From the day a proposal is accepted, right through to the exchange of wedding vows in front close family and friends, a wedding is an exciting, magical and – let’s face it – slightly stressful time for any couple.
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With the Easter holidays approaching, now is the time to plan in some fun-filled Easter activities for you and little ones, and if you’re fond of searching high and low for the elusive eggs in an Easter egg hunt and enjoy getting out and about in the fresh air, County Down will have something for you!
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Strangford Lough, located just 30 minutes from the busy streets of Belfast, is one of the many beautiful hidden gems that Northern Ireland has to offer, and sits conveniently in Killyleagh’s back yard.
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It could be said that Newcastle upon Tyne couple Mark and Lynsey Harbottle truly bucked the traditional wedding trend when they planned their wedding for 20th October last year. From a bubble filled bus collection from the airport for English guests featuring prosecco and beer aplenty, to a special flash mob performance and an enchanted Harry Potter style themed reception at Dufferin Hall, it’s safe to say that they fulfilled their hope of having an “element of surprise at every stage” for their guests.
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Jake and Emma Harrison were looking for a quiet and understated spot to get married; “simple yet full of character,” according to Jake. On 17th June 2017, the happy couple’s dreams came true as they tied the knot at Castle Ward followed by a wonderful wedding reception at Dufferin Coaching Inn and Hall.
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In the world of weddings, more and more traditions are being left behind, but the wedding cake is here to stay! After all, who doesn’t like cake? Whilst some couples are opting for a more traditional tiered cake, others are choosing something a little more quirky for their big day. More fashion-forward designs and flavours are becoming on-trend including the marble look, floral designs, a ruffle effect and possibly the most popular type of design - personalised cakes.
Read MoreStuck for ideas on keeping the family busy this summer? We’re spoilt for choice this year with a wide range of events and attractions open to enjoy with the whole family this summer, whether you’re visiting our neck of the woods for a long weekend stay at Dufferin Coaching Inn, or if you’re lucky to call Northern Ireland home! Here are our top six must-visit attractions to add to your summer bucket list…
Read MoreThe National Trust invites you to step into the world of the Stark family at Castle Ward on Sunday 24 September 2017 for Northern Ireland’s very own Winterfell Festival.
Read MoreIt’s June and summertime has officially begun! Time for school holidays, day trips and spending every moment possible outdoors as we soak up our few months of Northern Ireland’s sunny summer weather!
Northern Ireland has miles and miles of coastline featuring some outstanding beaches, stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife, and whether you’re a long-time resident or a weekend visitor to Northern Ireland, our beaches are popular among everyone on beautiful summer days.
Read MoreDescribing the weather in Ireland as ‘unpredictable’ is a huge understatement! There really can be up to four seasons in the one day, so it is important to be prepared, whatever the weather.
If you are lucky enough to be visiting our wee island or if you are venturing off on a ‘staycation’ weekend, it is essential to pack properly for the occasion to avoid any weather mishaps or wardrobe malfunctions.
Read MoreFor many couples, planning a wedding can be a stressful time. From menus to photographers to cars, wedding planning is a job in itself. Opting for a simpler wedding with fewer guests can help alleviate the stress and allows couples to have more time for one another in the lead up to the big celebration.
A more selective guest list does not mean less fun will be had. Fewer people can mean a more personal celebration. The intimate wedding can also come across as much more romantic and spontaneous! Here are a few ideas on how to make a big deal out of a small wedding...
Read MoreIn need of more shut eye? Are you longing for a morning when you can wake up feeling rested and ready for the day?
Seven to nine hours is often cited as the recommended daily dose of sleep for adults but, for some, the bare minimum can even prove difficult. This might be down to an overactive mind, hectic work schedule, busy household, a spate of insomnia… or all the above!
Read More“I completely fell in love with Dufferin as soon as I stepped foot in it and knew it was the perfect venue for the cosy wedding I had envisaged,” says bride Lauren.
Newlyweds Andrew and Lauren Blair had a cosy and very personal wedding at Dufferin Hall last September after getting engaged on a romantic break in Iceland. The couple had been dating for two years before tying the knot and chose Dufferin Hall to gather together their nearest and dearest after a ceremony at a nearby church.
Read MoreGrace & Matt Evans got married in a lovely autumn wedding on Saturday 19th November and chose to have their special reception among their closest friends and family in Dufferin Hall. Their romance budded while working in Tesco during university nearly 14 years ago, and they have since lived together in London and now Dublin.
Read MoreIt’s January and that time of year when many of us may feel a need to have those cobwebs blown away after Christmas and New Year celebrations. For some, January might even be a “dry” month and, although the darker and colder nights may make this decision a bit challenging at times, there is still lots of potential for it to be a fulfilling month. We promise!
Read MoreWith winter just around the corner and autumn foliage at its peak, a walk down the wondrous greenways and paths dotting County Down is the perfect way to enjoy autumn in its splendour while the leaves are still above you. Here are some of our favourite places to enjoy nature’s displays this autumn.
Read MoreTop 5 things we’re thankful for
Read MoreBobbing for Apples, Trick-or-Treating, and scary stories may be some of the memories that come to mind at Halloween time, and whatever you love about All Hallow’s Eve, there’s plenty on offer in our local area to help you and the family make the most of this magical holiday. These top activities and attractions all taking place in Dufferin Coaching Inn’s neighbouring towns and villages are a must for the family during the Halloween season.
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