Wedding Guide
Escape to natural beauty, breathe in tranquillity, and indulge in luxury at our idyllic lakeside destination
CROVER HOUSE
"An Extraordinary Location For Your Unforgettable Experience" Welcome to Crover House, a Georgian manor house with over 260 years of history. We're honoured to continue this legacy and create cherished memories for you and your loved ones. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our team will work closely with you to exceed your expectations and deliver an extraordinary experience with unparalleled service, warmth, and attention to detail. Our commitment to adaptability ensures that every aspect of your special day will be executed flawlessly, leaving no stone unturned. At Crover House, our team is the driving force behind everything we do. We welcome guests from all over the world and love nothing more than seeing them return as part of our extended family. We invite you to come and breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the breathtaking views of Lough Sheelin, and create memories that last a lifetime.
The O'Reilly Family
CONTENTS Welcome
04
Our Story
06
Our Setting
08
Your Experience
10
Blushing Skies
12
Moody Blue
14
Christmas
16
An Intimate Affair
18
Menu Options
20
Your Ceremony
34
Styling Suite
36
Stay a While
38
Accommodation
40
Activities
42
Frequently Asked Questions
46
01 OUR STORY
A TIMELINE OF OUR HISTORY
The first part of Crover House was constructed in 1759 by Reverend James Henry Maxwell, Dean of Kilmore. He later became the Bishop of Meath.
It has been suggested that the present Crover House was built in 1867 by Henry Maxwell, seventh Baron Farnham, whose wife was Anna Frances, daughter of Lord Le Despencer. The Maxwell family (and in particular, the head of the family, Lord Farnham) were the biggest landowners and political power brokers in Cavan. They were one of the largest landowners in Ireland.
The Gage family were similar in activities to the Phibbs family and also rode to the hunt.
1759
1863
1867 1928 1935 1943
1951
Tenancy of the house continued in the Cumming family when Thomas was succeeded by Robert prior to 1863. The next tenant was Colonel Cumming about 1896. Colonel Edward William Cumming and his wife Julia lived in the house until their deaths. Both are buried on the grounds of St. Paul’s Church in Ballyjamesduff. George W. Frazer became the tenant. At this time, the property was described as an embracing house and office together with 71 acres, 1 road and 9 perches with a rateable valuation of £84.10. The Phibbs family farmed the land with an emphasis on equine activities.
Crover House was bought by Major Harbin, a British army officer, who carried on building and farming the land. His wife was a member of the Duc De Stackpoole Family.
1955
Crover and the land attached to it was then bought by Vincent Matthews and his wife Anita in 1955. They transformed it into a hotel in 1957, and sold and rented some of the land. Over the years, Vincent built on to the hotel. The hotel consisted of fourteen bedrooms, kitchen, a ballroom and two bars (the Front Bar and the Boat Bar). The first Wedding that ever took place in Crover House was Majo and Cecil Kiernan on December 28th 1957.
1992 2021 Neill and Angela O'Reilly take the reigns from father Connie O'Reilly.
The O’Reilly family bought Crover House in 1992. The family also own a collection of international businesses, including restaurants and hotel bars in New York City and the Gold Coast of Long Island.
02 OUR SETTING
OUR SETTING
A LAKESIDE ESCAPE
At Crover House, we offer the perfect setting for your special day. Our unique Arley Suite offers breathtaking views of the lake and can accommodate up to 320 guests, while the beautiful Georgian-style Ashley and Courtney Suites are perfect for more intimate celebrations with each suite having a capacity for up to 25 guests. We are licensed to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships; there are also several nearby churches for those seeking a more traditional wedding. Our luxury accommodation includes 44 charmingly-appointed bedrooms, and our dedicated team of professionals will attend to your every wish during your stay. With 41 acres of stunning Irish countryside and forestry, Crover House provides a breathtaking and picturesque backdrop for your wedding celebrations.
03 YOUR EXPERIENCE
YOUR EXPERIENCE
LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE
At Crover House, we appreciate the thought and effort couples put into designing a wedding day that truly reflects their unique style and personality. To assist with this, we've created an experience tailored to our couples' needs, taking care of countless details so you can relax and enjoy every moment. UPON ARRIVAL Elegance and sophistication from the moment you arrive, with our red carpet paving the way for an unforgettable day Use of our wedding post box to securely store cards LET THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN A complimentary bottle of bubbles awaits PICTURE-PERFECT BACKDROP Capture unforgettable memories in our picture-perfect gardens, expertly designed to provide the most stunning photo opportunities LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION Enjoy an overnight stay in our Sheelin Suite on your wedding night Two complimentary guest bedrooms
04 BLUSHING SKIES
BLUSHING SKIES
SPRING SUMMER
DRINKS RECEPTION Exclusive use of our cocktail bar or dedicated outdoor area with "Phibbs Horse Box" Choose two options from our drinks menu, allowing one arrival drink per guest Indulge in the perfect mocktail of your choice from our house menu Wow your guests with our delicious food stalls! Choose from our menu options Gelato with a choice of 3 flavours Tea and coffee WEDDING BANQUET Four-course dinner with choice of starter and main course Half a bottle of house wine per person Personalised printed menus, table plan and table numbers Select your perfect table centrepiece from our venue-style lookbook EVENING RECEPTION As the sun sets, our outdoor fire pits create a cosy atmosphere for a night of fun Indulge in two of your favourite late-night treats from our supper menu Tea and coffee PRICING Weekday
Price
Minimum numbers
Sunday - Thursday
€89
120
Friday and Saturday
€99
150
Available: April, May, June, July, August and September
05 MOODY BLUE
MOODY BLUE
AUTUMN WINTER
DRINKS RECEPTION Enjoy exclusive use of our cocktail bar or dedicated outdoor area Guests can enjoy one complimentary drink per person from our bubble wall or beer boat Indulge in the perfect mocktail of your choice from our house menu Savour the perfect afternoon tea reception Hot chocolate stall featuring marshmallows, cream and a selection of toppings Tea and coffee WEDDING BANQUET Four-course dinner with choice of starter and main course Half a bottle of house wine per person Personalised printed menus, table plans and table numbers A glass of bubbles to toast served during speeches Select your perfect table centrepiece from our venue-style lookbook Top table styled with pillar, taper and tea light candles for a romantic ambience EVENING RECEPTION As the sun sets, our outdoor fire pits create a cosy atmosphere for a night of fun Indulge in two of your favourite late-night treats from our supper menu Tea and coffee PRICING Weekday
Price
Minimum numbers
Sunday - Thursday
€79
120
Friday and Saturday
€89
140
Available: October, November, January, February and March
06 CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
A TOUCH OF SPARKLE
DRINKS RECEPTION Enjoy exclusive use of our cocktail bar or dedicated outdoor area Choose two options from our drinks menu, allowing one arrival drink per guest Indulge in the perfect mocktail of your choice from our house menu Christmas-themed food stalls! Choose your preferred options from our menu Hot chocolate stall featuring marshmallows, cream and a selection of toppings Tea and coffee WEDDING BANQUET Four-course dinner with choice of starter and main course Half a bottle of house wine per person Personalised printed menus, table plans and table numbers A glass of bubbles to toast served during speeches Christmas-themed centrepiece from our venue-style lookbook Top table styled with pillar, taper and tea light candles for a romantic ambience EVENING RECEPTION As the sun sets, our outdoor fire pits create a cosy atmosphere for a night of fun Indulge in two of your favourite late-night treats from our supper menu Tea and coffee PRICING Weekday
Price
Minimum numbers
Sunday - Thursday
€79
120
Friday and Saturday
€89
140
Available: December, * Friday and Saturday prices apply to Christmas week
07 AN INTIMATE AFFAIR
CHRISTMAS
MID-WEEK
AN INTIMATE AFFAIR
DRINKS RECEPTION Enjoy exclusive use of our cocktail bar or dedicated outdoor area Guests can enjoy one complimentary drink per person from our bubble wall or beer boat Indulge in the perfect mocktail of your choice from our house menu Savour the perfect afternoon tea reception Tea and coffee WEDDING BANQUET Four-course dinner with choice of starter and main course Half a bottle of house wine per person Raise a toast with a glass of bubbles for speeches Personalised printed menus, table plans and table numbers Select your perfect table centrepiece from our venue-style lookbook The top table is styled with pillar, taper and tea light candles for a romantic ambience EVENING RECEPTION As the sun sets, our outdoor fire pits create a cosy atmosphere for a night of fun Indulge in two of your favourite late-night treats from our supper menu Tea and coffee PRICING Weekday
Price
Minimum numbers
Monday - Wednesday
€69
100
Available throughout the year, excludes bank holidays and Christmas week
08 MENU OPTIONS
EAT AND DRINK
BE HAPPY
ARRIVAL DRINKS Discover an exceptional array of beverage options for couples who desire the perfect drinks reception. Our head bartender has personally curated a remarkable array of menu options, ensuring that every taste is catered to. At the heart of our service lies the understanding that each couple is unique, and we are more than happy to discuss additional options should you have something else in mind. OUR FOOD Indulge in a seasonally-inspired menu by our talented head chef, who takes pride in incorporating only the freshest ingredients. Our sample menu offers a glimpse into the delightful culinary experience that awaits. Our unwavering dedication to creating options that delight our clients drives us to develop new concepts and stay abreast of current trends.
BEER BOAT
let´s drink.
Coors light, Heineken, Heineken Zero, Corona, Orchard Theives ON DRAFT Heineken, Guinness (supplement applies) GINS STALL Connacht Distillery gin, add your mixer of choice, garnish, and enjoy THE BUBBLE WALL Dazzle your guests with our wall display of fizzing flutes! COCKTAILS Connacht Kill Unique gin cocktail made with Connacht Distillery gin, locally sourced jam and honey, sugar syrup, and lime citrus, served over ice Porn Star Martini A sweet and sour mix of vanilla vodka, passion fruit, and a hint of sparkle served with a shot of bubbles on the side Old fashioned A classic cocktail made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters, served with a twist of orange zest and a maraschino cherry MOCKTAILS Peach Tea This mocktail combines brewed peach tea with a splash of sparkling water and a touch of honey for sweetness Berry Bliss Refreshing mocktail made with mixed berries, fresh mint leaves, and a splash of lemon juice, all muddled together and topped with soda water Cucumber Cooler A light and refreshing mocktail is made with fresh cucumber juice, lime juice, and a splash of soda water
sweet spot.
GELATO ICE CREAM Our gelato ice cream stall is a delightful addition to any summer event and will surely please guests of all ages. We will serve a selection of homemade ice creams in luxurious cones. Choose three options from the following:Salted caramel Raspberry ripple Classic Vanilla Oreo Lemon sorbet Raspberry sorbet
HOT CHOCOLATE Our creamy artisan hot chocolate stall is perfect for those who love rich and creamy hot chocolate complete with flavours and toppings:Flavours: Chocolate, Hazelnut, Peppermint, Orange Toppings: Cream, Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips Christmas edition: Coole Swan for the adults
*Choose from charcuterie or tapas boards, canapés or afternoon tea. CHARCUTERIE Indulge in our charcuterie board, featuring a mouth-watering selection of artisanal meats and cheeses, including sliced chorizo and parma ham, accompanied by savoury kalamata olives. Our board also boasts
let´s eat.
creamy French brie and manchego cheese with a touch of spice from Mexicana cheese. To complete your culinary journey, we offer a selection of biscuits and grapes, providing the perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours. TAPAS BOARDS Select 3 from the following options:Prawns pil pil on sourdough crostini Stuffed mussels baked with garlic crust Croquettes with ham infused bechamel Spanish tortilla with onion and potato Meatballs in lightly spiced tomato Baby potatoes roasted with herb salsa CANAPÉS Select two from the following options:Brie balls with panko breadcrumbs and cranberry sauce Mini potato skins stuffed with chilli and cheese glaze Mini tartlets with smoked Salmon and chive or leek and ham Chicken skewers with creamy satay sauce Mini sliders on mini brioche with bacon, cheese, and Ballymaloe relish (supplement applies) AFTERNOON TEA Indulge in our freshly baked mini scones with jam and cream, and savour the delicate flavours of our delightful macaroons. Our sandwiches are made fresh and include a variety of classic fillings to satisfy every palate.
STARTERS Fricassee of chicken and wild mushroom, white wine cream sauce on puff pastry Chicken caesar salad, baby gem, smoked bacon, ciabatta crouton, parmesan shavings
dining.
Maple syrup and apple juice braised pork belly, baked apple and wholegrain mustard sauce Roast Mediterranean vegetable tart, baby buffalo mozzarella, red chard and rocket with balsamic and pesto Goats cheese crouton, chilli and red onion chutney and mixed leaf Crisp fish cake of salmon, smoked haddock and cod, scented with lime and lemongrass, cucumber and yoghurt dressing Smoked chicken breast, purple quinoa, pomegranate, rocket and vegetable straws Crover House salad, baby leaves with salted pumpkins seeds, quinoa and orange segments peppered mackerel, smoked salmon or crisp shrimp (choose one option) SOUPS, SORBET Cream of roasted vegetable soup lemon thyme yoghurt Cream of butternut squash soup Roast vine-ripened tomato and roasted red pepper soup Cream of roasted courgette mildly scented with turmeric Passion fruit sorbet Limoncello sorbet
MAINS Prime slow roast striploin of beef, sherry jus, creamed potato and Yorkshire pudding
dining.
Pan fried fillet steak (8oz), caramelised shallot and stuffed portobello mushroom (supplement €12.50) Traditional roast half duckling cherry and star anise, whiskey glaze and roast potato Rump of lamb slow-roasted with garlic and rosemary, cream potato and rich roast gravy Supreme of chicken wild mushroom cream, smoked pancetta crisp and roast parsnip Baked fillet of organic salmon grilled, green asparagus and champagne cream Fillet of hake with light herb crust roast courgette, and white wine sauce marinated turkey crown, honey glazed vanillascented DESSERTS Apple and rhubarb crumble with vanilla scented ice cream Glazed lemon and basil tart Chocolate and pecan nut brownie Vanilla crème brûlée with raspberries White chocolate and raspberry meringue roulate, creme anglasise Seasonal medley of desserts: chefs choice
LATE NIGHT BITES
supper.
Choose two options from the following: Cheese Table Selection of 3 kinds of cheese, homemade house chutney, cheese biscuits, bread and honey Supper Bowls Choose one from the following options: Chicken curry and rice Curried cheese chips Crover spice bag Cones Cocktail sausages with skinny fries Popcorn chicken and chips with chilli mayo Gourmet burger Quarter pounder topped with bacon and cheese (supplement €2 per person) Beef and pork belly burger, red pepper relish, streaky bacon topped with cheese (supplement €4 per person) Sandwiches Selection of sandwiches (supplement €2 per person)
09 YOUR CEREMONY
CEREMONY
YOUR WAY
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and at Crover House, we want to make it even more special. Choose from our range of ceremony options, including Civil Ceremonies, Civil Partnerships, Humanist Ceremonies, and Blessings, all set in our stunning Lakeview suite with panoramic views of Lough Sheelin. Our beautiful outdoor areas, including the terrace, lakeside, and forest, offer the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day. For those who prefer a traditional church ceremony, we can recommend a variety of churches of different denominations nearby. Roman Catholic Church members may choose from St Bridgits Church Oldcastle or St Bridgits Catholic Church Mount Nugent, while Church of Ireland members may opt for St Brides Church in Oldcastle.
10 STYLING SUITE
GET READY
IN STYLE
We understand your big day's importance, so we've created the perfect setting to take away all the stress of getting organised at home. Our warm and inviting space is designed specifically for weddings, with comfortable seating and plenty of natural light. We provide everything you need to start your morning; from coffee to bubbles and delicious breakfast options to suit everyone's taste and dietary preferences. You'll feel pampered and relaxed, enjoying the company of your loved ones as you prepare for your big day. INCLUDED Private use of our luxurious styling suite A designated team member to look after you throughout the morning Bottle of bubbles Unlimited tea, coffee and water A delicious wedding breakfast for up to 10 guests PRICE €499 for up to 10 guests Additional guests can be added at €35 per person
11 STAY AWHILE
STAY A WHILE
EXTEND YOUR CELEBRATIONS
REHEARSAL DINNER OR DAY AFTER CELEBRATION Looking for a way to extend the celebrations? The day before or after presents a fantastic opportunity to relax and have fun with your loved ones. At Crover House, we offer a range of options to help you extend your wedding celebrations in style. Buffet or BBQ to include two options served with seasonal salads and fresh bread Two dessert options Acoustic session performed in cocktail bar for 2 hours Late evening food option served at 11 pm ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS We do require that a minimum of 20 bedrooms are taken on the second night. PRICING Weekday
Price
Minimum No.
Sunday - Thursday
€45
50
11 ACCOMMODATION
RELAX
UNWIND
Welcome to Crover House, a timeless Georgian manor house creating cherished memories for over 260 years! Our elegant yet modern interiors and stunning views of Lough Sheelin will provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. Our experienced staff, luxurious amenities and exquisite cuisine will ensure your wedding is one to remember. From the moment you arrive, you will be surrounded by the beauty and romance of our lakeside setting, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let us help you make your wedding day unforgettable at Crover House. ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Contact your wedding planner for an up-to-date list of alternative accommodations.
11 ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
ELEVATE YOUR STAY
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of County Cavan, Crover House offers a picture-perfect destination with an array of activities for your guests to indulge in. With breathtaking views of Lough Sheelin, our guests can unwind and rejuvenate as they take leisurely strolls or invigorating jogs along the lake-view walkway, embracing the enchanting ambience of nature. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills at our 9-hole golf course, beautifully perched above the majestic shores of Lough Sheelin. Boasting USPGA-standard greens, the course offers a delightful challenge with its par 3's, sand-based greens, and signature 600-yard par 5 hole. For a true taste of adventure, our guests can explore the mesmerising lake with our recommended service provider Lough Sheelin Ghillie. With access to Crover House's private pier, guests can embark on memorable boat trips guided by their experienced team. For those seeking outdoor thrills, the nearby Cavan Adventure Centre presents an array of exciting activities, including kayaking, canoeing and biking.
FAQ .
CAPACITY/ACCOMMODATION How many people can Crover House accommodate? The ballroom has a capacity of 340, and the hotel can accommodate up to 110 guests in the bedrooms. How many rooms do I have to fill? There is no minimum requirement except for the intimate wedding experience, where 20 rooms must be filled. What is the check-in and check-out time for the guest bedrooms? Check-in time is 3 pm, and check-out time is 11.30 am. What time is breakfast served at? Breakfast is served from 8 am to 10.15 am. CEREMONIES What time does the ceremony or arrival reception usually start? The arrival reception starts at 3 pm for Church Weddings and 2-3 pm for Civil Ceremonies. The recommended Civil Ceremony time is 2 pm, depending on travel time and length of the ceremony on the day. The contact details for the local Catholic and Church of Ireland churches are as follows:St Brigid's Catholic Church Church St, Knockmacoony, Oldcastle, Co. Meath 049 8541142 Saint Bridgets Church, Mount Nugent, Co. Cavan 049 8540123 What do I need to do to have my ceremony on-site at Crover House? All couples wishing to marry in the Republic of Ireland are required to serve a minimum of 3 months' notice to a Registrar (of their intention to marry). You must book an appointment with a Registrar in order to serve notice. Please note, the 3 months notice period begins on the day that you both personally attend and meet with the Registrar at your appointment. You can make an appointment with any Civil Registration Service via the online appointment booking system. Civil Registration Service. Gate Lodge, Lisdarn, Cavan. Wednesday: CLOSED. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10.00 - 12.00 Calls are taken in the afternoon only 049-4371709 or 049-4373272. Does Crover House need to do anything in order to register for our wedding? When a representative from the HSE (Irish Health Service) is solemnising the marriage, the Civil Registration Office will provide you with a form for us to complete. Please send this to us promptly to avoid any delays. In the case of a humanist or secular ceremony, the Civil Registration Office will send the form directly to the hotel for us to complete. Please confirm this at your appointment. What is the cost of having my ceremony at Crover House? We require a set-up fee of €500 for ceremonies taking place at the hotel. This includes the cost of setting up for your ceremony as well as providing the floral backdrop for the ceremony itself. Outdoor ceremonies may be held in the gardens; indoor ceremonies may be held in the ballroom, seating up to 340 guests for the ceremony. What are the contact details for the local churches? Carrick 0436681129 | Mountnugent 049 8540123 | Ballyjamesduff 0498544410 | Castlerahan 0498547435 | Oldcastle 0498541142 | Ballynarry 0436681129 | Ballinacree 049 8540123 | Mullahoran 0874493228 | Granard 0496686550. DECORATION May we decorate the ballroom and hotel grounds with our own props? Yes, decorations can be brought to the hotel once they do not interfere with the running of the day or damage property in any way.
Photography Credit: Finbarr and Ryan O Donoghue Ronan Mc'Grade Photography
FAQ .
ALCHOLOL Can we bring our own wine to the wedding? No, wine is supplied by the hotel only. Can we or our guests bring our own alcohol to the hotel? No, all alcohol consumed on the premises must be bought on the premises. Can we book external suppliers to provide food and/or alcohol at our wedding? Yes, ice cream vans and prosecco vans are permitted. DINING Do we have children's menus for the wedding dinner? How much per child? The children's menu is half a portion of dinner with starters of garlic bread or soup, and dessert of jelly and ice cream or brownies. This is priced at half the couples package price. Or, chips and nuggets, sausage, fish fingers or pasta with Jelly and ice cream for €19.95. When can we have our speeches? Speeches are held after dinner. Speeches can also be held before dinner but a fee of €250 will apply for this service. What time do we get called for dinner? The call for dinner is between 5 pm and 5.15 pm, depending on the type of wedding, speech time, amount of guests, etc. Is there a complimentary menu tasting, and who can attend? Yes, the menu tasting is complimentary for the bride and groom. Each couple can bring up to 4 extra guests at a charge of €35 per person, and they must eat the same menu as the couple. Can we have a choice on our wedding menu? There is a choice of the main course and one other course, either the starters or the dessert. PROVISIONAL BOOKINGS DEPSOITS What deposit is required for booking a wedding? €1000 deposit is required. Can we book a provisional date, and how long can we hold it for? Yes, we hold a provisional date for 7 days. What is the payment plan for our wedding? Initial Deposit: €1000. €800 three months after the initial deposit date. 50% of the final bill due before the wedding The balance must be paid the morning after the wedding. When do we have to confirm numbers, room allocation, and seating plan? All final details must be confirmed 7 days prior to the wedding. PACKAGES Can we mix and match elements from different packages to create our own package? No, packages are set, with the option to add in additional extras. Can we book the hotel exclusively for our wedding? Yes, there is an additional fee, depending on the time of the year and the day of the week chosen. Can we have a 2nd-day party, either before or after our wedding? Yes, a second-day event can held between Saturday and Thursday. For example, Saturday weddings can have a day two on Sunday subject to availability, but Thursday/Friday weddings cannot. Please note that this excludes bank holiday weekends. What prices apply to Bank Holidays? Bank holiday Sundays are charged at the Saturday rate. What prices apply to Christmas (24th - 30th of December)? Saturday prices apply throughout the week.
We promise to create an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.
Crover House, Lough Sheelin, Co. Cavan, Ireland Tel: +353 49 854 0206 Email: weddings@croverhouse.ie