Welcome to the Ireland section. Here you will find detailed information about Irish history, culture, mythology, writers and music. It also provides you with Irish recipes, examples of the Irish language and the latest jobs on offer in Ireland.

Planning a West-of-Ireland wedding is a dream. Whether you like the backdrop of a stark Connemara landscape or prefer the dramatic scenery of Mayo's rugged Atlantic coastline, the choice is all yours.

Opt for the rolling hills and dreamy inlets of Leitrim or Roscommon or go for the long sandy white stretches of beach, fresh air and the Celtic mists of Yeatsian Sligo. Wherever your heart lies, in Ireland's province of Connacht you are sure to have the time of your life.

First things first, let's look at the venues. Here are some places to consider:

Coopershill, Co. Sligo: (Tel. 071-65108) www.coopershill.com/index.aspl Set on 500 acres of wood and farmland, Coopershill is a beautiful eighteenth century Georgian mansion with good food, a family atmosphere and many local amenities. With a decadent stately home-feel, as well as access to its lush surroundings, this could be the ideal setting for a small family affair.

Markree Castle, Co. Sligo (Fax. 071-67840) www.markreecastle.ie Set in verdant, vast grounds and estate, Markree Castle would be a wonderful spot for a small reception and for wedding photographs. A family home for 350 years, the comfortable reception rooms and convivial company have all added up to continual warm reviews. The house has thirty bedrooms (which are described as "country house style") and its own riding stables.

Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club, Co. Galway (Tel. 0509-41777) www.shannonoaks.ie Situated by the shores of Lough Derg and right beside a 1,500-acre estate, this new 4-star hotel might be a good location to consider for a large wedding. With good locally produced food and gorgeous surroundings, there is ample space for dancing and revelling. This hotel also assures excellent facilities and amenities as well as a professional and experienced staff.

Delphi Lodge, Co. Galway (Tel. 095-42222) www.delphilodge.ie/index.asp This is the perfect site for those who want to get away for it all and have a quiet reception in a unique environment. A recent stopover for Prince Charles when he visited Ireland, this historic hotel offers reception rooms, which include a library, billiard room, and a large drawing room. Delphi Lodge is also renowned for their excellent seafood and well-stocked cellars.

Glebe House, Co. Leitrim (Tel. 078-31086) www.glebehouse.com Once a rectory, Glebe House dates back to1823 and is now run as a guesthouse and hotel by the Maloney family. For a celebration in a relaxed informal setting amidst some pleasant Leitrim farmland (the house is on 40 acres), this location cannot be surpassed.

Cregg Castle, Co. Roscommon (Tel. 091-791434) indigo.ie/~creggcas Built in 1648, Cregg castle was the last fortified castle to be built west of the river Shannon. Not only are the remains of the laboratory of the 18th century scientist, Richard Kirwan, still in the orchard of the estate, there are also original features, such as a bell tower and a chapel, intact. Enjoy roaring turf fires, traditional Irish music and the beautiful countryside. On the perimeter is Cregg Lodge, which sleeps six and is available on a self-catering basis.

Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo (Tel. 092 46003 or from the US 1-800-346-1001) This magnificent property, voted Ireland's best hotel for seven years in a row, is located on the lakeside of the picturesque village of Cong. Built in the 13th century, it was the home of the Guinness family for generations. Now it is a well-known luxury hotel attracting celebrities, politicians and movie stars alike. For a lavish affair Ashford Castle is highly recommended.

Newport House, Co. Mayo (Tel. 098-41222) www.newporthouse.ie Newport House was built as the O'Donnell family home in 1720. Now famous across Ireland and internationally for its salmon-rich waters, its glorious setting looking out across the Newport River is, indeed, uplifting. Inside, the high ceilings and fine artwork testify to a time gone past. This is the ideal place to lose yourself in a little piece of "romantic Ireland."