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When Ryan Tubridy and Clare Kambamettu announced their plans to walk down the aisle, speculation immediately shifted to when and where the happy nuptials would take place. It wasn't long before one frontrunner for the venue emerged, The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden, which just so happens to be owned by his cousin, Brian Hughes. Ryan has sung the praises of the hotel in the past, and one source close to the host indicated that privacy is paramount for Ryan following his high-profile RTÉ exit. 'Mr. Tubridy has kept his circle small following the RTÉ crisis, but a source said the star has chosen the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel as his preferred venue, reports the Sunday Independent. Ryan previously talked up the hotel, telling RSVP: 'The Abbeyglen is run by cousins of mine. It is a hotel that has soul, it has a sense of fun, and doesn't take itself too seriously. 'I love a night of piano, pint and messing. And there is a parrot at reception, what is not to love?' Moving on to the when and it's been reported that Ryan and Clare will tie the knot before the year's out. With that in mind, here's a peek inside the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel: The hotel was purchased by the Hughes family in 1969 and has remained in the family ever since, with 53 rooms on offer to book. Other amenities include the restaurant and bar, as well as a library, tennis court, snooker table, walking trails, and a once-weekly night of live traditional Irish music. The hotel dates to 1832 and was built by John D'Arcy, who also owned the nearby Clifden Castle and has had many evolutions over the years, from a priest's home to an orphanage to becoming derelict for a time before it was turned into the Glenown House Hotel in the 1960s. The Hughes family took it over in 1969. The Restaurant The restaurant, which would play host to the wedding reception, has a reported capacity of 70, perfect for an intimate reception. It's laid out with circular tables with candeleabras and white tablecloths with French doors that open out onto gorgeous views of the grounds. The restaurant is known for its seafood, with dishes including Atlantic smoked salmon and prawn salad, and chowder, while the gourmet offering stretches to live lobster. The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel also boasts a more informal piano bar for guests to mingle in ahead of the wedding meal. By all accounts, this is the spot to be on a night out in Connemara, and you may find yourself roped into a sing-along. The photographs There's no shortage of scenic spots at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel for couples to take their wedding photos. The list includes the beautifully manicured castle gardens, as well as the nearby Sky Road that serves up some of Connemara's most stunning vistas as well as the nearby Clifton Castle. The bedrooms The bedroom types range from the standard with rates from €100 pps, which features cosy, traditional decor, with the usual modern hotel amenities. The original rooms are based in the oldest part of the castle and are more compact but with period features, rates are from €93 pps. Moving up a category, and you have the superior rooms, some feature a four-poster bed, while all have a luxury mattress, with either a harbour or garden view, a walk-in shower and a claw-foot bathtub. Rates are from €118 pps. Topping the bill are the Castle Suites, each of which is styled differently and comes with a spacious living area, open fire, claw tub bath and more. Prices are from €123 pps. The helipad The hotel is unique in that it also boasts its very own helipad, and could we be seeing Ryan and Clare making a grand entrance after their ceremony? Arriving by helicopter would certainly help to keep their day more private. The activities As previously mentioned, there's plenty for guests to do while staying at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. That includes indulging in a pamper session at its Wellness and Relaxation Centre. The more actively minded can tog out for a spot of tennis at the onsite court, or explore the many hiking trails or enjoy a game of snooker. There is also a number of nearby beaches to enjoy a stroll or a dip, as well as the Sky Road scenic drive, and, of course, Connemara's jaw-dropping beauty right on the hotel's doorstep. See more photos below
