Situated on the shore of Lough Foyle, Redcastle Hotel is a popular choice with brides and grooms, and it isn’t hard to see why. In our series of interviews showcasing some of Ireland’s finest wedding venues, this month I caught up with Feleena at Redcastle Hotel to find out what exactly it is that sets this hotel apart from the rest. Plus, with a wealth of fantastic photo locations, I’ve rounded up my favourite spots at the hotel. 

Feleena, tell us about Redcastle Hotel? What makes the hotel a popular choice with couples for their wedding day?

Redcastle Hotel, Golf & Spa in County Donegal is a superb four star resort, nestled on the shores of Lough Foyle in Inishowen. Located at the tip of Donegal, Inishowen will simply take your breath away.  Redcastle Hotel offers 93 bedrooms and luxury suites, boasting ocean or parkland views. With its own private 9 hole golf course, outstanding restaurant and Thalasso therapy swimming pool, gym and luxury spa it offers the complete package to every guest. The Ocean Suite suits at the water’s edge with unrivalled panoramic views across Lough Foyle, making it a popular choice with brides and grooms for their wedding reception.

What makes the venue different from other hotels?

At the hotel, it is our promise to help fulfil your every wish and to look after your dreams. We really believe that we have the most romantic venue, the most exquisite food and the attention to detail you deserve for your day-of-all-days. Our function room with breathtaking views overlooking Lough Foyle not only makes our venue unique, it makes it perfect.

What wedding options are available at the venue? 

Whether it is a small, intimate gathering of friends and family or a lavish affair for 300 of your nearest and dearest we will give you all of our attention.

We have the experience of organising many beautiful civil ceremonies at the hotel and can assist you in the preparations for your special day. We are an officially approved and licensed venue for holding civil ceremonies and would be delighted to host your wedding from start to finish.

How do you ensure couples are delivered with the wedding of their dreams?

On your special day we have a highly experienced wedding team, who will manage the occasion seamlessly with their usual warm and professional service. Our online wedding portal will allow you to easily share the details of your wedding with your guests and watch the excitement build!

We will welcome you and your guests with drinks on arrival and for afterwards there are endless stunning spots where you can take photos. Whether you prefer a water’s-edge background or rolling parklands behind you, we have it all. Our wedding menus too are divine and will delight your guests.

We never ignore the details as these are what make for a smooth, hassle-free day allowing you to relax and enjoy. For what every bride and groom says is true – it will all be over too soon and each precious moment of the day should be savoured!

What tips would you offer couples to ensure a stress-free wedding?

It is all in the planning! Make use of those eager friends and family who are more than willing to help.

If it can be done one month before the wedding, then my advice would be to do it, as there are always last minute errands to run that you had not accounted for.

Again, we can’t stress it enough but you should relax, enjoy your day and savour every moment!

Finally, as you plan your wedding, our wedding coordinator will be with you each step of the way. We have the experience but we will only ever guide and never intrude.

Redcastle Hotel’s top wedding photo locations:

Quite simply there is no where quite like Redcastle Hotel on a good day. Nestled on the water’s edge and with expansive grounds which offer a range of backdrops you’ll be spoilt for choice. Check out just a few of my favourites:

There are so many amazing locations to shoot on the grounds and many couples choose to shoot all of their images there.

The lane on the way down to the hotel offers great coverage under the trees on one side and a good way to block out the sun on super sunny days on the other side on the golf course.

The front door is a nice spot!

The helipad and around the woods to the left of the hotel are beautiful.

The golf course to the right of the hotel looks amazing.

A couple of minutes walk from there will bring you to a little harbour with gorgeous woods and backdrops of the hotel and water.

And of course the Terrace is a must for couples getting married there.

Some couples choose to get ready in the hotel, it’s a great backdrop for photos.

And Redcastle Hotel is great from civil ceremonies too.

If it rains, which it never does in Ireland, ahem, the inside of the hotel works really well for capturing wedding images.

The nearby pub in Redcastle will open early for you if the guys want some fun shots before the service.

A lot of couples choose to get married at the near by church, St Columba’s in Drung…I’m a huge fan of the blue door and the views from there are amazing.

Near the hotel is a private house, White Castle which has stunning landscaped gardens.

And in Moville there’s another private house with incredible sea views and an amazing variety of backdrops.

And you’re spoilt for choice with amazing beeches a short drive away.

Kinnego is a secluded beach which looks amazing.

Shrove Beach offers views of the beach and the light house.

This beach is near Moville and is very quiet with rocks and grasses.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to having your wedding reception at Redcastle Hotel. I love shooting there, so if you’re getting married at Redcastle Hotel please drop me a line! Happy wedding planning!