Clonabreaney House, Co. Meath -Wedding Venue

ariel05

Has anyone had their wedding, or been to a wedding in Clonabreaney House in Meath, - whats the food / service like? It looks very nice, but its a fairly new venue, so I havent been able to get any feedback... Can anyone help me out please. Thanks for your help.

McCABE1

Hey
They only have had one wedding in it so far and I think that was back in March of this year. We visited it on an opening day and I have to say it looked much nicer on the net. It hadnt been cleaned properly since the wedding earlier in the year, dirty carpet, stagnant water in vases etc. I was really surprised as I thought for an open day the place would be looking its best.
Also due to where it is, the lack of accomodation and various other things I'd be very reluctant to book a wedding there for two years down the road (or in and around) as I'd be surprised if it lasts that long.
Did you visit it or just see it online. When I saw it online I have to say I thought it was wonderful and really expected to love it but unfortunatley was sorely dissapointed. However during the open day the girl that actually got married in Clonabreany was there to speak to people so I'd say if she had a bad experience she wouldnt have done that. From what I gather she was more than happy with it.

ariel05

Hi,
We viewed it recently and I thought it actually looked a lot better than it did in the website. There seemed to be a lot of activity going on there - there was people planting shurbs and tending to the gardens around the "lodges" etc., so it seems they are still doing work to the place, - it was clean though.

However, I agree with you that they may not still be there in a few years due to the location and the fact that they dont have a full time trade and are depending on weddings and some private events to keep them going.
Also when you add up all the costs, - its not as cheap as you would expect of a new start up with no preven track record, - especially as they are charging for the marquee (which is attached to the venue) and the small bar in the main courtyard.

Thanks for the info!!

McCABE1

I was there at the begining of Sept so they must be working on it since then. I think they may have decided to have an open day at the last minute and just didnt get propper cleaners in. We were just surprised and wasnt expecting it and with first impressions, you can be easily put off.
However I wouldnt rule it out, I saw pictures of the marquee done up for the wedding and it looked beautiful and to have the whole place exclusively for your family is very appealing. Like i said before the only thing I would be worried about is whether it'll last.
But I'd say you'd be able to haggle with them a lot. They are crying out for weddings as venues like that and where they are rely on word of mouth. Surely you'd be able to get a really good deal from them...
There are plenty of other established venues down that neck of the woods though, I'd be more inclinded to go with them personally. Best of luck!

ariel05

I have to say I thought it looked so much nicer in real than in the photos and I think they must have made an effort since the day in September (for various reasons, I get the feeling it was a rushed event as you said).

I thought I could get a really good bargain, but they are not prepared to negotiate the prices. The food prices are good, but they are charging you for hiring the place, as they say it is exclusively yours for the wedding etc., so this pushed the price right back up. Its actually working out the same as another venue we priced and really like - which is a 4 star hotel, - with a reputation, - unlike this place! Also, as its not open to the public I asked about how we could taste the food etc and the guy seemed suprised I should ask this. He said the chef is very well known and had a really good reputation etc. and that no one else had aksed to be able to taste the food before hand. He said I wouldn't be disappointed as he has a good rep etc. But Id never heard of him (Gordon Ramsey, I think he said...?? ) (just kidding)!!

I just really loved the venue, - thought it was very different and less formal than a hotel. But as you say, - will the place still be there in a year.? I suppose I have to think carefully about this one.

Thanks so much for your advice. I am thinking about it and taking it all on board..!! CHEERS.!!

Waesfjord

The chef is meant to be from one of the restaurants in Kells.

WE visited a while back, and thought it may a n option.

they were very slow at returning costs (as in 3+ weeks), didn't answer half the questions, so we took this as a crowd who aren't organised at all yet.

best of luck to them, but I can't see them making it, base don that performance.

also their costs went up markedly from what they told us when we visited:eek:

McCABE1

I'm so surprised Clonabreany is working out as expensive as a four star hotel! I really thought you'd save loads of money having your wedding there.
I think he's probably right about the food, the chef is meant to be good, I think he operates in Navan though, he's been on the go for years. However for a place that doesnt even have a restaurant or bar that you can sample food in they really should offer a tasting service. Surprised that they wont.
One thing they also said to us, you could buy your drink up the north, stock it behind the bar and have a free bar for your guests !! Its an idea, a dear one though. You could get Gordon p*ssed, he'd end up telling your granny to f*ck off!!
I'd take my chances on a well established hotel if I were you, especially if there isnt much difference in price. Have you looked at any others in the area?

ariel05

Yes - re the price - thats why its so hard to justify this place as its only new and has no reputation. The 4 star hotel we were looking at is in Waterford (my other half is from there), - its really fab, but Id prefere to have the wedding nearer to home, hence the reason we are looking around the Meath area. (The free bar thing is a really novell idea though...!!) Thinking about it, I think its best to leave it and not book it, because as far as I know, he has only 7 weddings booked so far for 2010, - not a lot to keep the place going I would think. Also, I agree with the person who said it took ages to come back with prices etc - I sent an email on 30th Aug and they only came back to me last week...?? Not a good sign..!!! As I said I really think its fab though!! Maybe we can renew our vows in a few years and have another wedding there (not)!

Oh I have looked at loads of places in Dublin and also Meath, just nothing jumped out - maybe Im a bridezilla!! But I dont think I am (dont they all say that...??). Another nice place I saw today on the web was the Mill House in Slane, - that looks nice, am going to have a look at it this weekend. Dont suppose anyone has been here...??? This could really go on and on........ FOREVER....

Thanks for the good advice....!!;)

McCABE1

Every girl dreams of getting married but when it comes down to the actual planning and organising you realise what a pain in the neck it can be!! We are in the process of booking ours too and the wedding wont be for a year but I'm already stressed!!
Have you looked at Belinter House, meant to be lovely or the Knightsbrook in Trim, its dear but a fab new hotel. Slieve Russell in Cavan either is a lovely hotel. Mullingar Park Hotel is a really nice venue and only about 30 mins from Kells (or so) we were at a wedding there this year and it was wonderful, lovely hotel, great food and from what I hear not too dear....

ariel05

I know. I never thought booking the venue would be so hard. Beginning to think Im like Goldie Locks - this one is too big, this one is too small, this one is bla bla bla... think Im thinking about things too much. However, in saying that we are now looking at The Millhouse in Slane - which looks nice, kinda different, they dont do the "typical wedding", not that I have anything against a typical wedding, but its nice to know you can do a buffet or even a bbq for the meal if you like... which is quite different, - more like a party and less formal, - which I like the sound of..!! But yes, I agree it can be stressful. In saying that looking for hotels is all I have done...!! So I suppose if you have the time, then take your time and dont rush it. You have a year, so you will be fine. Another thing - dont be listening when people say "oh by this time you should have such and such done" and "at 6 months this done etc etc". You know what you need to do and you will get it done. Listening to poeple's "good" advice is the most stressful thing (I better stop talking then ehh??).
Im hoping that once we get the venue booked, everything else should be ok (famous last words .??). But I have the band I want and a dj and a friend is doing the invitations (which was the bit I was dreading the most).
Im sure it will work out - finger, legs, toes crossed!!! But DONT be worrying!! You will get there!!

ariel05

Ha, thats so funny. I'd never heard of the place until I saw their double page ad in the Indo which would have been paid for advertising. I responded to it and never heard anything. I used to sell advertising for that paper, so I cant understand how someone could part with good money looking for new customers and then not bother to answer the emails that people send in response to the ads...??? Seems crazy. I sent him 2 emails and then phoned saying could he answer my email and still never heard anything back. Then I sent him a email saying cant belive you put an ad in and still didnt reply to me. He was all apologies. It makes me mad, there are so many people out there that could really do a good job and sell that place and be better organised than the current people running the show. They really wont survive as a business if they continue along those lines. I really really liked it, but the guy had such a smart ass attitude I couldnt believe it. If they are not going to answer a simple email, - how could they possibley organise your wedding for you?

McCABE1

I actually didnt like him that much either, I know exactly who you're talking about !! Quite cocky and while talking to him seemed to be looking around him for anyone esle more interesting or wealthy perhaps !! I have a feeling that whoever is put in charge of that venue has other day jobs, I'd say its all part time at the moment because it hasnt got off the ground yet. Which is terrible cause its just damaging their reputation.
Have you looked at The Station House in Kilmessan, I've heard great things about it and its meant to be lovely.
How did you go about picking the band? We're thinking we might have to sneak in to the back of a few weddings for an hour and listen to a couple of bands, see who's any good !!

locha

Hi Folks, I have been there and it is a beautiful venue. From what I gather they have been flat out with stags and hen parties. I am surprised about the pricing. I gather that the local hotels are trying to put the squeeze on them and there is a mini price war. But if someone is not returning your call now....

ariel05

Bands?... MMM... I was lucky, I just was out one night and saw a band I really really liked and have seen them a few times and think they are great. Otherwise I wouldnt really know where to start. I suppose wedding fairs are good for that..?? There are usually a list of bands there, or if you have the hotel you want they can usually provide you with a list of entertainment. They should also be able to recommend bands for you and then you could go and see them when they are playing at a wedding.. as you say sneak in and have a look.
I havent booked this band yet, as my hotel is not confimred yet, so once I have that booked, I will book them. The band Im looking at are called Diablo. They dont have a website, but they play in Wrights in Howth most Fridays. I dont know if they would be to everyones taste and I dont think they do a lot of weddings, but we liked them...
But i think the best thing would be contact the hotel, or even get the Herald on a Friday and they do a going out guide, - there must be bands in there that you could go and see at the weekends and then maybe see if they do weddings..??? Its a hard one, I just hope my band can do the date I want otherwise I'll be back onto you asking if you have booked anyone! Ha!!

McCABE1

Well good luck, I really hope you get them !! I think the two most important things for a good wedding is the band and the meal and if both are great then its a success !!
There are a list of bands on some hotel websites and we're just going to try and see as many of them as we can. We have an idea of who we want so at least that helps somewhat. We have loads of time so arent pressuring ourselves too much, there'll be plenty of time for that!

Kooli

Interesting how a lot of people who are singing Clonabreany's praises only have one post on Boards...hmmmm....!!!

I was also at the open day on Saturday. I wouldn't be quite as critical as the previous poster, but I can see what she is saying. But from what they're saying they are not finished and are aiming to have the place fully finished by March. I think it'll be lovely when it's done. The houses where the guests stay are seriously fab though, and very reasonable.

They are doubling their prices for 2011 weddings, which is fairly shocking. Don't think the place is really worth the price at all. I like the idea of having everything in one venue (ceremony, reception and accommodation) but the distance between the reception venue and the ceremony venue and late bar is a bit long if it's a wet day, you'd get soaked!)

WildSaffron

Clonabreany House is an historic location, a private wedding venue and not a hotel.

I love it.

Having only gotten married in September last year I might either:

(a) ditch said husband and get a new one and get married at Clonabreany
(b) have our first wedding anniversary there

I like option (b) as I kind of like the man

lavenderlady

Hi
Jst wondering if anyone has recently attended a wedding/event hers, very interested in this venue
Also anyone any opinions on Lough crew as a venue- looks beautiful also
thanks Fi

Swampy

Never have I seen such shameless plugging from obvious employees/owners of this venue. All the obvious 1st time posters praising the place. Lame.

lavenderlady

Swampy dont really see what you mean; I was looking for info on this venue. We have since booked Crover House in Cavan for our wedding; as we were unsure re feedback on Clonabreaney. I saw nothing in this thread as suspicious, and dont really know whose post you are referring to, but nothing on this thread made me think wow will definitely look at this venue seriously- if anything it made me think I wont bother even pursuing it

iguana

lavenderlady wrote: »

Swampy dont really see what you mean; I was looking for info on this venue. We have since booked Crover House in Cavan for our wedding; as we were unsure re feedback on Clonabreaney. I saw nothing in this thread as suspicious, and dont really know whose post you are referring to, but nothing on this thread made me think wow will definitely look at this venue seriously- if anything it made me think I wont bother even pursuing it

There were a lot of shill posts that have now been deleted.

lavenderlady

okay then, that makes a bit more sense!

ABajaninCork

Hmmm. Any hotel that shows reluctance for potential clients to taste the food before booking, I would avoid like the plague!

As for reluctance to negotiate? Don't they realise the Celtic Tiger is dead and buried?? Gone are the days when venues could tell clients any old crap knowing full well they'll get their money. I think they're on very shaky ground given that the venue appears to be new and they're fighting for business in a very competitive market.

Any venue that refuses to negotiate, I would dismiss straight away, no matter how much I loved it. Plenty of others who'll take your hand off to get your business.

Countryripple

We recently went to view Clonabreany and fell in love with it. But we just cannot justify the E5k exclusivity charge for the weekend rate. It does not even include a sausage, let alone any rooms!!!

If some of this fee included a bunch of rooms etc, then we really would consider it.

Its also a bit disappointing that there is no flexibility on the weekday and weekend rental. they should really be open to 1 & 2 night wedding packages.

But it is beautiful.........................if only we could win the lotto now!!!