Aileen & Duncan’s Fairytale Adventure at Waterford Castle – Complete with Ferry Rides, Castle Charm, and a Whole Lot of Laughter
Aileen and Duncan’s wedding at Waterford Castle was one of those days that felt like stepping into a storybook – and the kind you can’t put down! Leaving behind the bustling streets of London, they crossed the Irish Sea in search of a little magic, and they found it right here in County Waterford. For starters, reaching the castle itself is an adventure – you have to hop on a ferry to cross over to the island where this centuries-old gem of a castle sits. There’s something quite charming about starting a wedding day with a little boat trip; it’s like the whole world fell away, leaving us in a place where time moves slower, and the air has that fresh Irish mist to it.
Waterford Castle is steeped in history, dating back to the 16th century when it was first home to the Fitzgerald family. The castle itself looks like it was built for grand love stories, with its ivy-draped walls, cozy stone fireplaces, and stunning gardens sprawling over the island. The place has all the makings of an enchanted hideaway—though I’ll admit, there were moments I half-expected to see a medieval knight (or perhaps an overly ambitious swan) make an appearance.
From the get-go, Aileen and Duncan were up for every bit of castle-worthy adventure. The day kicked off with a stroll around the gardens, where these two brought endless laughs and not a small amount of go with the flow attitude. It’s hard not to feel like royalty when you’re exploring a place that has seen over 500 years of history. Aileen joked that she’d never worn so much lace outside of a Downton Abbey marathon, and Duncan looked like he was ready to lead a charge straight out of a medieval epic – with a cheeky grin, of course.
And oh, did we explore! We trekked across gardens, leaned against ancient stone walls, and even dared to take a few shots from the castle’s turret-like balconies. They were both naturals, finding the charm and humor in every spot we discovered. There’s a spot by the stone courtyard that’s especially known for its good luck, or so the locals say, and Aileen and Duncan made sure to grab a moment there, with a big laugh and a kiss to seal the deal.
After capturing what felt like a hundred little stories within the grounds, we moved indoors to celebrate in true castle style. The dining hall is like something out of a movie, with its grand fireplaces, medieval decor, and a chandelier that looks like it’s seen its fair share of parties over the years. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric – friends, family, and maybe even a few Fitzgerald spirits joining in the cheer. And, yes, as the night went on, there may have been a dance move or two that felt inspired by the history of the place (or perhaps just the effects of a good Irish whiskey).
Waterford Castle isn’t just a wedding venue; it’s an experience. From that first ferry ride to the last dance of the night, Aileen and Duncan’s day was packed with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of Irish magic. Below, I’ve shared some favorite moments from the day – each photo capturing a bit of the charm and joy that these two brought to the island. Here’s to Aileen and Duncan, who brought a bit of their own magic to Waterford Castle and proved that fairy tales do happen, especially when they start with a ferry ride!
