On a spectacular summer day, I had the privilege of photographing Nicole and Darragh’s wedding at Kilkea Castle, one of Ireland’s most storied and stunning wedding venues. This wasn’t the first time I’d worked with Nicole’s family — I’d photographed her brother’s wedding years earlier, so being asked back to shoot Nicole’s own wedding meant a great deal. I’d also photographed Nicole and Darragh’s engagement shoot on a summer’s evening at St Anne’s Park in Dollymount, Dublin, so by the time their wedding day arrived, I already knew them well. That connection made the whole day feel different — less like working for clients, more like being surrounded by friends.

The Celebrations Begin

Kilkea Castle’s foundations date back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest castles in Ireland — a living piece of history that has evolved into one of the country’s premier wedding venues. The blend of ancient architecture and modern comfort makes it a genuinely special choice for couples who want both charm and ease on their big day.

Getting Ready

The morning began within the castle’s walls, where Nicole and her bridal party got ready surrounded by Kilkea’s period features and soft natural light — a properly photogenic setting to start the day.

The Ceremony and a Sunny Afternoon

Nicole and Darragh exchanged their vows at S.S. Mary & Laurence Church in Crookstown, a beautiful and quietly charming setting not far from the castle. Afterwards, everyone made their way back to Kilkea Castle to continue the celebrations. It turned into a properly hot day, and guests spilled out onto the castle’s beautiful lawns to soak up the sunshine before the dinner bell rang — exactly the relaxed, joyful atmosphere that makes a summer wedding here so special.

Why Couples Choose Kilkea Castle

For couples weighing up their options, Kilkea Castle offers a genuinely rare combination: spectacular scenery, centuries of history, and the kind of facilities that mean nothing is left wanting. Its expansive lawns and historic halls work equally well for a grand, all-out celebration or something quieter and more intimate — it flexes to suit the couple rather than the other way around.

Capturing The Day

Photographing at Kilkea Castle is always a highlight of my year, and having already known Nicole and Darragh made this one even more enjoyable. There was a natural, easy joy running through the whole day — genuine laughter, spontaneous moments on the sun-soaked lawns, and a festive energy as evening set in — all captured in the relaxed, documentary style I always aim for.

A Day To Remember

As the light softened into evening, the atmosphere turned properly romantic — the kind of golden-hour glow that Kilkea Castle does so well. Nicole and Darragh, surrounded by family and friends old and new to me, celebrated long into the night against one of Ireland’s most beautiful backdrops.

For a couple I already felt so connected to, this day was something special to be part of — and it’s exactly the kind of connection I hope for with every couple I photograph, from proposal to wedding day and beyond.

If you’re considering Kilkea Castle for your own wedding — or you’re an engaged couple planning your day for 2027 or later — I’d love to hear from you. With over 16 years photographing weddings across Ireland, I understand how much choosing the right photographer matters.

My approach is all about capturing genuine moments as they naturally unfold — the emotions, the small details, the atmosphere that makes your day distinctly yours. If you’d like to check availability or learn more about my packages, get in touch.

A white wedding dress with lace details hangs from a curtain rod in a bedroom with beige walls and curtains, next to a bed with a white headboard and lamp on the nightstand.

A pair of blue high-heeled sandals with ankle straps placed on a light wooden floor near white fabric.

A collection of makeup items including an eyeshadow palette, false eyelashes, a compact, and other cosmetics are displayed on a surface.

A wooden table with a lamp, wedding accessories including high-heeled shoes, jewelry, perfume, a small flower arrangement, and a clutch bag.

A group of people are in a dimly lit living room, with some seated and others standing. One person appears to be getting their makeup done. There are balloons floating in the room.

An open wedding card with an illustration of two teddy bears and the text: "On Our Wedding Day. A celebration of our love is here now, a day to make promises together, I'm yours forever now.

A woman is placing makeup on another woman who has hair curlers in and is wearing a light robe, seated in front of a window with sheer curtains.

A woman sits in a chair facing a mirror while stylists work on her hair. Various hair products and tools are on the table in front of her.

A man standing in front of a large window adjusts his tie while looking slightly upward.

A man in formal attire adjusts his waistcoat while standing in a bedroom with an unmade bed in the background.

A person adjusting the buttons on a black vest over a white dress shirt, wearing a smart watch on their left wrist.

A man in a tuxedo stands outdoors near a large green tree and reads from a piece of paper. A stone building with large windows is visible in the background.

Five men in formal wear walk outdoors on a grassy area, holding beverages. Trees and buildings are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Two men in formal attire stand in front of a mirror, adjusting their bow ties. One man smiles in the reflection while the other looks on.

Four men in suits and bow ties indoors, with one man adjusting another's cufflink. The men are wearing sunglasses and appear to be dressed for a formal event.

Two women apply makeup and style hair for two seated women in a brightly lit room.

A woman with styled hair sits in front of a vanity mirror, having her hair done by a person holding a curling iron. Two bottles of hair products are seen on the vanity table.

A bride stands in a room by a window, with three women to her left and one woman adjusting her dress to her right. The women on the left wear dresses, and the woman on the right is kneeling.

A bride is adjusting her dress in front of a window while five women, including bridesmaids in pink dresses, look on in a hotel room.

A bride stands near a window while four women in formal attire stand together, with three in matching pink dresses and one in a blue dress, all smiling and looking at the camera.

A bride in a white wedding gown smiles while sitting and adjusting her shoe in a room with a striped chair, a wooden table, and a vase of flowers.

A bride in a white lace dress adjusts her light blue heeled sandal while sitting on a patterned rug.

A man in a suit stands beside a vintage vehicle marked "Mon-Plaisir". A sign on a gate reads "NOTICE: Persons using car park at foot of this gate do so at their own risk.

A church interior with rows of pews, an altar, and stained glass windows. The ceiling is arched and decorated, and religious statues are positioned around the sanctuary.

Four men in black suits and bow ties stand side by side in front of a stone building with a wooden door, decorated with white flowers.

A group of people, including elderly women and men, are standing outdoors, some smiling and one woman holding a phone. They appear to be attending an event.

A group of people, dressed in formal attire, are gathered outdoors. A woman in a blue floral dress and white jacket is holding up a phone, seemingly taking a photo.

A stone church with a large circular stained glass window seen from below, framed by the branches and leaves of a nearby tree under a partly cloudy sky.

Four men in formal attire smiling and talking outdoors, with one wearing sunglasses. Trees and greenery are visible in the background.

A group of people socializing outdoors, with two individuals hugging in the center. The scene takes place near a stone building.

A vintage bus labeled "IR & M Chauffeurs" is parked outdoors near a stone building. In the foreground, there are blurred white flowers.

A woman in a pink dress steps out of a vintage vehicle, assisted by an older man. Additional passengers can be seen inside the vehicle, which is parked beside a stone building.

Three women in mauve dresses stand in front of a wooden door, holding flower bouquets, flanked by floral arrangements.

A vintage black car is parked on a paved road surrounded by greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

A bride and an older man in formal attire sit together inside a car, with the bride holding a bouquet and both smiling.

A bride in a white gown and silver heels steps out of a vintage car with the help of two attendants dressed in dark attire. Trees and greenery are visible in the background.

A smiling bride in a white gown and a man in a black tuxedo stand side by side in front of a wooden door, with floral arrangements on either side.

A bride holding a bouquet walks down the aisle of a church, accompanied by an older man. Bridesmaids and guests in formal attire watch.

A bride holding a bouquet wipes a tear as she approaches the groom at the altar in a church ceremony, surrounded by groomsmen and onlookers.

A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony. The bride's father shakes hands with the groom. Guests are seated and standing in the background.

A bride, dressed in a white gown and veil, smiles while seated next to the groom in a church setting. Flowers and decorations are visible in the background.

View from the rear of a large congregation attending a church service in a spacious, ornate church interior with stained glass windows, arched ceilings, and wooden pews.

A group of bridesmaids in identical dresses sit in a church pew holding bouquets, with seated guests visible in the background.

A bride sits at the altar in a church while a priest in a golden robe reads from a lectern. The church is adorned with religious icons and stained glass.

A bride listens to a clergy member holding a book during a wedding ceremony, while a bridesmaid wearing a pink dress watches.

A group of people, dressed formally, are seated in wooden pews inside a church. The focus is on a woman in blue smiling at a man holding a young boy while a young girl stands nearby.

A couple stands facing each other, holding hands, in a church as a priest in a gold vestment officiates their wedding ceremony, holding a microphone towards the bride.

A group of people, including bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits, stand in a church during a wedding ceremony.

A bride in a white dress and tiara smiles at the groom in a dark suit, sitting together indoors.

Two boys in suits interact playfully during a formal gathering while adults stand around them.

A bride and groom exit a stone church through an arched doorway adorned with floral arrangements. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white gown; the groom is in a dark suit.

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black suit share a kiss under a stone arch adorned with floral arrangements at the entrance of a building.

Group of people conversing outside a stone building. One woman, dressed in a green outfit and a white fascinator, is smiling and wearing sunglasses. Two men are wearing suits and one man has sunglasses on.

Two men in suits stand together, smiling, near a vintage car in a garden setting with trees and a stone bench in the background. Other people and greenery can be seen in the periphery.

A group of men in formal attire, including suits and ties, are having a conversation outdoors at a social gathering. Stone buildings are visible in the background.

A bride in a white dress interacts with two older women at an outdoor wedding venue. Several other guests are seen in the background near stone buildings.

Two elderly women conversing and smiling outside a stone building. One wears a blue dress, the other a patterned blouse.

A stone castle with multiple towers and battlements is surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky. A driveway leads up to the entrance, flanked by manicured hedges.

Two vintage black cars are parked on a gravel driveway in front of a garden and stone buildings on a bright day. The closer car is centered, while the other is parked further back near an archway.

A bride and groom wearing sunglasses sit together in the backseat of a vehicle, smiling and holding hands. The bride is in a white dress, and the groom is in a patterned suit and black bow tie.

A bride steps out of a vintage car assisted by a chauffeur, while a bearded man in sunglasses looks on. The car is parked on a gravel driveway with greenery in the background.

A person carries a tray filled with glasses of champagne, all filled to similar levels, likely at a social event.

A bride and groom stand in front of a large stone castle entrance. The bride is in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet, and the groom is in a black suit.

A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of flowers, standing in front of a large black arched door set into a stone wall with a lantern on the right side.

A bride and groom stand in front of a historic castle with two vintage cars parked nearby. An Irish flag flies atop the castle.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit walk hand in hand on a gravel path near a large stone castle.

A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand through a garden, with a historic stone castle and wedding guests in the background.

A bride and groom hold hands while walking on a manicured lawn with a historic stone building in the background.

A bride and groom holding hands and walking outdoors, dressed in their wedding attire with a historic building and greenery in the background.

A couple in wedding attire shares an intimate moment outdoors beside a stone wall surrounded by greenery.

A bride and groom stand closely together, smiling at each other, surrounded by greenery and foliage.

A bride and groom standing together in front of a stone wall and leafy trees, holding hands, with the groom in a dark suit and the bride in a white dress and veil.

A bride and groom stand together in front of a stone wall with trees and greenery in the background. The bride wears a white gown with a long veil, and the groom wears a dark suit with a bow tie.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit walk hand in hand along a stone path beside a garden.

A bride and groom hold hands and face each other outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery and hanging branches. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom is dressed in a dark suit.

A man with a beard and dark hair stands outdoors in a garden, wearing a navy blue tuxedo with a white dress shirt and black bowtie. He is standing under green, leafy branches near a stone structure.

A bride and groom stand together outdoors near a stone wall, surrounded by lush greenery including trees, bushes, and flowers.

A bride in a white gown with a long train, adorned with lace and a veil, stands alone facing a large tree in a garden setting with stone walls.

A bride in a white dress stands outdoors near a stone wall, holding her bouquet and looking away. The scene is in black and white.

A stone castle with a tall main tower and smaller side structures sits on a well-maintained lawn. Visitors are gathered near the entrance. The sky is partly cloudy.

Two women sit on the ground in front of a stone wall. One wears a white wedding dress, the other a pink dress holding a bouquet. They appear to be laughing together.

Three children, two boys and a girl, dressed in formal attire, are running along a gravel path in a garden with lush greenery.

A man in a suit smiles and holds a pint of beer. Two women in pink dresses are holding flower bouquets in the background. They are outdoors in a garden setting.

A bride in a white dress stands outdoors with three women in matching lavender dresses, all holding bouquets of flowers and smiling. Trees and a stone wall are in the background.

A group of eight men in formal attire, wearing black tuxedos, stand outdoors on grass, with trees visible in the background. Some men are laughing and interacting with each other.

A stone castle with a central tower stands in the background, surrounded by neatly manicured gardens with people walking and sitting on the grass. The sky is partly cloudy.

Three people stand together outdoors in formal attire, with greenery and a garden landscape in the background. The two women are on the left and the man on the right are smiling at the camera.

A man in a white shirt and pink tie stands next to a woman in a beige dress. They are outdoors with green trees in the background. Both are smiling and the woman has sunglasses on her head.

A woman in a pink dress adjusts the bow tie of a man in a suit at an outdoor gathering. Several other people in formal attire are socializing in the background.

Three-tiered wedding cake; bottom tier brown with wood texture, top two tiers white. Decorated with orange and peach roses. Set against a stone wall with roses around the cake base.

A long, elegantly set dining table with white tablecloth, glassware, plates, cutlery, and flower arrangements in a decorated room.

Elegant banquet hall with stone walls, adorned chandeliers, and round tables set with white linens, gold chairs, and table centerpieces. The room is prepped for a formal event or reception.

A framed wedding program titled "In Celebration of Nicole & Darragh" lists the date, May 7th, 2022, and names of family members. Floral decorations are visible in the background.

A group of men, most dressed in formal attire including suits and dress shirts, engage in conversation outside a stone building. One man in the center, wearing a suit and bow tie, smiles broadly.

A group of people, including a man in a tuxedo and several women in pink dresses, socialize outdoors near a stone building. One woman holds a baby, and a large umbrella provides shade.

A group of people, some smiling and chatting, stands outdoors under an umbrella at a social gathering. There are drinks and items on the table in front of them. Stone walls are in the background.

Two women stand outdoors laughing at an event, with a stone wall in the background. One woman wears a pink dress, and the other wears sunglasses and a dark outfit. Other people are visible in the background.

A group of people, some standing and some seated, socializing outdoors. A woman in a red dress is smiling and holding a drink, surrounded by other guests in casual and formal attire.

People dressed in formal attire are gathered. The man in focus is wearing a navy suit with a patterned tie. Blurred individuals and medieval armor are visible in the background.

A woman holding a baby, standing and talking to another person in an outdoor setting. There are people gathered in the background near a stone wall with arched openings.

Two women, one in a pink dress and the other in a black top, engaged in conversation at an informal outdoor gathering with other people in the background.

A man holding a drink and a woman wearing sunglasses are standing at an event, with blurred people in the foreground.

A group of people are engaged in conversation outside in front of a stone wall, holding drinks in their hands. One woman with red hair is speaking and gesturing with her left hand.

Six people are standing on a grassy garden lawn, dressed in semi-formal attire, smiling and holding drinks. The background features a stone wall, manicured shrubs, and a cloudy sky.

An older woman in a white blouse stands outdoors, holding a wine glass and smiling while gesturing with her other hand. She is wearing a blue watch and earrings. Lush greenery and a stone fence are in the background.

A group of people gather outside a large stone castle beneath a cloudy sky.

A group of elderly people are sitting and talking outdoors in a garden with well-manicured hedges. One woman is gesturing with her hands, while a man beside her holds a bottle. Sunny weather.

A group of people socializing outdoors at a gathering. Some are seated, others are standing, and drinks are being held. The background shows greenery and a sunny atmosphere.

A formally set dining table features neatly arranged cutlery, plates, glasses, a cloth napkin, and a floral-accented place card in the center.

A two-tiered wedding cake on a wooden table against a stone wall, with a candelabra and floral arrangements in the foreground.

A bride and groom cut into a four-tiered wedding cake, adorned with flowers, in front of a stone wall. They are dressed in wedding attire, with candles and flowers decorating the table.

A bride and groom stand in front of a large stone castle with crenellations. The scene is in black and white.

A couple dressed in wedding attire walk hand in hand on a pathway in front of a large stone castle flying a flag during their Kilkea Castle Wedding

A bride and groom smile and hold hands as they walk through a reception hall, surrounded by applauding guests. The bride wears a detailed white gown and the groom is dressed in a dark suit.

A group of well-dressed people standing and clapping in a banquet hall, some taking photos, with chandeliers and tables set with food and drinks in the background.

A man in a tuxedo gives a speech with a microphone at a formal event. An older woman in blue and a younger woman in white sit at a table adorned with flowers, listening to him.

A man in a suit speaks into a microphone at a banquet table adorned with flowers, while four seated women listen attentively, during a formal event in a decorated venue.

Guests sitting at round tables during an indoor event, with one man holding up his phone to take a picture or video. Candles and drinks are on the tables, and people are dressed formally.

A woman in a blue dress smiles and looks at a man in a suit speaking into a microphone at a long table decorated with flowers and candles during a formal event.

Guests seated at tables attentively listening during a formal event in an elegant room with chandeliers and candle holders.

People are seated at tables, engaged in conversation and dining at a formal event with candelabras as centerpieces and a bar in the background.

A group of people sits at a formal event, with a woman in an orange blazer and white top laughing prominently in the foreground. There are several tables and chandeliers in the background.

A man in a suit gives a speech with a microphone at a formal event. Several people are seated at a long table, listening attentively. The setting features a stone wall and elegant table arrangements.

A woman covers her face while laughing, seated at a decorated table with flowers and candles. Other guests, including an older man standing and speaking into a microphone, and another woman are also present.

A man in a tuxedo stands and speaks into a microphone at a long dining table, while multiple guests, including a smiling bride and groom, watch and laugh in a stone-walled room.

Four women, three in pink dresses and one in blue, stand together holding glasses and a microphone. One woman is speaking or singing while another has both hands raised. They appear to be at a celebration.

A bride sits beside a groom, listening attentively to a speech being given by a person holding a microphone, during a formal event in a room with a stone wall.

A group of people dressed in formal attire are seated at a banquet table, engaging in conversation. One woman, standing, is speaking to a seated woman wearing a tiara. Stone wall in the background.

A man in a suit delivers a speech at a wedding reception. Seated at the table are a bride in a tiara, an older man in glasses, and other guests.

A man in a tuxedo holds a microphone and paper, speaking and smiling at a formal event with others seated at a decorated table against a stone wall background.

A group of people sits at a decorated table during a formal event. The woman in the center is laughing, and the others appear to be enjoying themselves. The background is a stone wall.

A bride and groom share their first dance at their wedding reception in a dimly lit venue with a live band performing on stage in the background.

A couple dances together in a dimly lit room, surrounded by onlookers. The bride wears a white gown and the groom wears a dark suit. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm light.

A bride and groom share their first dance at a wedding reception, with guests watching in the background. Stage lights and a DJ setup are visible.

A bride and an older man dance in a dimly lit room with a live band performing on stage. Onlookers in festive attire stand around watching.

A bride and an older man dance together in a warmly lit room, with onlookers and a band in the background. The bride's back features a tattoo of three birds.

A woman in a pink dress smiles and dances with a man in a white shirt at a lively event with chandeliers and other people dancing in the background.

A group of people are dancing and hugging at an indoor event with dim lighting. One woman in a pink dress and another in a red dress are hugging in the foreground.

People, including children, dancing energetically at a wedding reception with chandeliers and dim lighting in the background.

People are dancing at an indoor event with a live band playing in the background; a man and woman stand together in the foreground.

An older man in a suit dances at an indoor event, with other people and a live band visible in the background. A young child and another person are nearby.

A couple, with the woman in a red dress and the man in a light gray suit, dance closely in a crowded, chandelier-lit ballroom, while other guests dance and socialize around them.

People dancing in a dimly lit room with chandeliers. Some individuals are in formal attire, including a man in a white shirt and a woman in a blue polka-dot dress.

People are dancing energetically at a lively indoor party with dim lighting and chandeliers.

People are dancing at a formal event with chandeliers above. A woman with red hair is embracing a man in a grey suit at the center. Other attendees are seen conversing and dancing around them.

A woman in a red dress is dancing at a lively event with live music. Other people are around, enjoying the party atmosphere. Decorative lights and a sign reading "Circus" are visible in the background.

A man sings into a microphone on stage at a performance venue, wearing a white shirt and black vest. There is musical equipment and a drum set in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kilkea Castle?
Kilkea Castle is in County Kildare, Ireland, with foundations dating back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest castles in the country and a striking setting for a wedding.

Do couples marry on-site at Kilkea Castle, or nearby?
Both are common. Nicole and Darragh held their ceremony at S.S. Mary & Laurence Church in Crookstown, close to the castle, before returning to Kilkea Castle for the reception and celebrations.

What’s the atmosphere like at a summer wedding at Kilkea Castle?
Relaxed and sun-filled — on a warm day, guests naturally spill out onto the castle’s lawns between the ceremony and dinner, giving the whole afternoon an easy, celebratory feel.

Can Kilkea Castle handle both large and intimate weddings?
Yes — its expansive lawns and historic halls work well for a big celebration, but the castle’s character also suits a smaller, more intimate wedding just as easily.

What photography style suits a wedding at Kilkea Castle?
A natural, documentary approach works particularly well — the castle’s grounds and light give plenty of opportunity for genuine, unposed moments rather than heavily staged photos.

Do you photograph engagement shoots as well as weddings?
Yes — I photographed Nicole and Darragh’s engagement shoot at St Anne’s Park in Dublin before their wedding, and I love being able to follow a couple’s story from proposal through to their big day.