Glin Castle

Neo-Classical Interiors Above the Shannon Estuary

Glin Castle looks over the River Shannon and the hills of County Clare. Its neo-classical interiors include an entrance hall with a screen of Corinthian pillars and a plaster ceiling, and five reception rooms filled with a collection of Irish eighteenth-century mahogany furniture. The library bookcase hides a secret door leading to the hall and a rare flying staircase. The dining room, with deep claret walls and baronial oak furniture, seats up to 35 and holds a gallery of former Knights; the light drawing room has six large windows facing the estuary, an elegant ceiling and a Bossi marble chimney piece. Open fires burn throughout.

The intimate castle wedding package accommodates groups of up to sixty-four, with more than 15 ensuite bedrooms for guests, each uniquely decorated. Drinks before dinner are taken in the drawing room, and traditional local musicians can play in the hall before dinner on request. The professional catering kitchen can provide for up to 50 people. Outside, the gardens have been created over generations: formal lawns, winding gravel walks bordered by ancient Killarney oaks, a stream, a meadow with spring bulbs and a nineteenth-century walled garden, all of which serve as a backdrop for wedding photographs. A team works with couples on the day.