Stacey Maxwell and Mike McNamara
22 October 2016
Location: Rosleague Manor House Hotel, Letterfrack
Photography by Owen Courtney
From the moment they were engaged, Stacey Maxwell and Mike McNamara had their hearts set on a Connemara wedding, but with Stacey being from Ennis and Mike from Cratloe, neither had a connection to Connemara. Both are avid foodies, so they began their search for wedding venues by evaluating establishments with customer reviews that raved about the food. They soon discovered Rosleague Manor House Hotel, which boasted nothing but five-star reviews regarding their menu and dining experience. Rosleague Manor is a lovingly converted Georgian house situated on thirty acres of secluded majestic Connemara woodlands along the shores of Letterfrack’s Ballinakill Bay. Set atop a stately hill, the main house overlooks a large grassy lawn with a commanding view of the bay and the nearby towering hills of Diamond and Tully. The beautiful setting, friendly service, and elegant cuisine have elevated Rosleague as a favourite respite for Connemara travellers year after year.
The cuisine at Rosleague is based on the freshest and finest of ingredients, with local seafood, Connemara Lamb, and herbs from the hotel’s private garden being specialities. ‘The hotel caters for small weddings of 80 to 100 people, which perfectly suited us,’ said Mike, who journeyed with Stacey to the wilds of Connemara in December to view the hotel. ‘The weather was wet and wild but we were immediately smitten by the panoramic sights along the drive out, notwithstanding the breathtaking views from the Rosleague grounds,’ continued Mike. The hotel was closed for the winter season but upon meeting the owner, Mark Foyle, and stepping inside the hotel doors, they imagined their wedding. ‘I envisioned it all warm and welcoming with sparkling lights, crackling fires, and cheerful laughter. We knew there was no better wedding venue than Rosleague,’ exclaimed Stacey.
‘From the outset, Mark was a pleasure to deal with,’ Mike continued. ‘He felt like a friend, and we had our full trust in any suggestions he made towards the wedding celebrations. The entire staff at the hotel were extremely helpful while still allowing privacy.’ Stacey added, ‘The atmosphere of the manor house, the stunning grounds, and the lovely food were every little girl’s dream for her big day. My only wish is that we could celebrate the day all over again—and at Rosleague, of course!’
—C—
Wedding Dress: Tracy Bridal & Evening Wear, Galway (www.tracybridal.com)
Hair: Fiona Boyle, Ennis
Make-Up: Bride
Groom’s Outfit: Tom Murphy Formal and Menswear, Cork
Flowers: Connemara Florist, Clifden (www.connemaraflorist.ie)
Cake: Fairy Queen, Shannon
Music: 4 Men & a Bass, Galway
Transport: Hollywood Film Cars – Sean Hall (www.hollywoodfilmcars.com)
Lodging: Rosleague Manor House Hotel (www.rosleague.com)
French Bulldog: Chopper (beloved pet of the bride and groom – may he rest in peace)