Real Weddings
Hannah & Oisín
When Hannah and Oisín began planning their wedding, they knew exactly where they wanted to say “I do.” St. Michael’s Church in Ballinasloe held a special place in their hearts, and finding a venue nearby that felt equally meaningful was top of their list.
“We attended a wedding open evening at The Shearwater and fell in love with the venue. The staff were all so welcoming. We knew it would be perfect for the size and style of wedding we wanted. It was an added bonus that the hotel is within walking distance from the church, which made it so easy for our guests.”
A Planning Journey Filled with Support
From the very beginning, Hannah and Oisín felt completely supported.
“Kate was such an amazing help with our planning and she was always at the end of the phone or email whenever we had any questions. Anything that we requested was catered to with enthusiasm.”
One of their favourite moments during the planning process was their wedding menu tasting.
“A table was set up beautifully for us when we arrived and we were looked after by all of the wonderful staff. We were asked to give honest feedback and every detail was considered. We were worried about the timings of the meal, but everything was absolutely perfect. We got to choose exactly how long we wanted the sit-down meal to be.”
A Grand Arrival and a Magical Celebration
Arriving at their reception was a moment Hannah and Oisín will never forget.
“Arriving at the reception to champagne and a red carpet entrance and being greeted with big smiles from all the staff was such a lovely moment. To walk in and see all of our friends and family gathered together, having a great time, was incredible. The venue was set up beautifully and had all of the extra touches we had requested.”
Elegant Details and a Joyful Atmosphere
The ballroom reflected the couple’s vision perfectly.
“Kate and all of the staff went above and beyond with the set up for our big day. We told Kate our wedding colours and she made a beautiful table plan to match and personalised our menus. The ballroom looked stunning with cherry blossoms and candelabras on the tables, and the top table looked amazing with a beautiful backdrop. The room was a great size for our guests to be seated comfortably and the dance floor was more than big enough once the band started.”
The energy throughout the day was everything they had hoped for.
“Exciting, fun and full of love, the day felt truly magical in every way.”
Exceptional Service and Unforgettable Hospitality
For Hannah and Oisín, what made their experience truly special was the care and attention from the team.
“I cannot emphasise enough the amount of people who went out of their way to tell us how amazing the staff and the service were. Both Kate and the general manager Des were on hand all day to make sure everyone was looked after, checking in regularly with us and our guests. The serving staff were amazing, we didn’t have to ask for a single thing all evening as everything was so well thought out. Several guests said the food was some of the best they’d ever had, and there was so much of everything. We genuinely couldn’t have been looked after any better and it made our day extra special.”
Their Advice for Future Couples
For couples considering The Shearwater, Hannah and Oisín’s message is simple.
“We couldn’t recommend The Shearwater highly enough. They have amazing packages with affordable prices, the staff are all wonderful, and the venue itself is stunning. Choosing The Shearwater was the best choice for us, and it will always be a special place for us to go back to.”
A Note from Kate, Our Wedding Coordinator
Hannah and Oisín were such a lovely couple to work with. When I took over in the role as Wedding Coordinator, I met with Hannah and her Mum, and immediately knew we were going to work well together. Both of them are such lovely people, and when I met Oisín, I had the same reaction. It was a joy to help organise their big day. The atmosphere was so full of warmth and love, and I’m delighted that The Shearwater will always hold a special place in their story.
Ciara & Joe
For Ciara and Joe, choosing their wedding venue was about finding a place that felt effortlessly beautiful and welcoming from the moment they walked in. When they visited The Shearwater Hotel & Spa, everything just clicked.
“The Shearwater Hotel was the perfect place for our wedding due to the amazing layout, location, facilities, and of course the dedicated staff. The ballroom, foyer and civil ceremony space were all so beautifully decorated and designed, and they suited our vision and dreams perfectly. We adore the food served in the Shearwater also.”
A Planning Experience to Remember
Every couple hopes for a calm and enjoyable planning process, and Ciara and Joe found exactly that. Meeting with their coordinator, Kate, turned their excitement into confidence.
“The first day we met Kate to organise our final details, we felt so heard and understood, and any stress or worries disappeared after that. We felt that she almost knew what we wanted better than we did. Her help and support were amazing. From then, we were so excited for the day to come. We knew we were in good hands.”
From that meeting onward, everything flowed easily. They could picture their day unfolding, surrounded by family, friends, and the laughter they’d soon share together.
A Celebration Filled with Heart
When the day finally arrived, Ciara and Joe’s wedding was bursting with joy, warmth, and connection.
“We will never forget the dedication from all of the staff in the hotel. They made every guest feel so welcome and catered to family members who needed alternative meals. At the top table, we were so well looked after. The hospitality was exceptional. Their kindness and humour were also amazing to see. It’s not often you get to talk to staff and have an enjoyable time with them.”
Every detail was exactly as they had imagined.
“It was a dream come true. There is nothing we would have changed. We brought extra decor which was placed exactly where we hoped it to be. It was perfect.”
The Energy of the Day
What stood out most to the couple was the incredible buzz that carried through the entire celebration.
“The energy and atmosphere was out of this world. We felt so happy and so lucky to be experiencing this day, not just together with our families and friends, but also in the most wonderful place. The energy was so high due to the exceptional service. It was fast, yet nothing was forgotten. True experts.”
Their wedding was a reflection of everything they had hoped for: seamless service, joyful faces, and that unforgettable feeling of being surrounded by love.
Comfort, Style, and Unforgettable Moments
The newlyweds continued their celebrations by staying at the hotel before and after their big day.
“Our stay in The Shearwater before and after our wedding was so comfortable. The Bridal Suite is so beautifully designed. It is sleek and modern, and the most perfect backdrop for photos.”
Guests spoke highly of every moment, from the food to the attention to detail.
“Every single person was catered to, from children to elderly guests, no one left unhappy. The meals produced were of the highest quality. Every dish was perfect in every way.”
Words of Advice for Future Couples
Ciara and Joe’s advice to anyone planning their day is simple.
“We would highly recommend The Shearwater as a wedding venue for all of the reasons above, but mostly because they truly know how to cater for weddings. The team involved were fantastic. We wish we could do it all again.”
A Note from Kate, Our Wedding Coordinator
From the very first chat, Ciara and Joe had such a clear vision of the kind of day they wanted, the décor, the vibe, with an aim of just having the best day celebrating with friends and family . They were an absolute joy to work wit!. It’s always so special to see a couple’s personality shine through every detail, from their ceremony to their evening celebration. When Ciara & Joe sent us their finalised pictures from their photogrpaher Elodie, we were gobsmacked. They really captured the beauty of the day, from start to finish.
Thinking about your own wedding?
If you can picture your day at The Shearwater Hotel & Spa, surrounded by smiling faces, beautiful details, and a team that truly cares, we’d love to show you around.
What kind of feeling do you want to create for your wedding day: classic and romantic, or a vibrant celebration?
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Nora & Dermot, Dublin
Some couples just know when they’ve found the right place, and for Nora and Dermot Burnell, that moment came even before they stepped through the doors of The Shearwater Hotel & Spa in Ballinasloe.
“From the moment we rang to enquire, we spoke to Kate, and after just that phone call I said to my husband, I have a great feeling about this place. Kate made everything effortless.”
That first conversation set the tone for everything that followed. When Nora and Dermot came to view the hotel, toured the ballroom and sat down to taste the food, their decision was instant.
“We saw the hall for the wedding, just exquisite. The bridal suite was stunning. The food really made our decision easy. I want to kidnap the chef!”
Effortless Planning and Personal Support
Nora & Dermot made the trip down from Dublin to view the Shearwater after their initial call with Kate, our Wedding Coordinator. From their first visit to the final details, the couple described feeling completely supported. Every question was met with warmth, every detail handled with care.
“Kate was an absolute star. Every question, every moment, every detail was handled with such care. It made the whole process feel so easy and exciting.”
Their menu tasting became a highlight, so much so that deciding on dishes nearly caused their first (almost) married disagreement!
“We almost had our first fight over not being able to decide because all the options were incredible.”
A Perfect Day
When the big day arrived, everything fell into place perfectly.
“Walking into the hotel as husband and wife and seeing everything laid out so beautifully, all the personal touches, all our loved ones cheering, it was a wow moment we’ll never forget.”
The ballroom shimmered with elegance, the atmosphere was joyful, and the food is still being talked about.
“The atmosphere was just beautiful. Everyone was so happy. We still have all our relatives and loved ones saying what a fantastic wedding it was and how amazing the hotel is, and of course the food!”
A Weekend To Remember
For Nora and Dermot, the experience didn’t end when the music stopped. Staying at The Shearwater with their family and friends made the celebration even more special.
“The Shearwater Hotel is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at, and I’ve travelled all over the world. But it’s the staff that make the place what it is, a true success.”
Their guests felt the same way, leaving with glowing reviews and plans to return.
“Our guests all want to go back. I still have people messaging me about the wines, the food, and the service. The attention to detail was just incredible.”
Their Advice to Future Couples
“That’s an easy question. Just book it. You won’t be disappointed. You’ll be like us, raving about it to everyone and wishing you could do it all over again. You’ll have a magical and fairytale day.”
A Note from Kate, Our Wedding Coordinator
Working with Nora and Dermot was such a joy from start to finish. From the moment I met Nora at their first showaround, we clicked instantly. The best part of my job is building real relationships with my couples, getting to know their personalities and what matters to them. That understanding allows me to bring thoughtful touches into their day and create moments that feel personal. Here at The Shearwater, we run like a well-oiled machine when it comes to operations, and the special added touch is the connection we build so by the time the wedding arrives, it feels like I’m planning for a friend.
Thinking about your own wedding?
Can you picture yourself celebrating at The Shearwater Hotel & Spa? If so, we’d love to show you around so you can experience the venue for yourself. Simply contact us on weddings@shearwaterhotel.com to book a tour.
