Wedding Castles and Manor Houses in Ireland

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!e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland

Copyright Š 2011 Rosie The Wedding Planner Publications All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmit- ted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.

Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and authors assume no responsibility for errors and omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The author and the publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

Rosie The Wedding Planner www.theweddingplanner.ie Front Cover: Andy and Lisa on their wedding day at Johnstown Castle, Wexford Front Cover Photography: Ronan Skelly at www.roscphotography.com

For recommended wedding suppliers in Ireland and for lots of tips and wedding advice visit Rosie’s website www.theweddingplanner.ie and blog www.theweddingplanner.ie/wordpress

Rosie !e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland Introduction

Castles and Manor Houses are the ultimate romantic wedding venues.

Ireland is fortunate to be blitzed with fabulous manor houses and castles which are available for weddings.

Some are still family homes which can be hired exclusively for events, a lot have been converted into 4-5 star rated hotels and others remain maintained close to how they were when last lived in by nobles and royalty.

Many of the venues offer the opportunity for exclusivity and as they have held out the fiercest of intruders during their histories, their walls offer solace away from prying eyes. This is why a lot of celebrities choose castles around the world to have their luxury weddings.

Johnstown Castle Ceremony Room

However, you do not have to be a celebrity, want exclusivity or have a limitless budget to have your dream castle or manor house wedding. With research your dream wedding can be yours and keep within your budget.

Rosie The Wedding Planner’s Castles and Manor Houses for Weddings In Ireland, offers a unique quick reference guide to each castle and manor house in Ireland. You can see at a glance if the venue suits your requirements; number of guests it accommodates both for reception and overnight, if you need to bring in a catering company, etc., so your research time for your perfect venue will be cut drastically.

Once you have narrowed your options down, feel free to contact Rosie The Wedding Planner who can help you narrow down your choice to suit your needs and help you find everything else you need for your perfect wedding FREE of charge! Just mention this guide!

Rosie !e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland The Legals

The magical beauty of Ireland draws many couples in search of a special destination wedding. While the island is filled with unique wedding venues, one of the most special locations for an Irish wedding is a stately home or castle.

Thanks to a law that went into effect in November 2007 Getting married in Ireland is now quite easy.

Powerscourt House Hotel

The best website to visit about the legals required for legal wedding in Ireland is: http://www.groireland.ie/getting_married.htm.

Paperwork needs to be submitted at least 3 months in advance of your wedding date. The couple then need to meet with a registrar at least 5 working days before the wedding. You do NOT need to stay in Ireland for the 5 days (ie. there is no residency requirement), so this meeting can happen months before the wedding.

For More Information: General Register Office, Joyce House, 8/11 Lombard Street East, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 6711000 http://www.groireland.ie/getting_married.htm

Rosie !e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland Making A Booking

If you will be bringing a lot guests to your wedding, consider reserving or block booking rooms for your guests. A ‘room block’, is a group of rooms set aside specially for your party.

The venue should offer a discount or a special group rate for your guests. However, be careful not to over book, as you may be required to sign a contract committing to a certain number of guest rooms and if all the guests don’t show up or i should they decide to stay elsewhere you will be paying the bill.

On the contract check the small print as some castles will require that 100% of the rooms be booked for a set number of days while others may have a minimum guest reception requirement. The date for cancellations will vary as well so it is most important to get everything in writing and read it!

Having the wedding ceremony and the reception in the same physical location can simplify your day and save money. Remember, if you select a popular location there will be many other couples interested, so you should schedule as early as possible. A lot of popular venues and dates go one to two years in advance. The sooner you start your search the more options you will have.

Johnstown Castle Ceremony Room

You should have the following list at hand when considering a wedding reception/ceremony venue: • Rental fee: The cost of the venue and amount of deposit required are crucial details.

• Food Cost: Price per person.

• Capacity: Can the venue accommodate the number of guest you are inviting?

• Cancellation Policy: If you cancel will you loose deposit/all payments made to date?

• Music: The rules and regulations about noise and music.

• Access: If any of your guests have disabilities it is important to check if the venue has appropriate access and facilities.

Rosie !e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland Restrictions

Some castles and manor houses are available for wedding ceremonies but not receptions, to cut back on the risk of damage to historic floors and furnishings.

Other venues are only available for ceremony and reception and have limited or no overnight accommodation facilities. So if you choose one of these, check out where the nearest hotels are and think about how you are going to transport your guests from the function to the accommodation.

Find out how often the venue you are interested in hosts weddings. Those that have weddings regularly often have an in-house wedding coordinator who can help you with your plans for no extra cost. Also venues which have regular weddings usually have on site catering or work closely with a local catering company which they can recommend rather than you having to search for your own caterer.

Dining Room of Kilashee House

Rosie !e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland Pre Wedding Visit

Couples who are planning a wedding in Ireland with guests often make a pre-trip to work out the details. A pre-trip or site inspection, either with your intended or with a friend or bridesmaid, will give you a chance to work out the details with your wedding planner, food and beverage managers and your photographer.

When planning a site inspection: • • • • • • • • •

Sheen Falls

Book your trip Schedule a time to meet with the wedding coordinator Schedule a time to meet with food and beverage Arrange a tasting of foods to be served at your reception Meet with the photographer you are hiring Visit your ceremony location or arrange to meet with your wedding celebrant to ensure you are clear on the legal documentation needed Visit the various areas available for your wedding ceremony and reception Discuss bad weather contingencies and see site options Get information and advice about airport transfers, bus service, and tours.

Some ideas during your pre-trip: • • • • •

Check local stores, tourist offices and markets for welcome packs to greet your guests upon arrival.

Some things you could include are: postcards, stamps, t-shirts, caps, art or craft work, books, brochures.

Talk with the venue about arranging optional tours, activities or day trips for your guests.

Ideas can include whiskey/stout tastings, golf, fishing, shopping trips, boat rides and visiting local attractions.

Discuss the options for a bar: open bar, paid bar, wine served, etc.

Buy Rosie The Wedding Planner FULL Guide to Castles & Manor Houses for Wedding in Ireland and you will have instant access to:

ie Ros

!e Wed"ng Pla nner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland

Full information on over 70 gorgeous castle and manor house venues across Ireland which cater for weddings.

Great planning tips and advice about planning your castle or manor house wedding from Rosie The Wedding Planner.

To buy the full ebook guide now for only €5 Click Here!

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Clontarf Castle DUBLIN EAST OF IRELAND

WEDDING CO ORDINATOR: MEAVE O HAGAN

Briefly: Sleeps 111 rooms Reception facilities: up to 450 Catering: In house

www.clontarfcastle.ie +353 (0) 1 8332321

mohagan@clontarfcastle.ie

Located in Dublin's suburbs, Clontarf Castle Hotel is part of a privately owned Irish collection of hotels. With turrets, tapestries and an ancient history, the thick castle walls conceal a hotel interior that recently went under a â‚Ź10 million makeover.

Weddings The Great Hall is a spectacular venue for numbers of 100+ guests.

Fully self contained with it’s own private pre-reception area and bar, it has a plush Gold & Cream colour scheme, wonderful high ceilings and Louise Kennedy Crystal chandeliers. Other attractive options include the Viking Suite for weddings of 40 persons upwards. As part of Clontarf's wedding package and bride and groom can enjoy a complimentary four poster bedroom for the night of their special day.

Accommodation and Facilities The castle has 111 guest rooms and suites, many with four-poster beds and views of the Dublin Mountains.

Guest rooms' comforts include: TV, pillow top mattresses, direct dial telephone, safe, individually controlled air conditioning and climate control, 24 hour room service, mini bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, trouser press, laundry/dry cleaning and US and European electrical sockets. There are 180 complimentary parking spaces, and 25mb high speed wifi for all guests.

Lough Rynn Castle CO LEITRIM NORTHWEST OF IRELAND

WEDDING CO ORDINATORS: RUTH, ELLEN AND PAMELA

Briefly: Sleep: 42 Rooms & Self-catering Reception facilities: 320 Catering: In house www.loughrynn.ie +353 (0) 71 9632700 enquiries@loughrynn.ie

Ancestral home of the Earl of Leitrim, the House and Garden date back nearly 200 years and have been enhanced and developed ever since. Although more of a Victorian Manor it was called Lough Rynn Castle and was without doubt the finest big house in the country in its time. The gothic style architecture, traditional walled garden and converted French Stable yards provide a fairytale castle experience.

Weddings Couples that book Lough Rynn have the entire Castle estate at their fingertips. The open lawns, and woodland pathways around Lough Rynn are perfect backdrop for timeless pictures.

The lawns provide a breathtaking setting for a Champagne or Drinks reception on a Summer's day - and the Castle's backdrop is equally spectacular for a Winter Wedding.

The Ballroom at Lough Rynn Castle can cater for up to 320 people while providing exquisite dĂŠcor that sets a tone of opulence underneath magnificent chandeliers.

Accommodation and Facilities Each Classic Bedroom provide guests with old Style elegance with modern day comforts, all are en suite with beautiful antique furniture.

Facilities include; TV, complimentary internet access, trouser press, Iron & board, direct dial telephone, hair dryer, electronic Safe, in room temperature control with under floor heating.

The Castle Hotel WEST CORK SOUTH OF IRELAND

WEDDING CO ORDINATOR: AISLING MACDONNELL

Briefly: Sleeps 60 rooms Reception facilities: 140 Catering: In house www.castlehotel.ie +353 (0)26 41074 reservations@castlehotel.ie

The Castle Hotel is a luxury 4 Star Castle Hotel Macroom, nestled between Blarney & Killarney. While not actually a castle, the hotel is only a short walk from the remaining facade of Macroom Castle where you can have photos taken. The hotel, that is owned by the Buckley Family, has been looking after wedding couples for over 60 years. It has modern decor and facilities and offers great value for money and is ideally located in a busy village while surrounded by breathtaking beauty spots.

Weddings Tranquil setting and beautiful scenery. The Castle Hotel is close to Gouganne Barra, home of one of Ireland’s most pretty catholic chapels and close to the Blarney Stone for a different first kiss! Old word hospitality and contemporary elegance will greet you - Red Carpet, candlelight hallways, champagne, award winning food and hospitality and a music filled lobby are just a sample of what to expect.

Accommodation and Facilities All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities. TV, safe, telephone, etc.

Three new contemporary hotel bedrooms are extremely stylish with rich wood, king sized beds, plasma screens and whirlpool baths.

Our two superior suites offer exceptional space and style, and the ultimate in luxury. Perfect for that special occasion or romantic celebration.

Lough Eske Castle DONEGAL NORTHWEST OF IRELAND

WEDDING CO ORDINATOR: NOREEN LYONS

Briefly: Sleep: 96 rooms Reception facilities: 280 Catering: In house

www.solislougheske.com +353 (0) 74 9743152 noreen.lyons@solishotels.com

Lough Eske Castle, a five star castle hotel is located just outside Donegal Town, has a rich history dating back to the 1400's being associated with the O'Donnells, the founding fathers of Donegal. This is an historic building in a storybook location delivering superior hospitality and comfort.

Weddings An enchanting, majestic, fairytale setting with plenty of opportunities to capture unique wedding photos. Lough Eske is licensed to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies. Couples have a choice of stunning rooms in which to hold their marriage ceremony, each with its own character and beauty.

Their dining facilities can cater for up to 280 guests with food prepared

by Donegal’s award winning and Michelin trained Executive Chef, Philipp Ferber.

Accommodation and Facilities Ninety-six luxurious 5 star guestrooms and suites including the two bedroom presidential suite, voted the world’s best Luxury Country Hotel 2009 and 2010.

Eight treatment rooms in our award winning spa for pre and post wedding pampering.

Horetown House WEXFORD WEDDING CO ORDINATOR: KATE WHITE

SOUTHEAST OF IRELAND

Briefly: Sleeps: 26 Reception facilities: 80 (marquee also)

Catering: In house www.horetownhouse.ie +353 (051 565633 Kate@Horetownhouse.ie

Horetown House is a traditional house of it’s time, built in 1692, boasting a grand reception hall, reception rooms on the ground floor, 10 luxurious bedrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors and a pub in the original wine cellar. This Palladian building has been restored for comfortable living by its present owners.

Weddings You can hire the 16th Century Country House for your wedding day or for the 3 day wedding experience with all your drinks and food catered for. The house can cater for weddings up to 30 guests or they offer a free marquee service for bigger wedding parties and there is free transport option to a hotel in town for excess guests.

Civil ceremonies can take place in the rooms of the house, however the house was the marital home of Lady Fitzgerald of Johnstown Castle, so a wedding ceremony in Johnstown Castle followed by a reception in Horetown House is the perfect combination!

Accommodation and Facilities There are 10 bedrooms with 2 people sharing and up to 4 people sharing in family rooms. Accommodation is offered on a B&B basis.

Superior quality mattresses, pillows and luxurious towels. Bedrooms tastefully decorated in keeping with the period of the house with ensuite superior bathrooms with power showers, jacuzzi baths and heated towel rails. Complete beauty therapy service in house in the comfort of your room, therapies provided by Aroma Beauty, qualified therapists.

Johnstown Castle WEXFORD SOUTHEAST OF IRELAND

WEDDING CO ORDINATOR: ROSIE THE WEDDING PLANNER

Briefly: Sleep: none Reception facilities: none Catering: ceremony venue only www.johnstowncastleweddings.com +353 (053) 91 38198 rosie@weddingplanner.ie

Steeped in history and echoing romance Johnstown Castle in the South East of Ireland, provides a truly enchanting and elegant venue for your wedding. Set in over 50 acres of mature ornamental gardens, your wedding ceremony can take place in the Green Room, overlooking the beautiful swan lake, while peacocks roam the manicured gardens.

Weddings The interior of the castle mirrors the magnificent gardens - ornate wood paneling, crystal chandeliers and gothic window frames are just some of the unique features of this handsome property.

After your wedding ceremony your guests can enjoy champagne and canapes or a picnic on the lawns as you avail of the scenic gardens for your wedding photography.

You can also have an outdoor wedding in the grounds.

Accommodation and Facilities This is a ceremony only venue, however there are over 10 reception venues in the near vicinity of the castle. The castle has only one wedding per day so you and your guests can enjoy your very own fairytale castle and grounds for 3-4 hours before your reception.

Ab#t Rosie !e Wed"ng Planner

Rosie The Wedding Planner is one of Ireland’s most successful and innovative wedding planning businesses. It was set up in Ireland over 12 years ago by Rosemarie Meleady who has nearly 20 years experience in event management and publishing.

Rosie The Wedding Planner offers a unique one-to-one wedding planning service to couples of every budget wishing to marry in Ireland.

It’s sister company www.runawaybrideandgroom.com offers couples romantic wedding and honeymoon destinations around the world.

Rosemarie won the ‘International Women in Publishing Award in 1996’ and has produced a series of International Wedding Guides aimed at assisting couples to find the perfect venue, location, theme and suppliers for their wedding day.

No matter where you are in the world The Wedding Planner can assist you planning your dream wedding in Ireland so please e-mail a member of our dedicated team on: rosie@weddingplanner.ie

Ro

sie

!e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Wedding Castles in Italy & Malta

Ro

sie

!e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Wedding Castles in Great Britain & Wales

Buy Rosie The Wedding Planner FULL Guide to Castles & Manor Houses for Wedding in Ireland and you will have instant access to:

ie Ros

!e Wed"ng Pla nner’s Guide to

Castles & Manor Houses for Weddings in Ireland

Full information on over 70 gorgeous castle and manor house venues across Ireland which cater for weddings.

Great planning tips and advice about planning your castle or manor house wedding from Rosie The Wedding Planner.

To buy the full ebook guide now for only €5 Click Here!

Other ebooks Guides by Rosie The Wedding Planner: Ro

sie

!e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Wedding Castles in Italy & Malta

Ro

sie

!e Wed"ng Planner’s Guide to

Wedding Castles in Great Britain & Wales

Available through www.theweddingplanner.ie

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