Rahinnane Castle sits quietly just minutes from town on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula. It’s an ancient stone ruin surrounded by rolling green fields, cows and sheep, and sweeping views of the Atlantic. The kind of place that feels untouched by time. Couples who choose to marry here don’t come for grandeur or polish; they come for stillness, privacy, and that unmistakable Irish magic.

For visitors traveling to Ireland to elope, Rahinnane Castle offers exactly what most folks are craving: intimacy without isolation. The castle is easy to reach from Dingle town, yet remote enough that your ceremony feels worlds away. You can exchange vows among centuries-old walls, listen to the wind move through the grass, and know that no tour bus or wedding crowd will interrupt your moment.

As an Ireland elopement photographer based in Cork, I spend a lot of time traveling along the west coast. Dingle is always worth the drive. Rahinnane Castle is one of those places that captures everything people imagine when they picture an Irish elopement: history, seclusion, and views that feel almost unreal. It’s a setting that doesn’t need much staging or structure. The landscape does the talking, while you get to be present together.

Want to see what an elopement here actually looks like? Scroll to the bottom for real wedding photos from Rahinnane Castle!

Table of Contents:

1. All about Rahinnane Castle
2. Getting married at Rahinnane Castle: what you need to know
3. Photo opportunities beyond Rahinnane Castle
4. Planning your Dingle Peninsula elopement
5. Making the most of your elopement trip to Dingle
6. A real Rahinnane Castle elopement
7. Frequently asked questions

All About Rahinnane Castle

History of Rahinnane Castle

Rahinnane Castle dates back to the 15th or 16th century, once a fortified tower house. The castle was built on top of an ancient earthen ring fort, which gives it its raised position and panoramic views over Ventry Harbour and Dingle Bay.

Today, Rahinnane Castle stands in partial ruin, its remaining walls and tower offering a glimpse into centuries of Irish history. The structure’s weathered stone and surrounding farmland create an atmosphere that feels both grounded and otherworldly, perfect for couples who love the idea of saying their vows in a place steeped in heritage.

Location on the Dingle Peninsula

Rahinnane Castle sits just above the village of Ventry, about a ten-minute drive west of Dingle town in County Kerry. It’s part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic coastal route famous for its cliffs, beaches, and windswept beauty. The site overlooks green pastures that stretch toward the ocean, and on a clear day, you can see the outline of the Blasket Islands in the distance.

Getting there is simple: Dingle is roughly an hour from Killarney, four and a half hours from Dublin, and two-ish hours from Cork, making it accessible for couples traveling from Ireland’s main airports while still feeling secluded once you arrive.

Why It’s Perfect for Elopements

What makes Rahinnane Castle truly special is how private it feels without being in a super remote part of Ireland. The site is on a working family farm, and because access is managed directly with the landowners, couples can book exclusive use of the property for their ceremony or portraits. That means no tour groups or random visitors wandering through the ruins while you exchange your vows (other than the occasional sheep).

The mix of historic ruins, open sky, and natural light makes it an ideal location for elopement photography. It’s close enough to Dingle for easy accommodation and dinner plans afterward, yet far enough removed to feel magical and wild. If your dream day involves ancient stone walls, dramatic scenery, and the freedom to celebrate exactly how you want to, Rahinnane Castle delivers all of that and more.

Getting Married at Rahinnane Castle: What You Need to Know

Booking Your Ceremony

Rahinnane Castle is on privately owned land, a working family farm. I coordinate directly with the landowners to arrange exclusive use for your chosen date and time, which means the space is entirely yours. You won’t need to worry about tourists wandering through or competing for a quiet moment.

Cost

The fee for booking Rahinnane Castle is just €250 (compare that to most traditional venues…), which secures private access for your ceremony and portraits. This cost goes directly to the landowners and helps with upkeep of the site and farm. There are no extra permits or hidden fees, and once your booking is confirmed, the location is reserved exclusively for your use.

Legal Requirements

Most couples who choose Rahinnane Castle opt for a symbolic ceremony, a personal exchange of vows rather than a legally binding one. Ireland’s legal marriage requirements can be annoying, if I’m being honest, and many of my American couples find it easier to handle the legal paperwork at home. You can then hold your ceremony here without worrying about anything.

If you’d prefer a legal wedding in Ireland, you can absolutely do that too, you’ll just need to plan ahead. (Here’s some info about legal ceremonies in Ireland. The most relevant part is the location restriction. Again, I highly recommend just…not dealing with it.)

What to Expect

Rahinnane Castle is an outdoor wedding venue, which means your ceremony will take place surrounded by open sky and rolling hills. The weather on the Dingle Peninsula can shift quickly, edge of the Atlantic and all that, so it’s wise to bring layers, sturdy shoes, and a flexible attitude. That mix of unpredictability and beauty is part of what makes Irish elopements so memorable (feature, not a bug).

The castle itself is a ruin—no roof, no interiors, 3 “walls”—so everything feels open and natural. The surrounding fields, stone walls, and ocean views create a cinematic backdrop without needing any elaborate setup. Because it’s a working farm, expect to see grazing animals nearby and the occasional tractor in the distance.

(Quick note re: weather, I keep things flexible on elopement days! Things may shift and move based on the weather to give you the best experience possible, so don’t stress about a pocket of rain being right over your ceremony time.)

Want to chat about your very own Rahinnane Castle elopement? Get in touch here to start planning!

Photo Opportunities Beyond Your Ceremony at Rahinnane Castle

Why Couples Love Doing a Portrait Adventure on the Dingle Peninsula

One of the best things about eloping at Rahinnane Castle is how close you are to some of Ireland’s most cinematic scenery. Many couples choose to make a full day—or even two!—of it, exploring the Dingle Peninsula for portraits after their ceremony. The peninsula’s winding roads, cliffs, and beaches mean you can go from standing among castle ruins to walking along the edge of the Atlantic in under 20 minutes.

I often describe this part of Ireland as a photographer’s dream: soft light, dramatic skies, and a landscape that changes with every bend in the road. There’s a lot of giddiness on my end. Whether you’re drawn to rugged cliffs or quiet beaches, there’s a spot that fits your story perfectly. (And I’ll find it for you)

Iconic Dingle Peninsula Locations

• Dunquin Pier – Famous for its winding road down to the sea and views of the Blasket Islands. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Ireland for good reason, especially at sunset.
• Slea Head Drive – A scenic coastal loop with cliffs, stone fences, and endless ocean views. It’s ideal for those sweeping, windswept portraits that feel distinctly Irish.
• Conor Pass – One of Ireland’s highest mountain passes, offering panoramic views across Dingle and Brandon Bay. On clear days, the light up here is incredible for portraits that feel otherworldly. …Be careful driving here though. It’s A Lot if you aren’t used to it.
• Star Wars Filming Locations – Several scenes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were filmed along the Dingle Peninsula! Even if you’re not a fan, the landscapes are dramatic, wild, and completely unique.

Great Blasket Island

For adventurous couples, a trip to Great Blasket Island is an unforgettable way to end your elopement experience. Accessible by ferry from Dún Chaoin, the island is uninhabited and full of history: stone cottages, wildflowers, seals, and panoramic ocean views.

Secret Spots Worth the Trek

Beyond the well-known locations, I have a collection of hidden spots across the Dingle Peninsula that I share only with my clients. Quiet beaches, tucked-away cliffs, and places where you’re more likely to see sheep than people. They’re the kinds of places that make your photos feel personal and distinct, because you won’t see them all over social media.

Some of my favorite photo locations are a little harder to find, tucked away from the main roads and tour routes. I don’t list every name publicly, but my clients get personalized location lists with places that suit exactly what they’re looking for.

Part of what I offer is knowing when are where to go to avoid crowds, and which back roads lead to the best views. So if you’re hoping for portraits that feel quiet but wild, I’ve got you covered.

Planning Your Dingle Peninsula Elopement

Eloping on the Dingle Peninsula is about more than a single ceremony, it’s an experience. Most couples who come here make at least two or three days of it, blending their wedding with time to explore, relax, and take in the landscape. Because Dingle is compact and full of character, it’s easy to plan something that feels intentional and personal.

And you can bring me along for all of it!

I offer packages for single- or multi-day elopements, which gives you the freedom to include everything that makes your trip meaningful: quiet mornings, road trips, pub dinners, horse riding, or a sunrise hike. It’s less about a timeline and more about documenting a story.

Beyond photography, I also help with planning! Everything from location scouting to itinerary building, vendor suggestions, and travel logistics. Think of me as your photographer and consultant/buddy in one. You don’t have to do any of this alone.

Where to Stay

Dingle has a wide range of places to stay, from classic Irish hotels to charming guesthouses and coastal Airbnbs. A few popular options include:

• Dingle Benners Hotel – A boutique hotel in the heart of town with cozy rooms and an excellent breakfast.
• Milltown House – Overlooks Dingle Harbour and offers a mix of comfort and local charm. (Plus you get to meet the two local Irish wolfhounds, Seamus and Saoirse!)
• Seaside Airbnbs – Ideal for couples who want privacy and sea views. Many have outdoor patios perfect for a morning coffee before your ceremony.

Where to Celebrate After

After your ceremony, Dingle’s restaurants and pubs make it easy to celebrate in a relaxed, authentic way. You can book a private dinner, share a pint at a local pub, or simply wander the harbor at sunset. Some local favorites include:

• The Fish Box – Known for locally sourced seafood and produce with a completely sustainable supply chain.
• Out of the Blue – A small, seafood-only restaurant that changes its menu daily; catch-of-the-day!
• Foxy John’s or Dick Mack’s Pub – Two iconic Dingle spots that capture everything people love about Irish hospitality: music, laughter, and conversation.

Whether you’re toasting with champagne or a pint of Guinness, it’s the perfect way to close out the day.

Making the Most of Your Elopement Trip to Dingle

Eloping in Ireland is about more than the ceremony itself, it’s a chance to slow down and experience the place you’ve chosen to get married. The Dingle Peninsula is one of those rare corners of Ireland where you can fill your days with adventure or do absolutely nothing at all, and both options feel perfect.

Experiences for You and Your Guests

If you’re bringing a few guests along, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy before or after your ceremony. Some of my favorite experiences include:

• Dingle Dolphin Tours – Take a boat from Dingle Harbour to see wild dolphins along the coast (and whales if you’re lucky).
• Hold a Baby Lamb – Aedán’s Farm allows you to cuddle baby lambs, watch sheepdog demonstrations, and explore the 1,400-year-old beehive huts.
• Wander Through Dingle Town – The colorful streets are full of artisan shops, live music, and cafés. It’s worth spending an afternoon here, maybe even on your elopement day!
• Ferry to Great Blasket Island – For those looking for a bit of adventure, this uninhabited island offers walking trails, sea cliffs, the remains of a small village, and a seal colony—an unforgettable backdrop for portraits or quiet exploration. Take a ferry over to explore on your own, or book a guided tour.

Best Time of Year to Elope

The Dingle Peninsula is beautiful year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons:

• Spring (April–June): Longer days, green hills, and mild temperatures. The landscape comes alive, and the light is soft, perfect for photos. There are also wildflowers dotting the hills! I love springtime here, it’s so good.
• Summer (July–August): Warmest months, but also the busiest. It’s still possible to find quiet moments if you plan early or choose sunrise and sunset times for your ceremony. (The days are long in the summer, so sunrise and sunset are very early/late. Just a heads up)
• Autumn (September–October): My personal favourite! Golden light, fewer tourists, and cozy evenings in local pubs. Autumn in Ireland is amazing.
• Winter (November–March): Quieter and moodier, with short days and dramatic skies. Ideal for couples who want something atmospheric. Emphasis on the “moody.”

No matter when you visit, the weather on the west coast can be unpredictable. The best approach is to plan loosely, embrace whatever the day brings, and trust that Ireland’s wildness is part of what makes it so memorable.

A Real Rahinnane Castle Elopement

FAQ: Eloping at Rahinnane Castle

Here are the questions I hear most often from couples planning their Rahinnane Castle elopement:

Can you get married at Rahinnane Castle?

Yes. Rahinnane Castle is a privately owned historic site on a working farm near Dingle town, and couples can book it for intimate weddings or elopements. You’ll need permission from the landowners, which I can arrange directly on your behalf. The site is private, peaceful, and ideal for small ceremonies.

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How much does it cost to get married at Rahinnane Castle?

The booking fee for Rahinnane Castle is €250, which grants exclusive access to the site for your ceremony and portraits. This payment goes directly to the landowners and ensures your time there is private and uninterrupted.

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Can Americans legally get married at Rahinnane Castle?

You can hold a symbolic ceremony here. Ireland’s got some rules around “accepted” locations for legal ceremonies, but most of my American couples choose to complete the legal paperwork in the U.S. first, then have their ceremony at Rahinnane Castle. This keeps the process simple and avoids all the paperwork shenanigans. If you’d prefer a legal wedding, you can, we’ll just have to have your actual ceremony at a different location.

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How do you get to Rahinnane Castle?

The castle is located just outside the village of Ventry on the Dingle Peninsula, about ten minutes west of Dingle town in County Kerry. A car is essential, as there’s no public transport to the site.

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What’s the best time of year to elope at Rahinnane Castle?

Late spring through early autumn (April to October) offers the best combination of light, color, and accessibility. The weather can shift quickly year-round, but that changeability often adds to the atmosphere. I kind of love Weather, if I’m being honest. Mist, wind, and soft light make for striking photos!

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How private is the location?

Because access is managed through the landowners, Rahinnane Castle is as private as it gets. You’ll have exclusive access for your ceremony and portraits.

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Do we need to bring anything special for the ceremony?

Aside from yourselves, not much! A good pair of shoes for uneven ground, a warm layer, your vows, and a sense of adventure go a long way. The beauty of this location is its simplicity.

Intimate Weddings in Wild Places

Rahinnane Castle is the kind of wedding venue where folks come to slow down, breathe, and feel connected to the landscape. Standing within its ancient walls, surrounded by the sound of wind (…and the sheep), you’ll understand why eloping here feels different. It’s simple but meaningful, the kind of day that stays with you.

As someone who photographs elopements across Ireland, I’ve seen a lot of incredible places. But Rahinnane Castle has an air about it that makes every ceremony feel special. If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding in one of Ireland’s most dramatic settings, this part of the Dingle Peninsula is hard to beat.

Want help planning or documenting your day at Rahinnane Castle—or anywhere along Ireland’s west coast? I’d love to hear from you, my darlings! Let’s make your Ireland wedding dreams a reality: contact me here