A castle is the ultimate fairytale wedding location.

A magical backdrop for photographs, those old walls represent a timeless grandeur and romance that’s almost impossible to replicate these days.

If you’re seeking a dream wedding venue with the best of old and new, however, you might want to check out Carrigacunna Castle, one of the most exclusive estates in Ireland and a welcome new addition to the wedding venue selection in Cork.

Just 40 minutes from Cork city, Carrigacunna Castle’s restored medieval tower-house and Manor are dramatically perched on 50 acres of private woodland on the banks of the Blackwater River.

You’ve probably never heard of it. It’s so exclusive that it is only made available for events a handful of times in any calendar year, but for the lucky few, weddings at Carrigacunna Castle are an intimate affair.

The vast property becomes your own private country house to use as you see fit, with all accommodation between the house with apartment, pool complex, courtyard, outbuildings, gate lodge and castle included.

You can play lords and ladies for an enchanted weekend, with six bedrooms for your nearest and dearest to enjoy for the duration of your event or start your honeymoon early by enjoying the beautiful rooms and gorgeous manicured garden as a twosome before you tie the knot.

The panoramic views stretch over the valley to the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains to the north and the Nagle mountains to the south. Ancient trees and magnificent rhododendrons surround the original house, which was built around 1750 and extended in 1826 and again in 2003.

Inside, expect 18th and 19th-century Georgian architecture enhanced by 21st-century additions: a games room where everyone can gather in the afternoon, a swimming pool and sauna where your guests can enjoy a dip and a snooze in a sun lounger the morning after your party.

There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained during the daytime too; you can spend an afternoon trout and salmon fishing with the property’s private ghillie or take off into the countryside on mountain bikes for some fresh air.

Archery, hiking, bee-keeping, gardening, croquet, bird and small game hunting, canoeing, swimming, billiards, foos-ball and trap shooting are all available – ideal for making some extra wedding memories.

As the sun sets on your second day, you can sit by the fire pit for drinks with family and friends and make use of the professional Weber barbecue while enjoying the stunning scenery.

Whether you’ve had to postpone your big day because of Covid-19 restrictions or you’ve been celebrating a lockdown proposal, Carrigacunna could be the perfect place to start building your plans.

Email info@carrigacunnacastle.ie for further details on available dates for 2020 and 2021 or visit the website here.