Posts Tagged ‘wedding venues’

Wedding Villages

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Wedding venues are shifting styles. We know that. Well, those of us who pay attention do anyway.

Things started in the typical hotel wedding {and actually most still are} then we see a shift to Castle venues {who doesn’t want to get married in a castle?}, to private manor houses. I’m not saying these venues are ‘out’, it’s just that I am seeing a lot of {what I will call} private villages. And I love this idea, but then I love anything private and exclusive where you, your families and guests are all together.

What this is, is normally one big house surrounded by other cottages in either a courtyard or smaller community of other self catering houses. So you get the whole property with it’s surroundings {and sometimes a pub} like a private little village.

Here are a few of my favourite examples.

Coolbawn Quay

Photo by David McClellend

Nestled on the eastern shores of Lough Derg in North Tipperary,  it is built in the style of a traditional Irish village with rooms, suites or charming cottages and houses, scattered throughout the meandering streets and lanes of the village leading to the harbour. Have your intimate wedding in the Schoolhouse or a larger group in a marquee. See a full wedding on Coolbawn Quay by David McClellend here

Inishbeg

Photo by Aspect Photography

Not only a private village but a private island! In west Cork with beautiful woodlands, parkland, farmland and gardens you can have your ceremony outside with  reception for 65 in the Boathouse or more in a seaside marquee. See the full wedding here as photographed by Aspect Photography

Clonabreeny House

Photo by Christina Brosnan

in Co Meath, Clonabreany House consists of two magnificently restored Georgian houses, a beautifully restored courtyard with  10 cottages, a cosy private sibín bar, a banqueting hall catering for up to 60 people and a luxurious private bridal suite and Grand Marquee with bar, dancing and dining facilities catering for up to 220 guests. Christina Brosnan recently photographed a full wedding here.

BallymagarveyVillage

Photo by Brenda McGuire Photo

Also in Co Meath, Ballymagarvey Village is comprised of a substantial fortified country house flanked by a courtyard of beautifully conserved cut-stone cottages which once housed a working granary and flax mill. The courtyard cottages and mill buildings now provide luxury accommodation and a banqueting hall for private events. See the full wedding at Ballymagarvey here as shot by Brenda McGuire Photography

Something new to consider.

Annie

Live, Love, Laugh and Dream!

SociBook del.icio.us Digg Facebook Google Yahoo Buzz StumbleUpon

New Luxury Irish Wedding Venue

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

Of course I do a lot of venue shopping. Seldom though do I really go “Oh wow!” Well I did with this one.

Ballyfin House and Estate and Gardens in Co Laois is a small luxury hotel  with only 15 individually decorated bedrooms on 600 acres and is opening for business and weddings this May after extensive restoration {9 whole years!}.

Every single aspect of the house from the roof down has gotten skilled attention and the house has now been furnished with a collection of Irish art and antiques from around the world, fine Irish mahogany, French chandeliers and mirrors by Thomas Chippendale.

The result is spectacular, and now one of Ireland’s great houses has emerged ready for the current century. Seriously grand and amazingly beautiful I just can’t imagine a more stunning location for a wedding.

As you can see everything is done on a grand scale with impeccable eye for detail.

The outside and grounds too. Imagine having this all to yourself and your wedding party.

I think you can see why I was so impressed. Can’t wait to find a bride for Ballyfin House Demesne!

Annie

Live, Love, Laugh and Dream!

SociBook del.icio.us Digg Facebook Google Yahoo Buzz StumbleUpon

Castle Oliver

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

I had the pleasure recently to visit a new Irish Castle wedding venue, Castle Oliver. I use the term ‘new’ very lightly because of course the castle is not new, it dates back to 1843. But the owners Declan and Emma Cormack have renovated it so extensively and beautifully that it is now available to rent as an exclusive wedding venue or just for a stay and it’s fantastic. Seriously, it is a dream whether you have an intimate wedding in mind for 20 or a party for 120.

Completely different from Castle hotels {where you feel you have to whispers!}, you are renting the whole place so really and truly get the run of the castle and the grounds – and the hot tub! Declan and Emma have 3 children and the family stays in the castle when not rented out so there is no need for whispering in Castle Oliver! It is a place for living, relaxing and enjoying to the fullest in luxury. Every corner of it.

The Castle has been done up with every convenience while not spoiling the integrity of the castle. I can’t explain the detail enough and thought that has gone into the renovations as well as the bespoke handcarved furnishings. It is simply stunning.

There are terrace gardens, a lake, a folly {with a hot tub!} , woodlands with walks, a sunken garden and two fountains.

The castle sleeps 18 with five superior bedrooms with 6ft four-poster beds, and a further four deluxe bedrooms all with 5ft sleigh beds. All bedrooms have {hidden} televisions and large en-suite bathrooms with towels, toiletries and bathrobes, separate power showers and double slipper bath tubs.

Castle Oliver’s principle rooms include the Clondofoy entrance hall with stained glass windows and open fire, an extensive library with open fire, Bose sound system and sofas. A Billiards room with open fire and a secret TV, a Drawing room with open fire, sofas, Television and DVD player.

A Dining room with an antique  table that can seat 22 guests, a baby grand piano and an open fire this room has a secret door that leads to the kitchen with dishwasher and a range cooker with 6 burner gas top, a double electric oven and grill.

There is of course also a Ballroom with open fire and sofas which can be transformed with tables and chairs for a wedding reception of up to 120 and they area approved for civil wedding ceremonies.

They have a fantastic caterer on hand, Yum Catering will sit down with you to go over menu options and pricing {for any budget!}  whether you would like a Barbecue or elegant 5 course sit down meal.

Ooh, and you even get a butler!

The official Castle Oliver website is here and that is where to contact Emma and Declan to hire the Castle. However there is a lot of fantastic information about the castle and it’s history as well as more photos of before and after the renovations on other websites, Abandoned Ireland is one {and they kindly let me use some of their photos} and there is another here.

I think the whole story of the castle is fascinating and encourage you to learn more of the history of this delightful Castle.

Annie

Live, Love, Laugh and Dream!

SociBook del.icio.us Digg Facebook Google Yahoo Buzz StumbleUpon