A few months ago, Meredith of Gather Events invited me on a whirlwind trip to various wedding venues around the Dublin, Ireland area after I fell in love with the island during a previous trip. This particular venue ended up being a fast favorite!
Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Gloster House stands as a testament to the elegance of a bygone era. With its rich history, this privately owned Georgian house has been lovingly restored and transformed into a breathtaking wedding venue. From its expansive estate to its meticulously maintained gardens, Gloster House offers couples an exclusive and enchanting setting for their special day.
Gloster House holds a captivating heritage that spans three centuries. Meticulously, the owners have revived the house to its former grandeur, seamlessly incorporating modern amenities like plumbing and internet access. Their utmost priority was to preserve the building’s integrity and restore the decor to its original splendor. Unlike many venues that undergo extensive renovations, erasing their original allure, Gloster House remains a beacon of old-world charm. The owners’ unwavering commitment to every minute detail transports couples to a bygone era.
Breathtaking Natural Surroundings at Gloster House
As a wedding and private rental venue, Gloster House prides itself on offering complete exclusivity and privacy to its guests. When you choose Gloster House for your special day, the entire estate becomes yours, ensuring an intimate celebration where you can create memories that will last a lifetime. Embraced by 140 acres of immaculate woodlands, lakes, and meticulously maintained gardens, Gloster House further enhances the sense of seclusion and tranquility that you and your guests will relish.
With its spacious grounds and versatile event spaces, Gloster House can accommodate weddings for up to 180 people. Whether you envision an indoor ceremony, a grand banquet, or a lively dance floor, the venue provides a variety of options to suit your preferences.
The venue abounds with enchanting locations for ceremonies throughout its grounds. One such option is the awe-inspiring Italian gardens, featuring a majestic pathway adorned with towering Irish yew trees, forming a naturally striking aisle. Further along the path, you’ll encounter a terrace adorned with flourishing flora and fauna, glistening fountains, and an additional ceremony area—a charming pergola.
As you continue exploring the grounds, you’ll discover another captivating pathway that winds alongside a babbling brook, leading you to a field recently sown with vibrant wildflowers. This picturesque setting serves as yet another exquisite backdrop for couples to choose from, adding to the array of stunning choices available!
As you step into Gloster, you will be transported back to the enchanting Georgian era. The meticulously adorned rooms greet you with a captivating array of carefully chosen colors. The entrance, exuding an ethereal aura, stands tall in pure white, adorned with exquisitely carved details. From above, six statues gaze down, adding to the grandeur of the surroundings. An elegant balcony, overlooking the space, not only provides a breathtaking view but also serves as a perfect spot for capturing memorable photographs with your guests.
A Peek Inside
From here, the many rooms of Gloster await. The pale blue music room, the soft yellow sitting room, the green library, and the dramatic dark blue dining room are all rooms on the first floor that have been tastefully decorated with period elegance. It offers guests a place to relax, read, play card games or enjoy an intimate dinner together. Gloster House offers on-site accommodation for up to 36 people, allowing your closest family and friends to stay together on the property.
My favorite room is a gorgeous pale pink room on the top floor. This room overlooking the gardens is perfect for bridal parties to get ready in with all the amenities all in one space. There are so many wonderful rooms that the first couple of hours will probably be spent wandering through these rooms looking at all the carefully selected artwork and antiques. And arguing over who will get the pink room!
Rain in the forecast for your outdoor wedding plans? No worries! Gloster has several indoor spaces available for any last-minute weather changes. One room is an open conservatory-like space called the banquet room. This all-white room is a blank canvas for your wedding theme and can host up to 120 guests.
The Chapel & Courtyard
Need a slightly larger space? They’ve got that too. Their white chapel is my favorite reception space in the whole venue. Again it is painted all white (excellent for light!) and expansive. It features a stage area, high vaulted ceilings with a balcony (for your photographer – me – to get epic photos from above), and a bar to serve up your signature cocktails.
If you need a breath of fresh air, simply step outdoors again to another of my favorite spots: the courtyard. This courtyard is the centerpiece of the venue, connecting all of the spaces in a wonderfully whimsical way. This spot would be perfect for your cocktail hour or even an intimate family dinner outdoors on a summer evening. With luck, Percy the resident peacock may wander in and amaze your guests with his preening, colorful featured dance!
Exclusive Availability
To ensure that your wedding day receives the utmost attention and care, Gloster House hosts only one wedding per week. This commitment to exclusivity allows the dedicated staff to focus entirely on creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. For guests requiring additional accommodation, Gloster House offers a local shuttle service to Birr, a charming town nearby. This ensures that everyone can find suitable lodging while still being conveniently close to the wedding festivities.
Ever since I first stumbled upon this wedding venue, I’ve wanted to visit, and being on-site was something out of a dream. I desperately wanted to stay. Can one fall in love with a wedding venue? If it’s 300 years old, lovingly restored with gardens and wildflowers, antiques, and soft pillows then yes. You absolutely can!
If you are looking for the perfect wedding experience for you and your guests, look no further than Gloster House in County Offaly, Ireland. For more information, please head over to their website: https://www.glosterhouse.ie/