Loughcrew Estate

Loughcrew Estate, Oldcastle, Co Meath
 

This is the listing page for Loughcrew Estate located in Co. Meath. If you are getting married in Co. Meath why not contact Loughcrew Estate to see what they can offer you for your wedding day?

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Reviews of Loughcrew Estate

4.9
19 reviews
Quality of service
5.0
Value
4.8
Responsiveness
4.9
Flexibility
5.0
Professionalism
5.0
Anita & Gary Power
4.8
Married on 14th Aug 2020
Gary and I have discussed many times since the wedding how there is very little if anything we would change. When we first booked Loughcrew back in 2019 no one new of pandemics or restrictions but Loughcrew proved to be the most perfect venue. There was just something about it, it was the first and only venue we viewed and I can honestly say it is the best decision we could have made especially considering what was to come.
When we first booked there was a different wedding coordinator who was in place and communication just seemed to lack a little. This meant we just weren't 100% on what we needed to include in our budget and what needed to be organised (mostly to do with the bar staff and supply of glasses). However, around Christmas/January time this changed to the fabulous Aoife's. The Aoife's have been amazing, especially Aoife Caffery who we mostly dealt with. Both ladies were incredibly professional and efficient. Along with them you have the owner Emily, whose aim it is to ensure that each couple simply enjoys the property and estate. She is all about a relaxed fun atmosphere and does her best to ensure that couples do not feel restricted as you might do in a standard hotel. Words cannot quite stress how important this became with all that happened in 2020. As someone who is not creative I found Loughcrew perfect as there is so much natural beauty with the gardens, hanging baskets and flower arrangements that mean you can either go crazy with decorations or keep it simple (which is what we did). When it came to the church decorations I provided Aoife and the team with a rough outline of what I wanted, Aoife took this and just made the church beautiful, I remember walking in thinking it was everything I wanted and I cannot thank her enough for that.
The Loughcrew team did every thing they could to work within the new COVID legal requirements while ensuring we had the day that we wanted. Having an outdoor ceremony along with outdoor reception proved to be the key to having such a fantastic day. This along with the fabulous grounds to take pictures, brilliant local bar staff and amazing food from Gourmet Food Parlour made the day. Many of our older relatives were understandably nervous about attending a wedding in August 2020, but the feedback we have gotten (and still get) is how at ease and safe everybody felt. The outdoor facilities enabled all guests to feel relaxed and gave us all a break from all things COVID. We split our guests with some sitting outdoors and others indoors which worked perfectly. By the evening time the fire pit was lit and again everybody felt so at ease. When the DJ arrived Gary felt that he would be wasted indoors and so Aoife went about arranging extension cables and helping set the DJ up outside for everyone to enjoy the music while still feeling comfortable. The team could simply have not done enough to make every guest feel relaxed and safe. I believe my 89yr old Granny summed the day up while sipping her champagne in the sunny court yard and saying to my mom "this is living"
Added 1st Mar 2021
Niamh O' Connor
4.8
Married on 28th Dec 2019
We had such a beautiful day in Loughcrew for our wedding in December. The venue is stunning with so many places for beautiful photos. Deborah and the Loughcrew staff were so helpful and nothing was a problem for them. Deborah also provided great advice on local suppliers and accommodation nearby.
If you are looking for a venue that lets you really make your wedding your own and allows for a really personal, unique day I would go with Loughcrew Estate. Deborah and Emily are happy for you to truly put your own stamp on everything and our wedding really could be exactly how we wanted it. We also loved the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. We stayed there for two nights with our guests and everyone felt at home.
Thank you Deborah!
Response from Loughcrew Estate
Thank you Niamh. It was a real honour to meet yourselves and your family and I loved the decorations you assembled for the venue, particularly the indoor ceremony space. I didn't know the room could look so wonderful for a ceremony! I wish you all the very best for the future. Deborah
Added 3rd Feb 2020
Hugh and Katie
4.6
Married on 16th Nov 2019
We had the most amazing weekend getting married at Loughcrew. When we were looking for a venue we wanted somewhere we could make our own. Loughcrew is that place! We had the freedom to add all the special touches we wanted to our day. Loughcrew is in a beautiful setting and it was great to have all the family able to stay on the site. The main house is fabulous. We also both love horses so the rustic converted stables were the perfect place for a wedding reception! The nearby village of Oldcastle has some lovely hotels and BnB?s and some ever better pubs!
Response from Loughcrew Estate
Thank you to Katie and Hugh. It was a real pleasure to meet you both and see your unique plans in action! The addition of round tables looked stunning and your wonderful photographs show what a special couple you are and how amazing your wedding day was. Deborah
Added 2nd Jan 2020
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Aoife and Philip Donegan
5.0
Married on 13th Sep 2019
For our wedding, we wanted somewhere a little less formal and a bit more bohemian, allowing us flexibility to put our own stamp on things, and yet that was still scenic, classy and most importantly would have someone who assist us in organising! Once we visited Loughcrew and met Deborah, we knew we didn?t need to visit anywhere else.

We couldn?t have wished for our wedding weekend to have gone any better. Our ceremony was in the roofless church, and it was beyond idyllic, with birds singing in the background and butterflies floating through. The sun kissed courtyard was the perfect reception venue, with a layout and atmosphere more akin to somewhere in the Mediterranean than a house on the Meath/Cavan border. Our guests were blown away! The fire pit was a big hit with the guests later on when things got a bit chilly and they wanted some respite from the bar and the dancing, and helped create the festival vibe we were seeking.

For Day 2 we had a few games of tennis on the courts, as well as a walk up the nearby cairns to refresh the heads and admire the amazing views. Later on we hosted the guests in the house itself, which is beautiful and full of hidden and not-so-hidden quirks.

Having the run of the place for the weekend meant we are able to relax completely and make it our home for the weekend, and not worry about noise, or the kids running around on Day 2, or operate to anyone else?s schedule. Deborah and Emily are incredibly helpful and chilled, and Deborah was full of helpful advice in the run up to the wedding and on the day, and knew exactly the type of event we were aiming for.

It was the best weekend of our lives and if you are looking for somewhere you and your guests won?t forget, then choose Loughcrew!
Added 21st May 2020
Christina & Keith
5.0
Married on 6th Sep 2019
We always said to ourselves that we didn't want a cookie cutter hotel wedding. We came across Loughcrew by complete chance and just fell in love. It was everything we wanted, laid back, relaxed and we could put our own stamp on it.
Deborah and the team were incredible, super quick to respond and help make our ideas come to life.
We loved our wedding weekend, and all of our guests got to experience a unique treasure in the hills of Meath,made even better by all the sunshine of the weekend!
Response from Loughcrew Estate
Dear Christine and Keith,
Thankyou so much for your glowing review for loughcrew. We really appreciate that you fell in love with our venue. As we personally try and mind our guests with special attention/
Added 12th Sep 2019
Sarah Flood
4.7
Married on 3rd Aug 2019
Our wedding at Loughcrew was magical. It was exactly what we were looking for, a laid back alternative venue. We had our ceremony in St Oliver Plunkett's Church (or ruin of the church) and although it rained a little bit nothing could dampen the mood. The setting of the church is beautiful and the natural surroundings are decoration enough. Most of our photographs were taken in the spectacular gardens beside the church, we could have stayed there all day taking photos there were so many beautiful spots. We had a buffet style dinner that worked really well. Seating was a bit tight for us due to our large bridal party. We had 132 guests and it was very cosy but worked perfectly all the same. Lay out of the reception area is just fab, I loved that guests could be outside but still hear the band and still be very much part of the party. The fire pit in the court yard is an excellent focal point and a natural gathering spot for guests. We loved that the venue was completely ours for the night so everyone could roam freely and there was no unexpected guests. The team at Loughcrew are absolutely amazing! Deborah is a wonderful event planner. There was nothing she couldn't do for us, nothing was too much to ask. So accommodating and attentive down to the smallest detail. And also just a lovely person! As were all the team that we met; Dona and the other ladies who helped with the breakfast the day after, Damien who made my dreams come true with the festoon lights, Emily the owner and many more who we didn't meet but who work in the background to keep the estate looking and running beautifully. Honestly couldn't fault it!
Added 19th Nov 2019
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Amanda Ayoub
5.0
Married on 27th Jul 2019
We loved having our wedding at Loughcrew! Not only was Deborah amazing but everyone staffed at Loughcrew that helped us set up was so friendly! We had recently moved from London to the US and had to plan everything from the US so while this was a bit tricky given the time difference, Deborah was amazing at accommodating us! Just in case you need to hear it again, Deborah was amazing! :P

The venue is a more relaxed and rustic - which is exactly what we were looking for. We had a very casual, backyard BBQ type of wedding. There is a fire pit in the outside courtyard area which was a hit with our guests (it allowed them to gather and talk while still being apart of the dance music inside). The venue had little wooden benches that surrounded the fire pit and was there throughout the wedding for additional seating outside. The bar area was also perfect! It is slightly removed from everything but not too far away that people are taken away from the party. We hired Peter Caffery for the bar - who took care of kegs and glasses but we stocked the rest of the bar - since there is not a corkage charge (which saved our lives in budgeting)! And finally, the reception/dinner area was very romantic and communal. My bridesmaids and I decorated the venue ourselves and while it took the whole day before the wedding - the reception area looked amazing when we were done. It already has a romantic vintage feel to it, so we added flowers and lights and it brought everything to life. We hosted around 120 people and the reception hall was a perfect fit. We also hired John from The Whole Hog to cater our sit down dinner - who was also AMAZING! (I recommend the Lamb, Fish Pie, and the tomato soup). :)

Overall while this venue seems a bit more expensive, you get great value for your money. I've had guests come up to me and my mother in law saying that this is the best wedding that they have ever been to - so check it out! :)

Response from Loughcrew Estate
Dear Amanda,
Thank you for your response. Great to hear that you enjpyed our fire pit.Yes Loughcrew is different in many ways, special and quirky. We are delighted that you had a magical wedding/
Added 11th Sep 2019
Kelly
5.0
Married on 13th Jul 2019
Our wedding at Loughcrew Estate was a dream come true. Deborah and her team were absolutely outstanding! My husband and I live in the United States, so we planned everything overseas without even visiting the venue first. We also had our wedding on the lawn outside which had never been done before, but Deborah worked incredibly hard to make our vision come true. While she warned me about the unpredictable weather in Ireland, she never once tried to stop my vision of an outdoor wedding, rather she did everything she could to make it happen including being prepared with an indoor option if needed. We ended up with the most beautiful sunny day! Needless to say, our wedding would have been impossible without the help of Deborah and her team, and we are so incredibly grateful! I am a wedding photographer and used to hiccups here and there during wedding days, but everything was PERFECT. It was everything we had dreamed of and more. I felt bad because I am extremely detail-oriented and continued to send Deborah very lengthy e-mails all year long, haha, but she always answered so promptly and thoroughly. I can't imagine having celebrated our day anywhere else. My only wish is that I could keep reliving it over and over again! The ruins for our ceremony were incredible! The house was perfect, and we can't wait to one day go back and reminisce over all of the beautiful memories we made there. I can't imagine our wedding day anywhere else but Loughcrew Estate. Thank you SO much to everyone at Loughcrew Estate for making the most important day of our lives SO special. We are eternally grateful to all of you! Kelly & Ben. :)
Added 2nd Feb 2020
SuziBill
Married on 20th Jun 2019
We gathered at Loughcrew for our daughter's wedding from across the USA. Our week in Ireland will be cherished for a lifetime. The long-term preparations for the wedding with Deborah and the staff of Loughcrew were outstanding. Deborah is personable and a consummate professional. Her recommendations for local vendors were spot on. The photo sessions in the gardens will remain etched deep in our memories.

We used an Irish travel company (Cara Travel) to assemble air and coach transportation, housing and a few tour events in Dublin. Our travel agent remarked how easy it was to work through the details with Loughcrew staff.

We brought 20 guests including 2 infants. The trip was very affordable for our daughter's young friends. Our overall cost was about the same for a wedding we hosted for our second daughter two years ago in the USA.

Our wedding party enjoyed a Murder Mystery Rehearsal Dinner the night before the wedding with a local thespian group out of Oldcastle that intertwined Irish history with local legends. It was both informative and fun.

The hospitality of the staff made our guests feel as if we were visiting in a friend's home.

A trip to the cairn's near the estate was well worth it! It made for a wonderful morning trip for non-wedding party guests led by the groom. (And it got everyone out of the house while the wedding party prepared!)

The house and grounds are spectacular. Loughcrew Estate is truly a destination wedding!
Added 27th Jun 2019
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Steve
4.9
Married on 25th May 2019
We wanted something a little bit special and different, something that felt like it was our day rather than buying a package deal. Loughcrew was fantastic, and Deborah was very helpful throughout. The Chapel is pretty special, to say the least. There are bits of the house that are beyond quirky, and we love it. The surrounding landscape is stunning, rolling hills everywhere. Lots of space to move the day around and keep it exciting. Only word of warning - not for those who aren't looking for a project! But completely worth it.
Added 19th Jun 2020
Lorraine
Married on 20th May 2019
Loughcrew Estate exceeded my expectations of a venue. Every member of staff I encountered on the day was so friendly, St. Oliver's was such a beautiful setting for a ceremony and the grounds around it were lovely. We had a great day and it was thanks to everyone working at Loughcrew - Thank you!
Response from Loughcrew Estate
Dear Lorraine,
We loved having you here at Loughcrew. We hope that you have treasured memories from Loughcrew
Added 26th May 2019
Stephanie
5.0
Married on 11th May 2019
We had our wedding weekend in loughcrew and everything from beginning to end was fantastic. Deborah and the team did everything we wanted without any fuss. They were very accommodating about allowing us access and visits whenever we or our suppliers needed it. Everyone raved about the church and the birdsong during our ceremony. The grounds were perfect for photos and the courtyard was buzzing for our cocktail hour. The beauty of the venue is that you can really put your own stamp on it so we had our own beers in wheelbarrows and a gin bar in the corner. The fire pit was incredibly popular as the night went on and since we have the whole place to ourselves we didn?t have to worry about other residents and the noise levels. Our guests loved the fact that when they needed a break from the dancing that they could wander to the lounge area and sit by the stove with a drink and have a relaxing chat. Others loved the camaraderie around the fire pit. More than one person told us it felt like a really personal wedding festival and it was the most unique wedding they?d ever been too. I honestly cannot recommend the venue highly enough or Deborah and the team. They really will do their very best to make sure you have the wedding of your dreams. Thanks again for a weekend we?ll never forget! Steph and Ali x
Response from Loughcrew Estate
We all loved seeing all your creative ideas come to light at Loughcrew. We have such pleasure seeing you all enjoying the venue so much
Added 16th May 2019
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Patricia
Married on 29th Sep 2018
My daughter wanted a unique wedding in a church ruin and Loughcrew was the ideal venue for that. Guests from New Zealand stayed in Loughcrew House. The reception ran smoothly from the meal in the main room, to outside entertainment in the courtyard, to a Ceili in another room and back to the reception room, which had been cleared for a disco. Deborah was so helpful, as were the other staff. The scenery was perfect for photos. It was an unforgettable day.
Added 28th Apr 2019
Crystal + Will
5.0
Married on 22nd Sep 2018
'Loughcrew is the perfect place to have your wedding. It?s idyllic in every way: the grounds, history, nature. The owners are also very hospitable and are willing to help tailor the venue to your liking. We used all the rooms and our guests, of which there were 17 or so, had no complaints. Being in one house with your friends and loved ones can elevate the whole experience. Additionally, if you appreciated nature you will not be disappointed as the grounds and neighboring area are gorgeous, including the cairns which are right down the road. We hired a wedding planner and he, along with the person Loughcrew provided, made everything super easy. The food from Andrew Holmes catering was also fantastic! If you?re willing to put in a little work you can reap big rewards at this magical venue. Just thinking about it now makes me want to go back. I?m very happy I listened to my incredible bride.' ~ Will



'Loughcrew is such a special setting. We're from NYC and never visited St. Oliver Plunkett's Church Ruins or Loughcrew before our wedding week. We visited the cairns on a previous visit, and I felt confident from photographs they listed online and others that I found from sleuthing through the internet. We were taking many gambles and they all paid off! We didn't want to pay extra for a tent, and the weather was crazy at the beginning of the week- strong winds and downpouring. We purchased black umbrellas and had a backup space just in case. Fortunately, the sun came out and everything was perfect! Deborah was integral in this process from day one. She had great recommendations- Brigid from Fernwood Flowers went above & beyond. The Dining hall was so lovely! The bonfire was a big hit. The barman was so great!! We had about 88 people. Loughcrew was laid back and at the same time such a beautiful background to share a very special time with our friends & family members. I felt that Loughcrew was a place that enabled me to connect with the ancient world view of appreciating and enjoying the present moment. I only wish that everyone stayed another day at Loughcrew after the wedding!' ~Crystal
Added 8th May 2019
Steph and Ian
4.8
Married on 15th Sep 2018
We had a clear idea of what we wanted for our big day last September; a personal bespoke wedding, and the minute we arrived at Loughcrew and met Deborah the wedding coordinator we knew this was the venue to give us that. From day one no idea we had was unachievable. All the staff working there are friendly and professional and the wedding suppliers Loughcrew work closely with were amazing from the planning to the execution on the day.
The house itself felt like a home away from home. We had exclusive use with our immediate families staying with us all weekend. The vast grounds with the idyllic scenery was picture perfect and was only made better by the beautiful romantic St. Oliver Plunkett?s church which we got married in. We cannot recommend this venue enough if you want a personal, relaxed and alternative wedding. Our guests still talk about the wedding today!!!
Added 23rd Apr 2019
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Ciara & Thomas
5.0
Married on 31st Aug 2018
Exceptional venue for a wedding, Day 2 or any other family/friends gathering for that matter.
Absolutely stunning setting with all the beautiful nature and history surrounding it.

We had our wedding in a nearby venue but stayed on site at Loughcrew that weekend and had a perfect BBQ for our Day 2 in the courtyard. Upon arrival we instantly felt it was a home away from home, heat on, flower arrangements throughout the house and a caterer organised. Deborah and her team went above and beyond to oblige, assist and reassure throughout the whole planning process, as well as throughout the weekend.
Couldn?t recommend Loughcrew highly enough! All of our friends and family are still raving about it!
Added 23rd Apr 2019
Hazel and Andy
5.0
Married on 10th Aug 2018
As soon as we both visited Loughcrew, we cancelled our other viewings! It's the only venue that we visited because it was the only venue for us. There's a unique spirit and soul to Loughcrew that's embodied by its owner, Emily. We felt so welcome and it was such a privilege for her to share this piece of paradise with us for four days! Writing this now, I wish we could teleport ourselves right back!

As we're based in London, organising a DIY wedding wasn't exactly the most practical endeavour but it was worth every bit of it. Love isn't always logical and neither was our 'vision' of an outdoor wedding in Ireland. However, regardless of the extra effort that we were going to have to put in from afar, we owed it to ourselves and this wonderful venue to at least try!

We were so fortunate to have the amazingly helpful and obliging Deborah to help us every step of the way. If we ever thought that we had a problem, she always had a solution. She adds to the magic and we couldn't have done it without her and the team.

Loughcrew wasn't just a backdrop or a blank canvas for our wedding celebration. It brought all of our hopes and dreams for the perfect weekend to life with its honest quirks and energy. This might sound convoluted but you'll understand when you visit it! Thank you Loughcrew, for making our dreams come true.
Added 28th Apr 2019
Tracey cullen
5.0
Married on 13th Jul 2018
I can't recommend loughcrew enough. They were great in every way. I'm a wedding florist Bronte bouquets and wanted to do alot of the work myself and loughcrew was the only place that gave you the flexibility to do this. They were very accommodating and allowed me to do what I wanted. There is alot to do when doing a diy wedding but it was definitely worth it. I would do it exactly the same way again. Loughcrew staff were very helpful and made us feel at home. I have 2 young children and this was a crucial part of picking a venue that was safe and also i knew they could run around with out me watching there every move and I could enjoy the day. This is what made it for me.It's such a magical place and worth every penny and we have so many amazing memories from our day. Thank you to all in loughcrew. Tracey Cullen check out my images from our day on Facebook on brontebouquets or on instagram
Added 24th Apr 2019
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Fouz
5.0
Married on 30th Jul 2017
We had a clear enough idea of the kind of wedding we wanted and Loughcrew was the perfect venue for it. The entire venue was gorgeous and the staff were helpful every step of the way. I had planned our big day almost entirely from abroad but Deborah (the venue coordinator) was extremely helpful and I cant praise her enough for all her help. We had just 50 guests and half of them stayed overnight at the venue (each room was well kept and nicely decorated too). They really enjoyed themselves - from the ceremony at the old chapel to dinner and drinks in the courtyard and also the fire pit through the night. Deborah helped organise a big family breakfast the next morning too. It was a perfect day and I was so happy to have chosen this venue! I will be visiting their cafe on my wedding anniversary just to reminisce over that special day.
Added 9th May 2019