Flight
The closest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB) it's about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cabra Castle by car. Direct flights are available daily from JFK and Newark. We recommend arriving a day or two early to adjust to the time difference (and explore a little!)
Rental Car
• Rent a Car Renting a car is the easiest and most flexible option, especially if you’d like to explore Ireland before or after the wedding. There’s plenty of parking at the venue. Driving in Ireland means driving on the left side of the road. Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes via the M1 or N2. Rent a car from one of the car rental desks in the Arrivals Halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport or save time by booking a car in advance online on the Dublin Airport website. • Book a Private Car or Chauffeur For a stress-free arrival, consider booking a private transfer or chauffeur service in advance. These services will pick you up directly from the airport and bring you straight to Cabra Castle. Available to book on the Dublin Airport website. Large vehicles and minibuses are available for large groups. These offer return services also. Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes • Airport Taxis (Not Recommended for Long Distance) While you can take a regular taxi from the airport, it's not the most reliable for long-distance travel. Many taxis prefer to stay local, and fares can be high. Heads up: Always confirm the fare and ask if tolls are included Not all drivers are willing to go this far so booking ahead is safer. • Train or Bus + Taxi (Budget Options) If you're not driving and want to keep costs low, you can take a bus or train part of the way and finish with a local taxi. Note: these routes take longer and involve transfers. Option 1: Bus Bus from Dublin Airport → Carrickmacross (via Bus Éireann) Then take a taxi (15 minutes) to Cabra Castle Total time: 2.5–3 hours Budget-friendly, but not as convenient with luggage Option 2: Train Train from Dublin Connolly Station → Dundalk Taxi from Dundalk to Cabra Castle (30 minutes) Total time: 1.5–2 hours If you need help coordinating rides or want to link up with other guests, let us know, we’re happy to help!
Hotel
•Cabra Castle Our wedding venue and top pick for guests! Set on stunning grounds just outside Kingscourt, Cabra Castle is a fairytale 18th-century castle offering luxurious rooms, sweeping views, and old-world charm. With a beautiful restaurant, cozy bar, and plenty of spots to explore on the estate, it’s the perfect place to stay for the full experience. Rooms do book up quickly, so we recommend reserving early! •The Shirley Arms Hotel Located right in the heart of Carrickmacross, the Shirley Arms is a stylish 4-star hotel with modern rooms, a popular restaurant, and a lively bar. It’s a great choice for guests who want to stay close to shops, cafés, and everything the town has to offer. Known for its comfort, great food, and friendly service, it’s a convenient and elegant base for the wedding weekend. This hotel is only a 15 minute drive to Cabra Castle. •Riverbank Country Pub & Guesthouse Just a 10-minute drive from Carrickmacross, The Riverbank is a charming countryside guesthouse set on the banks of the River Glyde. With cozy rooms, beautiful views, and a warm, welcoming pub and restaurant on site, it’s a lovely option for guests looking for a more peaceful stay.
Travel Note
Don’t forget your passport! No visa required for U.S. tourists staying under 90 days Ireland uses Type G plugs so bring an adapter! The weather is famously unpredictable. Pack a light rain jacket, even in summer. Ireland uses the Euro (€). Most places accept credit/debit cards (tap is super common), but it’s handy to have some cash for small shops, pubs, and taxis. American Express is not widely accepted. In rural Ireland, Uber doesn’t really exist. Taxis are old-school and need to be booked in advance, especially at night. Uber is available in Dublin and other large cities.