Merci Destinations: Get Married in an Irish Castle? Sure, Why Not!

Ireland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures and {of course} its cozy pub scene... but imagine it for your wedding? {Insert oohs and ahhs here}.  We didn't either, until meeting with the awesome team at Ashford Castle.
For those of you looking to escape the modern world and indulge in something uber-refined and royal, the Ashford Castle {set on 350 acres!} rests on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong and is propped against a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river and mountains.  {Yea - Imagine those wedding portraits}!

Built in 1228, Ashford Castle was later the country residence of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness {yup, of the great Guinness brewing dynasty!} and currently holds rank for its five-star accommodations.   Case in point? Condé Nast Traveler voted Ashford Castle the number three resort in Europe and the best in Ireland.  Travel + Leisure magazine also name Ashford Castle one of the Top 50 Hotels in Europe in its 2006 World's Best Awards Readers' Survey.  Not too shabby!

If the rave reviews or brewery background haven't grabbed you yet, Ashford Castle has something for everyone on your destination-wedding guest list, from the movie buff to the outdoorsmen.  With 83 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including six staterooms and five suites, {all with original fireplaces} and spectacular views of the gardens, River Cong or Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle was the perfect backdrop for John Ford's "The Quiet Man".  The castle also holds events during the Halloween season that are Hogwarts themed, {i.e. great for any little with or wizard on your guest list}!

Ashford's beauty shines inside and out with its renowned nine hole golf course {Is there a more perfect way for the guys to bond while the gals are getting ready on the wedding day?!}... But if your groom is looking for a full 18-hole experience, no worries... Six of Ireland's top courses are located 45 minutes from Ashford!

If golf isn't your sport, Ireland's first school of falconry resides on the grounds and offers rare opportunities to handle and fly a bird of prey. {Think of your friends' jealous faces when you come home to say you spent your time in Ireland training a falcon}!  Fly fishing schools in partnership with the Orvis Fly Fishing Company allow guest to fish for brown trout or Atlantic salmon in Europe's best fishery. 

After a long day in the Irish countryside, guests of the Ashford Castle are welcomed into Chef Stefan Matz two gourmet dining rooms, one with a modern Irish and international menu, the other specializing in French cuisine featuring five and seven-course tasting menus.  

Celebrity-wedding street cred?  Yes, Ashword's got that too!  Pierce Brosnan chose Ashford for his wedding venue when he wed Keely Shaye-Smith there in 2001.
Clearly we can see why this location is the perfect place for your fairy-tale wedding.  With two wedding packages available, the castle is as flexible as it is gorgeous!  Accommodating parties from 40 to 166, the bride and groom can choose to have exclusive use of Ashford or use a more intimate space.  Each package comes with a wedding coordinator, overnight accommodations, red carpet entrance to the castle, a 5-course banquet from a choice of menus and more!

Imagine, a week in the Irish countryside with your closest family and friends.  A ladies day in the spa followed by afternoon tea, while the gents play golf and fly fish.  In the evening, everyone can gather {in their finest royal attire} to sip on sherry and taste a succulent Irish beef.  You'll receive the royal treatment for your wedding and enjoy this out-of-this-world {and century} accommodations, not to mention gorgeous areas to take your wedding photos.  We're obviously in love with this venue and can't wait for a "Real Wedding Ireland" feature!  Cheers!

All photos courtesy of Ashford Castle