Destination: Ireland

Ireland has come into its own...proud and protective of its traditions, history and culture, and yet also a hip, vibrant member of the European Union, with cities that rival any worldwide for art, activity, and cutting-edge creativity. It is a wonderful wedding destination...with so many options from storybook castles to chic Dublin boutique hotels, and all manner of wonderful possibilities for food, drink, gifts, and entertainment. Whatever your Irish vision includes...you, your beloved, and your guests will feel surrounded by warmth and good cheer.

Weather: Weather-wise, July and August are the best months in Ireland, with long, warm days, a break in the rain, and no end of festivals and cultural activities. However, this is peak tourist season, so you'll pay for that weather in prices and crowds. Spring and autumn can be delightful, and much easier to book and plan around. Let's face it: Ireland is beautiful in the rain, which is lucky for it, and for you, especially given all of the cozy pubs one can duck into at a moment's notice. But if you are so sturdy that you are considering a late Fall or Winter wedding, be aware that many small town inns and restaurants close between October and Easter.

Marriage Requirements: Some assistance may be required, and in terms of legalities, it is important to distinguish between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as there are different requirements, and governmental bodies for each.

Embassy of the Republic of Ireland (in the U.S.): www.irelandemb.org

Embassy of the United Kingdom (in the U.S.): www.britainusa.com

Our Irish Associate:

Destination Bride is very fortunate to have a wonderful associate in Ireland, who has her own event planning company, and uses her broad knowledge of all things Irish to help us plan weddings there. Kate Deegan is a wonderful testament to Irish hospitality, and has great credentials and experience both in hotel management, and all phases of wedding and event coordination. Kate can not only track downthe best Irish lace or small town brew, she can also translate the mellifluous Irish tones and sentence structure that sometimes sound very foreign to the American ear. Kate has offered a number of her recommendations for this newsletter, and there are more where these came from! Call us if you are considering a destination wedding in Ireland...Kate Deegan and everyone at Destination Bride will be delighted to help!

Wonderful Venues

Absolutely...and why not? Your heart is set on a castle wedding, and your mom's eyes fill with happy tears just thinking about it! Imagine, if you will, Dromoland Castle...stunningly beautiful, with deluxe accommodations, this remarkable place (on the east coast, near Limerick) will provide the full experience of living (and marrying!) like landed gentry. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Dromoland Castle provides absolute luxury and exceptional service. In the same area is another stunner: the Adare Manor House Resort, (Conde Nast awarded it the #1 European resort in 2002), which also boasts a Trent Jones championship golf course amidst its 840 acres.

Kate Deegan recommends Cloghan Castle, near Galway as a less expensive alternative, which still very much affords the Irish castle feel. Since it is a self-catering venue, you have some versatility in planning your event. If your castle fantasy also includes an element of privacy, consider the Waterford Castle, which is located on a private island. It is perhaps less luxurious than Dromoland or Adare, but it offers the possibility of exclusive use of a 16th century castle with 19 period bedrooms and suites. Imagine the fun of having the castle and grounds to oneselves...pheasant hunting, anyone? Read Lisa Light's description of her stay at Waterford last year.

Here are two helpful links for further Irish castle research. This site includes more of the history and folklore surrounding various castles, and it also lists castles that are not hotels, and some that are not restored, but are of historical interest. Wherever you choose to have your wedding, you may find a castle or several in the area to tour or visit Ireland Now. This site lists Irish castles that have been restored, and are also hotels.

Let's jump to the other end of the spectrum...instead of an old country castle vision, what about a new, chic and urban boutique hotel vision? Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale married in The g Hotel in Galway, a city that is bursting with energy and vitality. Designed by renowned hat-designer Philip Treacy, a native of Galway, The g Hotel is glamorous, distinctive, and fun. The Ten Square Hotel in Belfast takes its design inspiration from "1920s Shanghai," giving its 22 rooms Asian splendor and opulence. And in Dublin, The Morrison is an island of cool, hip luxury, surrounded by some of the best shopping and nightlife in Ireland. For an ideal Dublin Saturday morning, amble along the farmer's market for gourmet treats and antique finds, while savoring a steaming crepe from one of the local stands.

Are you to the manor born? Well, you might still choose to marry there...you can marry where Madonna and Guy Ritchie. Mount Juliet Conrad is an elegant country estate and spa that also offers golf and equestrian activities, and the best of Irish country manor life.

Your big Irish dreams may hinge on a rather modest budget, and that's okay. The Irish are known for "making do" with taste and grace, and you can do the same with a little creative planning. Our Irish associate Kate Deeghan insists there are many wonderful ways to have a ceremony or blessing and photos at a fabulously picturesque spot, followed by a reception and party to rival the best of them. Let us help you put together a uniquely Irish, elegant event!

Consider arranging a quaint wedding in Donegal, staying in one of the traditional Donegal Thatched Cottages, and walking through the green winding paths, or along the beaches of Cruit Island. Or imagine a village wedding followed by a cruise through the country's inland waterways on a traditional steel canal boat enjoying the small towns and charm of the Irish by day, and then you and your guests can enjoy the "craic" (Irish for a good time) nightly in the pubs en route.

More Great Ideas

There are two classic Irish design motifs that you might consider for anything from invitations to décor to your cake or jewelry: the Celtic knot or the Claddagh design. Celtic knotwork offers classic, elegant design elements that symbolize eternal unity. The Claddagh features two hands holding a crowned heart: the hands represent a couple's friendship, the crown their loyalty and fidelity, and the heart stands for their love for each other.

Irish linen and lace could be incorporated into your wedding gown, or your décor. If you have never slept on linen sheets, do so in Ireland. And better yet, buy some while you are there. Two excellent sources for Irish linen are Ferguson's, or Givan's.

Ireland is known for its wonderful, traditional blessings and toasts. Tuck a book of these into your guests' welcome baskets. Luckily, there is no shortage of wonderful drinks in Ireland to go along with all of those toasts! The hearty Guinness Stout is an Irish must, and nearly every small region has its own artisan brews and ales. Consider incorporating a little Irish mead into your reception. Mead is a blend of honey and wine, and it was traditionally drunk by newly married couples for one month (or moon) after their wedding...hence the name 'Honeymoon'.

Colette O'Loughlin of Simply Weddings is worth considering for wedding day coordination and consultation, and her site is great to browse for wedding vendors throughout the country.

You will want to have lots of photos and video of your destination wedding in Ireland. Dreamcatcher Productions is a young television production company that does wonderfully creative wedding work. A US destination wedding photographer, Scott Gunnels, works internationally, and does some of the most gorgeous work we've seen. Located in Ireland, Peter Rowan is a very talented photographer, as is Suzanne Thompson of Circus Photography. If you would like to browse several Irish photographers' portfolios online, visit Irish Weddings Online.