Frequently Asked Questions

1. What will the weather be like in Ireland in June?

June in Ireland is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C). Expect a mix of sunshine and light rain, so layering is key. A waterproof jacket or umbrella is a must. Be aware the sun will rise around 5AM and set around 10PM on 24th of June.

2. What should I pack for the wedding and my trip?

For wedding related events, the welcome reception on Monday June 23rd will be a casual affair at a traditional Irish pub in Dublin, so please feel free to wear smart casual attire. For the wedding day, please bring formal attire; the dress code for the ceremony and reception is Black Tie Optional.

For sightseeing, pack comfortable walking shoes, casual layers and sweaters, as well as weatherproof outerwear. Don’t forget an adapter for electrical devices (Ireland uses Type G plugs and 230V).

3. Will I need a car to get around?

If you plan to explore the countryside beyond wedding festivities, renting a car is highly recommended but not absolutely necessary if you book through a tour company. In cities like Dublin or Cork, public transport, taxis, and walking are usually sufficient.

Taxis in Dublin: There are Ubers, however, the best way to get around Dublin is to order a taxi through an app called FreeNow, which you can download here from the Apple App Store or Android Marketplace
Rental Cars: We recommend renting a car. All major rental companies operate at the Dublin Airport, where we suggest picking up your car to avoid driving through the narrow Dublin streets.
A valid U.S. driver’s license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory. Ireland mandates Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance, often included in the rental cost. U.S. credit card insurance coverage may not apply in Ireland—check with your card provider or insurance provider.
Remember, in Ireland they drive on the “wrong-side” - so traffic is on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right.
There will be tolls on all major highways but each toll station accepts credit cards.
Further, there is ample parking at Cabra Castle when you arrive.
Car Services or Tour Companies: Ireland hosts travelers from all over the world, especially in the summer, so there are numerous private shuttles or touring companies to chose from if you do not wish to rent a car. Here are a a few that provide service to and from Cabra Castle.
- Going Places Minibus Hire (Dublin, Ireland)
  Comfortable minibus hire for group transfers.
- Blacklane (Dublin, Ireland)
  A luxury chauffer service for scheduled one-way transportation.
- MyTransfers (Dublin, Ireland)
  Private taxi and minivan services with upfront, guaranteed prices.
- Dublin Airport Collections (Dublin, Ireland)
  Private taxi and minivan services with upfront, guaranteed prices.
- Transfers and Tours Ireland (Dublin, Ireland)
  Tailored transfers and tours, including Dublin to Cabra Castle.
- Barney Muldoon Taxi (Kingscourt, Ireland)
  Kingscourt Taxi Cab. t: +353 87 274 9859
- 1890 Taxis (Kingscourt, Ireland)
  1890 Taxis in Kingscourt. t: 1890 829422

4. What’s the best way to get to the wedding venue and when should I arrive?

For international travelers, we recommend arriving at Dublin Airport a couple of days before the wedding to allow time to settle in and explore the city.

Since Cabra Castle will be hosting another wedding the night before ours, rooms will not be available until the day of our wedding. To welcome everyone, we will be hosting welcome drinks at Lennan’s Yard in Dublin on Monday, June 23rd.

Wedding Day Arrival: Please join us at Cabra Castle on Tuesday, June 24th by 2:00PM. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:30PM.

Please note that this is the latest time the hotel allows for ceremonies. While hotel check-in officially begins at 3:00 PM, we are hopeful that guests will be able to access their rooms earlier to get settled before the ceremony starts.

5. What is the time difference between Ireland and the United States?

Ireland operates on Irish Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Be sure to adjust your schedule for the time difference!

6. What currency does Ireland use, and can I use credit cards?

Ireland uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in rural areas.

7. Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Ireland. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.

8. Will my phone work in Ireland?

Check with your carrier about international roaming plans. Many U.S. phones work in Ireland, but roaming fees can add up unless you have an international plan. Alternatively, purchase a local SIM card or use the castle’s Wi-Fi for calls and messaging apps.

9. What’s the tipping etiquette at Cabra Castle and in Ireland generally?

Tipping isn’t as customary as in the U.S. In restaurants, 10% is appreciated for good service. Tipping isn’t typically expected in pubs, but rounding up a taxi fare or tipping hotel staff is a nice gesture. For staff at Cabra Castle, leaving a tip for exceptional service is a nice gesture but not expected.

10. What kind of food can I expect at a Cabra Castle wedding?

Irish weddings often feature hearty and delicious meals. We’ll have light bites during the cocktail hour but expect expect a multi-course meal. Vegetarian and other dietary needs can be accommodated if requested in advance, so please let us know if you have any restrictions when you RSVP.

If you’re staying at Cabra Castle, breakfast is included with your stay and is served in the Courtroom Restaurant. Keep in mind, it is customary at most hotels in Ireland to include a complimentary breakfast.

Dinning at Cabra Castle - There are multiple a-la-carte dinning options:

The Courtroom Restaurant is the award winning restaurant located on the first floor and open for lunch and dinner. This is also where the complimentary breakfast will be served. Children are welcome, the dress code is smart casual, and reservations are essential. You may make a reservation at the front desk.
The Derby Bar serves food throughout the day from an extensive light dining menu, including traditional pub food and pizza. Reservations are available but not essential.
Afternoon Tea at Cabra Castle is served Monday to Saturday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Pre-booking is essential.