In this episode of the podcast, host Kelly sits down with Howard from Romantic Castles of Ireland to chat all things destination weddings in Ireland. Howard shares his extensive experience helping couples from abroad plan their dream Irish weddings at one of the family’s four stunning castle venues. Here’s a breakdown of the key questions and insights covered in the conversation.
Who are Romantic Castles of Ireland?
Howard leads Romantic Castles of Ireland, a family-run group of four unique castle wedding venues located across Ireland’s four provinces:
Cabra Castle (Cavan) – The original and flagship venue
Ballyseede Castle (Kerry) – The only castle hotel in the county
Bellingham Castle (Louth) – A private hire venue near Dublin
Markree Castle (Sligo) – A luxury castle in the west of Ireland
Each castle is run by a family member, adding a warm, personal touch to the experience.
Why Choose Ireland for a Destination Wedding?
Howard believes Ireland stands out for its warm hospitality and welcoming people. At their venues, couples are treated like family, and every wedding feels personal. The scenic countryside and historic charm of the castles also add to the appeal. Couples are even encouraged to personalise the castle space with family photos to make it feel like home.
How Far in Advance Should You Plan?
Howard recommends starting the planning process 12 to 18 months in advance. This gives couples:
A wider choice of dates
Better travel and accommodation options
Time to organise suppliers and send save-the-dates
Do You Need to Visit the Venue in Person?
Visiting is not required to plan a destination wedding in Ireland. With virtual tours, detailed photos and the support of experienced in-house teams, couples can confidently plan remotely. However, most couples choose to visit at some point before the big day.
Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
It depends on the couple. Some prefer the added support of a dedicated planner, especially when managing details from abroad. Others are happy to work solely with the venue’s in-house coordination team, which can offer recommendations, timelines and logistics support. At Romantic Castles of Ireland, couples often feel fully supported without needing to hire a separate planner.
Can You Have an Outdoor Ceremony in Ireland?
Yes – but weather is a factor. Howard explains that all four castles offer outdoor ceremony spaces, and each has a reliable backup plan if the weather turns. Many areas are covered with verandas or canopies, and venue teams are well prepared to pivot indoors if needed, often with minimal disruption.
Top Tip: Always have a backup plan, especially for an Irish wedding. Flexibility is key.
Are the Venues Private on the Day?
Yes. All four castles only host one wedding per day. Bellingham and Markree are full private rentals, meaning the couple and their guests have exclusive use of the property. Cabra and Ballyseede also offer private areas for weddings, with Ballyseede having an option for exclusive hire if desired.
How Close Are the Castles to Airports?
All four castles are within reasonable distance of major airports:
Bellingham Castle – 30 mins from Dublin Airport
Cabra Castle – 1 hour from Dublin
Ballyseede Castle – 20 mins from Kerry (Farranfore) Airport
Markree Castle – Closest to Knock (Ireland West Airport), with onward transport available
Ireland’s small size makes it easy for guests to travel from airport to venue with minimal hassle.
When Should Couples and Guests Arrive?
Couples: Ideally 3 days before the wedding to finalise details and settle in
Guests: The day before the wedding is perfect, with many staying for two or three nights
Many guests take the opportunity to explore Ireland after the wedding – and maybe even visit another of the romantic castles.
