Review – Virginia Park Lodge

I had the pleasure of visiting Virginia Park Lodge very recently. I was filming for Ireland AM and I took some time out to take a tour of Richard Corrigan’s highly acclaimed Virginia Park Lodge. This venue is steeped in history, charm and nooks and crannies. It is a very special venue and definitely worth a viewing.

Whilst the rain was in full flow, it did not take away from the beauty of the venue. As you enter the property, you drive up a winding country lane with tree’s. At the top of the lane, an understated building on each side greets you. As you walk through the gated entrance, the lobby just blows you away. A walk in fireplace, ceiling flower installation and grand dining table set the tone for what you will see as a theme throughout the venue. From the lobby you get to the central part of the house and right in that middle is of course the bar! The centre of all great gatherings. The Marchioness Room is on the left and this is where couples can have a ceremony. It’s bright and breezy and the decor has some beautiful touches. The wallpaper was uniquely designed for the room and chandeliers dating back to the 1920’s from Waterford Crystal hang impressivley from the ceiling. This room also doubles up as the breakfast room by morning and disco room by night.

I loved the Marquis Room. It is eclectic, interesting and full of charm. Richard Corrigan houses his personal whiskey collection here along with some antique glassware. Vintage toys, a grand piano and commissioned art hangs in the room along with big comfy sofas and lit fireplaces. This makes for a lovely place for your guests to relax before being welcomed to the ballroom.

Now, this is one of my favourite wedding ballrooms in the country….Introducing the Lakeview Pavillion. This is a fixed marquee structure which true to it’s nature, has windows running around the total room and straight away you feel the freshness of the room with the bright lighting. To complement the natural light coming through the room, the pavillion ceiling is draped with white draping and fairylights. To mark the top table in the centre of the room, a floral installation hangs above the room. The tables and chairs are in-keeping with the garden party feel and the bar is in the room.

A separate curve in the room remains closed off to allow the band to set up. When it’s time for the band to start, the curtains are drawn back to reveal them and giving a seamless look to the operations of the day.

It goes without saying that the food is spectacular. Menu’s are a notch above the rest and carefully designed by Corrigan and his team. They use as much produce from the grounds as they can. As you stroll through the grounds you will come across the pollytunnels which grow hundreds of fresh fruit and vegetables that are used within the dishes. I can’t emphasise the difference it makes when the farm is close to the fork. The quality is far superior.

The accommodation is between the main lodge, Bective Court (which sits adjacent to the lodge) and some woodland huts which are to die for! Each room of the 11 rooms in the lodge is individually decorated and also houses the bridal suite.

The Bective Court houses can sleep up to 6 guests and then there are 12 huts which sleep 2 guests. I loved these huts and would love to stay in one! When you arrive it is set up as a lounge but when you return after the wedding party, the hut is transformed in to a bedroom. These particular huts are highly sought after and were used for one of Prince George’s birthday. They are made by Blackdown Shepard Huts and are fit for royalty.

It goes without saying that you are beyond spoilt for choice when it comes to photography. You’ve an abundance of indoor opportunities. Outdoors you have acres upon acres of greenery which lead to Lake Ramor where you can get a picture on the jetty. The walled garden is quaint and there is a forest walk beside it.

The Partere Gardens were designed for the lady of the house many moons ago but still holds the beautiful structure and visuals. You also have many feature tree locations as well as the farm to use as the perfect wedding backdrop. If you were thinking of an outdoor ceremony you have plenty of options to choose from.

I hope that this tour gives you a little bit of insight in to the venue. You can learn more about the venue by contacting them right here. You can enjoy more pictures below.