The Ceremony

Fri
Oct 27
2023
2:00 pm

St Mary's Church (COI)
Cong
Co. Mayo

The Celebration

Fri
Oct 27
2023
3:00 pm
RSVP

Ashford Castle
Cong
Co. Mayo

Afternoon at Leisure

Sat
Oct 28
2023
12:00 pm

Ashford Castle / Mayo
Ireland

Rugby, food, music & dancing

Sat
Oct 28
2023
5:00 pm

The church we have chosen for our ceremony is located within the grounds of Ashford Castle.  

The church is however on the small side and as such will not have space to accommodate all of our guests and therefore we will not be upset if can't make it to the ceremony. 


Car Parking
There is no parking available directly at the church however there is parking available nearby in the village including at St Mary of the Rosary Church (2 minute walk)
Click here for directions to parking options


Transport Post Ceremony
A bus will be available to transport guests from the church to Ashford Castle after the ceremony.

Check in to Ashford Castle will be open from 3pm. We hope you will then join us for a drinks reception after the ceremony. Followed by dinner, music, speeches and dancing the night away. 

Please don't forget to RSVP! 

If you can ensure you reply for each person invited on your invitation.  This has to be done separately for each guest.  Please also send your dietary requirements.  When you have entered your email address if you can make sure you select attend  

Afternoon at leisure

There are lots of options for activities at Ashford castle, you can check out their website to see everything you could get up to. 

There are also so many gorgeous walks and places to explore in the surrounding area, make sure you check out the Gallery to find images from our favourite spots!


Walks

Clonbur Woods:

Clonbur Woods on Google Maps

A short drive from the castle, and formerly part of the estate, is a gorgeous stretch of native woodland between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib. Home to “Frog Island”, known for its excellent frog catching, Ballykine Castle, and routes of all lengths. There’s even a Parkrun on Saturday morning, if you’re up early enough! The Best Man holds the course record… will anyone throw down the gauntlet?


Tourmakeady Woods:

Tourmakeady Woods on Google Maps

Around the other side of Lough Mask is Tourmakeady Woods, a favourite when we stay in the Cottage. Certain family members would even be known to take a dip at the Waterfall! To the waterfall and back takes about 30 minutes, the full loop about an hour.

Ben Leavy:

Ben Leavy on Google Maps

A short but steep mountain walk that boasts amazing views of Lough Mask, Corrib, Nafooey, and as far off as Connemara on a good day. Park at the Mount Gable car park, where there is space for about 4 cars at a time. Depending how long you stay at the top this one should take about an hour and a half.

The Dirks:

The Dirks on Google Maps

Another Cottage favourite. Take the winding gravel road up towards some impressive cliffs and see if you can find the two hidden lakes nestled below them. On the way back down you’ll have Lough Mask and the Lusteen Islands spread out in front of you. This one takes about an hour.

Killary Fjord:

Killary Fjord on Google Maps

This was where we went for our first walk as an engaged couple, before anybody else knew yet! The walk hugs the shoreline of the fjord and is an out-and-back trip, so can be adjusted in length at will. See if you can get as far as the abandoned famine village!

Spots and Viewpoints


“Special Spot”:

"Special Spot" on Google Maps

The reason we’re all here. This is where Adam proposed! The destination of many cycles and a frequent pitstop on drives, this viewpoint of Lough Nafooey holds a special place in our hearts. You might recognise it as being the scene that was painted on the back of the wedding invitations.

Paddy D’s Beach:

Paddy D's Beach on Google Maps

The story goes that Adam’s Grandparents, June and Arthur, once got their car stuck in a ditch here and couldn’t get it out. Passersby tried to help with ropes tied to tractors and various other methods but to no avail. Eventually a local man named Paddy D appeared and easily lifted the car out by himself, and so the spot got its name! Nowadays there is no sign of Paddy D, but it’ a lovely spot to sit by the lake with a picnic or even have a swim.

Aasleagh Falls:

Aasleagh Falls on Google Maps

Recognisable from the film adaptation of John B Keane’s “The Field”, this waterfall is now a popular photo stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. At this time of year you might even spot some Salmon trying to leap up it on their yearly voyage upstream.

Glasillaun Beach:

Glasillaun Beach on Google Maps

The pictures don’t do this one justice! Beautiful white sand, crystal clear water and views of Connacht’s highest mountain, Mweelrea. Stop and sit for a while or take a wander along the beach, the choice is yours!

Coffees, Cakes (or Pints!)

Joyce Country Bakery: A gorgeous little bakery in Clonbur, with cinnamon buns that (almost) rival Rachel McConnell’s.

Misunderstood Heron: A famous spot by Killary Fjord, with a menu that changes daily. Be sure to check their instagram before heading that way as their opening times can vary.

Caife Glas: A cute little coffee truck just outside Tourmakeady woods, the perfect spot to warm up after that cold waterfall dip!

Delphi Silver Food Truck: A frequent source of a lifesaving espresso on Adam’s long training rides with beautiful views over Doolough valley.

Burkes of Clonbur: Home to the best club sandwich in the world (according to us), best served with a Cidona after a walk in Clonbur woods.

Maire Lukes: Known for having the most beautiful views while enjoying (probably) the best Guinness and Tayto combo in Ireland, plus a pint here will still run you less than a fiver!

The West: The Brennan’s gorgeous pub and restaurant in the heart of Westport. Be sure to call in as you are passing through.


Don't worry we will be showing the Rugby World Cup Final on the big screen at the castle (all fingers crossed we will be cheering on the boys in green).

There will also be more delicious food provided at the castle, live music and one more opportunity to show us your best moves on the dance floor.

Please do let us know if you can attend this day too.