Markree Castle Exclusive Hire / Fantasy Rehearsal Dinner

Irish Dancers Performance & TRAD Dispute

Before the dinner, guests wandered freely through the elegant halls and inter-linked dining rooms of Markree Castle, taking in the historic details and river views. The castle bar quickly became the central hub—costumed guests mingled, laughed, and posed for photos before moving to the dining room.

As the fantasy-themed dinner concluded, the celebration flowed into the evening’s next highlight. The Reel Girls opened the floor with a high-energy performance, and soon after TRAD Dispute took over for a fully interactive céilí. Led by a charismatic caller, the three-piece band guided everyone—elves and fairytale characters included—through reels, jigs, and circle dances.

What makes an Irish céilí so special is how it connects people. Whether seasoned dancers or complete beginners, guests couldn’t resist joining in. The sound of fiddle, accordion, and guitar filled the Grand Hall (with piano), carrying through the castle and pairing perfectly with the joy of the night. For couples wanting a truly Irish touch to their Markree Castle wedding, an interactive band like this is pure magic.

Fantasy-Themed Rehearsal Dinner

Once guests had gathered in the dining room, the atmosphere shifted into a world of imagination. Long tables were set for an intimate yet vibrant evening, the candlelight reflecting off crystal glasses and highlighting the details of the fantasy-inspired décor. Costumed guests—elves, fairytale royalty, and whimsical characters—filled the room with colour and laughter. You can see more of these unique moments in the Markree Castle wedding gallery.

The dinner began with heartfelt toasts, the clinking of glasses echoing through the historic space. Between courses, guests wandered between tables, greeting friends and taking photos in their costumes, adding to the atmosphere captured in the full Markree Castle collection. The energy was relaxed yet full of anticipation for what was to come.

As dessert was served, musicians in the adjoining space began to prepare for the next stage of the evening. The meal closed with a final round of applause for the hosts, and, almost naturally, the celebration moved towards the live performances. Guests followed the sound of music and laughter, ready to continue the night’s festivities.

Return to the Grand Hall

After an unforgettable session in the vaulted basement—with its dance floor, twin bars, and cozy drawing rooms—the party relocated gracefully upstairs to the Grand Hall. This act of return felt like ascending into a fairytale itself: the warm glow from the piano area, the elegant lounge ambiance, and the subtle hum of conversation greeted guests like a familiar embrace. You can see more from this magical space in the Markree Castle wedding gallery.

Upon arrival in the Grand Hall, couples paused to savor the moment beneath its vaulted ceiling and ornate décor. The piano provided a gentle soundtrack to late-night conversations, and the hidden bar offered final drinks under soft lighting. Tall windows framed views of the gardens and grounds, reminding everyone of the castle’s timeless beauty even as the evening wound down. It was the perfect scene to draw the night’s magic to a close — and a moment forever preserved in the full Markree Castle collection.

Markree Castle isn’t just breathtaking in photos — it’s a venue that flows naturally from one experience to the next. From an intimate rehearsal dinner in the dining room to a lively ceilí in the vaulted basement, and finally a relaxed late-night gathering in the Grand Hall, every space plays its part in creating memories. For couples seeking a venue that combines history, flexibility, and unforgettable atmosphere, Markree Castle is one of Ireland’s true hidden gems.

And this was only the beginning. The following day brought their wedding ceremony and a whole new chapter of celebrations at Markree Castle. Stay tuned — soon I’ll be sharing the full story and photographs from that unforgettable day.

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• Markree Castle Wedding Gallery – Browse our complete photo collections from different seasons and lighting conditions.
• Markree Castle Wedding by a Dublin Wedding Photographer – Elegant portraits, candid moments, and timeless castle backdrops.
• Markree Castle Wedding Slideshow – A cinematic highlight of a real castle wedding in Ireland.
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About Me

Hello, I’m Wojciech, a wedding photographer based in Sligo, Ireland. I specialise in capturing authentic, emotional moments in a documentary style, telling the story of your day through natural and timeless images. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings in some of Ireland’s most beautiful locations, including the iconic Markree Castle.

My approach is simple: blend into the day, observe, and be ready to capture fleeting moments as they happen. Whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, my goal is to create photographs that feel alive every time you look at them.

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll often find me exploring Ireland’s coastline, spending time with my family, or planning the next shoot. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels as natural as it is unforgettable, I’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch to start planning your story.

Testimonials

Wojciech captured exactly the emotional moments at Markree Castle — the photos are authentic, cinematic, and full of life.
— Muireann & Alex

Working with Wojciech was effortless. He guided us through the best spots in Markree, capturing every emotion with beautiful photojournalism. The results? Pure magic.
— Bernadette & Tomas

Our fairy-tale rehearsal dinner at Markree came alive through Wojciech’s lens. His calm storytelling and guidance brought every detail into focus.
— Lynne & Javier