Review – Hotel Doolin

Hotel Doolin Weddings, your sustainable wedding choice,

Well, what can I say… Hotel Doolin is a truly unique, vibrant, and stunning wedding venue tucked away in the heart of Doolin, Co. Clare. During my stay, I completely fell in love with this place! The first time I heard about it was when Ailbhe Garrihy got married there, and it looked gorgeous from afar. Now that I’ve experienced it up close, I can tell you it’s every bit as magical as it seems.

If you’re thinking of tying the knot here, there are three things you should know: sustainability is in the venue’s DNA, the barn setting is fabulously unique, and the award-winning wedding team is second to none. And if you’re looking for a place with value, innovation, and a “dare to be different” ethos, Hotel Doolin has all that and more.

 

Different at Doolin

First things first—sustainability. Hotel Doolin is Ireland’s first carbon-neutral hotel, and I can’t emphasise enough what a huge achievement that is. It’s not just a checkbox here; they live and breathe sustainability. For example, their Eco Barn has solar panels that provide 35% of the hotel’s energy, exactly what’s needed to power a wedding. They use upcycled materials throughout, grow their own herbs and veggies, and plant ten native trees for every wedding couple booked. With the help of their couples, they’re planting over a thousand trees a year—essentially building a new forest! And their food philosophy is incredible; all ingredients are sourced within a 50-mile radius, with a full vegetarian and vegan menu available. I dined at both Fitz’s and Glas, and the food was absolutely delicious.

Their packages are all-inclusive, covering every detail from décor to drinks, so couples have peace of mind knowing the essentials are all covered. Free-flowing wine flows from dinner bell to dessert (they don’t count bottles here—just happy faces!), and guests are treated to incredible options like their own craft beers, Dooliner lager and red ale. And did I mention every couple gets free weekend passes to any of Hotel Doolin’s festivals? How fun is that!

When I visited, I had the pleasure of being a little fly on the wall, watching a wedding setup in action. Most couples choose to get married on-site, and it’s easy to see why. The Barn is purpose-built for weddings, offering a blank canvas for each couple to make their own. All decor is included in the package, with everything from florals to Chiavari chairs covered. They work closely with Ríona from Rí Weddings and Events, their very own wedding décor specialist, who brings every couple’s vision to life. Imagine stunning ceiling installations with florals and disco balls (yes, disco balls!)—The Barn transforms seamlessly from ceremony to a beautiful dining space, creating the perfect flow for a wedding day.

 

Before dinner, guests gather in a private reception area, greeted by a seafood boat, a charcuterie table, and essentials like gin, cocktails, beer, and prosecco. This spread is part of every package, and the look of awe on guests’ faces says it all. AND there is a Trad Band included too!

 

While guests enjoy the reception, the couple can sneak off to Doolin Pier for photos. The rugged Irish landscape and breathtaking Atlantic views make it a dreamy backdrop for those romantic shots. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even plan a pier jump or a seaweed bath on the morning of the wedding!

 

When dinner is ready, guests return to the transformed barn. The private bar, which blends seamlessly with the space, keeps everyone close to the dance floor, creating a lively, intimate vibe. Outside, the secluded courtyard is exclusively yours, and with festoon lighting, fire pits, and cozy seating, the atmosphere at night is truly enchanting.

 

 

For accommodation, Hotel Doolin offers 17 guest rooms, including a bridal suite, plus several houses for different groups attending the wedding. And let’s talk about the Bridal Boudoir—this dedicated prep space has everything a bride and her party could need, from dress rails and a kitchenette to a hair and makeup area. Such a thoughtful touch!

One of my favourite aspects? Hotel Doolin has a one-wedding-a-day policy, but they go above and beyond by blocking two days for each couple as standard, meaning the hotel is truly yours to enjoy with family and friends. Plus, each couple is treated to a pre-wedding Health & Vitality Consultation with Peachy Health to ensure they’re looking and feeling their best for the big day.

The packages start from €119 and include everything from the lovely arrival reception mentioned above to  5-course gourmet feast, free-flowing wine, a DJ, midnight supper, a trad session on arrival, and even an ice cream cart and lemonade stand! Hotel Doolin has thought of everything, down to the last quirky detail, and that’s what makes this place so special.

All in all, Hotel Doolin gets a big thumbs up from me. I loved it, and I’m already looking forward to going back! You can learn more and book your show around by visiting HotelDoolin.ie.

Huge thanks to Mrs Red Head Wedding Photographer for sharing some of her fabulous work.