Drinks Reception...
The drinks reception will be held directly after the wedding ceremony itself at Aileen's parents house, Ballyallia House, part of the Ballyallia Estate. This is the home Aileen grew up in. It is a fantastic 18th century mansion with some interesting history.
The house itself dates back to c.1750. However the first recorded owner is Andrew Kerin in 1814. It then became the home of Andrew Stacpoole and was owned by William Stacpoole in fee in the mid 19th century when the buildings, which included a house, steward's house, office and gate lodge, were valued at over £41. By the end of the 19th century the Vere O'Briens were living in the house. The house was considerably altered in the 1970s. John and Mona Costelloe bought the estate in 1978.
Ballyalla literally translated means 'home of the swan' and the house overlooks Ballyallia Lake, which is indeed home to a family of swans. Part of the farm, the lake is fed by the River Fergus. On the other side of the lake from the farm is Ballyalla village, where there is a small park with picnic facilities and car park.
Ballyalla Lake is also home to Ballyalla Castle which is now in ruins but has historical connections with a siege in 1642.
The lake can be used for dinghy sailing and hosts a variety of aquatic and wildlife plants. Wild fowl live on the lake and surrounding grassland.
