THIS MUST BE THE PLACE
Looking for that perfect venue for your big day? JILLIAN BOLGER offers some spectacular suggestions…
Jillian Bolger on the venues to consider
Ballyfin Demesne
THE SELL Prepare to fall in love with Ballyfin the moment you set eyes on it. Everything about this very special hotel will seduce you, from the exquisite period interiors to the romantic parkland setting, the wonderful staff to the sense of absolute luxury. Detail is king here, and the house was clearly designed for entertaining in. (One of Ireland’s most astonishing neoclassical houses, it was home to the wealthy Coote family for 100 years. Meticulously restored, Ballyfin’s new owners want guests to feel like the Cootes have just popped out and left you in their home as house guests.) Ballyfin was recently voted the Best Hotel in the World, and you and your guests won’t be long figuring out why. Intimate and opulent, an invitation to a Ballyfin wedding will be greeted with more than a frisson of delight. RSVP Receptions are usually held in the lavish ballroom, which can hold up to 130 guests. Ceremonies can be held in a selection of beautiful spaces, from the delightful Turner conservatory to the sumptuous Gold Room, the dining room, Library or outdoors by the water cascade. THE MONEY SHOT Indoors, the Gold Room is one of the most beautiful in the house; outdoors, photographers will be inspired by the beautiful water cascade, the magnificent lake and backdrop of the curved glass conservatory. SEASONAL THRILLS Summer weddings at Ballyfin make full use of the magnificent estate, including the fragrant walled gardens and striking water features. Marry in winter and you can expect a cosy and intimate country house experience with roaring fires and a gorgeous house party vibe. SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT The sky’s the limit a Ballyfin.
The team are used to meeting demands and will work to ensure your wedding day is as special and bespoke as possible. They will consider every request whilst respecting the limitations of this historic house.
MAKE A DATE ballyfin.com