Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa has a special space in my heart. It’s where I shot my first wedding in Ireland and ever since we’ve had an amazing partnership. I’ve been added to their preferred vendors list and I’ve participated in many of their special events for couples. Their staff is extremely friendly and they truly care about couples. In this post I wish to share some of the best spots for pictures at Dunboyne Castle as well as images of their function room to inform couples who may want to get married there.
Favourite spots
1) The Library Room
Dunboyne Castle presents two buildings of very different architectural traditions: the Georgian House (The Butlers’ Home) and the 2006 extension. Inside the old Butlers’ Home you can find the Library Room, one of my favourite spots to shoot. The tall windows offer some stunning natural light and the décor gives the images a sense of timeless sophistication.
2) The Old Stairs
Also located inside the Butlers’ Home, the Old Stairs are simply gorgeous. The tall windows located all on the same side of the room offer the chance for beautifully contrasted images. Additionally, the height of the room allows for some very creative angles, such as shooting the couple from above or below. These images are made all the more interesting by framing the couple using the lines offered by the stairs themselves. Definitely a must.
3) The Old Wall
By the side of the hotel, you can find a stunning Old Wall with an original door and two window frames. Framed by trees all around, the wall looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. On top of that, by illuminating couples through the door or window frame, as a photographer I can really highlight the magical feel of the scene.
4) The Monopteros
It’s hard to arrive at Dunboyne and not see the Monopteros. Tucked away in the manicured gardens, this classic round stone structure provides an incredible focal point for portraits. The open classical columns create natural framing for intimate moments, while the surrounding greenery gives the scene a serene, fine-art quality regardless of the season. It may be tricky to shoot there in the middle of the day as sunlight may be too harsh. In this case, what I like to do is to underexpose ever so slightly and light couples from behind. The light, column and dome of the Monopteros, all frame couples in a very romantic atmosphere.
The Tara Room
Dunboyne’s function room, the Tara Room, was recently renovated and they really did an incredible job. The room presents high ceilings decorated with beautiful chandeliers. As a photographer, I also appreciate the lovely natural light that frames couples during their ceremony and dinner. For wedding days the room is divided in half. During the ceremony, guests are welcomed by the side of the big window. This makes the ceremony feel more intimate, while lighting the couple in beautiful natural light. For dinner the whole room is opened up. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to work with the hotel and photograph the new decoration packages they’ll be offering to couples. All options look great and it’s up to couples which one they prefer.
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is located at Maynooth Road, Dunboyne Co. Meath, A86 PW63, just a few kilometres outside of Dublin. They can host weddings of 100+ people in their Tara Room and can accommodate intimate weddings at their Drawing Room in the Butlers’ House (another beautiful room by the way!). Have a look at my portfolio to see more images of weddings I’ve shot there. I’m also more than happy to share with you a few full day galleries if you want to see how different parts of the day look like.
Planning your wedding at Dunboyne Castle? I’d love to chat about capturing your day—get in touch to check my availability
