Barberstown Castle Co. Kildare.

SeanoChuinn

Hello all. We've been looking flat out at hotels with a more traditional feel to them rather than ultra modern and Barberstown is appealing to us, but I've read some stories where people don't like the layout of the dining room for the reception for example. Has anyone experience of weddings in Barberstown? What are they like to deal with? Are prices set or negotiable?
We are living in Canada at the moment and hoping to marry in Ireland next October, so hard to get a lot of information other than from the hotel itself, so would like to get some non biased info if possible.

Thanks folks!

Ballyman

Hi Sean

I've worked at a few weddings at the hotel (another one in a few weeks) and would have nothing only praise for the place. I know what you mean about the layout of the dining room but any of the weddings I have been at there this hasn't been a problem with people on the dance floor etc.
Also, if it's a larger wedding and you will be using the full "L" layout then the Top Table is put at the corner of the L so it works perfectly.
As for the food and rest of the hotel, it's excellent.
You also have some beautiful grounds for photos - Have a look at the wedding below which was in the lashing rain and we still managed to get some great photos outside as the trees are like a large umbrella!!

Barberstown Castle Wedding Photos - ATL Photography

I only live over the road from Barberstown so if you have any questions let me know

clint_silver

great hotel. great food. great staff.

Playing in a band, some nights you have to work hard to keep a floor full. but thats the bands problem and if you get a good one they shouldnt have a problem doing it.

However, for the band to do that they have to interact with the audience, the problem is that in barberstown they cant due to the layout. Doesn't matter whos playing or how good the music is, if the band cant see the audience they cant interact with them. I once seen a singer walk down to the end of the room out to the next room, band were still playing and he was on the mike trying to get people in but the people outside couldn't hear the speakers in the other rooms so were just ignoring him.

Its not always like that. Just some nights. Theres very few other venues like that. Best advice to give if you want to book it is that people will mostly stay where the bride and groom are. If they're in looking at the band and dancing away, most of the crowd will too.

sweetie

Mmmm I've worked there and been a guest and I'm not so fond. The meal quality and quantity disappointed me as a guest and the service was poor (empty wine glasses all over the place during meal) however the afters food is lovely especially the BBQ. The room is different but not a big issue however they have a very strict 1.30am
curfew for music and last orders for residents is as early as 2.30 I think. On one of the occasions I was working there I sat in the lobby of the hotel to use the wifi and download a last minute request of the bride and was told that I shouldn't be there by the manager/owner. Although I wasnt a resident I was dressed smartly and he knew why I was there.

clint_silver

sweetie wrote: »

The room is different but not a big issue however they have a very strict 1.30am curfew for music

True. forgot about this.

SeanoChuinn

Thanks everyone. Think we may drop this one further down the list. Thanks for all the feed back!!

TAPA2012

My sister got married here! lovely spot! I thought the food was incredible and also the service was excellent. I would have to say the shape of the room is unusual but that just adds character and it doesnt stop anyone seeing the top table for speeches. Music stopped at 2am. The only wee annoying thing I found was the bedrooms/main reception was not connected to the reception area and you had to go outside to get to the bedrooms. Bedrooms are out of this world! ask them to have a look! Hope you find your ideal wedding venue and if you want any further info dont hesitate.

average_runner

TAPA2012 wrote: »

My sister got married here! lovely spot! I thought the food was incredible and also the service was excellent. I would have to say the shape of the room is unusual but that just adds character and it doesnt stop anyone seeing the top table for speeches. Music stopped at 2am. The only wee annoying thing I found was the bedrooms/main reception was not connected to the reception area and you had to go outside to get to the bedrooms. Bedrooms are out of this world! ask them to have a look! Hope you find your ideal wedding venue and if you want any further info dont hesitate.

Was at a wedding there 5 years ago and was great.. Food top class and came around with seconds.We also had our wedding there. music till 2.00 and drinks till 330 and then went to hotel reception and drinks there till 5. Staff top class. A good band and u have a great party.

TAPA2012

My sister had a great band....could get you details, I will be skyping her soon. The band they had made 5 bookings on the night! they were thrilled! the most bookings they ever made in a night! have to say everyone thought they were very good. Also in the same boat of organising a wedding from abroad and its very difficult! Thank god for Boards.ie! so many helpful people its been a lifesaver!

sweetie

The curfew for reception music has been strictly 1.30 for the last few years.
The rooms are indeed lovely and very good breakfast too.