Newpark Hotel Kilkenny share formula for wedding success ahead of upcoming Wedding Showcase

As one of Kilkenny's favourite wedding venues, the 4 star Newpark Hotel has been honing the art of celebrating love for over five decades.  

For over 50 years, Newpark Hotel has been more than just a wedding venue—it has been a place where generations of families have celebrated love, laughter and new beginnings.

Nestled within 20 acres of beautiful parkland in Kilkenny, the hotel has welcomed countless couples, many of whom have followed in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents, choosing Newpark as the place to say ‘I do’.

At Newpark Hotel, a wedding is more than just a day—it’s a cherished memory that stays with you forever.

That’s why they take great pride in offering a warm, personal, and heartfelt experience, ensuring every wedding is as special as the love story behind it.

From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, their elegant ballroom and event spaces can be tailored to suit your unique vision.

With decades of experience and a passion for hospitality, Wedding Manager Mary O’Neill and her team will be with you every step of the way, making sure that every detail, from your first enquiry to your first dance, is handled with care and attention.

Food is at the heart of every great celebration, and at Newpark Hotel, they believe in delicious, locally sourced cuisine that brings people together.

Their talented chefs create menus that reflect the joy of the occasion, whether it’s a sumptuous banquet or a relaxed, elegant reception.

After the celebrations, couples can retreat to luxurious bridal suites, while family and friends can relax in comfortable guest rooms, making the wedding experience truly unforgettable for everyone.

Newpark Hotel isn’t just a venue - it’s part of your family’s love story. Whether you’re starting your journey together or continuing a tradition that spans generations, we’d be honoured to be part of your special day.

The hotel are now inviting engaged couples to join their experts for an exclusive Wedding Showcase on Thursday, March 20 from 6pm-9pm. 

During the showcase you will meet the wedding team, tour the venue, and discover how Newpark can help bring your dream wedding to life within budget.

Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, this is your chance to explore all that Newpark has to offer and secure your perfect wedding date.

We asked Senior Wedding & Events Executive at Newpark Hotel, Mary O'Neill, who has overseen hundreds of different and individual wedding celebrations, what trends she is seeing from couples this season.  

She said 'the biggest trend at present is personalisation'.

"People want their wedding to showcase their unique personalities in as many ways as possible," she explained.

"While trends may evolve, the essentials remain unchanged for couples: a stress-free planning process, a beautifully presented venue, both indoor and outdoor spaces, and a quality experience for their guests.

"It’s important that those core things are looked after, because when they are, then all your other little details and touches can really shine!"

The Top Priorities for Wedding Couples in 2026/27, according to Newpark Hotel are as follows:

1. Stress-Free Planning

Couples are busier than ever, so when they give time to a project like a wedding, they want it to be efficient and stress free, allowing them to focus on the romantic details, as they should! A wedding after all is a celebration of love, family and unity. Newpark’s expert team works closely with each couple, offering packages to help manage budgets while delivering a curated, beautiful celebration. The hotel’s inclusive packages are a huge help, with something to suit every taste and budget under the headings of The Fairytale, The Vintage, The Classic and The Ultimate.

2. Guest Experience

Aside from the wedding couple, the most important people  in any wedding are  family and friends - everyone wants them to share in the joy of the day. Therefore ensuring the comfort of guests is a top priority for couples today.  With this in mind, Newpark Hotel offers premium on-site accommodation options, including family rooms, an adult-only floor, private hot tub suites, and exclusive guest rates. Every team member goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service, ensuring the couple can relax and enjoy the moment. 

3. Great Food & Sustainable Sourcing

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to couples, and not in a token way.  It is genuinely something that people ask about these days. It’s actually lovely when a couple enquiries about sourcing or sustainability credentials as Flynn Hotels prides itself on this, and has won awards for sustainability. For many, the wedding meal is one of the most memorable parts of the day. Newpark’s chefs elevate this experience with exquisite multi-course menus, crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The hotel’s sophisticated Dunmore and Glendine Suites provide the ideal setting for an indulgent and elegant dining experience, with thoughtful wine pairing options to compliment the food. That’s something we can all raise a glass to!

4. A Picturesque & Convenient Location

Today’s couples seek a wedding venue that is both beautiful and easily accessible. Newpark Hotel offers the perfect blend: 25 acres of parkland, landscaped gardens, and period features that are perfect for wedding photos. The hotel’s private wedding garden and sophisticated ballroom reception space provide the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows, while ample free on-site parking makes it convenient for guests to attend. 

5. Pre- & Post-Wedding Luxury

Being able to seamlessly incorporate your chosen venue into pre and post wedding wellness plans really helps.  It adds a deeper feeling of connection to the space. Newpark Hotel isn’t just an ideal wedding venue—it’s also the perfect place to unwind before and after the big day. With well equipped health and leisure facilities, luxurious hot tub suites, and the onsite Escape Spa’s indulgent treatments, couples can relax and pamper themselves. Midweek spa breaks offer incredible value, helping couples look and feel their best in the days leading up to the wedding.

Couples who choose Newpark can expect expert guidance from the hotel’s dedicated wedding team, whether planning a lavish reception or an intimate civil ceremony.  

Packages are designed to maximize value with thoughtful extras. At the heart of every celebration is exceptional food, impeccable service, and luxurious guest comfort, ensuring that the couple and their guests feel special from the first moment to the last.

Join the Wedding Experts at Newpark Hotel on Thursday, March 20, to meet your dream wedding team, explore the venue, and secure your perfect wedding date.

Meet Mary O'Neill: The heart behind every Newpark Wedding

Every couple deserves a wedding as unique and special as their love story—and at the heart of weddings at Newpark Hotel is Mary O’Neill, their passionate and diligent Wedding Manager.

A Kilkenny native, Mary has been a proud member of the Newpark team for over 16 years. Her journey is a true testament to hard work and dedication.

Starting as a waitress in our restaurant, Mary’s unwavering commitment and natural talent for hospitality saw her rise through the ranks, gaining invaluable experience in Reception and Events along the way.

For the past two years, Mary has channelled her expertise and creativity into the Weddings Department, where she has truly found her calling.

Known for her warm demeanour, meticulous attention to detail and genuine care for each couple, Mary goes above and beyond to ensure every wedding is seamless and unforgettable.

With a personal touch and a deep understanding of what makes each celebration unique, Mary works closely with couples to bring their dream day to life.

Whether it’s crafting a timeline, tailoring a menu, or adding those special touches that make all the difference, Mary is there every step of the way.

Her passion for weddings, coupled with her extensive experience, makes her an integral part of the Newpark Hotel team.

Under Mary’s guidance, you can be confident that your big day will be as magical and stress-free as you’ve always envisioned.

At the Newpark Hotel, they are proud to have Mary O’Neill as the heart and soul of our wedding team, delivering unforgettable moments for couples and their families.

For enquiries, contact the Newpark Wedding Team at +353 56 776 0593 or email weddings@newparkhotel.com