Right lets get to it
First impressions. Apparently they say you know your wedding venue when you find it. My now wife mouthed the internationally recognised ‘OMG’ when walking into reception and that was pretty much that. In fact I had to try to dampen her enthusiasm so i could at least negotiate a bit! My main role! Of course everyone wont have that impression but it was the right place for us.
Yes this review is written by the hubby. And for any of the sceptics out there, I do online reviews for most purchases and trips, and this is biggest purchase of all!
We are from Dublin and its 2 hours from there and 15 minutes from Carrick.
The Planning
Taroon, David, olivia and team were truly fantastic. We worked with Olivia mainly on the organisation of the wedding. Shes the one you hear on Newstalk ads now, I’ll have to give her some stick about that!
She was always organised and professional. At the same time being extremely friendly, approachable, and light hearted, even when were doing the negotiating. She was open to ideas and always positive, but importantly she was very practical in her advice which was extremely welcome.
The room
It's large and can comfortably accommodate 300 plus. We had about 175. I think its fair to say you would need 160 for this room. This is not going to suit everybody. I suppose what room can! They do lay it out very well and are flexible. You can have the head table on a stage but we just went for it on the ground. There is a large bar in the room, and toilets to the side. Couple of things we found useful:
- They had extra tables you could use for decorations.
- There are small rooms off the main room. We used one of these for anyone who wanted to get away from the music or band. They could go and have a sit down and get some tea or drinks. Some of the older folk took advantage of that.
- You can individually control the colour of the lights for each large light section/chandaleer. Allows you set the colours which was great. I think there are about 6 or 7 choices. We went multicoloured!
Service
It was second to none. They have obviously set themselves up to be the highest quality wedding destination. David and all the team were extraordinarily efficient. We’ve been to a lot of weddings and it was the most organised professional service we have seen. We also had the advantage of being there as guests which just reinforced this. It was great to watch David as conductor in chief. Just watch them serve the head table and do the toast drinks.
Facilities
Everything you need, from a top class spa with usual beauty treatments and massages, to a nice atmospheric pool and sauna. We made use of the pool and sauna. Its about 15 minutes from Carrick where there are golf clubs and other activites, but we didnt bother with them.
The Rooms
The rooms in the 'old' part are simply incredible. At the end of they day they are just rooms, but the beds are large and comfortable, and decked out beautifully. Some of the rooms are just enormous, the size of a 2 bed apt. This is where all the wedding party are put. Try to make sure that your parents at least don’t have to move if you are staying a few nights.
The bar at the reception is attractive and comfortable with large open fire and the castle feel. You can order food from a bar menu which we always found to be good. Pints of guinness are lovely. I have to say they were very good and brought in the Father of the brides favourite drink for the whole weekend (and ONLY the Father of the bride!).
The houses on the estate are great as well, they even included hampers for our guests with eggs and rashers and wine, which I thought was a lovely touch.
The Wedding...
They do a thing where they pump up the crowd and then bring you in with entrance music. We were reticent about it as we’re a little modest but it was a fantastic start. Our wedding party were introduced first to Coldplay I think and got a great laugh and reaction. Then we were introduced and the reception was brilliant. We’d recommend it. Make sure to embarrass your wedding party...
Food
The food was why I particularly wanted Kilronan. We went with the Fillet Beef and the monkfish and can highly recommend both. The food really was the best we’ve had at a wedding. It is second to none.
For some reason we spent far too much time over the wine choice but as a friend said by the time they get to the table most of the guests would have had a few drinks already. So be relaxed about it.
Afters
The food again was phenomenal. We love afters food. On special request they did up fish and chips for us too, and also served up our cake in addition to a few other options.
The Next day
We stayed down for two days with 50 odd people with us. They put on a great spread for us. They have a menu but again they went out of their way for us, putting on a Thai Green curry that wasnt on the menu, as well as salmon, and cold selection including a phenomenal beef salad. Get it!
Flowers
We went with La Belle Fleur in nearby Drumshambo. The two sisters were fun and creative and were great for ideas. We were delighted with the results, although the price was a touch on the high side.
Photographer & Videographers
We went with a low intrusion photo-journalistic style photographer, Patrick Donald (patrickdonald.com) He was fantastic and we couldnt be happier with the shots, both formal and in particular the natural ones. We got some by the lake on the way back from the Church in Keadue and they are stunning. Definitely do this if the weather allows. - Full disclosure - we know Patrick through work.
The cameramen we also knew through work, Neil and Paul. They are not doing this on a commercial basis anymore so I cant refer them to anyone, but we were delighted with their very low instrusion work.
Wedding Invitations
I’m very fortunate to say that Karen from Loveletters.ie is also a friend through work. She did something exceptional for us. They will probably not repeat this again, but all I can say is that most people didnt send the RSVP card back as they wanted to keep the entire invite booklet complete, and no Im not kidding.
The band and DJ
More Cowbell from nearby Galway were the band and were the DJs as well. Pa was great to deal with and even learned off our first dance in a few days. I found them when on a stag in Galway. Great entertainers and brilliant at modern rock and pop stuff as well as knowing how to get everyone going.
Summary
In summary, you have nothing to worry about if you go with Kilronan, we simply could not have been happier. Excellent standard of food, service, and care,and we will continue going back for short breaks.
I'll try my best to answer any questions that come along but I cant promise I'll check it that often, as my job is done (and this is my wifes account!)
We wish you all the very best with your wedding planning and your day. We hope this was useful to some of you out there.
