Co. Roscommon CASTLECOOTE

Castlecoote House

Castlecoote House

This fine Georgian residence overlooking the beautiful River Suck was built within the enclosure of a medieval castle between 1690 and 1720 and now offers country house accommodation and makes a wonderful exclusive location for wedding venues. With landscaped gardens, an orchard of rare apple trees, the towers of the ruined castle and an ice-house in the grounds, this is a highly romantic place for a wedding.

There is an old church nearby in the attractive village of Castlecoote (a winner of the Tidy Towns competition), and any kind of special transport from a horsedrawn carriage to a helicopter can be arranged on request; wedding blessings may also be held at the house, where a harpist is on hand to welcome arriving guests.

This is not perhaps the kind of place where an elaborate wedding planning service would be expected, but the service offered is in fact remarkably comprehensive, including the provision of a caterer, florist and car hire service, and even a beautician and hair dressing.

The house must be taken for a minimum of two days but the rental fee is good value, as it includes accommodation (and breakfast) for 10-12 guests, including use of the romantic Percy French Bridal Suite.

The interior is notable for its ornate ceilings and period furniture and all the public areas - the ballroom, dining room drawing room, library and boudoir - are available for the reception; the wedding banquet can be a sit down meal or buffet, or a mixture of table service and buffet, as decided by the bride and groom.

There are no seasonal restrictions, but the venue is not suitable for children as there is a fast flowing river encircling the house.

Castlecoote House & Gardens

This fine Georgian residence overlooking the beautiful River Suck was built within the enclosure of a medieval castle between 1690 and 1720, and is of historic interest - not least as the birthplace of the Gunning sisters, who became the Duchess of Hamilton (and later, of Argyll) and Countess of Coventry; celebrated for their beauty; their portaits by Sir Joshua Reynolds hang in the main hall.

Having restored the house to its former glory the present owner Kevin Finnerty now offers magnificent country house accommodation and is a member of the Ireland West Garden Trail - guided tours of the gardens, which include an orchard of rare apple trees, the towers of the ruined castle, a medieval bridge and even an ice house, are offered by appointment.

Landscaped gardens running down to the beautiful River Suck; Ruins of the Medieval bridge, stone ice house, restored Ha, Ha, Medieval Look out Towers; Walled orchard of rare apple trees including the White Crofton (George Bernard Shaws favourite apple), Leixlip, Bloody Butcher and all the Crofton family.

Relax afterwards in the wonderfully restored old ballroom which seats up to 100 people and overlooks the beautiful Rover Suck, with a selection of afternoon teas, homemade scones, jams, apple pie, apple juice, apple sponge with delicious Castlecoote House apple butter.