In 2025, the European Union had originally planned a two-step launch in certain countries of a new border management system with the first step being EES and the second step being ETIAS. Fortunately, the implementation of these new requirements has been delayed to October 2025, and Ireland will not be subject to either step.
You will also need a valid passport. Your passport cannot be expiring within the six months following your travel. So, if your passport will expire before January 19, 2026- you will need an updated passport! If you plan to travel elsewhere outside of Ireland we encourage you to research any potential new requirements. Specifically for those traveling to the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales), you will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Please see the following website for more details: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-april-2025/
The dress code for our wedding is black-tie optional. Ladies should feel comfortable to wear full-length gowns, below the knee dresses, or pant suits. Please feel free to wear fun colors and prints! For the gentlemen, either a tuxedo or suit is requested.
Ireland in July is typically in the 60s. However, a hot summer day is not out of the question... Neither is a rainstorm! Though, we've heard "Raaainnn on your wedding day" is lucky! Who would've thought... it figures.
Both the ceremony and reception will be indoors. As long as the weather is okay, Ballintubber Abbey has a beautiful outdoor area that will be great for taking pictures before and after the wedding mass. The Castlecourt hotel also has an outdoor patio that may be used throughout the cocktail hour and reception!
While we love your little ones, we want you to relax and enjoy the day. We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home so you can celebrate with us! Additionally, the reception venue has strict rules regarding children, and we don't want anyone to be in trouble!
There will be bus transportation provided throughout the weekend, both for our golfing event guests and between the Castlecourt Hotel and Ballintubber Abbey on the day of the ceremony. Please see the 'Schedule' tab above for further details on bus departure times. All other events will be within a short walking distance from the Castlecourt!
When ordering drinks at the pubs around Westport, we would recommend that you do not order a "Car Bomb." The bartenders might not know what that is and if they do, it is possible that they will not find it funny. Just best practice to avoid potentially offending anyone. If you really want that drink, you can refer to it as an "Irish Slammer." Similarly, if you want to order a "Black and Tan," it will be called a "Half and Half" in Ireland.