For our Irish guests
Travel
Everything you need to know about getting from Ireland to Transylvania — and making the most of it once you're here.
A note on timing
There's no rush
Our wedding is still over a year away, and summer 2027 flight schedules aren't open yet, so there's nothing to book just yet. For now, it's a lovely time to get a feel for the journey and the area. We'll flag it here the moment schedules open, so join our WhatsApp group below to hear as soon as we do — and otherwise, just sit tight for RSVP details.
Flights
Dublin → Cluj-Napoca (CLJ)
Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) is the closest major airport to Orăștie. Ryanair and HiSky currently fly direct from Dublin, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours.
We recommend booking flights as early as possible — summer 2027 routes will open for sale well in advance. Keep an eye on Ryanair and HiSky for direct options from Dublin.
Airport
From Cluj-Napoca Airport to the wedding venue is approximately 150 km, which takes around 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic.
The drive follows the A3/E81 motorway south through Turda and Alba Iulia before heading west along the beautiful Mureș River valley towards Orăștie and Deva. We strongly recommend hiring a car — not just for the drive, but so you can explore the region at your own pace.
Transfers
We're currently looking into shared airport transfers from Cluj-Napoca for our Irish guests. The final arrangements will depend on arrival times and how many people would like to use them, so we'll share full details once everyone's flights have been booked.
Hiring a car
Hiring a car from Cluj-Napoca Airport is straightforward and affordable. All major rental companies operate from the terminal, including Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and local providers. Book in advance, particularly for summer dates — a standard car is perfectly adequate for the roads in the region, and driving in Romania is on the right-hand side.
For getting around the region independently once you're settled, ride-hailing apps like Bolt operate in Deva and Cluj. For smaller towns and rural areas, a hire car remains the most practical option.
For our Irish guests
Romania 101
Currency
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). €1 is currently roughly 5 RON, but exchange rates move — check a currency converter shortly before you travel.
Romania is not part of the Eurozone, so euros are not widely accepted. It is worth exchanging some cash on arrival or withdrawing from an ATM.
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops accept card payments, but smaller guesthouses and rural businesses may prefer cash.
Language
The official language is Romanian. While it is a Romance language — closer to Italian and Spanish than you might expect — it is quite different from Irish or English.
In cities and tourist areas, English is widely spoken, particularly among younger people. In smaller towns and rural areas, English is less common, but people are invariably warm and helpful.
Don't be afraid to try — Romanians appreciate any attempt to speak the language.
Useful Romanian Phrases
Hello
Bună
BOO-nuh
Good morning
Bună dimineața
BOO-nuh dee-mee-NYAT-suh
Thank you
Mulțumesc
mool-tsoo-MESK
Please
Vă rog
vuh ROHG
Cheers
Noroc
noh-ROHK
Yes
Da
dah
No
Nu
noo
Where is...?
Unde este...?
OON-deh ES-teh
How much?
Cât costă?
kuht KOS-tuh
Excuse me
Scuzați
skoo-ZAHT-see
Mobile & Roaming
Under EU roaming rules, Irish mobile customers can use their data, calls, and texts in Romania at no extra charge on most plans. Check with your provider before travelling.
If you plan to use a lot of data for maps and navigation, it may be worth downloading offline maps before you arrive — particularly for rural areas where signal can be limited.
Romania uses the same standard European plug sockets (Type F, two round pins). If you are used to travelling in Europe, your adaptors will work fine.
Weather
Summer in Transylvania is warm and often sunny, with average temperatures in July of around 25–28°C. Evenings can be cooler, particularly in the hills, so it is worth packing a light layer for evening events.
Occasional summer thunderstorms are not unusual — pack a light rain jacket just in case.
Interactive
Your Journey
Click a Romanian location to trace the route from Dublin. Once in Transylvania, explore each stop.
Fly from here
Dublin
Ireland — where the journey begins
Your journey to the wedding starts at Dublin Airport. Ryanair and HiSky operate direct flights to Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) with a flight time of approximately 3 hours.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Summer 2027 routes will open for sale well in advance — keep an eye on Ryanair and HiSky.
Click a Romanian location above to trace the route.
Places to visit
Discover Romania
We know it's a long journey for many of our family and friends, so we thought we'd make it a little easier. If you're planning to spend a few extra days in Romania, here are some of our favourite places to explore — all within a comfortable drive of our wedding venue.
On the route
Alba Iulia
~30 min from Orăștie
If you have a little extra time, we'd absolutely recommend visiting Alba Iulia — a beautiful historic city just 30 minutes from Orăștie. This is where Dani completed her university studies, so it holds a special place in our hearts. We still love visiting whenever we can, so who knows... we might even join you.
If you're planning to stay overnight, Hotel Cetate is a fantastic option — comfortable, affordable, and right in the heart of the city, making it the perfect base for exploring.
Near the airport
Salina Turda
Near Cluj-Napoca
If you're flying through Cluj-Napoca, you're so close to Salina Turda that it would be a shame to miss it. Often described as one of the world's most spectacular salt mines, it's a truly unique place with an underground lake, boat rides, a Ferris wheel, mini golf, and breathtaking views.
As well as being an incredible attraction, the salt-rich air is renowned for its respiratory benefits, making it both a memorable experience and a breath of fresh air — quite literally!
Must see
Corvin Castle
Hunedoara · ~45 km · 45 min from venue
One of Europe's largest Gothic castles, Corvin Castle is steeped in history and legend. With its towers, drawbridge and dramatic architecture, it's one of Romania's most spectacular landmarks.
Nearby city
Deva
~18 km · 20 min from venue
The capital of Hunedoara County. Deva has a charming historic centre, a hilltop citadel with sweeping valley views, and a good selection of restaurants and bars. An excellent base if you want everything close to hand. Several of our recommended guesthouses are located here or nearby.
Dani's hometown
Orăștie
~5 km from venue
Orăștie is Dani's hometown — a small historic town in the foothills of the Carpathians with roots stretching back to Dacian times. Wander the old streets, stop at a local café, and get a feel for the place at the centre of our story. The Dacian fortress ruins in the mountains above, including Sarmizegetusa Regia, are extraordinary.
Day trip
Sibiu
~85 km · 1 hr 15 min from venue
One of Romania's most beautiful medieval cities, Sibiu is known for its colourful squares, cobbled streets and vibrant cafés. A wonderful place to spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Transylvanian history and culture.
Worth the drive
Bran Castle
Brașov · ~210 km · ~3 hrs from venue
Known around the world as Dracula's Castle, Bran Castle combines medieval history with one of Romania's most famous legends. Its dramatic hilltop setting makes it one of the country's must-see attractions.
Fairy-tale castle
Peleș Castle
Sinaia · ~230 km · ~3 hrs 15 min from venue
Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, Peleș Castle was the summer residence of Romania's royal family. Renowned for its breathtaking architecture and beautifully preserved interiors, it's often considered one of Europe's finest castles.
As seen in Wednesday
Cantacuzino Castle
Bușteni · ~220 km · ~3 hrs 10 min from venue
Set against the backdrop of the Bucegi Mountains, Cantacuzino Castle became internationally known as Nevermore Academy in Netflix's Wednesday. Its elegant grounds and mountain views make it well worth a visit.
The best road in the world
Transfăgărășan Scenic Drive
~2 hrs from venue
Named by Top Gear as "the best road in the world," the Transfăgărășan is a spectacular mountain drive through the Carpathians, famous for its winding roads, breathtaking views, waterfalls, and the beautiful Bâlea Lake.
Go further
The Wider Region
Transylvania & beyond
Beyond these stops, Transylvania has so much more to offer. Sighișoara is a perfectly preserved medieval citadel town. To the south, the Orăștie Mountains hide the ancient Dacian capital of Sarmizegetusa Regia — a remarkable, remote, and unforgettable site. If you have the time, go.