Lela & John

Dear family and friends,

If you’re reading this, that means you’ve expressed interest in joining us for our wedding celebration at Ballyfin Demesne in the heart of the Emerald Isle. We’re now under 100 days out from the ceremony (October 15th - save the date!). If you’re anything like us, you’re probably ready to start making travel arrangements.

Below, you’ll find pertinent travel information along with an RSVP and Questionnaire. When you have a moment, please review the information and submit the completed form. This important step will help us overcome the complexities of planning an international celebration with a very strict guest limit.

If you RSVP “Yes” you’ll receive a formal invitation along with additional information in the coming months.

If you RSVP “No” don’t sweat it! We completely understand that not everyone can make it - especially given the time, distance, and expense involved. We will also be hosting a little something stateside for those who can’t make the trip. Stay tuned!

In summary: We hope you can make it. It’s okay if you can’t. Take a look at the information, fill out the form, and know that we love you no matter what.

Lela & John

Schedule of Events

October 12

6:30 PM Hen & Stag Parties

10:00 PM - Til? Drinks out in Dublin

October 13

Free Day in Dublin

October 14

10:30 AM Family members depart for Ballyfin from The Westbury (meet in lobby)

12:00 PM Wedding guests depart for Ballyfin from The Westbury (meet in lobby)

1:30 PM Guests arrive at Ballyfin (check-in time subject to availability)

2:00 PM Estate activities

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Cocktail Hour

7:30 PM Dinner

9:30 PM Drinks in the Cellar Bar

October 15

Breakfast at your leisure

10:00 AM -1:00 PM Estate Activities

1:00 PM Picnic lunch (weather permitting)

5:00 PM Meet in Library for Ceremony

5:30 PM (sharp) Ceremony

6:00 PM Guest Photos

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Cocktail Hour

8:00 PM Dinner

10:00 PM Reception

October 16

Breakfast at your leisure

Return Bus Schedule (tentative):

Bus 1

Departs Ballyfin at 10:30 AM

Arrives DUB Airport at 12:00 PM,

Arrives Dublin City at 12:30 PM

Bus 2

Departs Ballyfin at 12:00 PM

Arrives Dublin City at 1:30 PM

Arrives DUB Airport at 2:30 PM (if needed)

Transportation

Getting to Dublin

We recommend arriving in Dublin by Saturday, October 12th (or earlier, if preferred) for a chance to explore the city and adjust to the time difference. Hen and Stag parties are on the night of the 12th. Catch a nap and get ready to party!

Note: Several guests are arriving aboard Delta 176 on Saturday at 8:45 AM. Around this time, a Sprinter Van will take guests from the airport to their hotel. Anyone arriving around this time is welcome to jump in!

Getting to the Venue

Ballyfin Demesne is located roughly 90 minutes from Dublin near the town of Portlaoise (pronounced port-LEESH). A chartered bus will depart from The Westbury Hotel at 12:00 PM on Monday, October 14th. Family members will depart on a separate bus at 10:30 AM. Alternatively, the area is easily accessible by train or car for those wishing to go their own way.

Leaving Ireland

For guests planning to depart from Dublin Airport the day after the wedding (10/16): Please note that you will need to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours prior to departure for intra-European flights and 3 hours for flights to the United States. It takes about 90 minutes to get from Ballyfin to Dublin Airport.

Arriving early for US-bound flights is critical because passengers must clear US Customs and Immigration in Dublin prior to departure. For this reason, guests departing to the U.S. on Wednesday would need to leave Ballyfin very early. A 12:30 PM flight would require guests to leave the property by 8:00 AM. To avoid the rush, we recommend spending an additional night or two in Ireland and returning to the US on another day.

Another option is to catch a Wednesday afternoon flight to somewhere on the European continent. There are inexpensive nonstop options to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, London, Paris, Rome, Santorini, and more. One bus will arrive at the airport around 12:00 PM and another will arrive closer to 2:30 PM.

Accommodation

Dublin

Guests arriving early are encouraged to reserve a room at The Westbury. This local favorite offers luxe amenities and a central location. It’s also where our ride to Ballyfin will depart from on Monday morning. A few steps away, The Grafton Hotel, Staunton’s on the Green, and O’Regans offer more affordable accommodation. Guests looking for a historic stay (or who have Marriott points to burn) should check out The Shelbourne.

Ballyfin Demesne

Guests will be assigned one of Ballyfin’s beautifully-appointed rooms. Because the property only accommodates a limited number of guests, those flying solo will most likely share a room with another guest. Some rooms can be arranged with twin beds and multiple bathrooms.

Things to Do

Dublin

Dublin is small city with a big history and a bit of a drinking habit. Your invitation will include a handy travel guide should you wish to venture beyond that nourishing pint of Guinness.

Ballyfin Demesne

At Ballyfin, there are plenty of exciting activities in the works. We intend to distribute personalized itineraries to each guest. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the property!

Younger Guests

Ballyfin does not allow guests under the age of 10. Given this, along with the intimate nature of the estate, we have decided to have an adults-only affair. We hope that with this notice, those of you who are parents will be able to make arrangements and attend our celebration.

RSVP & Questionnaire

We’ve received everyone’s RSVP. Feel free to reach out to either of us with any questions or concerns. Sláinte!