April 21, 2026
Many of the attendees plan to be together through the following days: Saturday, May 30th - Dingle Meetup Sunday, May 31st - Dingle Pub Crawl For those that wish to join us in Dingle, please book your accommodations soon as this is a bank holiday weekend and Dingle is a small and popular town. There are many hotels and B&Bs in Dingle. Monday, June 1st - Rehearsal Dinner at Ballyseede Castle Tuesday, June 2nd - Wedding at Ballyseede Castle Wednesday, June 3rd - Recovery at Ballyseede Castle All are invited to join for any of these events. Many are interested in golf on the days following the wedding. If interested, please let us know and we can make introductions.
Rehearsal Dinner: Cocktail Attire Wedding: Formal Attire. Our bridesmaids will be in beautiful shades of green, so we’d love for our guests to choose other colors to help them shine on the big day!
Dinner will be provided at the rehearsal dinner. Following the wedding ceremony, please join us for cocktail hour with a selection of canapés and cocktails. A seated dinner will follow, with menu options available for you to choose once seated. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know when you RSVP on the website. For guests staying at the castle, breakfast is included with your stay and will be served from 8:00–10:00 AM.
While we have a large block at Ballyseede Castle, some may stay at the surrounding properties for the night of the rehearsal or for the night of the wedding. Our room block at the castle is larger for the night of the wedding than for the night of the rehearsal. Below is a list of recommended options: Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa: https://www.ballygarry.com/ Located within 5 minutes of the venue. The nearest hotel. Manor West Hotel in Tralee: https://www.manorwesthotel.ie/welcome-us/ Located within 10 minutes of the venue in Tralee. The Ashe Hotel in Tralee: https://www.theashehotel.ie/ Located within 15 minutes of the venue in Tralee.
There are some differences when booking accommodations in Ireland. Unless otherwise specified, most hotel rooms and B&Bs do not have air conditioning. Bed sizes and room types are also quite different to American terminology. See link below for a full description: https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/blog/hotels-in-ireland-what-to-expect
Yes, a valid passport is required to enter Ireland from the U.S. No visa is needed for stays under 90 days. If you plan to visit other EU nations, it is recommended you ensure there is 6 months of validity remaining on your passport.
Ireland has two primary airports, Dublin and Shannon. Dublin airport is a 3-4 hour drive from the wedding activities. Shannon airport is about a 1.5-2 hour drive away. When booking flights it is highly recommended to ensure adequate time between layovers as a delayed flight can remove an entire day from your time in Ireland.
The currency is the Euro. Credit cards are accepted everywhere across Ireland, as is Apple Pay. It is a good idea to have a small amount of cash for rural areas or small shops. There is no need to transfer US dollars to Euros in advance, we recommend going to an ATM once in Ireland. ATMs are extremely common and those away from tourist areas or airports generally have minimal fees. We recommend checking to confirm which of your credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. Keep in mind, not everywhere accepts American Express. Many establishments will ask you if you wish to pay in Euro or USD, we recommend always selecting Euro if using a credit card without foreign transaction fees, as selecting USD simply adds an exchange fee.
Tipping culture is much less strong in Ireland. It is typical to tip 10-15% for good service, ONLY when receiving table service. Service charges are often included so check your bill. Tipping at the pub is never expected. See the link below for further information: https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/tipping-in-ireland/
Many will prefer to rent a car while in Ireland. Most rentals are manual, so if you prefer an automatic be sure to specifically book one. Consider utilizing rental insurance through your credit card, if offered, as it can save a lot on the booking. Driving in Ireland is relatively easy, though roads can be extremely narrow. Do not hesitate to pull off and let people pass or to slow down and pull aside for oncoming traffic on narrow roads. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Ireland has a zero-tolerance policy, that is enforced with random checkpoints. There is also a robust public transportation system of buses and trains. Taxis are everywhere and always accept credit cards. Almost any establishment can hail a cab for you, even in rural areas.
Early June in Tralee offers a delightful mix of mild temperatures and extended daylight. Daytime highs typically reach around 61°F, with cooler evenings averaging 50°F. Rain is possible, with an average of 15 to 17 rainy days throughout the month, so it's wise to come prepared for occasional showers. Layers and a good rain jacket are your best friends. With up to 17 hours of daylight, June provides ample opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes; might want to pack a sleep mask to help block the 5am sunrise!
Before traveling, please check with your carrier about international plans. Many offer a per day international fee that provides uninterrupted coverage. You may also consider getting an eSIM or a local SIM card if needed. We highly recommend downloading WhatsApp, which allows you to text and call internationally without extra charges. Wi-Fi is available in almost every establishment. To avoid international data fees, you can activate airplane mode on your phone and then turn on Wi-Fi manually when internet access is available.
Yes! Ireland uses plug types G (UK-style), and the voltage is 230V. A travel adapter is necessary and there are many options on Amazon. Do not bring hairstyling tools (hair dryer/straightener/curling iron) or electric shaver (unless compatibility is confirmed) as they operate on different voltages. The hotels will have hairdryers, and there are many shops around to purchase other hairstyling tools if needed.
If you're traveling to Ireland from outside the EU, you may be eligible for a VAT (Value-Added Tax) refund on certain purchases made during your trip. This applies to goods like clothing, jewelry, and gifts — but not to services such as food, hotels, or car rentals. To qualify for a refund, you must spend at least €75 in a single transaction (including VAT). When shopping, ask the store if they participate in the VAT refund. If they do, they’ll provide you with a VAT refund form — they may also ask to see your passport. Be sure to keep the form and your receipt safe, as you’ll need both when you leave Ireland. At the airport, look for the VAT refund desk or kiosk after going through security. You’ll submit your completed form and receipts there — and in some cases, you may be asked to show the items you purchased. Refunds are usually issued to the card you used for the purchase. We recommend arriving at the airport with extra time, as the VAT refund process can take a little while.