Ashford Castle Archives | Page 2 of 2

Pros of a Holiday Destination Weekend in Ireland

Extended Celebrations

Holiday weekends mean extended time off work and transforming your wedding into a mini-vacation for your guests. It’s not just a day, but a complete weekend of joy, celebration, and unforgettable memories.

Travel Ease

With extra days off, your guests have more leeway to manage their travel. They can arrive early or stay late without eating too much into their allotment of vacation days.

If the holiday weekend aligns with an Irish festival, your wedding can incorporate elements of Irish culture, providing your guests with a rich, immersive experience. Whether it’s the lively parade on St. Patrick’s Day or the traditional festivities on Easter Monday, these unique cultural experiences can elevate your wedding to a whole new level of enchantment.

Cons

Availability

Holiday weekends, especially holidays shared between countries like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day, are peak times for travel. Flights, accommodations, and even your desired venues may be booked months in advance and prices are likely to be higher.

Attendance

Not everyone will be keen on using their holiday for a wedding, as these days are traditionally spent with family or on personal vacations.

Scheduling Conflicts

US and Ireland holidays don’t always coincide. For instance, while both nations enjoy festivities on St. Patrick’s Day, US-specific holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day won’t be observed in Ireland, and vice versa for Irish holidays like Easter Monday or St. Stephen’s Day.

Before setting the date, research and compare Irish holiday schedules. You might find an overlap that works perfectly, no matter what countries your guests are travelling from.

Navigating the journey of a destination wedding over a holiday weekend can be tricky. Yet, with a dash of planning, a spoonful of understanding, and a pinch of flexibility, you can create an enchanting experience that marries the magic of the holiday and the romance of a wedding in a memorable Irish backdrop. The pros and cons are many, but at the end of the day, the sound of your loved ones’ laughter echoing across the Irish moors and under the holiday fireworks, will make it all worthwhile. If you are interested in reading more about planning a destination wedding in Ireland, check out my Do’s and Don’ts blog here.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

The island of Ireland has many incredible historic properties. It’s part of our rich cultural heritage. So when planning a destination wedding in Ireland, it only makes sense to enjoy the romance and grandeur of a historic property and share the experience with your guests. Imagine, for example, saying ‘I do’ in an ancient castle. Or a stately country house that has seen generations of parties and celebrations. Historic wedding venues in Ireland are full of character and tradition. And like fine wines, they’ve only gotten better with time!

Here are five of the best historic wedding venues in Ireland.

Adare Manor

Adare Manor is a delightful mix of old and new. This 19th-century neo-Gothic manor house underwent a complete renovation in 2017 that retained the charm of its past while adding five-star modern conveniences. The 840-acre estate is set beside a picture-perfect village in County Limerick, and also includes medieval ruins, elegant parterre French gardens, winding woodland paths and a picturesque river.

Ashford Castle

When it comes to fairytale Irish castles, Ashford Castle lives up to the fantasy every bit. Not to mention an ample dose of five-star luxury! With multiple event spaces within the venue, this 800-year-old castle is as versatile as it is beautiful. It also includes a state of the art spa, school of falconry, and 350 acres of lush green land. It can be booked exclusively for complete privacy and seclusion. One of the most iconic of the historic wedding venues in Ireland!

Ballyfin

This magnificent country house – considered one of Ireland’s finest Georgian mansions – is located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois. The secluded estate features over 600 acres of ancient forests and gardens, while inside the property you’ll find luxurious guest rooms, crackling fireplaces, and a 2000-year-old Italian mosaic. Ballyfin is, as Veranda Magazine noted, “like a house party out of Downton Abbey”. What more could a bride or groom wish for?

Luttrellstown Castle

This idyllic 15th-century castle will provide you with the best of both worlds. On the one hand, Luttrellstown Castle is nestled into a secluded 560-acre estate, offering complete privacy and exclusivity. On the other, it’s conveniently located just twenty minutes from Dublin, allowing your guests to enjoy everything the city has to offer during their stay. And the castle was built for gracious entertaining. From the elegant dining halls to the magnificent ballrooms, it’s the epitome of timeless romance.

Powerscourt House and Gardens

Voted one of the world’s top ten mansions and houses by Lonely Planet, Powerscourt House stands at the heart of a vast historical estate. The gardens are also internationally renowned and provide a dazzling backdrop to any celebration. Exclusive use of the house and gardens is available, and ceremonies can take place in the gardens, in front of the ornate Bamberg Gate, or indoors in the ground floor entry hall. Afterward, guests can enjoy a reception in the stately neo-classical ballroom, which features vast ceilings, marble columns, and elaborate plasterwork.

Of course, there are many more incredible historic wedding venues in Ireland to discover. These are just a few of my favourites!