Andrea & John

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Andrea & John
August 22, 2026
Virginia Park Lodge, County Cavan, Ireland
We're so happy you're here. This page has everything you need to plan your trip to Ireland.

The Venue

Virginia Park Lodge, County Cavan

Our wedding will be held at Virginia Park Lodge, an 18th-century hunting estate set across 100 acres of countryside in County Cavan, about 90 minutes north of Dublin. The estate overlooks Lough Ramor and Deerpark Forest, with walking trails, a nine-hole golf course, gardens that supply the kitchen, and a lake for swimming and kayaking.

The lodge was restored by Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan with a focus on self-sufficiency and sustainability. The food is sourced from the estate's own walled garden and the surrounding countryside. We've rented the entire property for the weekend, so the estate will be all ours.

If you can make it this August, we promise farm-to-table meals, good craic, and a trip to Ireland you won't forget.

The Weekend

A few days in the Irish countryside

Friday, August 21

Arrival Day
1–3 PM
Welcome lunch at Row Wines, Dublin
A casual gathering for out-of-town guests.
Evening
Free time to explore Dublin or get to bed early (no judgment, we know you just flew across an ocean)

Saturday, August 22

Wedding Day
12:30 PM
Meet the bus at The Merrion or Trinity Townhouse
Your pickup point is in your email. It's about a 1.5-hour drive, so a good time to do your one thing before you arrive if you haven't yet.
By 2:30 PM
Arrive at Virginia Park Lodge
Bus and non-bus guests both. Rooms won't be ready before the ceremony, so please arrive dressed for the celebration.
3:00 PM
Wedding ceremony
Afternoon
Drinks reception & celebrations
Evening
Dinner & dancing
Late night
The party continues
Late-night Tayto crisp sandwiches with Brennan's bread & Kerrygold. Trust us.

Sunday, August 23

For those staying the weekend
9–11 AM
Breakfast on the estate
Midday
Activities around the estate - hiking, swimming in the lake, golf, games, art, poetry, and music
A summery afternoon of magic and adventures across the estate - drift between them, linger where you like. Bring an instrument if you play.
2:00 PM
Tea & cake
4–6 PM
BBQ dinner and Irish trad music

Monday, August 24

Departure
Morning
Checkout & departure - bus back to Dublin or the airport

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Travel & Accommodation

Getting here and where to stay

Where to Stay

Thursday / Friday in Dublin: If you booked a Dublin hotel through us, your confirmation is in your email. Any questions, ask in the WhatsApp group.

Saturday / Sunday at the estate: We've reserved the entire estate for the weekend, and you're invited to stay both nights. Virginia Park Lodge has a range of accommodation across the grounds - the main house has 23 en-suite bedrooms, and the estate also has courtyard cottages (great for families), shepherd's huts nestled in a wildflower grove, and cabins in the woods.

Getting to the venue

A group bus runs from Dublin on Saturday. Meet at 12:30 at The Merrion or Trinity Townhouse - your pickup point is in your email. Any questions, ask in the WhatsApp group. It's about a 1.5-hour drive, and buses run back to Dublin on Monday morning.

Come dressed for the ceremony - rooms won't be ready until after. Renting a car? It's about 90 minutes from Dublin with plenty of parking, and remember they drive on the left. Use the WhatsApp group to sort carpooling.

Passports

US citizens need a valid passport to enter Ireland (no visa required for stays under 90 days). Make sure yours won't expire within 6 months of travel.

While You're in Ireland

Some things we love - take what's useful, ignore the rest

Many of you are visiting Ireland for the first time. We've been splitting our time between Dublin and the US, and these are a few of our favorites. Our not-so-secret hope is that you fall in love with the place - we're keeping a house here and would love any excuse for you to come back.

We'll also share a Google Maps list of our Dublin favorites.

Dublin - Cultural Highlights

Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College (book in advance) - then pop across the street to the Aran Sweater Market (a bit touristy, but nice quality).

Sea salt ice cream at Murphy's (made in Dingle) → Irish Design Shop around the corner → Cornucopia if you're hungry (vegetarian, California vibes).

Guinness Storehouse - award-winning tour, incredible views from the top floor.

Jameson Bow St. Distillery (Smithfield) - learn the difference between Irish whiskey and American bourbon.

Pubs & Traditional Music

Grogan's - where we first met. A proper Dublin pub.

The Cobblestone (Smithfield) - small pub, all locals playing trad, near the Luas stop. If you're lucky, you might spot someone you know on stage.

Devitts (Camden Street) - great trad music upstairs.

Whelan's - real Irish music beyond trad (Radiohead tribute bands and the like).

John Kavanagh "The Gravediggers" - allegedly the best Guinness in the world. Attached to Glasnevin Cemetery & the Botanical Gardens, which are worth a visit too.

Eating & Drinking

The Shelbourne Hotel - for a traditional Irish breakfast.

Fumbally (Dublin 8) - like a fancy Tartine. Great coffee and pastries, lovely brunch.

BAMBINO - hot pep hot honey pizza slice.

Pickle - fancy Indian food. Locals are obsessed.

Patisserie 2212 - try the Irish chocolate biscuit cake.

Harry's Nut Butter - Irish brand. Try the hazelnut or spicy truffles.

Barry's vs. Lyons - pick up both at any supermarket and decide which side you're on. (We're team Barry's.)

Beyond Dublin

If you have extra days, Ireland is a stunning country for a road trip. A few ideas:

West Cork - gorgeous coastline, small towns, great food scene.

Ring of Kerry - the classic scenic drive.

Cliffs of Moher - dramatic and worth the trip.

Belfast Black Cab Tour (Northern Ireland) - a fascinating and moving way to learn about the Troubles. Highly recommended. Note: Northern Ireland is part of the UK, but US citizens don't need a separate visa - your passport is all you need.

McNally's Farm - our favorite farm in Ireland. Seasonal organic produce, a fun brunch spot. Check hours - they're often closed early in the week.

The Irish Road Trip has great route suggestions for every timeframe.

We hope this is the first of many trips. We'll be here - come visit anytime.

Questions & Answers

The things you're probably wondering

What should I wear?

Our Saturday ceremony is 'Formal Summer Cocktail' in earth tones - think warm naturals - greens, beiges, dusty rose, and black (full palette here). We're leaning elevated: floor-length or midi dresses, jumpsuits, jackets, or suits. That said, it's summer and a shorter dress is all good, so please don't feel you need to buy anything new. Bring layers for the evening, since the Irish countryside cools down after dark.

Sunday is relaxed - no dress code. Wear whatever's comfortable for walks in the Irish countryside.

What's my wedding homework?

Before you travel, please listen to this 50-minute conversation between John O'Donohue and Krista Tippett on the inner landscape of beauty. Extra credit: the extended version.

Can I bring my kids?

Kids are welcome at the ceremony. Saturday dinner is adults only, with group childminders on hand in a cozy room with food and entertainment, so parents can enjoy the evening. Sunday is relaxed and kid-friendly. If you'd prefer a private childminder, ask in the WhatsApp group and we'll help arrange that. The courtyard cottages on the estate work well for families.

What's the weather like?

August is one of the warmest months in Ireland, and "warm" is relative. Expect highs around 18°C (64°F), occasional rain, and long evenings with light until after 9pm. Pack a rain jacket.

What should I pack?

  • Umbrella and a rain jacket. It's Ireland.
  • Swimsuit. The lake is for swimming.
  • Wedges or block heels for the celebration. The ceremony is outdoors on grass and gravel.
  • Flats for dancing. Saturday goes until the wee hours.
  • Layers for Saturday evening. The countryside cools off after dark.
  • An instrument, if you play. Sunday afternoon is for music.
  • Passport, valid at least 6 months past travel.

Do I need to rent a car?

No - we're providing a bus to and from the venue. If you do rent a car to explore Ireland before or after, there's plenty of parking at the estate. Remember: they drive on the left here.

Can I stay for the whole weekend?

Yes, and we hope you do. We've got some surprises planned for Sunday.

What about currency?

Ireland uses the Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and it's good to have a small amount of cash on hand. Let your bank know you're traveling.

Will there be a registry?

Honestly, your presence is the gift - having you with us in Ireland is more than enough, and we're so grateful. We know some people feel more comfortable with a registry, so for anyone who'd like one, we've set up a couple: our Amazon registry and our Heath Ceramics registry. And of course, our Irish guests may prefer to follow tradition with an envelope on the day. No matter what, please don't feel any obligation. Your presence this summer is a gift.

I have dietary restrictions - what should I do?

Please let us know in the RSVP survey and we'll make sure you're taken care of.

How can I connect with other guests?

Join the wedding WhatsApp group. It's the best way to reach us on the day, sort carpooling, plan Ireland adventures, and ask the planning team anything time-sensitive. Please join before you travel.

RSVP

We'd love to know you're coming.

RSVP