Review: The Old Rectory

Welcome to my Old Rectory Review. This was my final stop on my trip visiting Leitrim’s finest wedding venues, and what a way to finish. After castles, ballrooms and lakeside grandeur, I arrived at The Old Rectory and immediately felt the pace change. I knew very little about this venue and I can safely say, I’ll be adding this one to my ‘Hidden Gem’ list!

If you’re one of the many couples finding it incredibly hard to secure a small, intimate wedding venue, this one is going to stop you in your tracks.

One word to describe The Old Rectory…. Quaint!

A true micro-wedding venue (and a home away from home)

The Old Rectory is a lovingly restored family home that has been thoughtfully developed into a micro-wedding venue. It’s owned and run by Julie and her family, and from the moment you arrive, that personal, hands-on care is obvious.

The house sits overlooking Fenagh Lake, tucked away in the quiet heart of Leitrim. When you pull up, you’re greeted by a quaint country house with a striking green door, the kind of place that immediately makes you feel at ease.

Step inside past the signature green door and you’ll see years of the Curran family photos on the walls showing that love and history that give the house its soul. There is a very special feeling when you walk through the door.

Inside the house

The dining room is an ornate, intimate space where you can host a small wedding meal or rehearsal dinner. I love the open fire and views. When you book the Old Rectory you have the entire house to yourselves. You are completely removed from the usual hustle and bustle of day to day life.

Within the house, there are 10 spacious bedrooms, some with lovely views over the lake. If you get to stay here, no doubt you will wake up feeling calm and unhurried, exactly how many couples want to feel across their wedding weekend.

Ceremony options

Ceremonies can take place on the lawn overlooking Fenagh Lake, a gorgeous, natural setting that doesn’t need much dressing. It’s quiet, scenic and very romantic. For indoors, the Carriage Suite offers a unique setting.

True to the venue’s ethos, ceremonies here are personal and flexible. You decide how you want your ceremony to be.

Courtyard drinks & gathering spaces

As you move outside, the courtyard area opens up another layer of the venue. This is a lovely spot for an arrival reception, complete with canapés and prosecco if you wish. I could easily imagine drinks flowing, music playing, and guests just chilling out, mingling rather than rushing from one moment to the next.

There’s an ease to how the spaces work together. Nothing feels forced or over-designed.

Accommodation & capacity

In addition to the bedrooms within the house, there are a number of self-catering options on site, offering excellent accommodation options for guests. In total, the venue can sleep up to 34 people, making it ideal for couples who want to host their nearest and dearest for a full weekend experience. Even if you weren’t getting married, it would be a great spot for a group of friends and family to have a celebration.

The Carriage Suite

For couples looking to host a slightly larger celebration of up to 60 guests, the recently restored Carriage Suite is a great option. This stone building has been renovated and offers a wonderful option for dining and celebrating with a wider group, while still keeping the intimate feel that defines the venue. Its rectangular shape means that you can do long table dining. I loved the home touches such as the rugs that are scattered around the room. You can completely ditch the top table and get right in to the action sitting together or, you could do a sweetheart table for a special bit of time for yourselves.

Final thoughts

They work hard to embody a sustainable ethos. They source seasonal produce from as many local suppliers as possible. This is the complete opposite to how we ‘think’ a wedding should be. Here, you get to define your day. It’s for couples who want something quietly special.

In a market where intimate venues are increasingly hard to find, this one feels like a gift. It’s warm, authentic, sustainable and deeply personal.