Charlotte & Rob
7 . 7 . 2027
Party Like It’s 1839
~ the wheres ~
We wanted to make it worth your while to cross an ocean (or a country) for a wedding, and so after a typically Type-A search, we landed at Belleek Castle in County Mayo.
Built in the late 1820s on a site of a ruined 13th century tower, the construction, history, and setting combined so much of what we have come to love about Ireland and we felt we had to share it with our loved ones as we celebrate our love for each other.
To pique your interest, here are a few highlights – other than the sheer picturesque location – that helped put it at the pinnacle of our list:
- The Armada Bar, whose wood was sourced from Spanish ships wrecked on Ireland’s west coast
- The dungeon museum, featuring wine, weapons, fossils, and a famous bed
- The fairy trail through the woods, with doors painted by local children
The wedding ceremony will be at St. Muredach’s Cathedral, in the heart of Ballina on the River Moy. Founded in 1827 next to the ruins of a 14th century Augustinian friary, an extensive interior renovation is set to be complete by early 2027.
St. Muredach’s Cathedral,
on a fierce mild day
~ the whens ~
* * * Times and actual details subject to change until fully confirmed * * *
The Day Before: July 6th
- Pre-wedding jet lag shake-off activities, possibly including:
- Croquet, Pétanque and other lawn games without French names
- River cruise tour
- Informal dinner
- Trivia (you had to know that was coming)
The Day Of: July 7th
- 1 PM: Ceremony at St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina
- 3 PM: Cocktail Hour(s) at the Armada Bar
- 5 PM: Formal Dinner in the Banquet Hall
- 7 PM: Craic agus Ceol
- 2:30 AM: Bar closes
- 3 AM: Last shuttle back to Ballina
The Day After: July 8th
- Some manner of communal hangover cures
~ the whats ~
The dress code is… more like a suggestion, really.
- For all non-wedding day events, dress for the weather that day.
- For the wedding, we recommend cocktail-to-semi-formal attire, so feel free to get as fancy as you’d like! That ball gown needs a wear, and no one will think you’re overdoing it if you want to have sartorial fun.
- If you want to be more casual, we welcome your coziness and we suggest channeling your inner 19th century coastal Irish villager while enjoying that rum cocktail.
Wedding colors, for those of you interested, are similar to this site’s design: forest green, soft pink, and gold.
Children are very welcome! Belleek is kid-friendly and there will be things for them to do and places to be at all times.
As a compromise between our American and Irish expectations, the reception bar will be open with a couple caveats – shots, top-shelf liquor, and elaborate cocktails are on you.
~ the whys (like, just look at this) ~
