Lismore Castle

The initial sight of Lismore Castle is one you will not easily forget. As dramatic as it is beautiful, the home to the Dukes of Devonshire for almost three centuries is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland. Lismore has a long, extraordinary history; originally the site of a 7th-century abbey, the castle was once the Palace of the Bishops of Ireland. Its sacred charm has remained throughout the centuries and the private home is considered a ‘special sanctuary’ by its current Lord and Lady. It once had Fred Astaire to stay – and you can’t get more spectacular than that!

Regal and warm

Forming a distinguished courtyard setting, Lismore Castle’s ancient walls stand proudly above the River Blackwater, immediately surrounded by celebrated gardens, meadows, orchards and enchanting woodland which backs onto rolling fields. To one side, a thick forested embankment cascades down to the languid river, as the castle’s crenelated towers rise up to the sky. Its extensive grounds are a fabulous backdrop for wedding photographs and wonderland for guests to roam through, discovering captivating gardens and admiring sculptures as they go.

Lismore combines its evocative setting with a warm Irish welcome. The five-star property hosts the most luxurious bespoke weddings for up to 80 guests, including a dedicated wedding planner to help organise and execute every aspect of your wedding day. The castle can be exclusively yours, inviting you all to wander freely from room to room, each one featuring endless talking points from the plethora of artwork – ancient family portraits to contemporary pieces – to the bulging bookshelves, beautifully-detailed artefacts and ornate furniture.

Your ceremony

Exchange your vows in the large Medieval Banqueting Hall, framed by pews, which seats 40 guests. Its wood panelled walls reach high above a giant arched montage of stained-glass windows. Family and friends gather before an intricately sculpted fireplace underneath a striking painted ceiling and immense Gothic chandelier. Candelabras flicker creating a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ charm which, combined with the light through the coloured glass, gives the space a dramatic, romantic ambiance.

A generous choice of spaces

Alternative spaces are also available for a variety of numbers:

Dining Room - 26 seated
Art Gallery - 40 seated
Drawing Room - 50 standing
Ground Floor - 80 standing
Inner Courtyard - 80 standing

The Drawing Room is an eclectic space of complementing colours and textures, which creates an instantly cosy feel as soon as you walk through its deep-set doorways. A giant tapestry takes centre stage, whilst pastel tones are inter-weaved throughout soft furnishings and a gold shimmers across the high walls under striking arched cornices; all of it adding to the character and heritage of this luxurious castle.

Your wedding reception and celebrations

Dedicated to making this special day the most memorable in your own history, Lismore would be delighted to create bespoke menus for your wedding breakfast. Combining freshly-picked seasonal produce from the castle garden with local delectable meats and fish, the head chef carefully plans and prepares your choice of dishes. Imagine grand table settings of fine porcelain, silver and glassware and indulging in creatively-presented food and sipping barrel-aged wine from the castle’s wine cellar.

Socialise with guests and dance the night away within these historic castle walls as you use the castle as your own, celebrating in each and every vast space and cosy secret corner.

Accommodation

Grand staircases take you up to a suite of 15 individually-styled bedrooms, which together sleep 27 guests. Rich hues, patterns and textures highlight magnificent historical features, such as open fireplaces with iron grates, sumptuously-draped large bay windows and antique four-poster beds. Silken fabrics adorn the furnishings, private bathrooms feature roll-top baths whilst beautifully-printed rugs decorate the floors throughout.

Elaborate architraves frame solid-wood doors and personal touches – such as family photographs and heirlooms – are dotted throughout. Be entranced by mesmerising views across the coastline and the dreamy tree-framed river.

Prices