Land of Adventure Awaits..
So, you’re eloping in Ireland. Legendary decision. But here’s the thing — your wedding day doesn’t have to begin and end with vows and a pint. One of the best parts of eloping here is that you’re not tied to timelines or seating charts. This is your chance to soak up the island, make memories, and say “I do” your way.
As your friendly Irish elopement photographer (and semi-professional craic coordinator), I’ve helped loads of couples make their Irish elopement not just a ceremony, but a full-on experience. Here are some of the most magical, unforgettable things to do in Ireland before and after your big day.
As both a photographer and elopement planner, I see how important it is that the practical side of the day is taken care of quietly in the background. Through my sister site Ireland Elopements & Co, I help couples navigate planning, legalities, and logistics in a way that allows the elopement to feel natural, unforced, and focused on the experience rather than the to-do list.
1. Take a Pre-Elopement Road Trip Along the Wild Atlantic Way
If you’ve ever wanted to star in your own indie film where the scenery steals every scene, this is it. Whether you’re driving through the Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, or the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland, Ireland’s roads are full of jaw-dropping views, fairy-tale villages, and photo ops at every sheep-dotted corner.
- Rent a car, roll down the windows, blast a bit of trad or Taylor Swift, and let the landscape set the tone for your day.
- Stop at castle ruins. Kiss on a cliff. Eat chips on a beach. Call it a “soft launch honeymoon.”
2. Visit a Castle and Pretend You Own It (Bonus Points if You Actually Stay There)
Imagine spending the night before or after your elopement in a real-life Irish castle. Fireplaces crackling. Old stone walls whispering secrets. You in a bathrobe eating scones like royalty.
- Stay in castles like Ballyseede Castle (County Kerry), Waterford Castle (on its own island!), or Ashford Castle if you’re feeling extra fancy.
- Perfect for romantic photos, dramatic walks in the gardens, and slow mornings after the big day.
3. Have a Pint and a Toast in a Local Pub
You haven’t really experienced Ireland until someone in a small-town pub hears you’re just married and immediately raises a glass in your honor. Whether it’s your first night in town or your post-elopement wind-down, a pub session in Ireland is the stuff of memories.
- Think live trad music, surprise toasts, and maybe a granny offering you a ham sandwich “to keep you steady.”
- Top spots: Dick Mack’s in Dingle, The Long Hall in Dublin, or any pub where someone starts playing a fiddle without warning.
4. Go for a Cliff Walk (With Your Photographer, Obviously)
After your ceremony, you might want to stretch the legs, take a breath, and soak in that just-married feeling somewhere wild. That’s where a post-elopement photo adventure comes in.
- Walk the Cliffs of Moher, Valentia Island cliffs, or Kinbane Head in Northern Ireland for those misty, windswept, movie-magic moments.
- I’ll tag along, capturing you laughing, spinning, or just silently taking it all in together.
5. Take a Cold-Water Dip (Yes, Really)
This one’s not for everyone, but if you’re feeling brave, a post-wedding swim in the Atlantic is unforgettable. It’s cold. It’s wild. It’ll leave you buzzing. And it makes for epic photos.
- Best spots: Inch Beach, Dooey Beach, Silver Strand, or Vico Baths in Dublin if you’re staying city-side.
- Pro tip: bring towels, tea, and your courage.
6. Soak in a Seaweed Bath (Trust Me on This)
If you want to go full wellness warrior after your cliff-top “I do’s,” a seaweed bath is a weirdly wonderful Irish tradition. It’s like a nature spa. It’s weird, yes. But amazing.
- Check out Voya Seaweed Baths in Sligo or Sólás na Mara in Waterford.
- You’ll come out glowing, relaxed, and smelling faintly of the ocean in the best way possible.
7. Explore a Tiny, Magical Irish Village Together
One of the best things about eloping in Ireland is stumbling upon towns where time seems to slow down. Wander cobbled streets, eat too many baked goods, chat with locals, and just be.
- Favourites include: Dingle (charming + goats), Kenmare (charming + fancy), Cobh (charming + Titanic history), and Cushendun (charming + caves = win).
- Perfect for slow mornings, gift shop browsing, and your “We just got married and now we’re wandering around like romantic legends” moment.
8. Have a Day-After Session in Your Wedding Gear (Because Why Not?)
Didn’t get all the shots you wanted on the day? Got rained on? Or just want to run through a field in your wedding clothes one more time because it felt amazing? Let’s do it.
- These “day after” adventure sessions are perfect for relaxed portraits in the best light, at the best locations, without the time pressure.
- Bonus: You can pair it with hikes, swims, a picnic, or whatever weird/fun thing you didn’t get to do on the day itself.
9. Do Nothing. Seriously.
Sometimes the most magical thing is just… being together. Cuddled up in a cottage. Eating crisps. Reading. Watching the rain dance across the windows while you soak in everything that just happened.
No itinerary. No expectations. Just the two of you, in Ireland, in love.
Need Help With the Planning Side?
Legal paperwork, timelines, and ceremony logistics can feel confusing when you’re planning an elopement in Ireland from abroad. Knowing what’s required and when is often the hardest part.
Alongside photography, I also offer full elopement planning support through my sister site Ireland Elopements & Co, guiding couples step by step through the entire process so nothing is missed and the experience stays enjoyable.
If you’d like help navigating the planning side or simply want to ask a few questions, you can get in touch with me through Ireland Elopements & Co.
