boyhan

 

 

The rooms

We didn’t stay but I have seen the refurbished rooms and they look great! We should have stayed over in the end as we really didn’t want to leave!” – Sara Kennedy

 

Comfy beds and lovely view of the gardens, spacious and modern – a break from the kids too which was super!” – Mark Richardson

 

“Really impressed with the beds and the view from the room. The shower in the bathroom was strong too – so it covered everything I’d look for in a hotel, a good nights sleep and a good shower in the morning.” – Anne Marie Boyhan

 

 

Drinks reception area and ballroom

Drinks reception area: We sat out on the patio before the meal and then after. After the meal was so nice, we took a blanket each and sat out under the heater and enjoyed a drink before heading home. It was like we were abroad.

Ballroom: I’m a huge fan of the ballroom in Castleknock Hotel as it’s really bright and there is great space. I love the shape of the room and I actually did a shoot with Xpose there last year.” – Sara Kennedy

 

Drinks reception area: ambient, quiet seating areas, live music. I didn’t want to leave. Ballroom: newly refurbished and beautifully decorated, great lighting and sound. Ticks all the boxes.” – Mark Richardson

 

Drinks reception area: really enjoyed this space which we retired to after our meal. There was a singer on the guitar, which provided great entertainment for the evening.” – Anne Marie Boyhan

 

 

The wow factor

“STEAK. Hands down the best I’ve ever had from a hotel. I have no idea how the chef prepared this but it was incredible, Both myself and my husband have not stopped raving about it. Matthew is also a WOW member of staff. His service and general friendliness made our anniversary so enjoyable. They also presented us with a happy anniversary treat of chocolate truffles……amazing.” – Sara Kennedy

 

“Such a fabulous spacious reception area with comfy contemporary décor which would make wonderful drinks reception area. The newly refurbished ballroom is state of the art and will keep your wedding guests together.” – Mark Richardson

 

“Personally I loved the hotel décor in the bar, dining areas and drinks reception area. It was modern with opulent accent chairs in the lobby and drinks reception area and leather upholstered booths in the restaurant/bar. There was an outdoor terrace area which was a fabulous spot to enjoy too, in the evening sun. although we were there as a couple only, we noted that they also have a playground and swimming pool so would definitely go back with the kids for that, essentials on a break away with the kids.” – Anne Marie Boyhan

 

 

Make an appointment at Castleknock Hotel with their wedding team for a tour of the hotel facilities by calling (01) 640 6309 or email weddings@castleknockhotel.ie

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