featureThe Perfect Venue for... Photo by Magda Lukas, magdalukas.com Every bride wants a venue that’s right for her. Somewhere that’s their idea of heaven, where they will eat good food, dance with their Prince Charming, and be treated like a Queen. Whether you’re a carefree bride, a modern Millie or more traditional, we have the venue for you. Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Clare The Princess Bride Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Clare Why? Because it’s a castle, and it needs its princess! If grand romance is your style, Dromoland Castle, winner of Castle Venue of the Year at the WeddingsOnline Awards 2011, is your venue. Luxurious accommodation, magnificent designs, supreme service, and a wedding coordinator whose credo is; “It isn’t enough to meet expectations; we must exceed them”, Dromoland Castle is the perfect venue for a perfect wedding. Details: The Terrace Room and The Drawing Room are suitable for parties of 31 to 70 people and 10 to 30 people, respectively. The Brian Boru Hall can host from 120 to 300 guests. Contact Dromoland Castle directly for menu prices and details on packages. Web: www.dromoland.ie Phone: +353 61 368144 Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Westmeath Why? Winner of Leinster Venue of the Year at the WeddingsOnline Awards, the Hodson Bay Hotel is situated on the shores of the picturesque Lough Ree, on the outskirts of Athlone town. Its award winning cuisine, quality of service and stunning views make it perfect for the fairytale wedding. The wedding team are dedicated to making your day all about you, and with James Mannion, Wedding Manager of 19 years, on your side your day is sure to be a spectacular one. Details: The elegant Clonmacnoise suite can cater for 150-400 guests, and the intimate Killinure suite, up to 100 guests. Hodson Bay Hotel has all-inclusive packages to help you plan your wedding, but you can also tailor-make your own package, depending on what you want for your day. Their Dream Wedding Package starts from €52.50 per guest. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.hodsonbayhotel.com Phone: + 353 (0) 90 6442000 WeddingsOnline | B153 feature Clonabreany House and Courtyard, Co. Meath The Modern Bride Clonabreany House and Courtyard, Co. Meath Why? Because although Clonabreany House and Courtyard is modern and new, it remains warm and oh so charming. Modern brides want a unique venue, one that they can put their own stamp on, and Clonabreany House allows just that. Located in the heart of County Meath, it boasts a beautifully restored courtyard containing ten stunning self-contained houses, a cosy sibín bar, two magnificently restored Georgian houses, a luxurious private honeymoon suite in the main house and a grand marquee, with bar, dancing and dining facilities. You have to see it to believe just how unique this venue really is. Details: The marquee can host up to 330 guests, and houses in the courtyard can house up to 90 people. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.clonabreanyhouse.ie Phone: +353 (0) 46 924 3814 Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow Why? Because it says ‘sayonara’ to the mainstream. Borris House is considered to be one of the finest houses in Ireland, and its charm, uniqueness and exclusivity makes it a winner for the modern bride. The restored Georgian chapel is perfect for on-site ceremonies, and the gardens and house itself are perfect for beautiful photographs. You can also provide your own wine for which they don’t charge corkage and where a huge saving can be made on the costs of organising your wedding.What more could you want? Details: Smaller intimate receptions of 70 or less can be held in the Dining Room while larger parties up to 180 can be held in the West Wing. Weddings over 180 can be accommodated in a marquee in the gardens around the house. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.borrishouse.com Phone: + 353 (0)59 9771884 B154 | WeddingsOnline MV Cill Airne, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 The Whimsical Bride MV Cill Airne, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 Why? Because it’s a boat! The MV Cill Airne is Dublin’s floating restaurant, right on the River Liffey. The Restaurant is the epitome of romantic and understated elegance with crisp, white, linen tablecloths, brass fittings and stunning period timber floors. If you want a fun, intimate and unusual wedding, but of course still elegant and chic, the Cill Airne is your venue. Details: The private dining room can cater for parties of up to 65 persons. MV Cill Airne’s wedding packages start at €56/person for the Sun Package, however they can tailor a package to individual requirements. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.mvcillairne.com Phone: 01 8178760 Croke Park, Jones Road, Dublin 3 Why? Because yours is the real match of the day! Croke Park is the definitive venue for an unforgettable wedding –in a good way! Your guests are bound to be excited about heading to an iconic venue like this, even if they aren’t into their sport, just for the passion and history involved! Details: The Player’s Lounge caters for up to 120 people, the Hogan Mezzanine Suite caters for up to 300 people. Croke Park’s all-inclusive wedding package is €59/person and specially tailored options are available. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.crokepark.ie/weddings Phone: 01 8192316 WeddingsOnline | B155 feature The Unique Bride Westport House, Westport, Co. Mayo Westport House, Westport, Co. Mayo Why? Ireland’s most beautiful historic house offers all three floors and thirty rooms exclusively to a bride and groom – coupled with a warm west of Ireland welcome, you can truly make yourselves at home! Recently named the best exclusive wedding venue in Ireland, Westport House is situated in a romantic parkland setting with a lake, waterfalls, terraces and beautiful gardens. Three words describe it: stunning, intimate and magical. Details: Westport House can cater for up to 120 guests in the House. Westport House deals with weddings on a bespoke basis to tailor to each couple’s requirements. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.westporthouse.ie Phone: +353 (0) 98 56577/+353 (0) 98 27766 Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa, Killarney Road, Tralee, County Kerry Why? Because of the landscaped gardens dating back fifty years and the backdrop of the Kerry Mountains. Ballygarry is a country house hotel, with over 50 years experience and expertise in weddings, and their staff is handpicked for their natural local warmth and love of doing things just right. 2011 sees the opening of The Pavilion at Ballygarry House, a €1 million investment providing an all weather drinks reception facility and the perfect after wedding party venue. Details: Wedding proposals start from €55 per person, with all packages applying to a minimum of 180 guests. The Banqueting Room can cater for up to 400 guests. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.ballygarryhouse.com Phone: 066 7123322 Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa, Killarney Road, Tralee, County Kerry For more great venues to suit your big day visit the WeddingsOnline Suppliers Directory. Please check with venues for available dates, prices and packages. Prices quoted are correct at time of print. B156 | WeddingsOnline