I had the pleasure of chatting with Sonja and excited to introduce The Black Castle for an adventurous elopement in Ireland.

Adventurous elopements becoming a popular alternative for couples to tie the knot in a meaningful way and escape the pressure of having a traditional wedding celebration. Ireland is known for its evergreen landscape, rich history, and welcoming culture and locals. Ireland offers stunning cliff locations, ancient ruins, and castles for an authentic wedding experience.

The Black Castle is a magical setting for an intimate elopement or vow renewal. The castle can be booked for a symbolic ceremony only, or for the ceremony with an Overknighter for the couple. 

Tell us about The Black Castle?

We have purchased The Black Castle (aka Tullaun Castle) in 2007 and have more recently embarked on a daunting journey of its restoration. The Black Castle is a rustic, 16th Century castle (towerhouse) in a private, rural, scenic location. Our Great Hall is now restored and reached via stone spiral stairs. The castle has a beautiful, almost church-like, romantic ambiance. Our “rugged” 13 acres provide stunning photo opportunities and lovely Lough Derg is just on our doorsteps.

Where is The Black Castle located?

In beautiful North Tipperary, near Lough Derg.

Can you tell me more about your story to restore a castle in Ireland?

I’m originally from Melbourne, Australia, and Kevin is from North County Dublin. We absolutely love old buildings and are passionate about their preservation, and in 1993 we fell in love with a thatched farmhouse that was for sale.
Our restoration of the farmhouse fuelled our interest in the vernacular buildings of Ireland. In 2003, Kevin saw a castle advertised for sale. We hadn’t realized that you could actually buy one of these amazing buildings, and we were hooked. We tried to buy the castle and were outbid, but our fascination with tower houses led us out on countless journeys in search of these ancient ruins with the dream of finding the ideal tower house ruin to restore.

Check out the restoration of Black Castle here….. Tilly is just adorable !

What’s the capacity for weddings?

2 to 6 guests plus celebrant, photographer, videographer and musician/s

Can you hold ceremonies?

We can hold symbolic ceremonies only.

Do you offer catering services?

We don’t offer catering services ourselves, but can recommend suppliers if catering is desired.

How long has The Black Castle been open?

We had our very first intimate elopement ceremony in early March 2020 and unfortunately then the pandemic hit.

What should couples know before choosing their wedding venue?

Our castle is the closest thing to travelling back to the 16th century, so they need to have a sense of adventure. We pride ourselves to offer an authentic medieval experience.

Tell me something about your venue which I can’t find in your brochure?

Words or photos can’t quite capture the atmosphere of being there…you have to experience it for yourself.

Does The Black Castle support a certain wedding theme?

It’s leaning towards a Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings theme.

Do you offer accommodation?

We offer an “overknighter” for “couple only” elopements (it can accommodate maximum 2 people)

What’s the best season to get married at The Black Castle?

It’s beautiful at the castle in all seasons, but Summer and Autumn are probably the best.

Who is the best person to talk to to arrange a site inspection?

Sonja will assist with all enquiries.

Our e-mail is : tullauncastle@yahoo.ie

Where can we find you? (Web-site, Instagram)

Website: www.authenticmedievalexperience.com

If you want to chat more about an adventurous elopement in Ireland, get in touch here…