All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Table of Contents
- Tankardstown House, Exclusive Meath Wedding Venue
- Getting Married at Tankardstown House
- Overnight Stays at Tankardstown House
- Events at Tankardstown House
- Conclusion
Tankardstown House, Exclusive Meath Wedding Venue
If you’re searching for the wedding venue that fits your dreams, this guide will help you. As photographers, Ivana and I want to highlight some of our favourite (and the most picturesque) venues in Ireland; this time, we’ll visit the grand Tankardstown House!
Standing in Slane’s hilly countryside, this marvellous, 80-acre estate is nestled in the heart of the Boyne Valley; surrounded by rolling pastures and ancient Celtic landmarks.
Tankardstown House is easily reachable via Slane (in County Meath) in less than an hour. Driving North from Dublin Airport via the M1, you’ll pass Drogheda to your right. You can then turn Westward after crossing the River Boyne. Alternatively, take the N2 Northwards to arrive directly into Slane.
Meath is rich in cultural history; many of Ireland’s most famous sites rest nearby. Along the way, you will pass the prehistoric Newgrange, cross the River Boyne, and arrive at the famous Slane Castle. Celebrated also for its concerts and whiskey (a good mix in Ireland!), Slane Castle is a mere 5km Southeast of Tankardstown House.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Getting Married at Tankardstown House
You will receive a royal, Red Carpet welcome at Tankardstown, and arriving through their tree-lined driveway makes you feel special. Outside, music plays from the lush Walled Garden as guests arrive; inside, pre-dinner drinks and canapés are tendered to guests in the drawing rooms. When it’s time for the ceremony (or dinner), the spiral staircase will take everyone into the Orangery.
Weddings of all sizes and seasons are catered for at Tankardstown. Their Walled Garden happily holds ceremonies and receptions in the sunshine; while open fires, tea lights, and candelabras warm up your Winter wedding. Dining at Tankardstown is its own unique experience, and its award-winning Team of Chefs has carefully curated a Master Wedding Menu for you.
Both indoor and outdoor ceremonies are welcome, so you’re spoiled for choice. Alternatively, there are churches in the surrounding countryside, including the nearby towns of Slane and Navan.
Tankardstown exudes luxury and elegance with taste; every room has its own character and is replete with old tomes, statuettes, and fine fabrics and upholstery. No expense has been spared to deliver exquisite care and attention to detail for your wedding.
Ceremony Spots
1. The Orangery
Florals and decor on photos below: Flowers By Moira | Light letter signage: Wedding Letters Ireland
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
The Orangery is Tankardstown’s indoor ceremony space; a serene, long room with light pouring in overhead. There is so much that can be done with this hall, both in terms of decor and dining!
Airy and elegant, the Orangery is picture-perfect. Indoor ceremonies here are guaranteed to look gorgeous – rain or shine! Beneath two glowing chandeliers, and surrounded by a pantheon of statues, your ceremony will look and feel bright and elegant. Following the ceremony, everyone will be entertained in the drawing rooms, or perhaps in the splendid outdoors.
This hall feels very much like the focal point of Tankardstown; it links seamlessly between the Main House and the grounds, the guest cottages, and the Kitchen Bar. And with two discreet evening rooms aside, one can step out for respite and not feel apart from the goings-on. Once the Orangery is ready for the banquet, you’ll be glad to return for a truly mouth-watering meal.
The Orangery provides comfortable seating for up to 230 guests for your banquet. However, the hall is flexible to allow for various arrangements and party sizes.
2. The Walled Garden
For an outdoor ceremony, the Walled Garden is unrivaled. This expertly kept garden provides beautiful photographic opportunities; as well as herbs and veggies for the wedding feast, and the garden keeps the local bees busy.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
In sunnier weather, this little paradise also serves as a delightful pre-dinner reception spot. With its half-kilometer yew tree avenue, pergola, and enchanting florals, the Walled Garden will bring unforgettable memories and photographs! As if this natural wonderland couldn’t get any more romantic, music plays from the trees. The garden’s magical music system will surely make for a heart-achingly sweet ceremony.
The Walled Garden is also a perfect spot for newlyweds to enjoy a little respite and quality time together. We usually take couples out here so they can enjoy a calm, romantic stroll through the gardens. Meanwhile, we capture some natural, candid photos to keep forever.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Overnight in Tankardstown House
For your wedding, Tankardstown offers a “night of style, elegance, convenience and sensational service”. Tankardstown House provides accommodation across a total of 25 rooms; 7 in the Main House, and 18 in the Cottage Suites. Bear in mind, it is mandatory to book all 7 suites in the main house for your wedding night.
The Cottage Suites can accommodate a maximum of 37 guests. Each Suite, both in the Main House and Courtyard, is lordly and luxurious (to ensure lovely photos)!
If you require additional space, either for overnight accommodation or preparation, Tankardstown has you covered. A stone’s throw from the estate itself is the Luxury Villa Tankardstown. This is a 5-bed, 14-guest AirBnB right next door to Tankardstown House, often chosen for morning preparations. Alternatively, their sister hotel, the Conyngham Arms Hotel in Slane, is an option for additional guests or off-site sleepovers. Boyne House is another great option and has space for both partners’ morning preparations.
Guest Suites: Heritage Rooms
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
The 5 Main House suites are all individually named: Georgina, Deirdre, Amber, Laragh, and RoisÃn. Although each room has its unique character, all boast gorgeous views of the estate – along with a quaint, antique atmosphere! These cosy rooms will ensure relaxation after an eventful day and a rejuvenating sleep in your emperor-size bed.
All guest suites are replete with fine linens, robes and slippers, coffee machines, and en-suite bathrooms with supplies.
Tankardstown Courtyard Cottages
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Converted from an 18th Century Stable Yard, the luxurious Cottage Suites sit adjacent to the Main House. Easily accessed from both the main entrance and the Orangery, these cottages are furnished to regality. The Egyptian towels, en-suite power showers, and custom-made beds will certainly comfort your guests!
These 7 beautifully restored cottages are family-friendly; you have a choice of 1 and 2-bedroom cottages, including one family cottage. They are also pet-friendly – yes, dogs are welcome in Tankardstown! You may even encounter Tankardstown’s housedog, Bruce.
The following morning, your guests will meet in the flowery courtyard outside; and everyone will be delighted to recount your epic day over their complimentary breakfast. However, some may be tempted to sneak off for a refreshing dip in the Walled Garden’s outdoor hot tub!
Tankardstown’s Master Suite
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Here is your palatial room, with a stunning view of the main entrance and the never-ending fields beyond the bay windows! Secluded from the Heritage Rooms, this luxurious chamber provides true rest and comfort. Your large marble ensuite bathroom features a double shower, as well as a freestanding roll-top bath and a wide, bright vanity. This classical, yet light and modern suite is picture-perfect for the bride’s morning preparation.
The Library Suite
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Competing with the Master Suite’s magnificence is the Library Suite. This high-ceilinged chamber has a more antique feel but is even more luxurious than you’d expect. Laden with antique furnishings and, as expected, books, this room feels like a relaxing, homely study. Your regal en-suite, however, blends classical with modern. Enjoy the marble-floor, with gilt washstands, a large bathtub, as well as a glass-cased shower. This room is truly like no other!
Events at Tankardstown’s Main House
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Tankardstown’s flexible facilities can be arranged to match your guest list, welcoming weddings of all shapes and sizes! That said, guest capacity within the Orangery varies throughout the week; From Sunday to Wednesday, they can host a minimum of 50 guests. On Thursday, the minimum is 80 guests; Friday, it’s 120 guests and a Saturday wedding requires at least 140 guests.
Although the top-class Brabazon is their flagship restaurant, your banquet in the Orangery will be prepared by the same award-winning hands! Before your wedding, you will have a choice of your meal plan. But don’t worry, all options are truly mouth-watering.
Local Irish produce supplies their kitchen, however, Tankardstown is very self-sufficient. Their own bountiful Walled Garden provides fresh herbs, vegetables, and salads. While nearby, the busy bees and resident hens provide Boyne Valley honey and scrumptious fresh eggs! Their sophisticatedly rustic restaurant is home to both award-winning food and chefs, making it a favourite amongst connoisseurs.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Tankardstown House has so much to offer!
The estate’s verdant grounds and the aesthetic, graceful interiors are a joy to photograph. Also, their exquisite food and accommodation will make an unforgettable day for both you and your dear guests.
For a sample of a real wedding at Tankardstown House, see Sinead & James’ Joyful Summer Wedding on our blog!
County Meath is spoiled for natural beauty and luxury venues. If you’d like to see more examples of fine wedding venues in Meath, take a look at our guide to Clonabreany House!
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* Updated 2023
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