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Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ National Trust Properties (Post 11 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel

The National Trust is a charity that operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Their mandate is to protect special places and make them available to everyone.  From their website:  "We protect and open to the public over 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments. But it doesn’t stop there. We also look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages - for ever, for everyone."

One of the ways the National Trust garners funds to operate these places of historical interest and fulfill their mandate at the same time, is to open the Castle for Weddings.  With our guide, Special Events Manager Kate McAloon, we got to tour 3 of these venues while we were in Fermanagh: Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom Estate.

300 years or so ago, when the aristocracy built their giant castles, there were no labour laws, industry professions or even electricity.   Those who rented and worked the lands had no other opportunities.  Castles were completely self-sufficient and the people who worked at them were happy to have employment and a roof over their heads.  If one married well and used their thousands of acres properly, maintaining a castle was not a problem.  

Today, it costs more to run a Castle (heat, clean, maintain) each year, than it cost to build it many years ago.  For example, it costs about £100 000 to heat a typical castle for the year.  Many families have had to find alternate uses for their Castles in order to maintain them, many people have abandoned them, divided their lands and others turn them over to the National Trust.  

When we visited Castle Coole, I was struck by the amount of people strolling along the castle grounds and around the lake.  It was so nice to see and what a beautiful place for the public to enjoy!

Castle Coole

This castle is a very grand and formidable property.  It is an 18th century Neo-Classical structure and has a sumptuous regency interior.  This is not a place that gives you the warm-fuzzies, but my oh my, does it impress!

For weddings you can use the Hall and the Breakfast Room in the main house, the back entrance and terrace or set up a Marquis on their extensive back lawn.  While you are having photos around the gorgeous grounds, your guests can go on a tour of the amazing castle, see "the bedroom that was never slept in" created for King George IV, and find out about the workings of "below stairs" touring the extensive (and VERY interesting) basement and underground tunnel.

Florence Court

Unlike the castle their son-in-law built (Castle Coole), Florence Court has a more homey and romantic feeling to it, making it the perfect choice for weddings.  The interior has the most ornate and beautiful plaster work I have seen.  Everytime I looked out a window, I felt as though I was on the set of a Jane Austen novel, and if you know me, you know she is my absolute favourite author, so it was a great experience.

  
Civil Weddings can take place in front of the grand staircase and receptions can take place inside in the Pavillion Room, the Colonel's Room or outside under a marquis.  The extensive and manicured grounds make a perfect photo backdrop.

Crom Estate

Not to be confused with Crom Castle which is still owned and maintained by the Earl of Erne and his son, the Viscount of Cricton, Crom Estate refers to the 2000 acres and several outbuildings which the Earl gave to the National Trust in the 1970's.  Crom Estate is such a beautiful and tranquil place, the ancient woods and islands are home to many rare species (and more than a few faeries).   One visit to the Crom Estate and you will never want to leave, so luckily there are self-catering cottages (the former staff quarters) available for rent.

 Weddings can take place in the Tea Room, their banquet room or at the ruins of the Old Crom Castle, which has a magic all its own.  

For more information about the National Trust and the properties it takes care of, please visit their website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Photos are a compilation from our trip and the National Trust website.

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Tips For a Modern Irish Wedding (Post 10 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel

Even if you can't bring your wedding to Ireland, you can bring Ireland to your wedding.  Here are some tips for a Modern Irish Wedding.

The Date

The last day of the year is considered an especially lucky time for an Irish marriage.

Wedding Rings

Claddagh rings, when worn on the ring finger of the left hand with the heart facing in, tell the world your heart is taken forever.

The Celtic Knot is another popular choice for Wedding Rings.
 

The Bouquet Have florist weave tiny harvest knots into the bride's bouquet (traditionally Irish men traditionally gave these to their sweethearts to show their devotion). 

 

Photo credit: www.irishcultureandcustoms.com

The Ceremony
Hire a piper to play at the ceremony.   A child should present a satin horseshoe to the bride at the end of the ceremony. This represents good luck. Insert the horseshoe open end up into the bridal bouquet, so the luck won't run out. (The horseshoe can then serve as a family heirloom to pass on to the couple's children.) 
  www.weddingfavorsunlimited.com

The Reception 

• Make a special toast to the person who introduced the couple. This tradition stems from the days when a matchmaker would have been the one to introduce the couple. 
• Serve a traditional Irish wedding cake. A fruit cake filled with almonds, raisins, cherries, fed with brandy or bourbon. 
• Play a traditional Irish song or dance that reflects your family's specific heritage. 
• Play popular songs such as "The Irish Wedding Song," "Oh Danny Boy," "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and "My Favorite Irish Rose."

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Crom Castle (Post 9 of 12)

By: Tracey Manailescu

Picture from: www.virtualvisit-northernireland.com

Crom Castle is the one I can't stop dreaming of...Literally, 5 out of 8 nights since I have returned (at the time I wrote this) this castle has taken over my dreams.  Not that I mind!  It is a truly magical place, right out of a fairytale.

It has everything a true romantic (like me) wants:

• History
• Royalty
• Ruins
• Buried treasure
• Fairies

History:

The original Crom house was built in the early 17th century (1611 to be exact) by Michael Balfour.  It burned down in 1764 (word has it that a maid walking with a candle upstairs, caused the fire). Crom had survived two sieges prior to the accidental fire that destroyed it.  Apparently there is only one picture remaining of the original castle.

Royalty: 

The castle was home to many war heroes. The Earl of Erne who inherited the castle at the age of three (after the death of his father and grandfather) still lives on-site with his wife today.  His son, Viscount Crichton owns the West Wing, which can be rented out for personal use by the public such as families, honeymooners and anyone in need of peaceful solitude.

Ruins:

The foundation ruins of the original castle still stand, and were embellished upon in the 1830's with ruined walls and towers. Wedding couples now flock to this area for their photos.

Buried Treasure:

It is said that treasure was buried under an old oak tree in 1689 when one of the sieges took place on the castle. However, don't try to dig it up because it has a "Blood Curse" on it from the Fairies (wee folk).

Fairies: 

 "According to local legend, Fermanagh was once a vast plain with a Fairy Well in the middle.  The well was always kept covered from sunlight to prevent it from bubbling over. One day two young lovers met by the well and decided to elope. They drank a last toast from the well and ran off together, leaving it uncovered. The Fairy Well has bubbled ceaselessly for centuries and that is how the Fermanagh Lakelands were formed." Source: www.tourismresources.ie

Also, there is a Fairy Stone and Tree that you can make a wish when you sit on it. I did!  Strange thing was, the wish I thought I had wanted for so long, didn't seem so important once I sat down...

Fairy Stone and Tree 

 

We had the pleasure of staying overnight in the West Wing, which is owned by Lord Crichton (son of The Earl).  It is available for rent for a few days, a week or even a month. 12 people can stay comfortably.  At the time we stayed overnight, Lord and Lady Erne were away in England. This meant we were alone in the castle!

The wonderful manager, Noel Johnston welcomed us, had tea with us, took us on a tour of the West Wing and than handed us over to his talented sister Cynthia, who is the caterer for Crom Castle and Belle Isle functions, who made us such a wonderful dinner.   We started with a wonderful, fresh Smoked Salmon salad.  We have never had such tender chicken, perfectly steamed veggies and potatoes. Than to top it off she made us Rhubarb crumble (just like my grandmother used to make). We were loving it so much, that we didn't even see the Devonshire cream until we were finished!  After dinner was done, Cynthia handed us the key to the castle! (Obviously, there are also security measures in place.)

I had some port by the fireplace, and Danielle made some tea.  We felt so comfortable beyond belief. (No, it was not the Diva in me, LOL!) 

Crom Castle has such a warmth and peaceful feeling to it, we even slept in different bedrooms (if you know me, you know this is a huge deal). I had a great sleep!

This was my room.  Each of the 6 bedrooms has its own ensuite bathroom.

The next morning the beautiful, Violet Johnston, arrived to make us breakfast . Violet was the last housekeeper of Crom Castle.  She worked there for 40 years, since she was 14 yrs. old. She told us that she would start work at 8 a.m and finish at 9 p.m most nights. "I loved every single minute of it!" she told us. Violet is also well-known around Northern Ireland for her special talent of reading tea leaves.  People wait months to have her read their tea cups.

After breakfast, Noel Johnston took us on a walking tour of the grounds and ruins. I was mesmerized and a bit overwhelmed by it all.  He explained some of the history of the castle, the Cricton family and his family who have worked for Crom Castle for the last 200 years!  I told him that I could have listened to him for days!

I asked Mr. Johnston what type of couple would suit getting married at Crom Castle, and he said,   "Crom is open to everyone no matter who they are, or what budget they have. If a bride wants to be princess for the day, Crom is the place to be a princess with her prince, and have her fairy tale wedding!" 

I also asked him why Crom Castle is different:

"Crom Castle is different from any other castle, as its private. You hire it for your ceremony and reception. It's tranquil with great hospitality and everybody is made so welcome."

Understandably, when I left Crom Castle, I cried!

Now I am convinced that I need to have my Wedding Vow Renewals at Crom Castle next year, so my husband and children can see what I am so "over the moon" about ;)

Some photos of Weddings at Crom Castle:

Wedding Photos from Crom Castle's website

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Belle Isle (Post 8 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel

What a gorgeous and romantic place to get married!  We just loved it here.  The estate is at the Uppermost tip of Upper Lough Erne, on 470 acres spread over 8 islands and includes a working farm. There are so many accomodation and entertainment options at Belle Isle Estate, your wedding can last a week instead of just a day! 

Belle Isle prides itself on being an Ecologically-friendly location.  Energy efficient lightbulbs are used in evey fixture, a wood pellet furnace is used to heat the castle and hot water, 47% of their electricity comes from renewable resources, organic waste from their cooking school is used as compost in their gardens, the list goes on and on.  Its truly incredible to think that a 17th Century castle could become so "Green".

The estate has passed hands several times and was last purchased in 1991 by the Duke of Abercorn, who bought the estate for his second son, Lord Nicholas Hamilton.

The Estate is managed by the most wonderful couple, James and Fiona Plunket.  They were both so welcoming and knowledgable.  Fiona took us for a tour of the Estate, Accommodations and Cookery School and James joined us to show us the Castle and grounds.  Such a great couple, I really liked them, and they have a true love and passion for Belle Isle. 

Wedding & Ceremony Locations

Below is a map of the Hamilton wing, where weddings take place in the castle.  There are three ceremony location options: the Drawing Room, the Dining Room (furntiure will be moved out for both of the prior options) or the Garden.  The garden is my personal favourite!

 
The Dining Room

Can seat up to 42 for a Wedding Reception. Or be made over for a Civil Ceremony

The Drawing Room  It is much larger than it looks here.

 
The Garden  Here is James Plunket showing us the garden space in winter (above) and as it looks in summer (below)

Accomodations

The main castle sleeps 14, but there are several other places for guests to stay on Belle Isle. The Courtyard, the Coach House, The Walled Cottage Garden, The Bridge House, The Bridge Cottage, The Garden Cotteage and Glen Cottage.  One of the castle bedrooms is called the Coco Chanel Room, because the bed in there was the one she slept in everytime she visited with one of her good friends!

Here is a photo of James and his wonderful wife, Fiona, showing me around the Castle.  Notice the artwork, there are 950 framed works of art in the castle!  I asked James if would count them to make sure, but he declined, lol. I just had to include this shot of their very special toilet :) Apparently many guests like to get a photo of themselves on the toilet!
This is the Courtyard, where Tracey and I stayed.  These gorgeously renovated suites are full self-catering cottages with 2-3 bedrooms, a full kitchen 1 or 2 bathrooms and even a fireplace in each unit! This would be such fun for a close group to take over all of the units!  You could have big dinners set up in the courtyard.The interior of our Unit #6

Here is the Coach House, the bell on top would run the farm telling the workers when it was time to work, time for lunch and quitting time.  It is now a large self-catering cottage with three bedrooms.

 

The Walled Garden Cottage, doesn't it just scream romance? 

Things to do at Belle Isle

There is so much to do on this island!  Year-round Pike fishing, Coarse fishing, Driven Snipe and Woodcock Shooting, Tennis, Croquet lawn, Children's Playground, 17ft outboard boats to rent, a BBQ house, the lake and huge lawns for organized games. Within thirty miles there are many castles, Belleek Pottery, the Marble Arch Caves, theatre, shopping, tons of pubs, the possibilities are endless.  Fermanagh County's largest town, Enniskillen, is only 12 kms away.

You can also take a class at their state-of-the-art, on-site cooking school, Belle Isle School of Cookery!  With space for 12 chefs, this would be a fun activity to incorporate.  The school also has a store with home-made preserves, chutneys and  specialty cookware.  

All in all, Belle Isle is the perfect Destination Wedding location for a couple looking for a Get-Away Family Wedding in Northern Ireland.  I can not wait to bring my family to stay at Belle Isle!

Photos are a compilation of our photos and photos from the Belle Isle Website.

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Knockninny Country House & Marina (Post 7 of 12)

By: Tracey Manailescu

Upon arriving at Knockninny Country House & Marina, we got a feeling of home.  Gayle, co-owner (husband and wife team) gave us a tour full of laughs and warm hospitality. Beautifully decorated rooms, cozy and comfortable furniture with modern appliances make this charming venue a hidden gem. Up to 10 people can stay on-site.

 

You can hold your Civil Wedding in one of two places on site. One is in "The Porter Room" which can hold up to 100 guests (60 for a sit-down reception) and has a wonderful view of the Lake. The other is in "Knockninny Gardens" which overlooks the marina, and then rock your reception in the beautiful permanent Marquis, which can hold 180 guests.

Knockninny is a 4 Star rated Country Guesthouse. This venue would be fantastic for a couple who really wants to have the intimacy of a family-focused wedding.

www.knockninnyhouse.com                                                                                                     Location: Knockinny Quay, Derrylin, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ The Mummers of Aughakillymaude (Post 6 of 12)

By Tracey Manailescu

When we went to Northern Ireland, we had expected to find some unique and different ideas that could be incorporated into weddings back in Toronto.  We also wanted to be able to offer our clients something they could add to their Destination wedding in Ireland. Boy, did we find it!

Tanya Cathcart (Marketing Manager for Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism) took us to meet Jim Ledwith who runs the "Aughakillymaude Community Mummers Centre" in West Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. With excitement in her eyes, she watched our faces to gage our initial reaction upon entering the Centre.  We weren't quite sure what to make of the larger than life straw figures that were everywhere.

Photo courtesy of: Belfast Telegraph Co. UK      

Jim Ledwith, got right into the powerful presence and tradition that "Straw Boys" had in the past, and can have at weddings today in Northern Ireland.  "Mumming" is apparently Ireland's oldest, surviving theatrical tradition. We had a tour of the Community Centre & Museum, and than we watched a video of actual weddings they have performed at. 

Straw Boys at a wedding are meant to bring happiness, good luck, wealth and health to the couple. The tradition started when weddings took place at home (before Church weddings and fancy reception venues became popular).  Now you can bring this tradition into your wedding!

15 Straw Boys (who must remain in disguise) will visit for about a half hour and will arrive after dinner, just before the dancing starts. Their theatrical visit includes music, singing, dancing and fertility related rituals that are supposed to guarantee health, good luck, fertility and happiness to the newlyweds. 

Some of the rituals that take place are the following:  

• A "Quack" Doctor will do a routine check of the couple (in the centre of the room) to ensure they are up to the task of making a family (Measuring the bride's hips, etc.)        
• The Straw Boys then line up and make a long archway (which symbolizes the roof of a house) an older married couple must walk through and step over a broom (much like the tradition of "Jumping the Broom") stating that they have completed a family, and than the newly wed couple will walk through, jumping over the broom, holding hands to signify starting a "new" family together. The Straw Boys will than shower the new couple with corn seeds over their heads.       
• The older couple than hands over a straw fertility sheath (girdle) that has many seeds in it, which is to be placed in the wedding bed that evening to ensure the continuity of life.
• The couple will than be seated where they will be "crowned" with newly made straw hats, than they are wrapped together with straw rope to symbolize their "oneness ie. tying the knot!"                     
• Following this, the couple are led to the dance floor where all of the wedding party and Straw Boys dance. *Girls are NOT supposed to refuse the dance with a Straw Boy. The Captain of the Straw Boys dances with the Bride (supposed to ensure longevity).                                           
• After the dance, a fruit bread is held over the couples heads (as they are back to back) which signifies that "as long as there is bread in the household, all within would be healthy and prosperous". Then the Captain tells the couple to break it themselves. Whoever gets the biggest piece, will be "the boss of the house".   

It was tradition that if the Straw Boys were well-received at the wedding, they would burn their hats on their way, and go to a pub to enjoy the remainder of their night.  If they were not welcomed, or treated badly, the straw masks would be put up on a high branch of a tree in front of the house, so that all who passed by the next day would know of the couple's cruelty. 

Contact: [email protected]  

How fabulous would your wedding be with a bit of history incorporated into it?  This is something you and your guests would never forget!  This is perfect for fun-loving, family focused Northern Irish descendants who want to have something extra special!  

I am so glad that Danielle & I were able to experience this (thank you Tanya) and to meet Jim.  Hats off to you!                         

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Lough Erne Golf Resort (Post 5 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel 

Upon arriving at Lough Erne Golf Resort we were struck by the vast amount of green around it. Not one, but two Golf Courses!  The Photo above shows just a section of the beautiful main building which backs not only onto their Champion Golf Course, but also Lough Erne (Lake).  The photo below shows the private 2 bedroom, self-catering cottages.

We were warmily greeted outside by the best Bellman in history, Neil. The main lobby is so beautiful and soothing with dark wood, muted walls, plush seating everywhere, including in front of several open fires! 

We were given a quick tour of the leisure facilities and their authentis Thai Spa, where we immediately booked our Spa appointments for that evening (purely for research, you know). 

 (Photo from Resort website)

Neil then brought us to our room, giving us a little tour along the way, he showed us around our gorgeous suite and taught how to work the tricky terrace doors, LOL.  One thing I really liked was a little pamphlet titled, "50 Things to do".  It listed 10 things to do in the rain, 10 things to do in the sun, 10 things to do with children, 10 things to do with a car, 10 things to do without a car.  What a fabulous idea!!

The view was absolutely stunning from our terrace suite.  Here is a photo I took:

When we informed him we had Spa appointments, he showed us these handy back stairs which led directly in to the spa so no one would see us go downstairs in our bathrobes and slippers.  He was so wonderful our entire stay, that we insisted on getting a photo with him at tea the next day.

Down the stairs and in to the Spa we went. Lough Erne possesses the only authentic Thai Spa in Ireland.  We were led in to a room with beautiful music, candles, relaxing lounges and treated to an exoctic fruit juice shot while we waited for our Thai Masseuses. I had a head, neck and back massage and Tracey was treated to a scalp massage.  After our fabulous treatments we were brought to another peaceful room where we were treated to green tea and assorted fruits, set at our individual chaises, we were invited to stay as long as we liked.   If we didn't have dinner reservations, I wouldn't have moved the rest of the night. It was the perfect ending.

As if we weren't already spoiled enough, we headed to Lough Erne's Catalina Restaurant for what we affectionately call, "The BEST Dinner of our Lives!!"  Chef Noel McMeel's amazing menu is based on foods found directly in the County of Fermanagh.  Collette McMeel (no relation to Chef), was the sweetest hostess and sat us in front of terrace doors overlooking the Golf Course.  We started our feast with a selection of homemade breads (Tracey's favourite was the curry bread!), Irish Crab salad and Scallops.

  

For the main course Tracey had the Mixed Grill which is a selection of all the local meats and I had the Fillet of Fermanagh Beef Rossini, we had to savour every single bite as it was just that good.  Our dishes came with entree sides, but little copper pots arrived on the table with seasonal mixed vegetables and the best darn scalloped potatoes in the world!  For dessert I had a souffle, while Tracey had a selection of Irish Cheeses with Port.  With our coffees came homemade fudge and hand-dipped chocolates.  We thought our friend, Alanna McQuaid (Lough Erne's Canadian Groups Representative), was exaggerating when she said Catalina's was the best restaurant in the world, but My Goodness,  she was spot on!

The next morning we went to Catalina's for a fabulous Irish Breakfast plus buffet, then went for a walk around the grounds. 

We then met with Events Manager, Tricia Ellse, who showed us the many places available to have Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions at the resort.  Ireland's Marriage Laws are such that on-site Civil Marriage was only made legal in 2007. Marriages must take place in a licensed area, if a venue would like to offer multiple Ceremony areas, they must license each one. I particularly loved their private outdoor terrace for cocktail receptions and the main walkway for the bride and groom to enter from.

 
All in all, we had a fabulous time at Lough Erne Golf Resort.  The people who work there are so warm and friendly, they truly make you feel welcome and valued.  The venue is absolutely beautiful and it has all the luxuries modern couples demand with a comfortable, luxurious old-world atmosphere.  For more details about the resort, be sure to visit their website.

Photos are a combination of our own, and photos from the Lough Erne Golf Resort website. 

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ An Introduction to Fermanagh (Post 4 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel

When choosing a location for a dream "Wedding Away", not only must the location be perfect for the Bride and Groom, but you need to make sure that surrounding area boasts a wealth of entertainment and sightseeing for the wedding guests as well.  

We firmly believe, the only way to know what a place really has to offer, is to go see it in person.  It would be impossible to see all that the island of Ireland has to offer in a week, so we focussed our "Irish Wedding Adventure" on the County of Fermanagh in Northern Ireland.  The Irish say there are no coincidences, so I guess it was providence that we were invited to stay in Enniskillen, Fermanagh's largest town, and unbeknownst to them, the birth-place of our great-grandfather.  

The wonderful George, of Diamond Taxi, brought us from Dublin to Fermanagh in his beautiful Mercedes 320, a great way to travel indeed!  

With the backdrop of castles and green rolling hills, Fermanagh has much to offer the Sportsperson, the Daytripper, the Historian or the Spa-enthusiast.  There are so many unique ways to occupy ones-self. We'll be highlighting some of the castles in further Blog Posts, so right now I'll focus on other activities.

Lough Erne, (which is really two lakes that widen from the River Erne), runs 38 miles through Fermanagh, travels north, then west in to the Atlantic Ocean.  This allows for boating/cruising, waterskiing, jetskiing, rowing, kayaking, fishing, any watersport you can think of!  There are also many bike paths throughout the County, which offer challenging or pleasure trails.  If Shooting is your thing, Ireland still allows the practice. The mountains offer a challenging hike and Tracey made sure, there are no bears to worry about, LOL!

The world famous, Beleek Pottery, calls Fermanagh it's home. A tour of the facility is a must, to truly understand all the work that goes in to every hand-made piece.  Maeve took us on a tour of the facility, introduced us to the potters and the painters and showed us step-by-step 12 day process each piece goes through. We then shopped (and bought!) in their on-site store.  A piece of the very reasonable, famous pottery would be a great Wedding Favour for the guests who made the trip to Ireland with the couple!  Beleek showed us items from their gorgeous new Wedding and Jewellery lines.  They were so gorgeous, Tracey even tried to buy some of the samples that have not yet made it to production!  Manager, Tricia, treated us to lunch in their Tea Shop and we even got to meet some of the top Executives.  The Belleek Pottery factory is a sight in it's own right.

 For those who enjoy fine-dining, we had amazing meals at both Catalina's and Scoffs Restaurant & Uno Wine Bar.  Going to the Pubs in the evening is a must and Enniskillen has many to choose from.  Blake's of the Hollow has been operated by the same family since 1887!  Pat's Place, Charlie's and Crowe's Nest are all quite popular.  (We went to Charlie's.)

While in Fermanagh, we were fortunate to have the tour guide of all tour guides:

Tanya Cathcart, Marketing Manager of the Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism Board ushered Tracey and I around to show us some of the highlights of the County.  Before taking us to see the Mummers and Knockninny (which will be featured in their own Blog Posts), we went for lunch at the quaint, thatched-roof Sheelin Tea House, a must for ladies visiting Fermanagh.

Rain or shine, winter or summer, this beautiful County has something to offer everyone.

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Beautiful & Unique Places for Weddings in Ireland (Post 3 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel

In subsequent Blog posts we are going to feature beautiful Castles and venues that we had the pleasure of visiting and experiencing first-hand. I also wanted to feature venues that, although we didn't get a chance to view them, had we more time, we sure would have liked to.

Martello Tower Sutton

Located in Sutton, 12kms from Dublin city centre, this tower was built in 1804 with 10-foot walls in effort to keep out Napoleon, Napoleon never attacked, but everyone else did.  Weddings can be held outside on the grounds, or intimate weddings can be held inside the tower.  The newlyweds can then stay in the two bedroom multi-level housekeeping suite inside the tower.

Cloghan Castle

The main tower of this keep was built in 1239!  In 1973, the rest of was you see was added using reclaimed and local materials.  Guests and the wedding couple can stay at the Castle and the main ballroom holds 120 guests.  Civil Ceremonies are available at the Castle as well.

 

Knappogue Castle

Built in 1467, this Medeival Castle has 5 places to hold Civil Weddings or a Blessing in their on-site St. Mark's Chapel. 

With many room to host the wedding, their historic Main Hall can seat up to 150 at long tables in Medeival Faire while the Castle Entertainers delights guests. 

Boasting a Victorian Walled Garden, a Rose Garden and set amongst rolling hills, there are many ideal places for wedding photos. Mead, of course, will be served.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel

This Castle Resort combines the beauty of old, with the luxuries of new. There are on-site banquet facilties, pools, a spa and very luxuriously appointed guest rooms.

 

Lough Rynn Castle

This luxurious castle is a fully-functioning hotel on 300 acres and boasts a championship golf course.  Weddings can be held outside or in.  While the castle is traditional, the banquet facilities are quite contemporary.

Kilronan Castle

A castle hotel set on 40 acres, this location has 85 bedrooms and boasts a gorgeous spa.  There are Wedding Packages and a discount for Weekday Weddings.
 

Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Dublin at Night - Stags & Hen Nights (Post 2 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel

Stag & Hen Parties are an important rite of passage for not only the bride and groom, but maybe more so for their friends.  Any given Friday or Saturday it is not unusual to see a man dressed as a Fairy, or a woman wearing a veil & L-plate with some interesting accessories, surrounded by rowdy friends, going from Pub to Pub.In Ireland Stag & Hen Nights are ingrained in to the Wedding Culture.  There are even many businesses devoted to the concept.  Party Brigade has an entire fleet of vehicles just for parties.  Their "Boogie Bus" seats 16 and comes with a karaoke machine, disco lights, smoke and even lasers!  Other options ar ethe Flame or Pink Limousines. 

Many hotels also offer Stag & Hen packages.  The Skeffington Hotel offers a dedicated Party Organizer for the weekend, Cocktail Master-classes, a reserved area & free entry to their Nightclub, with a bottle of complimentary champagne.  The Prince of Wales has a "Happy Hens @ The Prince of Wales" weekend package and includes all meals, cocktail training and a boat trip. Ladies can add a Slumber Party complete with DVD & Screen, popcorn, chocolate and champagne, a private bar and twister. Burlesque, Bollywood and Salsa dance lesson can also be added. Options for the men include, Viking boat trips, Shooting ranges, Golf, Paintball and Go-karting.

For those opting for fun on a smaller scale, Stag Parties are pretty much the same as their North American counterpart, the Bachelor Party, and include Pub Crawls, Exotic dancers, and lots of drinking and ribbing of the groom.  

Hen Nights usually include a theme of some sort and all the particpants dress up to that theme.  Some examples are Fancy dress, Pink Police, Cowgirls, School Girls, Golfing Party, Fallen Angels and the ever-popular everything Willy.  L-plates, traditionally placed on vehicles to denote a "Learner", are worn to show a Hen Party is in progress.  Pub Crawls and Exotic Dancers are just as common as Slumber Parties and Spa trips.  

No matter how their friends choose to celebrate a bride and groom's departure from eligibility, the act itself and the memories that ensue are what truly matters.