Business Details
32 Years
experience
Exclusive Wedding & Event Venue at Lissanoure Castle
Lissanoure Castle is a family-owned estate offering exclusive use of its historic 18th-century Coach House and Castle Barn for weddings, corporate events, and filming. Since 1994, we have provided bespoke event hosting in a private setting surrounded by natural beauty. Our team combines decades of experience with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each event reflects the client's vision. The castle's unique heritage, including its role as the original seat of Lord Macartney, adds historical grandeur to every occasion. We prioritise personal service, working closely with clients from initial planning to execution.The estate's self-contained nature guarantees privacy, with dedicated spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and accommodation. Our facilities include fully licensed bars, catering kitchens, and flexible seating arrangements for up to 200 guests. Sustainability is integral to our operations, balancing conservation with modern event requirements. As members of the Historic Houses Association, we maintain rigorous standards of preservation and hospitality. Our location near Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast enhances accessibility while maintaining a secluded atmosphere.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Corporate Events
Filming Locations
Accommodation
Historical Tours
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive use of our venue for uninterrupted events
- Our team has 30 years' experience in bespoke event planning
- The castle's Grade-A listed status ensures historical authenticity
- We provide flexible space configurations for 20-200 guests
- Our dedicated wedding coordinators manage every detail personally
Associations and certifications
- Historic Houses Association
- Worldhost
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
We host exclusive wedding ceremonies in two distinct locations: the Castle Coach House with its open log fire or an outdoor garden setting between historic castle walls. Our facilities include a licensed bar, reception spaces for 200+ guests, and dedicated event coordination. Couples receive personal guidance from our experienced wedding planners throughout the planning process.
Corporate Events
The estate provides secluded spaces for conferences, product launches, and team-building events. Our venues feature modern amenities within historic settings, including AV equipment, catering facilities, and parking for coaches. The experienced team offers logistical support while maintaining the privacy of our self-contained estate.
Filming Locations
Lissanoure Castle offers period architecture and scenic grounds for film and photography. As Historic Houses Association members, we provide standard contracts for commercial filming while protecting the estate's heritage. The location has hosted BBC productions including 'Flog It' and 'Antique Road Trip'.
Accommodation
We provide overnight stays in a specially designated Coach House bedroom with en-suite facilities. Additional accommodation options include local hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering properties. The estate also offers rental properties like The White Lodge and The Rectory for extended stays.
Historical Tours
Guided tours explore the castle's 700-year history, including its Celtic settlement origins and Macartney family legacy. Visitors learn about architectural features like the 18th-century Coach House and conservation efforts by current owners Peter and Emily Mackie. The estate's role in Irish history is highlighted through curated exhibits.
People
Peter Mackie
Estate Owner
Peter Mackie co-owns Lissanoure Castle with his wife Emily. He continues his family's restoration work begun in the 1930s, balancing heritage preservation with modern event hosting requirements. His stewardship maintains the estate's historical integrity while developing its event business.
Emily Mackie
Estate Owner
Emily Mackie co-owns the estate with Peter. She oversees day-to-day operations while maintaining the estate's gardens and historical collections. Her family's long-term commitment ensures the castle's preservation for future generations while supporting its active use as an event venue.
Jane Torrens
Wedding Coordinator
Jane Torrens leads wedding coordination at Lissanoure Castle. With extensive experience in luxury event management, she ensures seamless execution of ceremonies and receptions. Her team handles logistics, vendor coordination, and client consultations to deliver bespoke wedding experiences.
Sarah Delaney
Wedding Coordinator
Sarah Delaney co-manages wedding events with Jane Torrens. She specialises in creating tailored event timelines and managing on-site operations. Her expertise in Northern Ireland's hospitality sector ensures smooth coordination between venue staff, caterers, and external vendors.
Lesley Jarvis
Estate Administrator
Lesley Jarvis manages administrative operations for Lissanoure Castle and Farms. Her responsibilities include financial record-keeping, client communications, and coordinating estate logistics. Her organisational expertise ensures efficient management of both agricultural and event business operations.
Questions
Is Lissanoure Castle exclusively available for events?
Yes, we never host multiple events simultaneously. The entire estate is reserved exclusively for your event.
What capacity options exist for weddings?
The Coach House seats 100 guests, while the Castle Barn accommodates larger weddings over 100 guests.
Can we hold outdoor ceremonies?
Yes, we offer a covered outdoor garden area between the castle walls for ceremonies in good weather.
Are accommodation options available on-site?
A Coach House bedroom with en-suite is available for couples. Additional local accommodation options can be recommended.
What historical significance does the castle have?
The estate dates to Celtic times, with the current castle built in 1300. It was home to Lord Macartney, Britain's first Chinese ambassador.
How accessible is the venue for guests?
We have ample on-site parking and are 45 minutes from Belfast International Airport. The estate is accessible by train via Ballymoney station.
