Wedding venue - Markree castle Sligo

ikle · 23-06-2010 04:54PM #1

Hi,

I'd really appreciate feedback from anyone who has gotten married or attended a wedding in Markree castle in the last year or two.
Thinking of having our reception here but seeing mixed reports online about the rooms.

Thanks.

carolinespring · 23-06-2010 05:38PM

ikle wrote: »

Hi,

I'd really appreciate feedback from anyone who has gotten married or attended a wedding in Markree castle in the last year or two.
Thinking of having our reception here but seeing mixed reports online about the rooms.

Thanks.

We had our wedding i Markree and it was totally amazing. If you want to PM me a list of questions I will do my best to answer them. Also if you want to have a chat at after thats fine.
The rooms are filled with fantastic old stuff and everyone loved it. We still go back a couple of time a year just for some "us" time.

Caroline

davesneddon · 29-06-2010 12:21PM

I filmed a wedding there new years eve and the venue was very impressive imo. Its like a grand old castle from a century ago, the grounds are amazing. The couple got married in the actual hotel and there is a small chapel that did the job nicely. Can't speak for the rooms but the food was good as well.

Mac0783 · 03-10-2012 10:33AM

***Bump***

just wondering if any had their ceremony & reception here recently, we're thinking of it for our wedding next year and would love to hear people's thoughts on it. anything you would have done differently or tweaked slightly with hindsight?

thanks a million
Mac

Mac0783 · 18-10-2012 10:15AM

Anyone at all? Any thoughts on Markree??

Honey-ec · 19-10-2012 02:15PM

I was at a wedding there around New Year's about two years ago and it was the coldest venue I've ever been in in my life. Bedroom, bar, function room, common areas - everywhere was absolutely freezing.

Gatica · 19-10-2012 02:26PM

heard from a previous poster the chef doing the tasting is not the same as doing the one doing the wedding meal. Could just be hearsay and horse****, but do ask them that if you're considering them.

Mac0783 · 19-10-2012 02:30PM

Two years ago was that the time of the really bad snow? When collooney was one of the coldest places in the country? I did already ask about heating in the chapel and he assured me it would be on, but will definitely look in to it.

I heard that about the food as well and he said no all is done by chef in kitchen, the same people as who will be cooking the tasting.

Gatica · 19-10-2012 02:34PM

We thought it was really lovely up there, just a bit far from us, so if they meet your criteria I hope you have a great wedding there!

Mac0783 · 19-10-2012 02:51PM

Well we've booked it, so fingers crossed. thanks.

where did you get married?

taato · 19-10-2012 02:53PM

I had my reception there a few years ago and I really loved the venue. I know it's old, somewhat dated, maybe it could be cold but none-the-less it's lovely. If you want warm, insulated, modern, samey-samey then book one of the 'new' hotels. It's hundreds of years old and the grounds are truely spectacular and the wedding photos will look amazing. It really depends what you're 'in to'. I just hated the idea of the standard wedding food/venue/location - it was great to have the entire castle at our disposal and there was no 'outsiders' gawking around the hotel. As I said, if the modern conveniences are important to you then maybe look elsewhere.

Gatica · 19-10-2012 02:58PM

had ours at Mount Falcon where the grounds and hotel are also somewhat unique and personal, and a bit closer to Galway too.

carolinespring · 21-10-2012 12:07AM

Mac0783

PM me if you want to know anything and I will try and answer as honestly as I can.

macbookair · 23-10-2012 08:16AM

Beautiful setting, I'm sure you will not have any regrets.

Mac0783 · 23-10-2012 02:20PM

have you ever been at a wedding there?

TAPA2012 · 01-11-2012 10:17AM

Also considering Markree for a winter wedding in December 2013, it looks amazing. I am also concerned about the cold time of year as many guest will be the kind who love heat! anyone know where does the band set up as its hard to make out from the online pictures. I also heard that there is a very small dance floor? Unfortunately we arent able to view the venue as were both working abroad so any advice be greatly appreciated too! 100-120 guests

Mac0783 · 01-11-2012 10:22AM

Hi,

the website really doesnt do the castle justice, it's much nicer in person. When we were there we spoke to the wedding co-ordinator and he said they are getting someone in over the winter to re-upholster a lot of the chairs, couches etc.. the band can either set up in the bay window (straight in front of you as you go in to that room) or they can move the couches and set up on the right.

We are hoping to have approx. 70 at wedding, but i think you will have plenty of space with 120, their max. number is 170 so am sure your wedding will fill out the place perfectly.

Can i ask where else have you looked at? Are you from Sligo? I found this website that has loads more photos of markree that might be helpful to you, will pm it to you.

TAPA2012 · 01-11-2012 12:02PM

Thanks so much! so in love with the place I visited once briefly. I ran in to get a voucher for a christmas present for the bf parents. There was a winter wedding taking place at the time and although I was only in the reception. I just got a good vibe! It's a pity I am away and cant view the place in person. I have also made contact with all the other wedding venues in the area such as castle dargan, cromleach lodge, sligo park and had a wee look at the radisson online. There are so many venues to choose from but with a winter wedding I fear of the weather! I'm not from lovely sligo myself but the apprentice husband is!

Mac0783 · 01-11-2012 12:45PM

My brother got married in Castle Dargan it's a nice place. I stayed in Cromleach Lodge during the summer and it's really nice up there. Not a great road out to it, but definitely worth the drive. The one thing about there, make sure you specifiy where and which rooms you want for your guests if you book it, cause the one got looked out on a brick wall and then a car park, but the one upstairs from us (which was empty cause the door was left open) was out of this world fantastic.

it must be so hard searching when you're not living here. Are you definitely going for Sligo seeing as you're not from there?

carolinespring · 01-11-2012 02:27PM

TAPA2012 wrote: »

Also considering Markree for a winter wedding in December 2013, it looks amazing. I am also concerned about the cold time of year as many guest will be the kind who love heat! anyone know where does the band set up as its hard to make out from the online pictures. I also heard that there is a very small dance floor? Unfortunately we arent able to view the venue as were both working abroad so any advice be greatly appreciated too! 100-120 guests

I had a Christmas wedding in Markree. PM me any questions you may have and I will answer as honest as I can!!!

TAPA2012 · 02-11-2012 08:03AM

Mac0783 wrote: »

My brother got married in Castle Dargan it's a nice place. I stayed in Cromleach Lodge during the summer and it's really nice up there. Not a great road out to it, but definitely worth the drive. The one thing about there, make sure you specifiy where and which rooms you want for your guests if you book it, cause the one got looked out on a brick wall and then a car park, but the one upstairs from us (which was empty cause the door was left open) was out of this world fantastic.

it must be so hard searching when you're not living here. Are you definitely going for Sligo seeing as you're not from there?

Any opinion on picking Markree over Castle Dargan? I have read all the trip advisor reviews for Cromleach lodge but the fact the rooms aren't attached to the building just wouldn't suit us as we have a few guests with mobility issues and if it snowed it just be lethal for all guests.

We picked Sligo and we have our date set and all. I know people might think its strange that I am not getting married in my own parish. It's not the norm but I am loving the idea of been somewhere different.

I just haven't had the chance to be at any weddings/functions in the hotels. Its very hard picking a venue from over here but my partner is from Sligo and his family have been so helpful in researching all the venues for us. They have been asking all their friends in the area. We are hoping that alot of venues will meeting us over skype so we can get quotes etc.

Mac0783 · 02-11-2012 10:58AM

Well...to be honest, i do! but i really think it depends on personal preference, what are you looking for? They are both lovely places, but it depends on the style you want for your day, Dargan is more modern style, bright, airy and spacious.. Markree is an old world style, with great character. Have you picked your dress and bridesmaid dresses yet, what sort of style are you going for?

TAPA2012 · 03-11-2012 04:01PM

Mac0783 wrote: »

Well...to be honest, i do! but i really think it depends on personal preference, what are you looking for? They are both lovely places, but it depends on the style you want for your day, Dargan is more modern style, bright, airy and spacious.. Markree is an old world style, with great character. Have you picked your dress and bridesmaid dresses yet, what sort of style are you going for?

Yes they are two places that are two worlds apart. I am sitting on the fence but my legs are dangling on the Markree side!

I have no definite idea on wedding dress/bridesmaids just yet as I haven't looked at any. I have a classic dress sense so I think I will be going for a classic lace dress ...

I think I have answered my own question! It's got to be Markree for me! Thanks for your help and also Caroline Spring who gave me excellent advice! I'm going to book!

carolinespring · 04-11-2012 11:47PM

TAPA2012 wrote: »

Yes they are two places that are two worlds apart. I am sitting on the fence but my legs are dangling on the Markree side! I have no definite idea on wedding dress/bridesmaids just yet as I haven't looked at any. I have a classic dress sense so I think I will be going for a classic lace dress ... I think I have answered my own question! It's got to be Markree for me! Thanks for your help and also Caroline Spring who gave me excellent advice! I'm going to book!

Good pick Tapa, you will have a fantastic day.

Mac0783 · 05-11-2012 10:17AM

Well i think, great pick as well!! But i'm sure i'm not biased or anything.

I went for a lace dress as well!

TAPA2012 · 11-11-2012 08:27AM

Hi all,

Just wondering how you got on with Markree castle wedding co-ordinators? I am very disheartened! Its over a week and I haven't received a quote back. I find this very strange as all the other hotels I have since contacted, have given me a quote in a few hours to a day later! I am just very shocked as i am not asking for anything unsual standard meal, afters and bedrooms! They even missed a telephone meeting with me and my partner! I had to ring them to remind them! I was put on hold and then knocked off! They rang us back and they didn't have the quote ready, its now a whole week gone by! Very upset bride to be.........thought I had found the perfect venue!

Mac0783 · 12-11-2012 10:06AM

to be honest i have had the same problem, when we met them the first time he was going on holidays that monday. I called during that time and spoke to the girl who also deals with weddings to book out date ad she said fine, i asked that Jeremy call me back when he came back from hols but he didnt, but fair enough he'd be busy, i have since rang twice and not yet spoken to him. But there's a wedding fair this saturday and i hope to speak to him them, we have still to nail down any specifics and pay a deposit. I don't think it's him i think it's the receptionist, when i asked about the wedding fair she hadn't a clue..

am i bovvered · 12-11-2012 05:22PM

Have you considered.... http://www.belleekcastle.com/

TAPA2012 · 13-11-2012 07:19AM

Mac0783 wrote: »

to be honest i have had the same problem, when we met them the first time he was going on holidays that monday. I called during that time and spoke to the girl who also deals with weddings to book out date ad she said fine, i asked that Jeremy call me back when he came back from hols but he didnt, but fair enough he'd be busy, i have since rang twice and not yet spoken to him. But there's a wedding fair this saturday and i hope to speak to him them, we have still to nail down any specifics and pay a deposit. I don't think it's him i think it's the receptionist, when i asked about the wedding fair she hadn't a clue..

It seems were in the same boat! Its now Tuesday - 9 days waiting on a quote! lol its a joke! I refuse to chase them up again! As I was told "quotes are only done by email" lol thats if you ever get one! you can only laugh!

honestly cant book such a badly run establishment for the big day! Id be seriously worried everyting go pear shaped!

TAPA2012 · 13-11-2012 07:23AM

am i bovvered wrote: »

Have you considered.... http://www.belleekcastle.com/

Thank you! I would of considered this place only that I am getting married in winter. I was too afraid the weather be very bad! So I thought it be wise to stay within a 30 minute radius of the church. It looks like a fabulous place! did you get married here?

am i bovvered · 13-11-2012 08:21PM

I did get married in Belleek, however I also now work here, just reading the thread I thought it may be a viable option for you, it really is a wonderful building. Good luck with your search

Wedding venue - Markree castle Sligo

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