Security tight as castle tipped for McCartney wedding

Tight security was in place around a 17th century Co Monaghan castle today amid rumours that former Beatle Paul McCartney has chosen the location for his fairytale wedding with Heather Mills.

The biggest rumour in showbusiness was reaching fever pitch following days of speculation that pop superstar would exchange nuptials with the anti-landmines campaigner at Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan.

But McCartney kept the media guessing, refusing to name the place and date. Some reports have suggested that the wedding could take place next week, other columnists believe the event could be held in America.

Security guards refused to let anyone into Castle Leslie today without prior authorisation.

A stream of vans, trucks and Land Rovers passed through the usually quiet village, near the Northern Ireland border, and into the castle grounds this morning amid reports that marquees were being set up inside the grounds.

Earlier this week, veteran New York Post columnist Cindy Adams claimed to have inside knowledge that the wedding would go ahead next Tuesday at a Co Monaghan church before guests headed to the castle for a celebration.

But other reports claim that friends and families of the couple have been told to keep their diaries clear from today.

Adams, who was a bridesmaid at Liza Minelli’s recent wedding, said 300 guests would dine on an Indian vegetarian buffet from 14in gold serving plates in a marquee erected in the grounds.

A spokeswoman for Castle Leslie denied it was the venue: ‘‘There have been rumours going about but I can say it is not happening here,’’ she said.

The baroque Victorian castle is set in 1,000 acres of parkland and is known for its eccentricity.

The 14 bedrooms have no telephone, television or clock and the bathrooms are described in guides as ‘‘wacky’’ and ‘‘outrageous’’, while waitresses are dressed in Victorian attire.

Rooms range from €195 to €235 per night and previous guests have included members of the Churchill family and the King and Queen of Sweden.

The castle, situated near the village of Glaslough and around two hours from Dublin, also has a helipad to cater for its upmarket clientele.

Although Castle Leslie is tipped as the likely venue, another New York Post writer has reported that the wedding would take place in the Hamptons on New York’s Long Island today or at the weekend.

Columnist Neil Travis, who lives in the area, claimed that it would be at the home of John Eastman, the brother of McCartney's late wife Linda.

There have also been rumours that the marriage would take place at Skibo Castle in Scotland, where Madonna and Guy Ritchie had their wedding reception last year or at a secret location in England.

McCartney has said only that wedding preparations are ‘‘going fine’’ and his official spokesman insisted he did not know where it would be.

McCartney, 59, met Ms Mills, 34, three years ago and they became engaged last July.

Ms Mills, a prominent anti-landmines campaigner, lost a leg when she was hit by a police motorcycle in 1993.

Media interest in the wedding increased this week following reports that staff at a Florida hotel were asked recently to find Ms Mills’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring after it fell out of their bedroom window during an argument.