Cork is celebrating a standout year in Irish wedding industry recognition as Fernhill House has been awarded two national titles at the 2026 SaveMyDay Irish Wedding Venue Awards.

The Clonakilty venue was voted Best Country House Wedding Venue and Best Sustainable Wedding Venue, following a nationwide public vote from more than 700 newlywed and engaged couples.

The annual awards honour the most loved wedding venues across the country, from intimate spaces to larger estates, with winners chosen entirely by the public for the first time.

Fernhill House endures as one of Ireland’s most admired wedding destinations, praised for its family-run warmth, exceptional gardens, and commitment to sustainability.

Key trends emerging via votes included personality-led alternative wedding venues, restaurant weddings, a focus on sustainability, family-run venues, outdoor and hybrid weddings, and dog-friendly nuptials.

Shell Holden, co-owner of Save the Day, said: ‘Couples in 2026 are leaning into personality-driven weddings more than ever. They want venues that feel like an extension of their story, places that offer flexibility, character, and a sense of experience.

‘The trends we’re seeing this year really resonate with me on a personal level. I got married in 2025 and we included our beautiful rescue dog, Chips, in our day. He’s since passed, so having those memories and photos is something we’ll always treasure.

‘We also chose a restaurant wedding because exceptional food and an intimate atmosphere felt true to us, and as a sustainability driven couple, it was important that our venue aligned with our values.

‘More and more couples are making choices that reflect who they are, and Ireland’s venues are rising to meet that with heart.’