Frequently Asked Questions

+ Do the wedding couple allocate all on-site guest rooms, and how do we manage this?

Yes, we ask that you allocate your guests to all our on-site rooms. If you include a note on your invitation for guests whom you would like to stay on site to say that they have been allocated a room. They don’t need to contact us to confirm their reservation, just arrive on the day to check in. For those not included on-site you can state that all guest rooms have been allocated and to suggest looking at our nearby options and local Airbnb.

We then ask that you fill in our onsite accommodation form with full guest names and the dates of check in and check out. We can’t take any direct guest bookings and we will pass any enquiries back to the wedding couple.

+ What time can onsite accommodation guests check in and check out?

Check in is from 3pm and check out is by 11am

+ How many rooms do you have at CJH?

We have 28 guest bedrooms, including the wedding suite. We then have eleven wooden pods in our Glamping area. A total of 39 rooms.

+ Do you supply towels for your Glamping and pods?

Yes, we provide full linen, towels and toiletries in our pods. The ‘styling room’ has hairdryers and lights surrounding the mirrors for hair and make-up.

+ Can you provide travel cots?

Yes, we have four travel cots or else guests may bring their own if they wish. We have bedding if required or else parents can bring baby sleeping bags.

+ Can you offer a triple or family room?

The room called Daisy in the Dairy can be set up with a twin bed and sofa bed and Cowshed 9 has a double bed and bunk beds. Also, our Cowshed rooms 2 to 8 have a double and a single bed and we can then add a camp bed. We have the availability of five additional camp beds on site.

+ Are there any minimum room requirements?

Please note on your contract regarding the minimum requirements. For a pre-wedding meal we require a minimum occupancy of 14 rooms, the wedding night requires all rooms plus 11 pods are occupied and the post-wedding BBQ night with 25 rooms. Any rooms not occupied will be added to the final wedding invoice.

+ One of my guests is in a wheelchair, are any rooms suitable?

Cowshed Rooms 1 and 18 have ramp access plus larger bathrooms with handles & guest assistance alarms. Cowshed 9 has a ramp access. Primrose is located on the ground floor but the ensuite bathroom is not wheelchair accessible.

+ What time is breakfast served?

Breakfast is served from 9am until 10.45am.

+ Where can guests park?

Guests who are staying on site at CJH can enter by the farmyard entrance behind the house. There is plenty of parking for cars here and it is close to the check-in office. For guests who aren’t staying on site there is a carpark right next to the Main Gates. No cars are allowed to park in front of the house as this area is for guests to enjoy. If any guests have limited mobility please let us know and they can be dropped off at the front of the house. Vehicles parked at owners’ risk.

+ Is there a cashpoint machine in Cloughjordan?

Centra in the village has a cash machine and can offer cash back for a purchase of €10 or more. Guests can otherwise pay for their room and any bar tab with their credit or debit card.

+ Can we add some rooms to our bill as we’d like to offer rooms to our parents/Best Man etc?

Yes, just let us know which guest names and rooms and we will not invoice those guests directly but add their B&B bill to the main wedding account.

+ We are getting married on a Saturday after getting ready in a local guest house or the Distillery Cottage. What time can our guests arrive to check in?

Saturday wedding check in is from 3pm. We cannot guarantee that all rooms will be ready for 3pm. We would advise your guests arrive ready for your ceremony and to check in after the ceremony where possible. Guests are welcome to use the public bathrooms and dressing room in the glamping area to freshen up before they check in.

+ One of my guests usually gets up very early in the morning, can they get a coffee before breakfast?

We have Nespresso machines in our Cowshed Lounge for any early risers to help themselves. If guests have children, we can leave out some cereal and milk in the Cowshed Reception area for them.

+ Do you have a local taxi for guests to call during the evening?

We require you to pre-book a local taxi company, Aidan Claffey, as a shuttle service for your guests who are be staying offsite. There is no taxi service in the village so we cannot guarantee otherwise a taxi upon a late-night request. Please pre book.

+ What do we have to include on our invitation regarding dietary requirements?

Please include a dietary requirement response on your invitation and then fill in these details onto your table plan to highlight to our chefs and waiting staff where the specific meals are to be served. We need to know all allergies / intolerances ahead of time to prepare accordingly.

+ When do we need to choose our menu choices by?

Please confirm your menu choices 6 weeks prior to your wedding date with our Chef.

+ Can we come to taste some of the wedding food, as are finding it so hard to choose?

We do not do menu tastings here at Cloughjordan House. Unlike a hotel, we do not have a full-time restaurant onsite, so kitchen staff spend at the very least several days preparing for each individual wedding. Some of the meats are hung for up to a month to mature, and other ingredients sourced from small artisan producers, as opposed to buying all ingredients en-masse from one large supplier.

We do however often host overnight ‘Foodie Stays’, this allows you and any family or friends to stay and taste our menus ahead of your wedding day. Please speak with us about the dates for these nights.

+ Can we select more than one main course option?

Please note on your contract regarding the number of main course options. If you have a silent option on your menu please choose one main course meat, and one fish which will appear as a silent option on the menu alongside the vegetarian option. Here's how it looks on your menu:

"Butterflied leg of lamb with chimichurri, a herby Argentinian sauce.

Fish and vegetarian option available on request, please ask one of our waiting team"

Some pacakges require your guests to choose their main course ahead of time. Please discuss this with us.

+ What if a guest has a specific dietary requirement?

Please let us know in advance of your wedding and we will do our best to cater for everybody.

+ Can guests order lunch on site?

A light lunch can be provided for the bridal party on your wedding day if you are staying onsite the night before. If you would like to offer lunch to your guests onsite, please discuss this with us. Lunch is priced at €15pp.

+ What options are available for smaller children?

We provide half portions of the main course for children up to 12 years old eating with the adults in the marquee. An alternative meal can be provided if you wish for children to eat either in the marquee or at an earlier stage.

+ Can a guest heat up baby food in a microwave on site?

The Cowshed Rooms are alongside a large sitting room where there is a kettle, microwave and fridge. We also have the use of a microwave in the Cookery School kitchen.

+ Can guests who are staying in nearby accommodation join us for breakfast?

Yes, guests who are staying nearby can have breakfast with you and pay on the morning. Please let us know well in advance the names and contact numbers of any guests who would like this option.

+ Is there a cake cutting charge?

We will cut your cake to be eaten during Late Night Munchies so we include this service in the Late Night costing.

+ Is there somewhere we can store our cake before the wedding?

We can offer you space in our fridge.

+ Who arranges the wedding cake on the day?

We can store the wedding cake/cakes in our fridge but we ask that you delegate the job of setting it out and any decor on the wedding cake table to one of your bridal party. Note, if the weather is warm and depending on the type of cake this may be an hour or so before guests move into the marquee for dinner.

+ Can we bring along any food to eat during our wedding meal or during the BBQ day?

No

+ Do you have any gluten free bread?

Yes, we can serve gluten free bread for any coeliac guests. Again, please let us know in advance any dietary requirements.

+ What time should we say on our invites for the post wedding BBQ?

We suggest a 3pm BBQ start time.

+ Do you provide a non-alcoholic alternative for the canapé reception?

Yes, our chefs prepare a home-made cordial and we also serve tea and coffee with cake during the reception.

+ I’ve seen photos an old iron bath filled with bottled beers; can we use that?

Yes, we can provide bottles of beer for this. This beer option is for the canapé reception only and not for use after your main meal or during the BBQ day. There is a maximum allowance of one beer per person. Please check your package in the first instance as you may have beers included in your quote.

+ When will the pay bar be open?

We will open the bar straight after your ceremony. We can discuss opening the bar an hour before your ceremony but will strictly close the bar for the ceremony and no drinks may be taken into the ceremony area.

+ What drinks do you serve at the bar?

We have a fully stocked bar and then Heineken, Guinness, White Gypsy and lager Clonmel 1650 on tap. Just let us know if you have any specific drink requests to stock up on.

+ Can we pay for guest drinks on a free bar basis? We would like to limit the options; can we do this?

Yes, we can discuss various options with you. You could maybe have a menu of ‘Guinness, Hendricks & Tonic, Wine, Heineken’ free to guests which we will then add the cost of to your wedding account. Any other bar requests will be charged for. You could have a free to guest bar for during the canapé reception only or for the whole wedding evening.

+ Can guests run a bar tab?

Yes, guests who are staying in an onsite room can run a tab to pay with their B&B bill. Off-site guests can run a tab if they leave their card behind the bar & pay at the end of the evening.

+ Can you provide cocktails for our canapé reception alongside Prosecco and during the evening from the pay bar?

Yes, we can let you know the options available & costings.

+ Will there be enough Prosecco for our canapé reception?

Yes, we will have enough Prosecco in stock as back-up so that we can keep serving as long as you wish us to. We can discuss this with you in advance to ensure we are all clear as to your wishes.

+ Can we use our own wine/bottles of beer after our wedding meal or for the BBQ day?

We allow your own Prosecco (with a corkage charge)for your canapé reception and then your own wine (with a corkage charge) for your dinner but not for any other times. Our full bar options will be available. There is a cap on the number of bottles of wine and prosecco we allow so please discuss this with our wedding coordinator beforehand.

+ How do we toast the speeches?

If your speeches are after the main meal, we find that guests are settled with their white or red wine/beer and our bar staff would therefore would top up their drinks for the after speeches toast.

+ What are the measurements of the Marquee?

The Marquee is 9m x 21m plus a hexagonal end which is 4m x 9m.

+ What is the maximum the marquee will seat?

180 guests is the maximum number of guests that can be seated in the marquee.

+ What size are the tables?

Our rectangle tables are 1.82m (6ft) long x 0.76m (2.5ft) wide and seat 3 at each side. Each table is also 2.5ft high.

+ How are the tables laid out?

We have three long lines of tables with the Bride & Groom sat in the middle of one of the long tables so therefore are able to chat to guests on all sides. We will send you a table setting plan for you to fill in. Please just ask if you have any queries regarding numbers of tables for your guest numbers.

+ Can we have a top table?

We can also include a top table if you so wish of three tables (so a max. of 8 or 9 guests) across the far end of the marquee for guest numbers of up to 130. For guest numbers above 130 we use the full length of the marquee for the long tables so cannot have a separate ‘top table’ at the end. We will send you a table plan guide to help you input guest details which we require at least 2 weeks before your wedding with dietary requirements etc.

+ How much decoration can go on the tables?

Please note that we place a slate in the middle of each table of 6 people (or 4/5 if odd numbers on certain tables) on which we then place the starter board, vegetables dishes and then the dessert board. We also set each place setting with Churchill Cutlery, starter plate, your choice of napkin, wine and water glass. We add our glass vases of garden flowers and candles. Then we need space for the water jug, butter slate, salt and pepper cellars and bread basket. There is therefore a limited amount of table space so please just run your ideas past us in the first instance if you worry about taking up guest space.

+ How do we set out our place names on the tables?

Couples often use luggage tags or cards with hand written or printed names of each guest and are often placed on the napkins. If using a wooden stand, the name can be placed just to the right of the starter plate to highlight to each guest where they are sat. Your full table plan will be up on the easel for guests to look at. We do recommend that place names are written up/printed before you arrive at CJH so that you can hand them over to your coordinator to place them on the tables. We request that these are in order of the postions on the table prior to your arrival.

+ How long would a table runner need to be?

A table runner is a fantastic way to add a pop of colour and really personalise your wedding. Please let us have your filled in table plan excel form and we can work out the number of tables and the length of material required. Remember, you will need the length of material to fit down the length of the tables and also to half way down at each end. If you would like to arrange postage of the table runner please have it arrive the week of your wedding please so that we have it to hand for table set up.

+ Can we decorate the fireplace in the ballroom?

Yes, please do. Lanterns, candles and flowers all look great in the fireplace. You can also hang something directly above the fireplace like a garland/bunting. The fireplace is 145cm wide. If you are using candles and flowers be sure they are kept separate so as not to cause a fire. Alternatively, CJH can add some candles and flowers to the fireplace for you. Please discuss this addition with your coordinator, charges may apply.

+ When can we decorate the marquee and ballroom?

We have a lovely set up which includes use of our overhead foliage installation in the marquee which you may add to if you wish. We would need any marquee ceiling decoration agreed in advance.

We provide fresh garden flowers and candle on every guest table plus garden flowers in the living rooms. Any further decoration must be discussed and agreed with us in advance. Please note that any additional decoration by a florist/stylist must be put up safely and taken away after the wedding. Any damage to CJH property is the liability of the stylist/florist and wedding couple. Hanging things from the marquee ceiling often causes damage to our lining so we would suggest using our 2 golden frames on the ceiling and adding carefully to it rather than pinning up anything else.

+ What size is the frame on the easel for our place names?

The internal dimensions are 1.37m x 0.80m for you to pin your table plan in A4 pages or guest names attached to ribbon or whichever style you wish. Remember to bring along a box of heavy duty pins. If you do not want to use our frame, just the easel, the board/frame must be a minimum of 60cm wide to sit on the easel.

+ When do we need to notify Cloughjordan House with our table plan?

The table plan document should be given to us at least a month in advance of your wedding with where possible the location of vegetarian, vegan, fish requests as well as any children under 12 years highlighted with the colour codes for our Chefs. All dietary requirements should be shown on the table plan. Note: This is in addition to confirming with our Chefs six weeks in advance your menu choices and any dietary requirements. We understand that sometimes guests can’t attend the wedding meal, so we can amend the table setting after this time if needed.

+ Who prints the menus for the tables?

If you would like to print your own menu with your wedding theme or colours you are welcome to do so, otherwise we print them for each table of 6 guests. Please let us know in advance if you are getting your own printed.

Please confirm with us your menu options and allergen details before you print your own menus. All wording needs to be agreed before you go to print.

+ Can we leave our decorations up after our wedding?

All decorations must be taken down before you leave and taken home with you. Please note that any decoration put up by a stylist/florist must be taken down and disposed of by the stylist/florist or the wedding couple after the wedding. Any damage to CJH property is the liability of the same stylist/florist and wedding couple. Please ensure that any decoration is safely secured so to not endanger your guests or our staff.

+ Can we put up decorations in the Main House?

Yes, as long as your decorations don’t damage CJH in anyway. What about bringing along photos in frames to place in the sittings rooms as a real ‘home away from home’ feel?

+ Do you have a PA system?

Yes, we have a PA speaker system with two speakers and a roaming wireless mic for the indoor speeches that can also be used with a smart phone or tablet to play background music. We recommend that you download any music to be played. We also have a fixed sound system in the Ballroom and ASADO, that all bands must use. Please contact our wedding co-ordinator for more details. All amplification is limited to indoors only.

+ What garden games do you provide?

We provide giant Jenga, croquet, table tennis, badminton and a corn hole game. There is no extra charge. You are welcome to bring your own games to play at your own risk. Please check with CJH first.

+ How long should the drinks reception be?

We recommend a maximum of 2 hours. 1.5 hours is usual. Call in time for dinner is half an hour before service at 5.30pm for 6pm start of service.

+ Who announces us in to dinner when everyone else has been seated?

It usually takes about 20 to 30 mins for all guests to be seated for dinner. It’s a great opportunity for you to go up to the Wedding Suite for a few minutes to freshen up. When everyone is seated you can make your entrance with an announcement by your Best Man, a groomsman, bridesmaid etc. or by playing music of your choice (or a combination of both).

+ When can we do our speeches?

We request that speeches are held during your canapé reception and/or after the Main Meal, after dessert. With our experience we find that guests are then comfortable enjoying their desserts. Maybe have two speeches during canapés and two or three speeches after dessert? Our microphone is available for any indoor speeches.

+ What happens if we’ve planned an outdoor ceremony and it then rains?

We always have a Plan B. We try to hold out to make a decision until the morning of your wedding day. If the weather continues to look bad, we will set up the woodshed for the ceremony and then host the drinks reception in the Ballroom. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony and the weather in the week leading up to your wedding has been particularly bad, we may advise you to move indoors the day before your wedding. We can discuss Plan B with you and any stylist you may have with regards to any decor being moveable from outside to indoors if required.

+ I’ve booked my own hairdresser and makeup artist to come to the Wedding Suite. Is there anywhere locally where guests can have their hair and makeup done?

On our Services listing there are local options which are a few minutes away in the village. Remember to book their appointments well in advance so that everyone who may require hair and makeup has their reservation arranged.

+ What time can my make-up artist/hairdresser arrive?

If you are staying the night before your wedding, we suggest your makeup artist/hairdresser arrive no earlier than 9.30am. We have found that this is plenty of time for the bridal party to have breakfast and for everyone to be ready in time for the ceremony.

+ Can our photographer or other services staff get something to eat?

We can offer a meal for €35 pp which can be eaten in the Asado during your wedding meal.

+ What do we need to prepare for a ceremony onsite?

We will need to discuss any decoration and whether you will have musicians. Please let us know of any requests from the celebrant. Outdoor ceremonies cannot use any form of amplification so please bare this in mind.

+ + We have our favourite songs to play from our iPod/phone during the ceremony.

That’s great, we recommend that you download the music. If you could delegate one of your guests to press play, we can coordinate timing for bridesmaids/bride to walk up the aisle. Then to coordinate with your celebrant with regards to downloaded music timing within your ceremony.

+ We have live musicians booked for our ceremony and also for our drink’s reception, where do they sit?

They usually sit at the top of the ceremony area. Please let us know how many chairs we will need to set out for them. We ask that they bring their own equipment. Outdoor music must be acoustic only. No form of amplification is permitted outside. There is no power supply outside. In fine weather they can play out on the lawn under the stretch tent (unamplified) otherwise for Plan B they can play in the ballroom.

+ Can we throw confetti?

Yes, however we ask that if you are using confetti it is biodegradable. Natural lavender buds are a great option.

+ Where do we greet guests after our ceremony?

If you have an outdoor ceremony you can greet your guests on the lawn or by the archway into the forest or else just outside the woodshed door.

+ Time of check in / check out for guests?

3pm check in, 11am check-out

+ Who will be the point of contact within Cloughjordan throughout our wedding / will we have a dedicated person?

Your wedding coordinator will be here to help you in the lead up to your day and they will be here on the day as well to look after you both.

+ Do we need venue insurance etc?

Yes - It is a condition of this contract that wedding insurance is procured by you and a copy of this policy should be forwarded to Cloughjordan House within 1 month of receipt of booking fee. This is entirely for your own security and protection.

+ Do you have any complimentary add-ons (breakfast etc.)?

Breakfast is included in all of our room rates.

+ Is it possible for the bridal party to stay at the venue the night before at an additional fee?

This would be if you were opting to have the Pre wedding meal, alternatively we have the distillery cottage at the other end of the village (3 minutes drive) which is a perfect pre wedding night option for the bridal party wishing to get ready close by.

+ Are there any extra charges for staff/cleaning/room hire that aren’t included in the prices given to us?

No, only if any damage occurs to rooms or the property.

+ Can we have afters guests?

Yes of course, we do ask for a guest list of all guests attending your afters, for security purposes. The maximum number of guests allowed on site is 180, so if you have 130 guests at your wedding then only an additional 50 are permitted as afters guests. Please note that there is an additional fee for afters guests.

+ Do you have a disabled toilet?

Yes, we have a wide access disabled toilet on the ground floor near the ballroom and marquee for guests who require it.

+ How many guest toilets are there?

We have 4 ladies, 4 mens and a disabled loo just along from the ballroom. Maybe bring along a basket of products (no tablets or pharmaceuticals) and/or dancing shoes for your guests to use? We also recommend heel protectors to make it easier walking on the grass/gravel in heels.

+ Are there facilities for children?

We have a list of local childminders which you can send to any guests who may be bringing children to your wedding. We require children to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times whilst on site at Cloughjordan House.

+ Can children watch DVD’s in the sitting room?

Yes, we have a tv with DVD player which you may use with your own DVD’s. Please note that children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. There is also WiFi.

+ Is there babysitters available? If so what are the costs?

Yes absolutely, babysitter list pricing is decided by the individuals and arranged by you or the parents.

+ Are there local taxis?

We request on your contract that you hire Aidan Claffey to provide a taxi service for your guests. Being in a small village means that any requests for a taxi at 3am cannot be arranged so we ask that a shuttle service is agreed in advance with Aidan for between midnight and 3am for your guests. We have a full list of taxi services we can share.

+ Can we set off fireworks or lanterns?

No, sorry we don’t allow fireworks or lanterns because we are in a village. We allow the use of sparklers outside on the lawn only please.

+ Can we play our own playlist on our BBQ day?

Yes, you can use our speakers with your own iPod/laptop. We recommend you download all music.

+ Can we have live music in the Asado?

Should you wish to have live music while in the Asado, we welcome acoustic musicians. The use of any form of amplification if desired MUST be channelled through our in-house system and the same conditions apply as those for using iPod / phone music. Live music must finish at 11pm. We do not allow DJ’s in the Asado.

+ What can guests do locally before the BBQ on day 2?

Guests can hang out at Cloughjordan House in the various guest areas or else if they would like to take a walk around Cloughjordan is a vibrant village with various options for guests wanting to have a look around.

• Sheelagh na Gig bookshop/coffee shop with local art & crafts, Main Street. (opposite the Church of Ireland)
• Middle Country Cafe, Main Street. A local Co-op cafe.
• Thomas MacDonagh Heritage Centre in Cloughjordan: www.macdonaghheritage.ie

• Knocknacree Woods. Take a 10 min stroll up the road to the woods and walk the trails. Map available.

• Cloughjordan Ecovillage: Our neighbours to CJH who offer sustainable living tours: www.thevillage.ie

• Swim in Lough Derg
• Birr Castle garden & science centre.

Please let us know if you have any other questions and we would be glad to help. You will discuss your wedding schedule and timings in detail with our Wedding Co-ordinator.

Please note that these are suggestions and Cloughjordan House/JHS Events Ltd cannot be held responsible for any outsourced third-party services.