Barnabrow House

Gemini32

Has anybody gotten married or attended a wedding in barnabrow house, would like to know your thoughts on the dancefloor..

Colonel_McCoy

I was there thought that dance floor was very very small and narrow. Chairs are removed from the extension after dinner to clear room for the dance floor.

Gatica

Dance area is fine, as a guest I hated the accommodation though.

It's the coldest and dampest place I ever stayed. If your wedding is in winter, I would advise that you reconsider it. Being woken in the middle of the night in thick pyjamas because you're frozen is really unacceptable from an accommodation provider.
That's my main memory of that wedding, everything else was fine.

PS:
They also do not clean the rooms or own a hoover, everyone staying commented on how pretty the rooms were but couldn't understand why the rugs were so filthy. Ours had thick dust inside drawers so all dark clothes were covered in filth. The car park is pebbled, which is not great for heels and the fact that it's not lit at night is kinda daft.
While the accommodation is a disaster, on the upside the food is lovely and it's a pretty location.

Gemini32

Thanks for that,our wedding is in June so that mightn't be a problem. I have being to see it and while the dance floor is a little on the small side I didnt find it too small, what concerned me more was the fact that it is a little bit away from the bar and a bit out on its own.

Malari

I went to a summer wedding and a winter wedding there. I didn't notice the accommodation being that cold, so maybe my room was better heated. And I ALWAYS feel the cold! However, the reception area was FREEZING and then became really stuffy and crowded as more people arrived. Quite unpleasant. In the summer though, a lot of people moved outside and it was a lovely experience.

After the meal everyone congregates near the bar area and a lot of people didn't go near the dance floor at all. It is a completely separate area.

westernlass

Theres been quite bad reviews of the place online on another site. I went to a friends wedding. It was ok but nothing extra special. My friend did say to me they were a nightmare to deal with. Everything was hassle like they dont want to do weddings at all

Gemini32

Ok thanks for that, has anybody had a positive experience of the place ??

Mushy

Was at a February wedding there, majority stayed outside in the drinks reception area. Yeah the bar area where the food is served is small, but was enough people working so not waiting long. Bar doesn't have extension though, but they do allow you to bring your own....it led to an amazing night in the original reception room.

AoifeCork

I'm from the area, have been there for lunch, as a wedding guest and have played ceremonies, drinks receptions and as part of a band countless times. Don't like the place, staff are either untrained or just plain rude, manager a nightmare, logistics not very free flowing, overpriced, underwhelming and attention to detail on wedding days seems to be non existent. Please please consider other places in the east cork area. Ballymaloe House is superior in every way!

keeponhurling

Went to one over the summer.
As above, the dance floor is a bit cut off and away from the bar.

Also the bar closed quite early, maybe 12ish, and there was no option of late beers.
Most Irish weddings I've been to are only getting going at that stage

But other than that , it's not a bad old spot

wuffly

I'm from the area also, and have not heard good reports from anyone that has attended weddings there. Ballymaloe is supposed to be fab but its all plus plus and can end up quiet expensive but they are very professional and its beautiful down there. We had our reception in Castlemartyr Resort they have two function rooms a lovely old style one that holds 80ish and then the larger more modern one that holds 190. I found the coordinator we had a bit rubbish tbh, but i love the venue, grew up in the area and spent many weekends running around the grounds. The rest of the staff were generally are excellent, friendly knowledgeable and good craic (a lot of guests commented on the craic they had with the waiting the staff during the meal) we also had a lot of people rave about the food. The beef was all cooked to order, which were weren't expecting, they told us it would be medium to well for all. There was a little wiggle room on the price, we got married on a thurs tho. I was a bit apprehensive it would be a bit snotty but once visited we got quiet a good feeling.

Perpetual Student

I was there for a wedding last June and we all absolutely loved it. Gorgeous sunny day so the outside decking for the welcome drinks was fab, great food, great band, guests in each area (bar, dance floor, at remaining tables, just outside the dance floor area doors). Wedding was about 150-160 for the afters, dance floor was the right size for the crowd that was using it, just after first dance was a bit cosy alright but was just the right size for the amount using it for the rest of the night (maybe 30-40?). Enough room to throw ourselves about! Can't comment about acc as we rented a nearby house as there were so many of us (and you weren't asking about), but it was without a doubt one of my favourite weddings I've been at as everything was just perfect. Bride and groom were very hands on in terms of making things very personal to them so that certainly helped make the day.

Gemini32

Thanks for all the comments, I do think its a great venue, I did meet with the owner when I viewed it and she seemed fine to us ..was actually nice(maybe we caught her on a good day), and my experience of the staff when we went to lunch was also very good. I wouldn't look at Ballymaloe it would be the last place I would support to be honest.

Milly33

Well glad you got on ok. Strange comment about ballymaloe I take tis about that.... There prices are mad anywho, got on and it was ye want how much!! Best of luck with the decision making... It is great once ye have it done

Gemini32

Thanks Its good that we've lots of time, I can imagine its a lot more stressful if your under pressure to book! You must be all set at this stage

Milly33

Mmm nearly there, Finally few bits and pieces to be done.. Must say im getting a bit like ohh I wish we had kept it smaller haha but it will be worth it

Gemini32

Ah it will!! and your bout to be a bit nervous about a few things!

Bacchus

I was at a wedding there a few years back (same one as Gatica). I live in Cork so didn't stay in the rooms but I thought the food was awesome. The reception area was lovely, really quaint, homely & old school. The reception hall is an unusual layout but I liked it. The bar is cosy down one end. Then you have the main function room which is beautiful. At the end of the hall is the conservatory which is where the band set up. It's not for everyone, I'll say that but it's quirky and a bit rustic.

The car park situation is one negative I noticed. The pebbled ground was a struggle for those with high heels and luggage bags (with wheels).

IMO, it's the kind of place that will shine in good weather and struggle a bit in bad conditions.

My brother's actually getting married there too next year

Gemini32

Ya that's actually my thinking too, I would be slow to book a winter wedding there but i'd cross my fingers and take my chances on a summer one alright! I do like the quirkiness of the place too!

Bacchus

From what my bro has told me, so far the manager has been very nice to deal with. My parents came down for a visit too to have a little sneak peak at the venue and the manager made the time to show them around which was decent.

Gemini32

Ya I'd have to agree I'm dealing with Sabina and Cathy and they're very helpful, I guess everyone has a different experience. We actually have decided to go for it as its what we're looking for and they seem good to deal with.

Bacchus

Cool, glad to hear it. For something a little bit different and rustic I think it's a great venue. As a guest, it's up there with the best 'wedding food' I've had. I loved the reception area too with the roaring fire, the bubbles flowing and the nibbles were soooo good. The bar area is great too IMO. The couple had fun stuff - chalk, blackboard, party masks, etc. - and a camera down there. Simple to do and great fun. The band area too is a perfect size though it is a bit away from the bar... that really comes down to the crowd & the band then to keep the party going up there

Hope the accommodation works out for you. It is the one question mark my brother & his fiancee seemed to have over it too. It'll all be fine on the day though Enjoy the preparations.

Gemini32

Thanks a mill ya that was my only concern the dance floor being that little bit away but I think with a crowd of 150 and more coming to the afters people will pretty much spread out between bar / dining room/ dancefloor and patio outside the dance floor...I'm hoping accommodation will work out with the main house and cottages ...I have an aunt from Midelton so she might put a few up and we're only 35 mins away from the venue also so I'm guessing some people may opt to travel home that night. Thanks for all the tips

MelanieC

Gemini,can I ask did you ever get a response from Dunmore House re prices etc? I love the venue but am finding it difficult to get hold of anyone,have been waiting over a week for them to get back to me!
Good luck with Barnabrow!

Gemini32

Thanks I actually didn't we went for lunch one Sunday alright but I think we had our heart set on Barnabrow so much we decided not to follow it up. But the views are beautiful and it is an exceptional setting. I'd give them a call if I was you, I know they were closed for a few weeks but they are open now again.

Deer

Hi Gemini, I had my wedding there 3 years ago. We were very happy with it as a venue. Had no issue with staff or planning. Food was great although they have changed chef since then. My guests really enjoyed the after party also when the bar shut as they could bring their own bottle. Most guests loved the accomodation although I can see how it wouldn't be for everyone and I can see it being cold in winter. I know what you mean re Ballymaloe, wouldn't entertain the place either myself.

fits

Just had a look at their website. The place looks gorgeous. We might have had a look there if I had heard of it before. More my cup of tea than ballymaloe also, but everyone has different taste.

Gemini32

Oh excellent thanks for that the food is still great we went for lunch a month or so ago ...the beef is more like steak. I think as Bacchas said, its probably a place that shines in good weather and would struggle slightly in bad ...fingers crossed for the sun!!

fits

Gemini32 wrote: »

Oh excellent thanks for that the food is still great we went for lunch a month or so ago ...the beef is more like steak. I think as Bacchas said, its probably a place that shines in good weather and would struggle slightly in bad ...fingers crossed for the sun!!

I know the feeling

Gemini32

Where are booked for fits?