5,000 amazing ways to say “I do”

Every wedding day at Cabra Castle in Co. Cavan is memorable but happy couple Patricia Martin and Leon Duffy had an extra 5,000 reasons to celebrate when they tied the knot on Saturday, February 3.

They were the lucky 5,000th couple to celebrate their nuptials at the renowned Cabra Castle, surrounded by magnificent Gothic design and 100 acres of parkland and gardens.

Cabra Castle has been the venue of choice for weddings in Cavan since 1992 and is internationally regarded as one of the finest castle wedding venues in Ireland. “This is a proud milestone for our family, celebrating the 5000th wedding at Cabra Castle. It’s been an honour to be part of so many beautiful weddings over the past 26 years,” said owner Mitzie Corscadden.

Mum’s the word when it comes to matchmaking – it was Patricia’s mother Maura who introduced the happy couple. She knew Leon and his parents through set dancing and introduced them in 2010.

Leon then went to Budapest for four years to study but they continued a long-distance relationship until he proposed in Dún A Rí Forest Park, by the lake, in October 2016. The couple love the outdoor life and this is their favourite local spot to walk together.

Leon is a vet, while Patricia works with the Cavan/Monaghan Education and Training Board (ETB). They will live in the area, in Muff.

Patricia made her own Carrickmacross Lace veil, which took 11 months to complete. Princess Diana and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, also had Carrickmacross lace from Co. Monaghan in their veils. Speculation is rife that Prince Harry's wife-to-be Meaghan might also follow the tradition later this year, so Patricia is in very good company!