There is nowhere more romantic than an island to celebrate a wedding. From the remote to the more accessible, Ireland has a wealth of choice when it comes to ideas for island weddings.
1. The Aran Islands, County Galway
With the wild Atlantic ocean and the lapping waves as a backdrop, the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland are a terrific choice for a wedding celebration. They are known as the islands of Saints and Scholars and locals speak both Irish and English. The excitement of the journey will set the proceedings off to a unique start and the guests will be awestruck by the scenery, culture and history even before the wedding begins.
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| Aran Islands |
There are three Aran Islands, Inis Mor (Inismore); Inis Meain (Inismaan) and Inis Oirr (Inisheer). Guests can arrive either by air or by sea and will be overwhelmed by the beauty and wildness of the landscape. The islands have also been described as ‘an outdoor museum’, as they are scattered with Celtic churches of historical importance. Highlights include Dun Aonghasa and the Cliffs of Aran. The islands are famous for hosting the Redbull Cliff Diving Competition, also as the setting for the film Man of Aran and of course the Aran sweater.
2. Lusty Beg Island, County Fermanagh
An island on a lake, the lesser known Lusty Beg Island is a 75 acre island at Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, in the heart of the Fermanagh lake land. Getting married at the edge of a lake and on an island is the ultimate in romance. Your celebration will be enhanced by the huge amount of waterside activities to be enjoyed such as boat rides, kayaking and canoeing.
Fermanagh in Northern Ireland was chosen as the destination for the 2013 G8 Summit and was showcased around the world as world leaders decamped to the area. The breathtaking natural landscape and feeling of total escape will provide a magical backdrop to any wedding.
3. Inisbofin, County Galway
Still somewhat off the beaten track, the island of Inisbofin, County Galway, which is 8km off the Connemara coast would provide an interesting talking point for guests as a choice for your wedding. This unique island offers endless opportunities to stay away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland with official looped walks, two Green Coast Awarded beaches and much more.
Also known as ‘the Enchanted Island’, Inisbofin is derived from the Irish Inis Bo Finne, which means Island of the White Cow. This small island has a particular wildness but a magical beauty of sea, lake and mountains. It is only 5.5km long and 3km wide and much of the island has been declared a Special Area of Conservation (due to the presence of corncrakes and seals). Another interesting aspect of the island, which gives it a very unique charm, is that it has no trees or forests whatsoever.
4. Fota Island, County Cork
Fota Island (Oilean Fhota in Irish) is a very small island in Cork Harbor and again would provide a magnificent backdrop for a romantic island wedding in Ireland. The interesting thing about Fota Island is that it is home to Ireland’s only wildlife park as well as the stunning and historical Fota House.
Animal lovers will relish this opportunity to see the wide array of exotic animals including ostriches, giraffes, kangaroos, zebras and antelopes. Most of the animals are allowed to roam throughout more than 50 acres of mature grasslands. Fota Island resort lies in the heart of a 780 acre estate and is the gateway to Cork City, which is described by many as Ireland’s culinary capital.
Ireland has a wealth of magical islands to choose from for your big day. What are your favorite island destinations in Ireland?