As one of the most historic towns in Ireland, Drogheda is a pretty special place to tie the knot. With a lovely mix of old-world charm and modern convenience, you can expect winding cobbled streets, gorgeous churches, and cosy pubs where your guests can settle in for a proper knees-up. Whether you're dreaming of a big traditional do or something a bit more laid-back, there are loads of venues and local suppliers to help make it all feel personal and just right.
All this and more in Drogheda. With the River Boyne running through the town centre, rolling countryside just outside, stunning castles, and beaches not far off, you won’t be short on photo ops—or places to sneak off for a quiet moment together. Plus, being so close to Dublin (but without the Dublin prices!) means it’s easy for guests to get to, but still feels like a little escape.
You can expect to pay £18,300 (approximately €21,600) for an Irish wedding, making them a solid £2,500 (approximately €2,900) less than the UK average of £20,822 (approximately €24,000). Plus, your guests get a mini holiday out of it, and let’s be honest, the Guinness tastes better over here anyway. So, if you’re after a wedding that’s beautiful, memorable, and a bit easier on the wallet, Ireland, and Drogheda, are the places for you.
Vintage elegance is a popular theme in Drogheda. The authentic nature of this quaint town lends itself beautifully to classic details like lace gowns, antique table settings, and soft pastel florals. Plus, with historic buildings and venues right on your doorstep, you can let the surroundings do the talking.
Alternatively, boho chic is another popular theme that fits right in with the Drogheda aesthetic. Eucalyptus leaves, flower crowns, pillar candles, and natural textures like rattan bring a laid-back and whimsical feel to your big day. Perfect for this laid-back East Ireland locale.
Let’s take a look at some of our favourite Drogheda wedding venues that could serve as the backdrop to your big day.
Classic and beautiful, Tankardstown House is a stunning country house based just over an hour from Dublin. Offering exclusive use, stunning candelabras, and the option to use the orangery as a ceremony space, you can easily tailor Tankardstown House to match your vibe. Plus, with prices starting at €99 per head for a minimum of 50 guests, it’s a pretty great shout if you’re after something stylish but still good value for money. You get that luxurious, countryside feel without having to trek too far from town—or blow the entire budget.
If you’re looking for a fairytale feel, look no further than Darver Castle. With an in-house wedding coordinator and your choice of ballrooms, it’s the perfect spot for any budding prince or princess to celebrate in style. The castle itself is packed with charm, and as specialists in Halal, Caribbean, Latin, Asian, and Middle Eastern catering, they’re brilliant at helping you create a day that reflects your culture and tastes. Prices also start at €99 per head for a minimum of 50 guests, so you get a whole lot of charm and character without the eye-watering price tag.
If you’re looking for something with a little local flair, the Headfort Arms Hotel specialises in Irish cooking and are proud to offer a warm, home-from-home atmosphere that’s big on hospitality. It’s a family-run spot with loads of heart, and they’re known for going the extra mile to make sure your day feels truly personal. Prices start at €79 a head or €8,999 for 100 guests depending on the package, so it’s another great, affordable option for a Drogheda wedding venue.
If you’re looking for sea views, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links is a luxury venue that offers unparalleled sea views and is only some 45 minutes from Dublin. A gift from King Edward VII to the son and daughter of two great whiskey families, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links has sweeping coastlines, manicured lawns, and a gorgeous mix of modern elegance and old-world class thanks to its historic roots. It sits firmly in the ‘Luxury’ bracket in terms of pricing. But, if you’ve got the budget, it’s definitely worth it.
Whether you’re looking to splash the cash or dreaming of something more low-key, there’s something for every budget in Drogheda. Prices start at €750 for venue hire alone or €59 per head, meaning you can still have a gorgeous celebration without the premium price tag. Equally, if you plan for a mid-week or off-season celebration, you can often unlock even better deals—without compromising on style or atmosphere. Micro weddings are also very popular at the moment and come at a fraction of the price of a traditional celebration.
Lots of venues are happy to tailor packages to suit your needs, so it’s always worth asking what’s possible.
We recommend leaving 18 months' lead time for your Drogheda wedding. The semi-rural location means venues are in high demand, especially during peak wedding season (summer weekends and bank holidays), so getting in early gives you the best chance of securing your dream spot. Popular venues may book up even sooner, so as soon as you have your date, we recommend booking your venue.
Once your wedding venue is booked, everything else just seems to fall into place. Plus, booking your venue early means you won’t have to rush around, panic-viewing loads of spots. Instead, you’ll have your choice of venue and can truly enjoy the wedding planning process.
Drogheda is stunning—there’s no doubt about that. But, Ireland isn’t known for its sunshine, and the weather can be a bit unpredictable no matter what time of year you choose. One minute it’s clear blue skies, the next it’s drizzling, so it’s always smart to have a backup plan (especially if you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony).
Spring (March-May) is one of your best chances of an outdoor ceremony. With temperatures averaging between 4°C and 15°C, it’s cool without being too crisp. The countryside starts to bloom, the days get a bit longer, and there’s a real sense of new beginnings in the air—perfect for a wedding. Just make sure your guests wrap up warm and you have a backup plan in case of those April showers.
Summer (June-August) is peak wedding season in Drogheda. The warm weather and bright blue skies mean people are queuing up to say their vows. Although we can see why it’s so popular, it does mean you’ll need to be prepared for slightly higher prices, as well as booking your venue and suppliers well in advance. On the plus side, you'll get the longest days of the year (hello, golden hour photos at 9pm!) and the best chance of some sunshine. Just don’t forget the SPF and a few fans if you’re in a marquee—Irish summers can surprise you!
Autumn (September-November) brings temperatures of between 6°C and 13°C, so there’s still a hint of summer in the air in spite of the undoubted chill creeping in. The changing leaves and golden light make for seriously stunning photo ops, and it’s generally a little quieter and more affordable than peak summer months. It’s also a great time to lean into seasonal food and styling. Think warming Irish stews, jewel-toned bridesmaids’ dresses, and even a mulled wine or two to stave off the chill.
Winter (December-February) in Drogheda is chilly. With temperatures dipping as low as 2°C, you’ll either need to wrap up very warm, or consider an indoor-only wedding. Although you can definitely head outside for a few wintery snaps, we recommend hosting the bulk of your wedding indoors where there’s central heating and mulled wine! Having said that, winter weddings often come with better availability and more competitive pricing, so your budget might stretch a bit further. Just be sure to factor in shorter daylight hours and possible travel delays due to ice.
Getting around Drogheda is surprisingly simple thanks to its close proximity to Dublin and well-connected transport links.
Flights and ferries are undoubtedly the quickest way to get to Ireland if you’re travelling from abroad. Links to Dublin City Airport (DUB) are plentiful, with regular direct flights from the UK and major European cities. Once you land, it’s just a 40–45 minute drive up the M1 to Drogheda. Alternatively, you can hop on a direct bus or train if you’d rather leave the car behind. Ferries from Holyhead, Birkenhead, or Pembroke are all great options for those travelling from Wales or the North West.
Guests travelling internally can make use of well-connected public transport or even rent a car if they’d prefer. There are a ton of options for getting into town, and once you're in Drogheda, getting around is a breeze. The town itself is compact enough that you can walk between most hotels, restaurants, and venues. Plus, there are local taxis and buses if you need to get a bit further out.
Those who need a space to rest their heads will find great options in Drogheda town centre. However, you may want to consider picking a wedding venue that doubles up as a hotel. Spots like Pilo Hotel Ashbourne or Fairways Hotel Dundalk are great, affordable choices that offer both a beautiful setting for your celebration and a comfy place for guests to stay overnight. It takes the hassle out of coordinating transport at the end of the night and means everyone can fully relax and enjoy the party.
