10 Irish Drinks for a Wedding Bar

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Ireland or want to give a nod to your Irish heritage from afar, having Irish drinks at your wedding is a great way to do it. After all, the Irish famously do like a tipple! Fortunately, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Irish drinks. Our beverages, from stout to whiskey, are distributed and enjoyed across the world. So whatever your taste, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy. Here are ten Irish drinks to consider adding to your wedding bar.

Irish Whiskey

First on the list has to be Irish whiskey, as we produce some of the world’s finest! The Gaelic term for whiskey is ‘uisce beatha’ (pronounced ish-ka bah-ha) which translates as ‘water of life’. Common types include single malt, single grain, and blended whiskey, and many of the most popular brands (such as Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore Dew) are household names. With so many to choose from, a special Irish whiskey bar is always popular with guests, but other options are having a whiskey toast, serving whiskey-based cocktails, or enjoying a whiskey tasting menu as part of your meal.

Irish whiskey bar

Guinness

There are actually several delicious Irish stouts available (including Murphy’s and Beamish), but Guinness is certainly the most famous. It has been brewed at the Guinness Brewery in St, James’ Gate, Dublin, since 1759. Including Guinness on your bar menu is an easy way to add a touch of Irish flair to your wedding. Another option is to serve Black Velvet, a cocktail made of half Guinness, half champagne.

Irish Drinks for a wedding bar Guinness

Bailey’s Irish Cream

Another very famous Irish export is Bailey’s, an indulgent cream liqueur with a creamy, chocalatey taste. Bailey’s only uses cream from Irish cows in their product, adding an extra level of authenticity. Serve it as an after-dinner liqueur, either straight or chilled over ice. (If you’d like to try a different Irish cream, Coole Swan made in Co. Meath is a great option! It’s made with Belgian white chocolate and single malt whiskey.)

Irish Coffee

Another after-dinner favourite, Irish coffee is a delicious mix of hot coffee and Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with freshly whipped cream. It makes a great dessert addition (or alternative, for some guests) but could also be served during cocktail hour to warm guests up on a chilly day.

Irish Drinks for a Wedding Bar

Apple Cider

There’s nothing quite like a cold Irish cider on a sunny afternoon. Bulmer’s/Magner’s is the most popular brand, and can also be found quite easily outside of Ireland. In winter, swap out cold cider for a hot spiced cider, which is also a great option for warming guests up after time outdoors.

Irish Drinks for a Wedding Bar

Irish Mist

Irish Mist is a whiskey liqueur made right here in Dublin. It’s warm, sweet, and aromatic, and is a good addition to cocktails as well as a stand-alone drink. Ingredients include aged Irish whiskey, honey, heather, and aromatic herbs.

Poitín

Pronounced ‘put-cheen’, poitín is a drink distilled from malted grains or potatoes and milk whey. It’s essentially the Irish equivalent of America’s moonshine and was illegally produced for over 200 years, often in rural regions. It was legalised in 1997 and in 2008 was granted Geographical Indicative Status. It’s very potent (although not as potent as the original version!) but makes a great addition to a cocktail. A fun brand to include in your wedding bar would be Straw Boys Poitín, named for the boys who would crash weddings for a drink and a dance, bringing good luck with them.

Irish Wedding Bar Gin and Tonic

Dingle Gin

The Emerald Isle may be better known for whiskey than gin, but the gin market has seen a rapid expansion in the last few years. So if gin is your tipple, you’ll find plenty of options to include in your wedding bar! The best known is probably Dingle Gin, which is proudly produced in Co. Kerry, and uses botanicals from the local landscape like rowanberry, fuchsia, bog myrtle, hawthorn, and heather. It’s a wonderfully refreshing drink – perfect for a summer destination wedding in Ireland!

Irish Wedding Bar

Mead

Mead has a long association with weddings in Ireland. In fact, the term ‘honeymoon’ comes from the tradition of newlyweds sharing the malted honey beverage through the first month of their marriage. It can be served either warm or cold. And, while it’s too sweet to be to many guests’ tastes, it makes a meaningful traditional alternative to a champagne toast to the couple.

Irish Wedding Cocktails at the Westbury Hotel

Signature Cocktails

Of course, signature cocktails are always a great addition to any wedding bar menu! It’s especially fun when the cocktail names or ingredients have personal meaning to the couple or pay tribute to the wedding destination. Some appropriate Irish drinks for cocktail hour include the Irish Mule (a Moscow Mule with whiskey instead of vodka), the Wild Irish Rose (whiskey, grenadine, lemon juice, sugar, and soda), or the Irish Kiss (whiskey, peach schnapps, ginger ale, orange juice). Or why not create your own? The bar staff at the best Irish wedding venues are always happy to customise cocktails for couples.

Here’s to all our favourite Irish drinks. Sláinte!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Lisa O’Dwyer, Kieran Harnett, Doreen Kilfeather, Story of Eve

Same Sex Weddings in Ireland

It’s hard to believe that almost five years have passed since same sex marriage became a reality in the Republic of Ireland. I still remember the sense of pride and elation I felt when the country voted in favour of marriage equality in the 2015 referendum! And with same sex marriage now also legally recognised in Northern Ireland (as of January 2020), LGBTQI+ and same sex weddings are finally a reality across the whole island. Here at Tara Fay weddings we are huge supporters of marriage equality, and we love helping all our couples make their dream day a reality, whoever they choose to love.

The Marriage Act 2015 applies to civil ceremonies, which can take place in a huge variety of venues across Ireland. For example, castles, hotels, manor houses and museums. You can also opt for a Humanist ceremony for same sex weddings in Ireland (which can include outdoor locations). If you would like to get married on a private estate (ceremony venues must be open to the public), you can also choose to have a small legal ceremony and follow it with a symbolic ceremony in a location of your choice. Windswept cliff tops, fields, woodlands… wherever your imagination takes you!

While same sex weddings in Ireland are identical to opposite sex weddings in the most important way (i.e. legal status), it’s up to you how traditional you want your celebration to be. In fact, LGBTQI+ couples often feel less restricted when it comes to the details of the day, allowing us to create a day for them that feels completely personal. You make the rules! Here are a few elements to consider.

same-sex-weddings-in-ireland

What to wear

Two tuxes? Two dresses? Matching or not? The answer is: whatever will make you feel incredible. There are a huge range of options, from dresses to suits to uniquely complementary ensembles. The most important thing is that each of you feels comfortable and confident. And, while you can choose to wear the same thing or matching versions, there are also lots of other ways to make your outfits coherent, from colours and fabrics to the flowers you carry or the accessories you wear.

The ceremony

Heterosexual Christian wedding ceremonies have a number of traditions, and many are defined by gender. For example, the bride’s family sit on the left, and the groom waits for the bride at the top of the aisle. With same sex weddings, you get to build the ceremony that best fits you as a couple. For example, you could walk down the aisle together, or towards each other from opposite directions. You also don’t need to include heteronormative phrases in your vows. Write your own, and personalise your ceremony with readings and music that you love.

Wedding traditions

There are lots of other wedding traditions that are defined by gender, and you can reimagine these exactly as you wish. For example, you can dispense with the bouquet and garter toss, or turn it into something new. You can have bridesmen and groomsmaids, a shared wedding party, or no entourage at all. You might also choose to have a first look, or to get ready together. It’s your wedding; your rules. And the same goes for your pre-wedding events, like hen parties and stag dos!

Whatever you decide on, remember this is your love, and your relationship that is being honoured. And, while all couples struggle with the expectations of family and friends, the most important thing is to focus on what matters to you as a couple.

I can’t wait to welcome more gorgeous couples home to Ireland for their same sex weddings in 2021 and beyond!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Eric Kelley

Why Hire a Wedding Planner in Ireland?

So you’ve decided on a destination wedding in Ireland? Congratulations! There’s no place more magical to exchange vows, or to treat your guests to the experience of a lifetime. But as much as I love destination weddings, they do come with their own set of challenges. Planning such a big event from afar can be complicated, stressful, and time-consuming. That’s where a local wedding planner is worth their weight in gold! A specialist destination wedding planner can be your eyes and ears, offer insider knowledge and contacts, in some cases be your translator, and help you enjoy the process. Here are some of the reasons why hiring a wedding planner in Ireland is a must.

Specialist Knowledge of the Area

A destination wedding planner knows the ins and outs of everything local. For example, you’ll get the inside track on the best venues to choose, local culture and etiquette, – even the weather! (In fact, the weather is something that you’ll definitely want to keep in mind when planning a wedding in Ireland.) There’s so much more to a destination than you’ll find by searching online. Plus, having a wedding planner in Ireland will also help you and your guests make the most of your trip. They can recommend restaurants and accommodations and help plan activities and excursions to make the weekend extra special!

A Network of Trusted Vendors

Planning a fabulous wedding isn’t just about the details you choose. It’s about having a team of creative, talented professionals to make those dreams a reality. When you’re planning a wedding from abroad, you often won’t meet your vendors in person before the big day and that means you’ll be reliant on online reviews. But bringing am experienced local planner on board means having access to a vetted network. I have Ireland’s top luxury wedding vendors in my little black book. Many I have worked with repeatedly, and I know and trust them implicitly.

A Trusted Advocate

Your wedding planner has your back. They’re your advocate, your accountant, your therapist, stylist, and dear friend. They are the person who is always on your side, always acting in your interests and on your behalf. This is very different from other role players like venue coordinators or stylists. Your wedding planner acts as the buffer between you and all the different aspects of the wedding. They guide you through the process, so your engagement can be the happy time it should be. And they’ll save you a tremendous amount of time. Most importantly, they’ll take the reins so that you can relax and enjoy your big day, completely stress-free!

The Legal Stuff

Each country has its own legal requirements, which you’ll need to navigate for a destination wedding. Ireland’s registration system can be especially challenging. But not to worry! A wedding planner in Ireland can help you through this aspect of wedding planning. For example, by ensuring you have the correct paperwork before and after you arrive in the country and making sure any special permits are in order.

The bottom line is that a wedding planner in Ireland will help you save time, money, and stress. Especially during this uncertain time, when things are always changing and developing, it’s vital to have someone on the ground who you can trust. Not to mention to add to the fun, the personal details, and experiences you and your guests will have on arrival!

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

Image by Lisa O’Dwyer Photography.