Month: November 2021

Country house weddings in Ireland are a popular choice, both for local couples and those arriving from overseas for an Irish destination wedding. There’s something truly special about manor house venues, which often combine luxury with a relaxed, welcoming feel. Many historic manor houses in Ireland have been extensively renovated and reborn as five-star hotels, so you can expect silver service and modern convenience even within the historical setting. But where will you find country house wedding venues in Ireland? In fact, we’re spoilt for choice, with gorgeous mansions and estates dotted across the island. Whether you’re looking for something grand and opulent or a smaller, boutique option, there’s a manor house wedding venue for you. And best of all, many are available for exclusive hire, so you’ll feel like you have your very own country house, all to yourself!

Why choose a manor house wedding venue in Ireland?

The Irish countryside makes for a spectacular setting. I love a glamorous city wedding but there’s something so magical about getting out into the Irish countryside! Whatever the season, there is spectacular scenery to enjoy. Manor house wedding venues usually have their own magnificent grounds as well as stunning views for you and your guests to enjoy. And, of course, they make for the most amazing photographs! I also find that a country setting creates an atmosphere that is intimate and relaxed as well as refined, so the whole wedding party can relax and truly enjoy their surroundings.

Manor house wedding venues are pure romance. Your wedding venue sets the stage for your big day. Country or manor houses are the epitome of timeless elegance and romance. It’s hard not to feel like you’re stepping into a classic novel or poem as you take on the roles if lords and ladies of the manor. Country houses are also often rich in history and architectural detail, making them a unique and atmospheric choice.

Country house weddings in Ireland offer privacy and tranquility. Even country house weddings in Ireland that are within easy access of major cities and transport hubs feel like private havens, giving you the best of both worlds. The seclusion of the countryside creates your own little bubble, safe from the intrusions of the outside world for a few enchanted days.

Manor houses were designed for hospitality. Many of the lavish country houses in Ireland were designed to entertain guests, and have been doing so successfully for centuries! From gilded dining halls to lavish ballrooms, they were made for an occasion like your wedding!

Country house wedding venues offer both indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re dreaming of an indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception, you’ll find plenty of options at country house wedding venues in Ireland. Beautiful gardens (often with sunken or walled areas), woodlands, lakes, and orchards all make gorgeous settings. Inside the manor house, there are also often a selection of unique settings like ballrooms, libraries, and orangeries. With the Irish weather always being a little unpredictable, it gives you the flexibility to plan your country house wedding in Ireland, knowing that you always have a great Plan B in case of bad weather.

Top 10 Country House Wedding Venues in Ireland

Mount Juliet, Co. Kilkenny

Mount Juliet is an ultra-romantic Georgian manor house wedding venue, set in the seclusion of one of the oldest surviving walled estates in Europe. Relaxed, luxurious and beautiful, Mount Juliet counts amongst my favourite Irish wedding venues. Nothiing is too much trouble for the staff here, and they treat every guest as if they were part of the family. The estate offers a variety of spaces, depending on the size of your celebration, from the elegant Lady Helen Dining Room in the manor house to the banquet hall and ballroom in Hunter’s Yard, with space for up to 200 guests. With historic charm, acres of lush parkland and views of the River Nore, and Michelin-starred cuisine, this is country house living at its finest and may just be the perfect country house wedding venue for your Irish destination wedding.

Adare Manor, Co. Limerick

Known around the country – and indeed, worldwide – as an award-winning five-star hotel with a championship golf course and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Adare Manor is a venue that meets and exceeds all expectations. It is set in the picture-perfect village of Adare in County Limerick, in an 840-acre estate with views of the River Maigue. The neo-Gothic manor house was built in the 19th century,  and completely renovated in 2017. As part of this, a new wing was commissioned, which now includes the opulent Grand Ballroom, a spectacular setting for larger weddings.

You can read my complete guide to Adare Manor weddings here.

Gloster House, Co. Offaly

Gloster House is an extraordinary country house estate in the heart of the irish Midlands. The 300-year old manor house has been expertly and sensitively restored into an incredibly luxe wedding venue that is available for your exclusive use. While they boast beautiful period features, the interiors feel light and contemporary, in shades of white and duck egg blue. And the outdoors is just as special – extensive gardens with Italianate terraces, water features, woodlands, and lakes that guarantees an unforgettable backdrop for wedding photographs. There is a chapel onsite and a number of beautiful reception rooms, as well as a garden room that can seat up to 180 guests and a lantern-lit courtyard that is truly magical at night.

Liss Ard, Co. Cork

Liss Ard Estate is set on 163 acres of manicured gardens, green meadows, woodlands – even a glittering private lake – in West Cork, one of the prettiest regions of Ireland. Country house weddings here are full of character and charm, just like the estate itself. The 19th-century Georgian manor house can accommodate up to 100 guests in the drawing room and restaurant, making it a wonderful option for a more intimate country house wedding in Ireland. However, if you’re planning a larger affair, the Walled Garden makes a unique setting for a marquee reception. The food is always a highlight here, with delicious courses prepared from only the finest local produce.

Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway

Ballynahinch weddings are designed to resemble the grand House Parties of yesteryear, where friends and family are welcomed to your country pile for a weekend of fun, festivity, and fine dining. It’s the ultimate country house wedding experience, and extremely exclusive, since the estate only hosts a few weddings each year and only outside of the summer season. Set in 700 acres of woodland, with a mountain backdrop and a river teeming with salmon, the castle has a secluded feel that makes it perfect for couples looking for privacy as well as unpretentious luxury. Winter weddings are quite magical here, with blazing log fires and Christmas decorations making the castle especially festive and inviting.

Virginia Park Lodge, Co. Cavan

For couples who want to spoil their guests with a country house wedding in Ireland and a menu like no other, Virginia Park Lodge is the perfect option. This former hunting lodge has been an established foodie destination since it was taken over in 2014 by Michelin star chef, Richard Corrigan. In fact, Corrigan personally designs all wedding menus using seasonal local produce, much of it from the estate’s own gardens. Situated just an hour from Dublin or 90 minutes from Belfast, but enjoying spectacular country scenery, this is the best of both worlds. For wedding receptions, couples can choose between an intimate gathering in the 18th-century banqueting room or a larger crowd in the glass-walled Pavilion with it’s breathtaking Lough Ramor views.

Ballyfin Demesne, Co. Laois

If you’re looking for the full Downton Abbey experience for your country house wedding in Ireland, Ballyfin is the place for you. Arriving on the estate is like stepping back in time, as the staff line up to greet you and you step into the Regency manor house with its extensive collection of antiques and art. This venue is very dear to me, as I planned the very first wedding here, and I’m always delighted to return. Combining the stately elegance of a Georgian country house with the warmth and intimacy of home, it boasts impeccable service and some of the most beautiful grounds, nestled as it is in 600 acres of pristine parkland at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. There is a wide choice of event spaces too, both indoor and out, including a glass conservatory reached through a secret entrance.

You can read my complete guide to weddings at Ballyfin here.

Powerscourt Estate, Co. Wicklow

If you’re dreaming of old world luxury, this spectacular Palladian mansion just 40 minutes from Dublin should be top of your list. From the momet you sweep up the beech lined avenue and catch a glimpse of the copper-roofed Powerscourt House, you’ll feel like you’re in a period romance, an impression only compounded when you see the vast ceilings, marble entrance hall, and regal neo-classical ballroom. And the views! The formal gardens are considered some of the best in the world, and provide an incredible setting for your big day as well as an incomparable backdrop for your wedding portraits, whatever the season.

Carton House, Co. Kildare

Carton House has long been regarded as one of the finest venues for country house weddings in Ireland but after its extensive renovation and reopening as a Fairmont Hotel, it promises to be even better. There are some lovely options for your ceremony and reception, including the lavish Carton Suite ballroom and the brand new FitzGerald Suite, with its private walled garden entrance and incredible views. There are also some beautiful Baroque drawing rooms for more intimate gatherings. Whichever space you choose, you’ll find the wow-factor! With over a thousand acres of parkland surrounding the Palladian mansion, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was in some secluded corner of Ireland but in fact, Carton House is just 30 minutes from Dublin.

Kilshane House, Co. Tipperary

An elegant Regency estate with a timeless, classic feel, Kilshane House also has some unique surprises up its sleeve! It’s the kind of manor house wedding venue that will provide a unique experience for your guests, and every corner is brimming with romance. For example, you can enjoy cocktails and champagne under the palm trees in the Conservatory with the sound of exotic birds from the hidden overhead aviary. There’s also a lake with a Victorian landscape garden and a pagoda, which makes a charming ceremony spot, as does the rose pergola in the secret garden. Receptions take place in the beautiful Orangerie, with accommodation for up to 220 guests. And as if all that isn’t enough, it’s also dog friendly!

Accommodation options for country house weddings in Ireland

One of the best things about country house weddings in Ireland is that manor house venue tend to offer everything under one roof, and that includes accommodation for you and your guests. After a day and night of feasting, drinking and dancing, there’s nothing better than knowing there is a comfortable bed waiting for you upstairs! Plus, it contributes to the country house party feel that makes manor house weddings in Ireland so attractive. Even if your country house wedding venue doesn’t offer enough accommodation for all your guests, you will usually find plenty of reasonably priced accommodation within easy reach.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by xx, Brosnan Photographic, Mount Juliet, Liss Ard Estate, Eric Kelley, Virginia Park Lodge, Carton House, Kilshane House

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With the last weeks of 2021 flying past, it’s time to start looking towards the new year and 2022 wedding trends in particular. What will they look like? Well, there will be lots of destination weddings, for one thing. Bold colours and smaller guest lists are also on the cards. But there’s one 2022 wedding trend in particular that has really captured the imaginations of couples across the globe: Bridgerton. This Regency-style series made its debut on Netflix late last year and has since had a major impact on popular culture. Now, with the second season on its way, we’re likely to see even more Bridgerton inspired wedding décor and details in 2022.

What makes the Bridgerton so exciting from a styling perspective is that it’s a beautiful combination of classic, luxurious details and colourful fun. And with so many regal Irish wedding venues, it’s the perfect choice for a destination wedding in Ireland. But just how do you bring Bridgeton inspired wedding décor to life? Here are a few suggestions.

Grand country wedding venues. When it comes to luxurious wedding venues in Ireland, we’re spoilt for choice. From manor houses to sprawling country estates and ancient castles, there are many Irish wedding venues that would impress even the highest members of the ton. For a summer wedding, look out for venues with gorgeous gardens. For winter celebrations, a magnificent ballroom is just the thing. (Take a look at some of my favourite castle wedding venues in Ireland here.)

Garden party style. Outdoor weddings have understandably been a huge trend in 2021, with garden weddings being a particular favourite with couples. Instead of leaning towards the rustic, garden party weddings are all about bringing the inside out, juxtaposing luxury details with an open air setting to create a whimsical, elegant atmosphere. Tented weddings are also part of this trend, with new tents offering extras like raised observation decks that allow guests to enjoy the countryside setting but with protection from the elements.

Vintage furnishings. Vintage and ‘cottage core’ are also rising 2022 wedding trends, with many couples opting to include vintage touches. Heirloom pieces can be especially meaningful, like a special table or dresser that can be incorporated into your décor or turned into a focal piece.

Statement florals. Over-the-top florals are already on their way to being a 2022 wedding trend and they lend themselves perfectly to Bridgerton inspired wedding décor. For example, a whimsical wisteria ceremony arch or hanging displays of flowers and greenery at the reception. Bold colours are definitely part of this theme, whether you opt for Bridgerton’s saturated pastels or a completely unique palette.

Luxurious table settings. Even if you do it nowhere else, your tables are the perfect place to include a touch of Bridgerton inspired wedding décor. Think gorgeous floral centrepieces that look like a Dutch still life painting, gilded candelabras, vintage crystal, polished silverware, fine linens and more.

Classic wedding cakes. Finally, a Bridgerton themed wedding calls for a classic tiered wedding cake. Whether you opt for the traditional fruit cake or something a bit more modern, the classic tiered design has all the Regency vibes.

So there you have it! Bridgerton inspired wedding décor that even Lady Whistledown would approve of!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve, Christina Brosnan, Paula O’Hara Photography , Doreen Kilfeather, Greg Finck

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year in Ireland. The landscape that changes from green to gold and red, the smell of bonfires, the heat of a real wood fire, and of course, the delicious Irish stews. It’s also a wonderful time of year for a wedding and is becoming more popular with couples all the time. I especially love when my clients allow me to bring the season into their big day, as it creates such a sense of cosiness. But what is the best way to do it? Here are some of my favourite ideas for an autumn wedding in Ireland.

Start with the invitations. The paper goods always set the tone for a wedding from the minute they arrive in your guests’ hands. So if you’re planning an autumn wedding in Ireland, what better place to start than with your stationery? Incorporating an autumnal motif doesn’t mean you have to go rustic or opt for a classic fall palette (although both are good choices). You can also keep things elegant by pairing one or two rich autumnal colours with something more understated and unexpected. Or why not incorporate a seasonal pattern or texture (like plaid or leather) into your suite?

Dress your bridesmaids in velvet. There’s no fabric quite as lush and plush for the colder seasons as velvet. Whether you choose jewel-box tones like scarlet and emerald or something classic like navy or black, you can’t go wrong with velvet bridesmaid gowns. Add a pretty coverup to keep them warm and they’ll look – and feel! – amazing.

Serve Irish coffees. A warming drink during cocktail hour is a great way to keep your guests happy. And who doesn’t love an Irish coffee? Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself. You could also branch out to create a custom cocktail that incorporates Bailey’s or a tot of Irish whiskey. Serve your drinks either before or after the ceremony, especially if you’ll be outdoors.

Incorporate seasonal touches into your florals. Whether it’s adding a few leaves and pods to your bouquet or having your florist create a statement ceremony arch, foliage is always a gorgeous addition to your florals if you’re having an autumn wedding in Ireland. Don’t forget smaller floral and foliage touches too, like the groom’s boutonniere or the seating chart. A little can go a long way in terms of setting the seasonal mood! Gourds and pumpkins are another appropriate option.

And the groom wore tweed. Tweed is a great choice for the gents. It’s warm and stylish and there are so many options in terms of colour and pattern. Plus, tweed has a long history in Ireland. Although it originated in Scotland, Donegal soon became famous for its tweed. The colours of this classic tweed reflect the landscape in shades of purple, green, brown and gold. A perfect way to bring the colours of the season – as well as a local touch – into your autumn wedding in Ireland!

Organise a fireworks display. Fireworks are common in Ireland around Halloween, but it’s illegal to possess them without a proper licence so it’s important to work with a reputable pyrotechnics company. We can recommend some of the best! It always makes for a delightful surprise for the guests and there’s nothing quite like watching fireworks explode against a crisp autumn sky! It’s a good idea to provide blankets and wraps so that nobody gets chilly during the display.

Which of these autumnal wedding ideas is your favourite?

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Brett Harkness, Lisa O’Dwyer  Doreen Kilfeather