ROYALLY YOURS
ENJOY A BECKHAM-STYLE ROYAL WEDDING AT YOUR OWN PRIVATE IRISH CASTLE.
Grandeur and elegance are part of the initial impressions of Luttrellstown Castle. Located in a prime position in the lush Liffey Valley, just west of Dublin city, the historic castle is surrounded by a heavily wooded estate of over 560 acres. Offering unique, resort-style amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course, Luttrellstown Castle provides total peace and tranquility, and yet is only 20 minutes’ drive to the center of Dublin.
Offering an unrivalled, prestigious location, the decision to hire Luttrellstown Castle means all of its magnificent rooms are available on an exclusive basis regardless of the size of your function. The wedding venue of choice for power couple, Victoria and David Beckham in 1999, the couple personalized their fairy-tale event with golden throne chairs and a customized flag that flew above the castle after the recital of their vows.
From the moment you are welcomed inside the Castle’s impressive hallway until you depart as Mr. and Mrs., all services are provided discreetly and efficiently – never intruding on your enjoyment or privacy. Through their policy of total flexibility, your own tastes and special requirements are fully satisfied.
Luttrellstown takes its name from the Luttrells who held the estate for more than 300 years until it passed from the family in 1811. The exact age of the Castle is unknown, as it is almost impossible to separate the present structure from the earlier stronghold around which the famous Gothic façade is built. There is evidence to show that Sir Henry Luttrell seized the estate in 1436, during the reign of King John. The room known today as King John’s Room holds within its walls the medieval staircase leading down to the Van Stry Room. The Van Stry Room is frequently the setting for private entertaining and glittering society weddings, named after Franco-Dutch painter, Abraham Van Stry.
The architectural history of the Castle is highly complex, representing a progression from medieval stronghold to comfortable castle estate – going through various stages and culminating in a Gothic transformation that altered and unified the entire exterior. This romantic style, so fashionable in Britain and Ireland towards the end of the eighteenth century, gave the Castle its present appearance. Tudor Revival and nineteenth-century Gothic Revival features are also part of the Castle’s unique fabric. Under the ownership of a member of the famous Guinness family, the final phase of the Castle’s development took place in the 1910s and 1950s. During that time areas of the interior, particularly the Van Stry Room and the Kentian Room were ingeniously re-modeled using Baroque and Georgian idioms, which harmonize perfectly with the remainder of the interior scheme.
Over the years many notable personages have spent some time here. Queen Victoria was a guest in 1849 and 1900. Other distinguished visitors were the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks and Ronald Reagan. More recently Queen Magrethe II of Denmark, Paul Newman and the pop group REM have made themselves at home in the castle.
The prettiest walk within the 560-acre castle estate is the drive that winds upon the glen, under the rustic arch with its wishing seat, until it reaches the lake where there is a little Doric temple. From here the garden front comes into view which is an excellent composition in pasteboard Gothic, dating from the early years of the last century. Aileen Plunket, who lived here for over fifty years created an interior of great wonder and elegance, in a variety of styles, with the help of Felix Harbord, the English interior decorator, a pupil of Sir Albert Richardson, the architect. The dining room was perhaps his most successful accomplishment, with its lively plaster birds and painted ceiling by de Wit. The Grisaille Room contains an important series of grey and white panels in oil by de Gree representing “Mercury Introducing the Arts and History to Hibernia”. These were originally executed in 1788 for John Foster, the last Speaker of the Irish House of Commons.
Whether it’s a discreet intimate affair or a lavish celebration, the interior event rooms can cater for a maximum of up to 150 people. The grounds at Luttrellstown provide the perfect setting for a marquee featuring the historic Castle backdrop and the ability to accommodate well over 1,000 guests. Twelve exquisite bedrooms are available for the wedding party while in residence, and additional lodging is easily accessible just 20 minutes away in Dublin. All meals are totally personalized to your requirements using the finest local ingredients and can be enjoyed in a range of locations.
Outdoor pursuits at Luttrellstown include clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry, lawn games and golf. The 18-hole championship course is set amidst a landscape shaped by centuries. One of Ireland’s finest courses, it is renowned for its standards of care and maintenance. The perfect setting for a bachelor’s pre-wedding celebration, the par 72 course is not without its challenges. Featuring a magnificent Alpine Lodge clubhouse with views on all sides, the course is frequently chosen to host major national and international competitions.
A delightful, post-reception dinner venue is the Billiard Room, complete with a small bar. Each accommodation suite contains historic artifacts, antiques, paintings and four-poster beds to create a setting full of luxury and character. The Library is home to a large and very elegant Carlton writing desk. Walls are lined with a fascinating collection of leather bound antiquarian books. With soothing views out over the Castle lawns, this is a warm, intimate room, perfect for reading, contemplation and trying to memorize your wedding vows.
