September 2023 | Tara Fay Events

Organizing transportation for your Irish destination wedding is a crucial aspect of the planning process. From ensuring your guests can easily reach your chosen venue to coordinating group excursions, the right arrangements for transportation in Ireland can help make your big day run smoothly and efficiently. Today I want to discuss the do’s and don’ts of booking transportation for your Irish destination wedding. There are many topics to cover such as airports to choose from, car rentals, driving laws, and group transportation for multi-day events.

Arriving in Ireland: Airports and Accessibility

Ireland has two main airports that cater to international flights: Dublin Airport (DUB) in the east and Shannon Airport (SNN) in the west. Both airports are well-connected to major cities worldwide, making it convenient for your guests to travel to Ireland. When selecting your wedding venue, consider its proximity to one of these airports, as well as the availability of ground transportation options like buses, taxis, or private car services to help your guests reach their accommodations with ease.

Choosing a Venue Accessible by Car

While Ireland boasts a variety of picturesque wedding venues, some are more accessible than others. When selecting a venue, consider whether it can be easily reached by car, as this will make transportation simpler for both you and your guests. Additionally, keep in mind that some historic venues or remote locations may have limited parking facilities or require special arrangements for larger vehicles like buses or limousines.

Understanding Differences in Foreign Cars and Driving Laws

Driving in Ireland can be a unique experience for visitors, as the country’s roads are often narrow and winding, and vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. Additionally, many rental cars in Ireland are manual transmissions, which may be unfamiliar to guests from countries where automatic vehicles are more common. If you or your guests plan to rent cars during your stay, it’s essential to familiarize yourselves with local driving laws and practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Car Rentals for Exploring Other Destinations

Renting a car can be a great way for you and your guests to explore Ireland’s stunning landscapes and attractions at your own pace. When booking a rental car, be sure to compare prices from different companies and book well in advance, as demand for rental cars can be high during peak travel seasons. It’s also essential to verify the insurance coverage provided by the rental company and consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.

Providing Group Transportation for Multi-Day Events

If you’re planning a multi-day wedding celebration with group excursions and activities, it’s crucial to arrange group transportation for your guests. This can include hiring buses or private car services to transport guests between their accommodations and the various event locations. By providing group transportation, you can ensure that your guests arrive at each destination safely and on time, allowing them to fully enjoy the festivities without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads or arranging their own transportation in Ireland.

Do:

Research and compare transportation options, including airports, car rentals, and group transportation services.
Choose a wedding venue that is easily accessible by car and has ample parking facilities.
Familiarize yourself and your guests with local driving laws and practices, particularly if you plan to rent cars.
Arrange group transportation for multi-day events to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Don’t:

Assume that all rental cars in Ireland are automatic transmissions; be prepared to drive a manual vehicle if necessary.
Overlook the importance of insurance coverage when booking a rental car, and consider purchasing additional coverage if needed.
Rely solely on public transportation for getting around, as some areas may have limited services or may not be well-connected to your wedding venue.

Remembering that organizing transportation for your Irish destination wedding is a crucial aspect of creating a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests. Don’t forget to check out my destination wedding checklist for additional tips that might help you plan for different factors such as airport accessibility, venue location, driving laws, and group transportation needs, you can help ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the beauty and charm of the Emerald Isle without any logistical headaches. Taking the time to plan and arrange the necessary transportation will not only make your wedding celebration run smoothly but will also allow you and your guests to focus on creating lasting memories in the enchanting landscapes and rich culture of Ireland.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by David McKelvey, Europcar

Nick and Lisa, both from Ireland, didn’t know each other for most of their lives. It was a fated meeting at a wedding for Lisa’s childhood best friend’s brother, where Nick was a groomsman, that the couple hit it off. From there, the love story flourished all the way to their own stunning wedding at Ballyfin Demesne. And we were honoured to be part of their very special big day!

But, first – the busy professional couple had an intimate proposal. One night, Lisa (a doctor) returned home from an exhausting 72-hour on-call shift, and she immediately knew something was different by the already-made dinner and the well-cleaned home. Nick had taken it upon himself to make the moment special by setting up a clean space and warm meal for his hard-working love to come home to. He popped the question, and after a post-dinner “yes,” their journey toward Ballyfin Demesne began!

The couple went through various considerations before landing on the breathtaking Ballyfin Demesne as their wedding venue. From Ashford to Hogs Head and Sheen Falls, a few local locations were on the list of possibilities, but Ballyfin Demesne fit all of the needs for capacity and days accessible. Location scouting is one of the joys of my job and when we finally find “the one” it’s cause for celebration!

When it came to the theme, Nick and Lisa were ready for the time of their life. They knew they wanted a night that would be good craic. What mattered most was creating an environment that would match the venue they fell in love with and would also provide their guests with a high-energy evening of fun. With stunning floral décor and live music, the excitement in the room fueled the atmosphere and vibe.

Lisa wore an elegant lace number by Zuhair Murad. She found the gown in London her second time searching for dresses. The bridesmaids wore beautiful satin pieces from Dresscode. Nick, already obsessed with the brand, chose a Tom Ford tux. Lisa also chose to dance the night away with an after-party dress she found online from Mila Nova.

The bride and groom enjoyed more than a handful of memories from their day, but the one that stood out the most was driving off from the church in a V8 with the hood down. It was the perfect moment for the couple to share some time alone right after their “I do,” while still maintaining the day’s energetic vibe.

Additionally, the newlyweds were glad they chose to overcome their nerves of public dancing and enjoyed their first dance together -something made easier by a backdrop of glittering fireworks.

Lisa and Nick remained in fantastic spirits despite any chaos the day threw at them. With the wedding approaching and the rehearsal set, three of the couple’s bridal party experienced serious car trouble- requiring last-minute rental cars, tow trucks, and even the arrangement of insurance policies. Despite the bumps in the road, they didn’t allow stress to bring them down. Instead, they enjoyed the wedding of their dreams!

To those planning a wedding, Lisa and Nick highly recommend hiring a wedding planner, especially if you are two busy professionals working long hours. If you’re short on time, a wedding planner is the best way to ensure a successful and memorable event.

I loved planning this special day for this beautiful couple! Is Ballyfin Demesne on your list of potential wedding venues? Is Ireland the wedding destination of your dreams? If Nick and Lisa’s wedding inspired you, here are even more Reasons to Host Your Wedding in Ireland.