Meet & Greet

The Haven Hotel, Dunmore East

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Jack Meades Bar & Beer Garden

Day 2 - BBQ

Our Wedding

We have both lived in Melbourne for the last 7-9 years, but our story actually began in Portugal in 2022 at Niamh (Fiona's sister) and Adrians' wedding, where Will was a guest.Romance blossomed in the seaside town of Ericeria, and Will met Fiona's entire family in one go- efficiency!

How it started...

Back in Melbourne, things went from strength to strength, and the rest is history.We have enjoyed the best of times in Melbourne attending festivals, eating (mostly Will's delicious cooking), and travelling all over for friends' weddings and road trips.Fiona has become an expert in beach volleyball *cough*, while watching Will play from afar, in the shade and covered in factor 50!

Then it blossomed..

We had one of our first holidays in Cinque Terre Italy, which was special as it is where Will's grandparents Malcolm and Grace holidayed as a young couple.

More holidays

We have been lucky to spend time in Ireland and England with both of our families over the last few years.

Meeting the families 

Last November, Will decided to pop the question on a sweaty hike in 'the bush' with an Irish Claddagh ring from Galway, in the West of Ireland. The proposal was a bit delayed, as it was initially sent to Austria, instead of Australia!Nonetheless, on the 5th November 2024, Fiona said yes!

The proposal

When back home visiting over Christmas we viewed a couple of venues in Waterford and decided that Dunmore East was a great fit. Disclaimer- this photo is from the summer, but taken at the Strand in Dunmore East where Will enjoyed his first Irish pint of Guinness!

Choosing the location

We became a family of 3 in September, and cant' wait to celebrate with you all in June to make it official.

Baby Wifi 

Our Story

Wedding Party

The Haven Hotel has limited rooms and will be reserved for immediate family and the wedding party. Note: Many of the accomodation options are likely not yet taking bookings (as of August 2025), but you can try! There are a handful of Airbnb options in Dunmore East. The nearby seaside town Tramore also has lots of Airbnbs, B&amp;Bs and hotels. About ~20 min car ride.

Avon Lodge GuesthouseCoast Road, Dunmore EastTel: +35387 879 4444Website: <a href="https://www.avonlodge.ie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.avonlodge.ie</a>Seven rooms available5-minute walk from The HavenAsk for Caroline -- Sommerville Bed &amp; BreakfastCoast Road, Dunmore EastTel: +35351 383 843Email: sommervillebandb@yahoo.comFour rooms available10-minute walk from The HavenAsk for Barbara -- Dunmore Escapes Luxury Holiday HomesTel: +35351 383 699 or +35385 868 9338Website: <a href="https://www.dunmoreescapes.ie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.dunmoreescapes.ie</a>Most properties are 5-minute walk from The HavenAsk for Dara -- Holiday Homes in Dunmore EastTel: Maria – +35385 801 3584Various properties across the village5–15 minute walk depending on location -- Emer FlanniganTel: +35387 416 0299One-bedroom house with open plan kitchen, dining, and living room5–10 minute walk from The Haven (note: uphill) -- Dunmore East Holiday and Golf ResortTel: +35387 702 2566Website: <a href="https://www.dunmoreholiday.ie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.dunmoreholiday.ie</a>Luxury apartments and self-catering houses beside the golf course5-minute drive or 15-minute uphill walk -- Angela O’SheaAirfield Point, Dunmore EastTel: +35387 907 6605Holiday house (sleeps 6: two king rooms and one double)10–15 minute walk from The Haven -- Shirley’s Holiday HousesTel: +35387 279 9265Options include a house for 10 guests, rooms, studio apartments, and apartmentsAvailable for single or multiple nights -- Short Term House LetsAll within 5–10 minute walk Dannie Quinn – +35386 820 8311Peter McSweeney – +35385 108 4157

B&Bs and guesthouses in Dunmore East (closest!)

THE STRAND INNTel: + 353 (0)51 383174 www.thestrandinn.comDistance from The Haven: 5 minute walk FAITHLEGG HOUSE HOTEL &amp; GOLF RESORTTel: +35351 382000 www.faithlegg.comDistance from The Haven: 20 minute drive Options in Waterford City ~30 mins car ride GRANVILLE HOTELMeagher Quay, WaterfordTel: +35351 305 555 www.granvillehotel.ie TOWER HOTEL &amp; LEISURE CENTREThe Mall, The Viking Triangle, WaterfordTel: +35351 862 300 www.towerhotelwaterford.com

Hotels

Accomodation

In general in Ireland driving is the best option in terms of transport.There is public transport to get between cities and aiports, but for travelling between smaller towns and villages the public transport is not as reliable or available. Car rental is available at airports. Information about recommended companies to come.

How to get to Dunmore East

Flying in from overseas

Options to fly to Dublin or Cork airport.Dublin is more accessible in terms of public transport and more flight options.Cork airport is much smaller and generally easier to navigate, but tricky without a car. TRANSPORT FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT~164km to Waterford City via M9. Takes about 1.5 hours to Waterford city. DriveMotorway/freeway from Dublin to WaterfordTakes about 1.5 hours to Waterford city.Another 17km (20-25 mins) to Dunmore East BusThere are a few companies that do bus transfers from the airport to Waterford city with some stops along the way.<a href="https://jjkavanagh.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://jjkavanagh.ie/</a> <a href="https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/4</a> <a href="https://www.expressway.ie/dublin-airport-services" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.expressway.ie/dublin-airport-services</a> TrainThere is a train that goes from Dublin City (Heuston station) to Waterford.This is a comfortable way to travel, but you need to make your way from Dublin airport to Heuston station.This would be by bus or taxi<a href="https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/accordion/detailed-summary/dublin-to-waterford-intercity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/accordion/detailed-summary/dublin-to-waterford-intercity</a> TRANSPORT FROM CORK AIRPORTThe easiest way is to drive ~129km to Waterford city and ~1.5 hours and I would recommend this if possible. BusYou can take a bus from Cork City (Parnell place) to Waterford city.You would need to make your way from the airport to Cork city to get this.<a href="https://www.expressway.ie/route40_Cork_to_Waterford.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.expressway.ie/route40_Cork_to_Waterford.php</a>

Taking the ferry

There is the option to take the ferry from Wales, which means you have the use of your own car. Rosslare port in Co. Wexford is very convenient for access to Waterford. Routes from Fishgaurd or Pembroke in Wales. Alternatively there are routes from Holyhead port to Dublin port. More information on this to come.

Getting around Waterford

There is no Uber in Ireland.There are buses that go from Dunmore East to Waterford city.Overall travel by car is the easiest, or taxi after a visit to the pub. We will explore arranging transport on the 7th to Jack Meades pub from Dunmore East if there are a lot staying around. Please get in touch with us if you have any queries about transport, or if we can help out in any way.

Transport

Dress Code

Things to do in Dunmore East

Hit the beach!There are a few choices in Dunmore: Councillors beach, Lawlors beach (the main one by the Strand Hotel)There are some coves- Ladies Cove (where Fiona's Mum Teresa swims almost daily!), Mens cove, badgers cover The water is usually quite calm. The Cliff WalkA beautiful walk along the coast line- pack your swimwear! <a href="https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterford/waterford-estuary-coastal-path-dunmore-east-to-ballymacaw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterford/waterford-estuary-coastal-path-dunmore-east-to-ballymacaw</a> 'Begin the Dunmore East Cliff Walk from the signposted point at the back of the Old Convent in Dunmore East village. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Hook Head and the famous Hook Lighthouse.Your route can range from a few kilometres to a longer trek, depending on how far you want to go. Take a rest when you reach Portally Cove to the west of the village and listen to the waves crashing across the rocks.' Dunmore East Adventure CentreMore adventurous?Dunmore East adventure Centre offers lots of activities including kayaking, archery, paddleboarding etc.<a href="https://dunmoreadventure.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dunmoreadventure.com/</a> There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs.Recommendations to come.

Will running into the sea at Lawlor's beach in Dunmore East.Plenty more of this to come in June!

Will's first Irish sea swim

Visit Tramore

Tramore is a bigger seaside town about 20 minutes from Dunmore East.There are more accommodation, food and activity options here and it is definitely worth a visit. SurfingRent surfboards and surf in Tramore Strand. SwimmingSwim at Tramore beach. The Guilamene Cove and Newtown cove are favourite swimming spots<a href="https://www.newtowncove.ie/the-cove-and-guillamene" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.newtowncove.ie/the-cove-and-guillamene</a> There are a wealth of restaurants and pubs where you can catch some traditional Irish music.Recommendations to follow.

A favourite swimming spot- weather permitting! (This was in December)

The Guillamene, Tramore

Drive the Copper coast from Tramore to Dungarvan, and visit other coastal villages like Ardmore. <a href="https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/copper-coast-drive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/copper-coast-drive/</a>

Visit Waterford City- the oldest city in Ireland!

The Viking triangleThere are museums in the Viking triangle where you can learn about the history of Waterford.These include the Wake Museum, Silver museum, and also a VR Viking experience!<a href="https://www.waterfordtreasures.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.waterfordtreasures.com/</a> Waterford CrystalVisit Waterford Crystal and see how it is made!<a href="https://www.houseofwaterford.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.houseofwaterford.com/</a> There are many places to eat and drink in Waterford City.Recommendations to follow.

There is lots to learn about the history of Waterford City at the Viking triangle. Bit of craic as well!

Being tourists in Waterford City

If you share Will's mild obsession with chess, why not challenge him for a game in Waterford city?

For those that like chess..

Cycle the Greenway

For the avid cyclists, the Greenway is a must!It is a 46km flat, car free stretch from Waterford City to the town of Dungarvan, with beautiful views and stops along the way.You can do sections of it and return, or cycle the full thing.You can rent bikes from the city and the companies arrange shuttles to get you back at the end of the day. <a href="https://greenwaysireland.org/waterford-greenway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://greenwaysireland.org/waterford-greenway/</a>

Visit Hook Lighthouse

The Hook Lighthouse in Co. Wexford is a worthwhile visit.It is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and is around a 70 minute drive from Dunmore.It is also accessible via the ferry from Passage East as a semi short cut! <a href="https://hookheritage.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hookheritage.ie/</a> <a href="https://www.passageferry.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.passageferry.ie/</a>

Exploring Ireland before or after the wedding?

Cork CityCork city is 120km west of Waterford.It is Ireland's second largest city and is bustling with things to do.Fiona lived here for 9 years while in University.Fiona's Mum Teresa is also from Cork!.If you are planning on visiting, please reach out for recommendations. West of IrelandThe west of Ireland is truly stunning and worth a trip if you have the time.There are many stops along 'the Wild Atlantic Way'.<a href="https://www.thewildatlanticway.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thewildatlanticway.com/</a> KilkennyKilkenny city is around 30 minutes from Waterford and is also easily accessible by train for a day trip.It is another medieval city and known for its winding streets, lively pubs and castles.It is also known for its nightlife! <a href="https://www.discoverireland.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.discoverireland.ie/</a>

William & Fiona

William & Fiona

Photos