Castle Durrow

Located in Durrow in county Laois, a true gem. It's even better when the bride is getting ready at the castle as the bridal suite is huge and filled with light.

The stairs with its large stained glass window is a great feature and a perfect place to show off the dress.

I recommend stopping on the driveway on the way into the castle to get some photos at the old castle especially in the spring with the daffodils.

At the back of the house there's usually very good light for formal portraits and the gardens are perfect for all types of photos with the bride and groom.

Link to Castle Durrow: http://www.castledurrow.com/wedding-venue-page.html

See further wedding photography galleries: http://www.willoreilly.com/
copyright: Will O'Reilly Wedding Photography 2009

Cashel Palace House Hotel

Located in the heart of Cashel town, this is a lovely hotel with terrific grounds at the rear of the house.

The front of the house is nice for a few photos but there's generally too much direct sunlight here in the summer giving shadows and glare. There's a huge manicured garden at back of the house which has enough shade from trees for the formal photos and in a short walk you can get some great protraits of the bride and groom.

The fountain at the back of the garden is a lovely feature. Inside there are many reception rooms and large old windows giving lots of light. The staircase is great too.

Link to Cashel Palace: http://www.cashel-palace.ie/wedding-hotel

See further wedding photography galleries: http://www.willoreilly.com/
copyright: Will O'Reilly Wedding Photography 2009

Carton House

A beautiful restored country mansion in an amazing setting near Maynooth. Is there any need to say any more? Who couldn't take some great photos here?

The grounds behind the hotel are perfect for all types of photos, arches and pillars can add some strong lines to the images.

Inside there's tons of light from the huge old windows and many rooms to work in. If it rains you won't be lost for light or inspiration. You can even take some photos in the covered area of the courtyard behind the main house.

Link to Carton House: http://www.cartonhouse.com/weddings.html

See further wedding photography galleries: http://www.willoreilly.com/
copyright: Will O'Reilly Wedding Photography 2009

Cabra Castle

A wedding venue for quite a while now but it hasn't lost any charm or attraction over the years. Of course there's the ubiquitous shots of the bride and groom at the front door of the hotel and on the grand staircase.

But like everywhere you are looking for a unique take on a often taken shot and some new angles and new shots also.

There are gardens to the front of the reception area and to the side of the hotel. Inside there's lots of light in the reception area and at the top of the stairs. 

Link to Cabra Castle:
http://www.cabracastle.com/weddings.php

Brook Lodge, Macreddin Village

Brook Lodge in south Wicklow now has a purpose-built wedding reception area and you are still free to take photos in the older part of the hotel and grounds. The newly built area has gardens at the back which are rarley in shade in the summer which sometimes makes it a little difficult for photos. The front of the building can be good for family portraits when time is an issue.

Otherwise I like the verandas at the other side of the old hotel for group shots and the little chapel and stream for photos of the bride and groom. It's a great spot for lots of types of portraits if you can control the dappled light through the trees.

Inside the older hotel is good for rainy days and the veranda can also be useful depending on which way the wind is blowing.

Link to Brook Lodge:
http://www.brooklodge.com/weddings/default.asp

Barberstown Castle

Barberstown Castle isn't far from Dublin in Clane, it's an old castle converted to a hotel and wedding venue. Access to the old house is limited for wedding photos but that's not a problem if the weather is good.

The gardens are in shade during the day and are great for all types of shots. The castle is a perfect backdrop for photos of the bride alone and the couple.

If it rains there is a large room at the back of the reception area with a lot of light. The front reception area has lower light but can make for some interesting compositions.

Link to Barberstown Castle:

http://www.barberstowncastle.ie/wedding.html

Balyna House, Moyvalley

A beautiful old country house in the Moyvalley Estate. Inside and out, it's ideal for photos.

The front of the house is very elegant and perfect for photos of the couple and some formal photos with family. Sometimes the light is better at the back of the house but I use the front if I can. Great, light-filled rooms and a huge staircase give ample opportunity inside if the light fades or the rain comes down.

The gardens behind the house stretch down to a huge cross at the end. Off to the side is a little chapel. Trees, walkways and greenery give a huge scope for a variety of beautiful shots.

The photo above is at Furey's pub nearby, a short stop on the way to the hotel. The canal and the bright red and white pub are great.

Link to Balyna House:

http://www.moyvalley.com/weddings/balyna-house/

Annebrook House, Mullingar

This hotel is located in the heart of Mullingar and while the grounds are quite samll there's a lot to work with for great photos. The front of the old house is great for formal photos and the steps are even big enough for for a group shot of all the guests. Opposite the house is a small green area and a gazebo which though small will gives a chnace to get a good range of photos.

Inside the house the stairs is a great feature and the light here can be interesting. There are a few reception rooms with large windows for family portraits if the weather is bad.

Link to Annebrook House:

http://www.annebrook.ie/weddings/weddings.php

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