Theresa's Mixed Nuts: Picture Perfect St Finbarr's Oratory

Monday, February 24, 2020

Picture Perfect St Finbarr's Oratory

My wedding consisted of an unplanned, quick stop at the Justice of the Peace. It wasn't big or fancy and I think we put a whole $20 towards it which consisted of the fee for the marriage license. We surely irritated a few family members with our shotgun vows, but marriage isn't about a big wedding, seeing how mine has lasted 17 years this May. But, if I could go back and do it again, I like to think I would have gathered my closest family and friends and flew them out to Saint Finbarr's Oratory for an intimate ceremony.

St. Finbarr's Oratory

Nestled on a small island (Gougane Barra), this chapel is one of the most romantic and enchanting settings for a wedding. It actually wasn't close to anything on our Ireland road trip itinerary, but I stumbled upon St. Finbarr's during my research and made an exception to go out of our way so I could see it in person. When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was how quiet and peaceful it was. The only noise we could hear were sheep baaing in the hills. We all looked at each other and commented that this was one of the most gorgeous places we have ever been to.

St Finbarr's Oratory

St Finbarr's Oratory

The present ruins date back to around 1700, when a priest called Denis O'Mahony came to the island. Maybe the Mahoney (Mahony) connection is what really drew me in? LOL! The chapel itself is very quaint, seating about 40 people, so it would be so perfect for a small, intimate ceremony.

St Finbarr's Oratory

St Finbarr's Oratory

St Finbarr's Oratory

The grounds are just as lovely, and the hills and lake in the background make it one of the most beautiful settings for wedding photography.


St Finbarr's Oratory

St Finbarr's Oratory

The girls spotted a dog wandering the grounds and couldn't resist making friends...

St Finbarr's Oratory

St Finbarr's Oratory

There's a little graveyard on the property with a bench so people can sit and visit with their loved ones. I can't think of a more lovely final resting place than on Gougane Barra.

St Finbarr's Oratory


St Finbarr's Oratory

St Finbarr's Oratory

St Finbarr's Oratory

I did use my iphone for a panoramic shot so you could see how secluded and peaceful the area is.

St Finbarr's Oratory

If you're headed to Ireland, I would encourage you to plot a stop to Saint Finbarr's Oratory on your itinerary. Travel is fun, but exhausting, and Gougane Barra is a great spot to sit, reflect and recoup before heading back out on the Irish countryside roads.



Where is your dream destination wedding?



15 comments:

  1. That is the cutest chapel ever, at least on the outside, it is kinda fugly inside :) You and Jason could renew your vows on the 20th anniversary so that you could finally wear a big gown :)

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    Replies
    1. A little fugly inside, but I still liked it. I'm kinda hoping to get to Hawaii for my 20th. I was holding out for my 15th, but that didn't happen, so we'll see....

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  2. Wow, so pretty! Our ceremeny was very cery small just for the closest members of The family, I loved that!

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    Replies
    1. I think that's the best way to go. A small ceremony with just your closest loved ones in attendance.

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  3. The inside was a lot nicer than I would have thought. Great pictures.

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  4. Maravilha de imagens!
    Adorei conhecer.
    janicce.

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  5. Wow, that sure is a quaint little spot indeed. Can see many wanting to get married in such a place. I'm with you though, pay the $20 and get it over and done with it. Probably why I'm still single lol

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    Replies
    1. No need to blow your entire life savings on one day. I'd rather save that money for a once in a lifetime trip or a down payment on a house.

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  6. This looks so quaint and lovely! I agree that this place would be a perfect spot for a destination wedding. You could always renew your vows there. ;) ;) ;) I envy your quick, inexpensive wedding. While I had a small wedding compared to most NY weddings, it was still quite the expense and the root of lots of anxiety for me. Instead, I wish we spent that money for a once in a lifetime trip throughout Europe.

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    Replies
    1. I imagine I'll have to deal with the wedding stress once my youngest gets married. She already stresses me out when prom season rolls around LOL. I'm sure you have lots of lovely memories of that day though, even with the anxiety of planning it all out.

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  7. I like the reflection shot, so much! I thought about the outdoor wedding, but the weather is so all over the place here.

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