The Venue
Schedule
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Ceremony and Reception
2:30 PM
We would LOVE everyone to join us for the entire celebration! So unfortunately, you have to sit through the ceremony. Sorry. We will keep it short and then the fun can begin soon after. Drinks, food, games, live music, and dancing. On repeat.
Smart casual, shirts and pretty outfits. Consider a jacket, it is Ireland after all.
Monday, May 27, 2024
Sea Swim
10:30 AM
A swim/ dip and walk along the beach at Old Head.
Day 2 (SDD) 🥂
2:00 PM
One day of celebrating is not enough. Thankfully, the Irish celebrate "day twos" AKA second day drinking. We needed very little encouragement to get on board with and respect this beautiful tradition. We will go for a morning sea dip at our favourite local beach, Old Head, before getting ready for the SDD party at the Quays pub. There will be nibbles and live music, and we will see where the night takes us. No pressure, not compulsory. Unless you meet Luke Wilkins who will force Jose on you.
Casual
To Be Announced
Shuttle coach 🚌
Campbell's is about a 10 minute drive from Westport centre. We will be organising a coach to shuttle from Westport to Campbell's. There will be a designated pick up spot in Westport centre and Westport quay. The coach will also take you back home from Campbell's to Westport at the end of the event, where you can continue the party in town if you wish!
Travel
Getting In
We recommend flying into Knock Airport. The trusty, world-class airline Ryan Air will be your best bet. Depending on which airport you are flying from, there may or may not be daily flights. Below is an overview of flight options to and from Knock (this is correct as of May 2023):
Manchester and Birmingham: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Liverpool, London Luton, Stansted: daily flights
East Midlands: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Edinburgh: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Bristol: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Once you arrive at Knock, it is about a 45 minute drive to Westport. You can hire a car or there is a bus directly from Knock Airport to Westport Centre. A taxi is an option but would potentially be quite pricey.
Another option is the ferry to Dublin. From Dublin, Westport is about a 3-3.5 hour drive away or there is a train. We (again, Laura) can assist you with travel plans as needed.
Accommodation
We recommend you stay in Westport town. There are two main areas to Westport: the centre or the quayside. We will be staying in Westport Centre. Within Westport centre, there are two main streets: James Street and Bridge Street, which is where the majority of pubs and restaurants are. There is a variety of accommodation in different price ranges, including a hostel, hotels, guest houses, and Air BnBs. Westport quays has a smaller selection of bars, restaurants and accommodation but also a lovely area to stay. The two areas are about a 30 minute walk away from each other.
We will be happy to advise and help you if you contact us directly. Please sort this ASAP to get the best options and deals, and save us all some stress!
Things to do
Croagh Patrick - a mountain hike for beautiful views across the bay
Beach walks - Old Head is a firm favourite. Brave a dip in the Atlantic!
A pub crawl - there are enough pubs to keep you going a long, long time. Our faves are: Matt Molloys, The Porterhouse (both with live music), and the Old Grainstore
Hire bikes and cycle the Green Way
Achill Island - beautiful scenery and where the 'Banshees of Inisherin' was filmed
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP ASAP, so we can help plan accommodation and venue arrangements :)
Are kids welcome?
Your choice! It won’t necessarily be a 'child friendly' wedding, but we recognise we are asking a lot of you to travel to Ireland for us. If your attendance depends on you bringing your child(ren), please bring them and they will be more than welcome and catered for. If you would like to leave them behind and feel freedom again, leave the little ‘darlings’ behind.
What will the weather be like?
This is the west coast of Ireland. The weather is unpredictable and can be wild. Please keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to the day but be mindful it can still change very quickly. A jacket may be wise.
Is there a gifts registry?
This is commonly said but genuinely, we do not want gifts. We know we are asking a lot from people to travel to Ireland, that for us, is our gift. However, should you still wish to contribute in some way, please donate to Cancer Research, a charity very close to our hearts. Donations there are much greatly needed ❤️ The just giving page is here: www.justgiving.com/page/simon-bennett-1714303595493
How shall I get to the venue?
We will be arranging coach transport from Westport. If you wish to drive, there is a small car park at the front.
What is the order of the day?
Arrival and ceremony timings will be confirmed nearer the time.
Wedding Party
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