Frequently Asked Questions Weddings

How many people can Rathsallagh accommodate overnight?

We have 39 rooms at Rathsallagh, 33 in the House, and 6 in the 2 Gate Lodges. Some have twin Queen beds and extra beds can also be put in, so the House alone could accommodate up to 90+ guests. (from March 2017). There are approximately 45 beds in 10 B&B’s within a ten mile radius catering for a further 90+ guests.

 

Do I have to fill all of the rooms?

No. The requirement is that the client will ensure occupancy of a minimum number of rooms which is dictated by the Wedding package chosen.,.  The minimum number of rooms is exclusive of   any complimentary rooms that can be part of the various packages.  We allow three Single occupancy rooms at a reduced rate . All other single occupancy rooms are then charged at the full rate.

 

Is it difficult to fill the accommodation?

Our experience is that this is not difficult at all. In fact we normally have a waiting list even for the smallest of weddings.  At the end of the day your guests will want the convenience of staying on location, and the general attraction of Rathsallagh makes it an easy proposition.

 

Is breakfast included in the overnight rate?

Yes, our buffet breakfast is included for all guests staying in Rathsallagh ( House & Lodges ) . Rathsallagh has won the National Breakfast Awards a record four times so breakfast is an experience in itself. Also our breakfast room can accommodate all overnight together, no queuing for a table.

 

May I bring in my own wine?

Yes, in cases where couples supply their own wine, a corkage fee of €15.00 per bottle applies.   The same corkage applies for Prosecco and Champagne . It is worth noting that the wines served for weddings at Rathsallagh are from the same list as our fine dining wine list. In addition Rathsallagh has a retained sommelier who selects our wine for us. If you have any specific requirements, please talk to us directly.

 

If I bring my own wine, how much will you take off the package price?

For those packages with wine included, we will reduce the package price by €6 per head when you bring in your own wine.

 

May we serve our own wine after the banquet all through the night?

No, you can bring your own Wine  / Prosecco and Champagne for serving at the reception and the meal.  Serving of your own wine must end after the meal.

 

What is the minimum number of guests?

Each package has a minimum number of guests applicable depending on the day of the week. The relevant numbers are outlined for each package.  However please do not think that your wedding is too small for Rathsallagh.  We are always delighted to sit down with you and see if we can facilitate smaller numbers / budgets at other times during the week.

 

What is the recommended length of time for a drinks reception?

The majority of weddings allow approximately two hours for the drinks reception.

 

Where is the drinks reception held?

You can have you drinks reception in the main House or weather permitting in the walled garden or in font of the House on the lawn.

 

Where is the main banquet held?

We have two options for you, Rathsallagh’s  Fine Dining room ( max 120 guests ) or our Pavilion ( max 250 guests ) , It is entirely up to you and depending on your numbers as to which room you would like.

 

What time are guests called to dinner?

Guests are usually called to dinner at approximately 5.30pm with view to announcing the entrance of the Couple at 6pm.  However Rathsallagh is exclusively yours for the day,  we are only catering for you so we can move times around to suit you.

 

Do you have any additional services other than those outlined in the brochure?

We have a number of other upgrade items and additional services that can be provided.  Again Rathsallagh is yours for the big day , so you can  decide what you want to add to your chosen package to customise your own wedding to your own taste.

 

Is a menu tasting included in the package? 

A complimentary Wedding Menu Tasting is included in the package.   In advnace of the tasting you will choose 2 Starters, 2 Main Courses and 2 Desserts .  Please note tastings are strictly for the couple getting married only , it is not possibel to have other guests dine with you on the tasting day. 

 

May I have a choice on my menu?

As we cook all meat to order, we would normally recommend a silent option of a vegetarian dish and a fish dish on your menu.   In the event that you want to offer a choice to your guests then this can be arranged for an additional fee

 

Can I upgrade elements of the menu?

For example, can I upgrade the beef option to fillet steak?

Yes. A supplementary fee will apply, but it can be easily arranged.

 

Can I take elements from other packages and add them to an existing package?

Generally speaking we will do our best to accommodate your specific requirements. The first step will be for us to understand your requirements and from that we can guide you on what can be done.

 

How much does it cost to upgrade to a canapés reception?

We have two options here.  A four choice canapés selection for €6 per person and a six choice for €9 per person. We recommend that you only need to allow sufficient canapés for 50% of your guest list.

 

How much does it cost to include scones, preserves and cream at my drinks reception?

At Rathsallagh Country House we are delighted to serve you and your guests complimentary scones, preserves and cream tea & Coffee at the reception.

 

When I place a provisional booking, how long have I got before I’m expected to firm up the booking with a deposit?

We expect that you confirm your booking with a deposit within 7 days of placing your provisional booking.

 

What time does the bar close at?

The bar stays open until 3am. However we do not require you to vacate the dining room /wedding pavilion until 4.00am .  At that stage the party can move back into the House bar area, although it will not be serving drinks you can bring any leftover drinks from the Pavilion with you.

 

What are your check in and check out times?

Check in is after 4pm. Check out is 11.00am. We can facilitate early check in for the bride for onsite civil ceremonies and local church weddings,. Please ask us for details.

 

 What time is breakfast served?

Breakfast is served between 7.30am and 10.30am in the dining room.

 

If I change my mind, can I get my deposit back?

The deposit is non-refundable.  However at Rathsallagh once your deposit is paid you will receive automatic and complimentary wedding insurance.  Although this will not cover a change of mind, it will cover other eventualities. Please ask us as to what cover is provided ,.

 

Will there be another wedding on at Rathsallagh at the same time?

No, you have exclusive use of Rathsallagh House and its grounds during your wedding, except where otherwise agreed.

 

Can I stay in the venue the night before, or the day after? What are my options?

We have special packages available for exclusive use of Rathsallagh the day before or the day after you wedding which are applicable Sunday to Thursday only.   If you do not require exclave use the day before or after, but wish to stay on site you will need to guarantee a minimum of 15 rooms at the time of making your booking. Again nonexclusive use is available Sunday to Thursday only.  It is possible to take a chance that we will have availability the night before or the night after your wedding as we will release dates not booked for a private event for general sale from 3 to 4 months out.

 

Can non-resident guests of the wedding party join us for breakfast .

Yes ,  we feel it’s so important to have your family and friends around you the following day so you can share your experiences of the day before.  Accordingly guests staying in B&B’s and other local Hotels etc can join you for breakfast the morning after for €15 per person.

 

Is there a Church nearby?

There are a number of churches of different denominations in the vicinity of Rathsallagh.  Please ask our wedding team for a list of those Churches and contact details

 

What do we need to do to have our civil ceremony wedding at Rathsallagh?

Our Wedding team have years of experience of civil marriages before the law changed to allow them to take place outside of a registry office and after.  We will be happy to provide you with all the information you need and to guide you through the process.

 

What is the maximum number of people we can have at our civil ceremony?

The Walled Garden or the Grannery Civil Ceremony room at Rathsallagh can accommodate 200 +  guests. We have an onsite civil ceremony fee of €500 . Remember you will also have registrar fees.

 

How long does the civil ceremony last?

This really depends on your requirements, but on average a civil ceremony takes 25 minutes.

 

What prices apply to Bank Holiday Sundays & Christmas week ?

Saturday prices are applied to Sundays on a bank holiday weekend and during Christmas week. 

 

What prices and minimum numbers apply to Christmas week and New Years Eve?

Peak season Saturday prices and minimum numbers apply to Christmas week. For New Years Eve, the price is the same as the peak season Saturday price and minimum numbers are 150.

 

Do you provide any on line Wedding planning tools?

Yes once your first deposit is paid we give you access to Moposa which’s an awesome on line wedding planning application with some unique ideas which will inspire the look of your wedding. It also has clever tools to simplify the tricky bits for you and a special wedding web site to share information and memories with your loved ones.