Nicky’s Unforgettable Ballyseede Castle Wedding – Grand Halls, Stunning Gardens, Ghostly Photobombs, and Pure Irish Charm
I always jump at the chance to shoot a wedding at Ballyseede Castle—it’s right in my hometown of Tralee, practically in my backyard! Not to brag, but I might just be living the dream here. I mean, who else gets to “pop over” to a castle for work? There’s something about Ballyseede that just gets me. Maybe it’s the grand halls, the ivy-covered walls whispering centuries of history, or the resident ghost who’s always ready for a cheeky photobomb (she’s honestly great for adding character to a shot).
Dating back to the 1590s, Ballyseede Castle is steeped in history. Originally a Fitzgerald stronghold, it’s seen more than its fair share of stories. Nowadays, it’s one of Ireland’s top spots for couples craving a unique Irish wedding. With its old-world charm and mystique, Ballyseede feels like it’s been waiting centuries to play host to couples like Nicky and her groom, making their big day extra special. There’s a certain magic here that almost makes you expect a knight to wander through or the ghostly Lady Hilda to offer her approval from a window.
The castle grounds themselves are nothing short of spectacular. The gardens are as enchanting as the castle itself, offering bursts of color from the roses in summer and ivy-wrapped paths that seem made for quiet, intimate photos. Lush green lawns stretch out around the castle, dotted with old trees and stone statues that seem to have stories of their own. Nicky was immediately drawn to the gardens, and we spent a good part of the day finding every stunning backdrop they had to offer. From elegant stone arches to flower-filled pathways, each spot felt like a secret waiting to be discovered.
As a photographer, Ballyseede is a dream because it never disappoints – rain or shine. If the Irish weather decides to give us a good soaking, the castle’s interiors save the day with their enchanting atmosphere – dimly lit corridors, grand staircases, and flickering candlelight. There’s a classic elegance to the place that practically creates the photos for you. So even when the heavens open, I just shrug and think, “Ah sure, more castle time? Grand, I’ll take it!”
Then came Nicky, a bride who knew exactly what she wanted. From the minute she walked in, I could tell this was going to be one for the books. Nicky had a clear vision for every detail, and I was ready to roll up my sleeves and capture every bit of it. She embraced everything Ballyseede had to offer, from its legendary atmosphere to its lush gardens and endless photo ops. And if Lady Hilda happened to wander in on a shot or two? Well, it just made the day that much more unforgettable.
Below, you’ll find a few glimpses of Nicky’s day at Ballyseede – a wedding that combined classic romance, a touch of Irish mystique, and maybe even a ghost keeping watch. This place has a way of making every wedding feel like it belongs in a history book, and I can’t wait to get back and do it all again!
