Tucked away amid tranquil woodlands on the outskirts of Cork, Springfort Hall Hotel guards a special secret that EVERY wedding couple should know…
The beautiful estate with sprawling grounds for wedding photographs is exclusively yours on your special day – and its secret weapon is the General Manager Paul Walsh! Committed to making your day just perfect and with a wealth of experience, he’s a force to be reckoned with. We caught up with Paul, who explained why anything is possible for wedding couples at Springfort Hall…
The Good Years
Paul reflects proudly on the family’s 30-year reign at Springfort Hall. His well-established and highly-renowned career at the helm of the family business was sparked by a series of innovative plans for the charming country house.
“I started a college course to qualify as a chef. It was around this time the family started speaking about extending the hotel. I made the decision to take the next step into management and since the 90s, I’ve been running the hotel.”
“My mother and father were in charge of the day-to-day business before this. When we took over, it was an eight bedroom B&B with a restaurant. We built another 41 bedrooms, banquet hall and The Baltydaniel Bar, which was a great achievement for us at the time.”
This ambition and an emphasis on adding a personal touch for guests and wedding parties is what has helped Springfort Hall carve its place as one of Munster’s best-loved wedding venues.
Recently crowned Top Rated Wedding Venue in Cork, Paul and his family strive to add an element of old school gentility to weddings. From personally meeting each couple and talking them through their special day to greeting each table of guests in the Banqueting Hall, exceeding expectations is a core value for each member of the team. Each wedding is completely different and special in its own right, but Paul describes the experience provided as “totally unique and magical”.
Looking to the Future
With a sleek newly-designed website and an ever-growing presence on social media, the only way is up for this close-knit family business. The Irish wedding industry has received a new lease of life over the past 18 months, with many couples taking inspiration from the latest American trends – and that’s why Paul’s positive attitude and caring nature is more relevant than ever.
More and more couples are seeking something extra special for their big day, country house and alternative wedding venues are rising hugely in popularity thanks to this influence. Rather than the standard ‘factory venue’, stunning surroundings and an intimate atmosphere are taking precedence on wedding wishlists.
Both partners are becoming more involved in choosing colour schemes, themes and those extra details that add a wow factor. Celebrations are being seen as an experience that will be treasured forever, and that’s exactly what Paul aims to achieve.
Summed up in one sentence, Marcella Rhattigan describes him as an asset to engaged couples ahead of their nuptials. “He’s their friend rather than a Wedding Coordinator, he really adds a friendly element to their experience at Springfort Hall.”
For more details on weddings at Springfort Hall Hotel, call Paul on +353 22 21278 or visit www.springfort-hall.com
Image Credit: Banqueting Hall – Paul Duane Photography.
