1 Laois, IRELAND
Known for mysterious woodlands and enchanting garden trails, the county of Laois, formerly known as ‘Queen’s County’, is located in the province of Leinster in Ireland. While the town of Abbeyleix beckons with beautifully restored fountains, Heywood Gardens, and one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, Portlaoise delights history buffs with archaeological sites, castle ruins, and Iron-Age ring forts. Say your vows at Ballyfin Demesne (ballyfin.com), a country-house hotel located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. You can host the ceremony in its beautiful gardens or by a lake. If you fancy a royal wedding, head to Kinnitty Castle Hotel (kinnittycastlehotel.com), a lavish medieval revival castle seated on 650 acres of parkland in the neighbouring county of Offaly. laoistourism.ie
2 Kirkby Lonsdale CUMBRIA, ENGLAND
At the edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park, in the South Lakeland district of Cumbria, sits the quaint market town of Kirkby Lonsdale. It is known for high-street shopping as well as excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars. The area is also dotted with-century Devil’s Bridge. Ruskin’s View, the breathtaking panorama of the Lune Valley and Underley Hall, is said to have inspired JMW Turner’s renowned painting of the same name. Give your forever the ideal beginning at Broadoaks Country House (), a historical structure surrounded by the woods and framed by a river that falls into Lake Windermere. Or opt for the Casterton Grange Estate (), which boasts classic modern luxury, a natural aisle decked up in cherry blossoms, and Gothic towers.
