Irish invites confirm McCartney wedding venue

Prominent Irish society figures have received invitations to celebrate the wedding of Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills at a castle in the country on Tuesday, it emerged today.

Following days of speculation about the venue it has been revealed that the high-profile guests have accepted invites to Castle Leslie in the village of Glaslough, County Monaghan.

It was uncertain whether the invitations were for the wedding itself or the party, but it

confirmed that the big day would be Tuesday, as Sir John Leslie, uncle of castle owner Sammie Leslie, hinted at earlier this week.

It also laid to rest the excuse that the feverish activity around the Victorian castle, which was built on a 17th century house, could be explained by a simple "product launch" as staff there had claimed.

Meanwhile preparations were continuing in earnest today within the 1,000 acre grounds where three marquees have been erected for guests.

Mobile kitchens, generators, oil tankers, frozen food lorries and special events consultants were continuing to arrive at the site.

It was thought a yacht had been floated on the castle lake but it, as well as the walkways between the marquees, would remain covered to prevent prying eyes from catching a glimpse of guests.

Gary Roberts, minister at the St Salvator's protestant church within estate, revealed that security guards at the castle were being briefed on how to prevent an invasion of the grounds by fans and journalists tomorrow.

The heavily-guarded gates will be opened to parishioners for Sunday service.

Mr Roberts, 44, said about 25 people usually attended the service but about 250 people had asked if they could come this week.

Mr Roberts said: "We would always encourage more people to come to church - but for the right reasons.

"The service will be restricted to regular parishioners and others from the area who have shown an interest or have attended in the past."

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

Former model, Ms Mills, lost a leg in 1993 when she was hit by a police motorcycle.

The couple have refused to reveal any details about their wedding plans saying simply they were "going fine".

Other venues which had been hinted at for the big day were New York and Skibo Castle in Scotland, where Madonna and Guy Ritchie tied the knot.

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