Aherlow House, located in Aherlow, Co Tipperary, has ceased trading with immediate effect. According to JOE.ie, the hotel confirmed the news yesterday and it's thought that up to 40 couples are now searching for an alternative wedding venue. Prior to yesterday's news, the hotel had been in negotiations with the receiver of the hotel, Messrs Grant Thornton, and had hoped to keep the venue open. However, negotiations broke down and it was made clear that the hotel's lease would not be renewed. This means that people who had booked a wedding or event at the hotel now have to make other arrangements. Although some have managed to find a solution, there are a number of couples left looking for other options. Grant Thornton issued a statement to JOE.ie today, explaining that they have been in contact with those affected by the hotel's closure and they hope to resolve the issue as soon as possible. “Grant Thornton, as Receiver to the property, has confirmed that it has taken possession of the Aherlow House Hotel from Auburn Hotels (Aherlow) Limited (“AHA), the operating company that has leased Aherlow House Hotel since 2011. “The Receiver has asked AHA to contact customers that had booked weddings with the Hotel so that AHA can refund any deposits to those customers. “The Receiver is also contacting those customers who had booked weddings at the venue for 2016 to 2018 to advise them that the hotel is temporarily closed but that it is advanced discussions with potential operators and purchasers with a view to reopening the hotel as soon as possible. “It is envisaged that the new operator will be in touch with those who had booked weddings in due course and in the interim those dates will be held for wedding couples who had originally booked. It is also envisaged that the new operator will re-employ all staff formerly employed by AHA.” “Further updates will be provided as matters develop". Lead image via Flickr