Wedding of the Week: Castle, motorbikes, vintage cars and music for Kerry couple

Danielle Mannix, Farranfore, and Eoin O'Leary, Killarney, say 'I do' at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort 

Danielle Mannix and Eoin O'Leary. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

For their first date, this Kerry couple arranged to meet at Killarney’s Ross Castle to walk their dogs. 

But in the panic of running late, Danielle Mannix bounced her Fiat 500 off the kerb.

Danielle Mannix and Eoin O'Leary. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

All haste was forgotten as she and Eoin O’Leary started to talk, strolling along with pooches Harley and Marvin.

Because they had 10 years to catch up on during that first date, on July 10, 2019. “We quickly arranged another and before Eoin knew it he got roped into painting my entire apartment, floor to ceiling — three coats!” says Danielle.

Eoin O'Leary with Sean Hurley and Liam Brocklebank. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

Shortly after, she moved in with Eoin, from Killarney. It was in that house, 12 years ago, where their story first began, when Danielle, from Knockaderry, Farranfore, became Eoin’s lodger. 

“After only three months in the box room, I moved on to live with friends,” she says. They were not to lay eyes on one another again for another ten years.

Danielle Mannix and Eoin O'Leary. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

Then, when working as the wedding co-ordinator in the Killarney Oaks Hotel, Danielle spotted Eoin as he arrived as the best man for the wedding of his friends Johnny and Jennifer Hickey. 

“With that, the reconnection was made,” says Danielle. Eoin popped the question on Christmas Eve 2021 at Aghadoe viewing point in Killarney.

Danielle Mannix. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

The couple now live in Eoin’s late grandparents Mai and Dan Kelly’s home in Killarney town with their daughter Kelly Mai while they renovate the forever home they bought in Firies, Co Kerry. 

They were married this year at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort which was also the reception venue.

Danielle Mannix. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

The Irish Soul Celebrant Sinéad Gould aka Bonnie Boux (Instagram: @theirishsoulcelebrant) performed the spiritual ceremony and Tara Donoghue (taradonoghuephotography.com), captured the occasion on camera.

LM Wedding Videography (@lmweddingvideography) was also behind the lens and Bizzy Lizzies Flowers (@bizzylizziesflowers) created the floral décor.

Danielle Mannix, Margaret Mannix, Kelly Mai O'Leary and Carmel Courtney and Denise Fleming. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

Kelly Mai was the flower girl, with Carmel Courtney and Denise Fleming as bridesmaids and Seán Hurley and Liam Brocklebank as groomsmen. Their friend Conor Hickey and nephew Odhran O’Leary were pageboys.

Danielle’s parents Margaret and Tagdh Mannix and Eoin’s mother and father Betty and Tony O’Leary led the celebrations. Eoin’s brother, Kieran, travelled from Edinburgh with his wife Maggie and son Odhran. 

Eoin O'Leary. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

Danielle’s brother, James, attended virtually from Sydney with his girlfriend Micheli.

Danielle looked elegant in an Essence of Australia dress. “I bought it at Pearls and Lace Bridal in Donegal,” she says. “The boys got sorted at Tom Murphy Menswear in Cork City.” 

Danielle and Kelly Mai.

The bridal hairstyling was by Niamh Tynan (@idohair_bridal) with Lisa Coffey (@lisacoffey-makeup) as makeup artist.

Eoin’s friends “went above and beyond” by ensuring motorcycles and vintage cars were part of the celebration, adds Danielle.

Danielle Mannix and Eoin O'Leary. Pictures: Tara Donoghue

Music was also key to the big day. “We couldn’t be happier with the musicians,” says Danielle. 

“The ceremony and drinks reception music was by Gearóid McCarthy (@gearoidmccarthymusic) who created a great atmosphere. The band was Super Céilí (@superceili) who kept the dance floor full and really set the tone. We then had DJ & Sax, who were fantastic, so much fun.”

Danielle and Eoin run Kerry Used Furniture together.

• If you would like your wedding featured email [e-mail]