Hospitality sector gets a boost with re- opening of Markree Castle
ICONIC CASTLE RE- OPENS ON SAINT PATRICK’S WEEKEND WITH A WEDDING
It’s taken two years but as the pictures show, it has been worth the wait as Markree Castle in Collooney has re- opened after a luxurious refurbishment.
Markree is a fairy- tale castle of such beauty that it inspired the hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful” which is said to have been written in the 1840’ s by a visitor to the estate, Mrs Cecil Alexander.
The people of the North West have loved the 17th Century castle for hundreds of years and there is a hugely positive response to the castle reopening.
For the last three decades, the majestic castle operated as a country castle hotel and wedding venue, but was sold in in 2014 and was closed for two years to allow for a major renovation.
It re- opened this St. Patrick’s weekend to host its first wedding.
The wedding was a huge success thanks to the professionalism of the Romantic Castles of Ireland team.
Housekeepers, banqueting and kitchen staff worked with the local team, day and night for weeks in the run up to the opening to ensure the only hitch on the day was the couple getting married!
Under the guidance of conservation architects, the Gothic beauty of Markee Castle has been reclaimed. The renovation project was a mammoth task. It is thanks to the passion of the new owners, renowned family of hoteliers, the Corscadden Family that it has been completed to the awe- in- spiringi i standardd d iti isi now.
Derelict areas have been completely restored, original features have been saved where possible and where they were beyond repair, they have been recreated by a team of talented trades people, who came from all over Europe to work at the castle.
The restoration project has succeeded in restoring the original beauty of Markree Castle.
Antique paintings and furniture once again fill the castle.
The original rose gardens have been maintained throughout and are beginning to see spring buds.
The wedding team is in place and looking forward to welcoming some very special couples to Markree to once again celebrate weddingsddi i in this,hi theh most exclusivel i andd special wedding and events venue.
Markree Castle now operates as a member of Romantic Castles of Ireland and joins sister properties, Cabra Castle Co. Cavan, Bellingham Castle Co. Louth and Ballyseede Castle Co. Kerry to become the fourth castle wedding venue operated by the Corscadden Family.
There are still some wedding dates for this year available but are booking up fast as word spreads about the refurbished hotel. It is expected to create up to 70 jobs locally over the coming months. For more information visit www. markreecastle. ie or call 071 9167800. Pics courtesy of Frances Muldoon Photography.