Wedding of the Week: Ice cream van, cake topper and castle a 'magical' mix

Amy Harrington and Kieran Murphy are wed in St Joseph's Church, Bantry, with reception in The Heights Hotel Killarney

Sat, 15 Mar, 2025 - 16:00

Eve Kelliher

West Cork couple Amy Harrington and Kieran Murphy returned to where it all started on their big day.

Amy, a primary school teacher, and Kieran, a dairy farmer, met seven years ago and headed to Kerry for their first date — a stroll at Ross Castle, Killarney.

Amy Harrington and Kieran Murphy at Ross Castle. Pictures: Emma Jervis

Three years later, Kieran, from Templemartin, Bandon, chose another scenic spot for the proposal, Gougane Barra, Co Cork. “He dropped to one knee looking down on the lake and church on New Year’s Eve 2021,” says Amy.

Amy Harrington and Kieran Murphy. Pictures: Emma Jervis

The couple were married in St Joseph’s Church in the bride’s native Coomhola, Bantry, by Fr Anthony O’Mahony. “My nana had recorded a song her grandmother wrote called I’ll Always Love You and, as my nana is no longer with us, we played it in the church,” says Amy. “It was very special to have it and hard to hold back the tears.”

Amy Harrington with her dad Jerry Harrington. Pictures: Emma Jervis

The sun shone as the newlyweds emerged from the church. “We had an ice cream van outside and it went down a treat with all the guests,” says Amy.

The bride’s friend and colleague Roy Lordan “pulled out all the stops” as the chauffeur, and the photographer, Emma Jervis ( emmajervis.com) and videographer, Wedfilms, took advantage of the scenic route to the reception, stopping off at the mountain pass Priest’s Leap for picture-perfect moments.

Amy Harrington, Kieran Murphy and Darragh at the ice cream van outside the church. Pictures: Emma Jervis

Both sets of parents, Siobhán and Jerry Harrington and Sadie and Jerry Murphy, helped the newlyweds to celebrate at the reception, at The Heights Hotel Killarney. After dinner, Amy and Kieran returned to Ross Castle to pose for the camera.

Amy’s friend Neasa Peters was the maid of honour, with Amy’s goddaughter Tina Keohane as the bridesmaid and Kieran’s niece Alannah Murphy as the flowergirl.

Amy Harrington and Kieran Murphy with Dáithí and Alanna, Neasa Peters, Tina Keohane, Chris Murphy and John Murphy. Pictures: Emma Jervis

Kieran’s brothers Chris Murphy and John Murphy were by his side as best man and groomsman.

The couple’s children, Dáithí, Darragh, and Charlie, were the pageboys. “Having our three boys be such a big part of the day was wonderful,” says Amy. “I was delighted to have made the wedding cake (with the help of our smallies).”

Amy Harrington with Siobhán and Jerry Harrington. Pictures: Emma Jervis

The occasion surpassed their expectations, adds Amy. “It was just perfect — lovely, relaxed, and magical,” she says.

Amy looked elegant in an Eddy K dress, sourced in the White Ivy boutique in Kenmare, and the groom was kitted out by Morley’s, Cork.

Kieran Murphy with Sadie and Jerry Murphy and Chris Murphy and John Murphy.

The bridal hairstyling was by Debbie McCarthy ( @bridalbyhoneybee), with Maria Coleman as the make-up artist, while West Cork Flowers devised the floral décor.

The newlyweds and their guests danced the night away to the accompaniment of Hell for Leather. “We finished up with a singsong at the end,” adds Amy.

Auntie Katie’s wedding babysitters also played a key role. “Auntie Katie minded the boys and was just phenomenal.”

Willow and Robin Studios created personalised signs and Mass booklets.

The newlyweds, who chose a Mediterranean cruise for their honeymoon, live in Bandon. “We finished building [on Kieran’s family farm] and moved into our home in May 2023,” says Amy.