Waterford Castle
- Star Rating 5
- Location Ballinakill, Co. Waterford
- Open All Year Round
One of Ireland’s most acclaimed hotels, Waterford Castle has welcomed and charmed the most discerning travellers for decades. It is uniquely situated on its own private 310 acre Island . Access to the Island is by a chain linked private Car Ferry, which is operated 24 hours a day. Experience a wonderful sense of anticipation as you make the short crossing by ferry to the island and travel the beech-lined drive to the Castle. Upon entering the massive studded oak doors you will be embraced by the Castle’s 800 year history, the carved stone and wood panelled Hall, with its Jacobean style antiques and intricate original tapestries.
Castle History
Waterford Castle reaches back into time to the 11 th Century, a time capsule that reflects history. According to tradition a Monastic settlement existed on the island sometime between the sixth and eighth centuries and two "finds" on the land have lent substance to this: A Winged Angel dating from the 8th century and the crude carving of a Monk's head, which is now prominently displayed over the main entrance to the Castle, dating from the 6th century. The first family to live on the Island was the FitzGerald Family, who were cousins to Strongbow. During the 15th and 16th centuries the FitzGerald's were the Kings of Ireland in all but name and hosted many feasts and banquets on the Island . The Island and the Castle remained in the FitzGerald name up until 1958, and then the Igo Family of Rhodesia bought the property and installed a five acre complex of glass houses from which they produced fruits and flowers. In 1978, the Island was rented to a local pedigree dairy farmer, who later bought the Island . The owner saw the Island as an isolated, disease free area and the perfect place to continue his dairy farming. The Island is now privately owned, comprising of a 19 bedroom Luxury Hotel and 18 hole Championship Golf Course, surrounded by woodlands and the River Suir.
Castle Rooms
Waterford Castle Hotel can accommodate up to 38 guests within their 19 luxury bedroom suites including The Presidential Suite, 4 Deluxe Four Poster Suites and 14 double/twin rooms each with private bath. All bedrooms are individually named, originating back to the history of Waterford Castle and include names such as The Ormonde Room, The Kildare Room and Glin Room. Accommodation combines gracious living standards of an elegant past with every modern comfort, service and convenience. The antiques, stylish décor and delicate period details will captivate the most discerning guests. Guests are pampered with thoughtful personal comforts that include nightly turndown service, plush bathrobes, hairdryer, bottled mineral water and deluxe toiletries.
Dining at Waterford
The award winning Munster Dining Room with original oak panelled walls and ornate ceilings create a wonderful ambiance to complement the memorable dining experience. Seasonal menus offer ingredients like venison, game, beef, seafood, sourced in the region and combined with the talent of our Chefs to create an intensity of flavours. Our resident pianist, playing most evenings, lends himself to this intimate occasion in the Munster Dining Room.
The Leinster Room accommodates up to 22 guests for private dining: Wedding Reception, Business or Family occasion. Menus will be individually tailored to the occasion ensuring an enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
Better known as 'The Lounge', serving a wide range of beverages, the Fitzgerald Room is comfortable, cosy and intimate. A Light menu including Smoked Irish Salmon, Warm Chicken Salad and Irish Stew is available until 9.00 p.m. In the evening enjoy an aperitif while choosing from the dinner menu or simply relax with a game of chess or some light reading in front of the log fire.
The vast hall of Portland stone and oak panelling is the oldest part of the Castle. The tapestries date back to the 17th Century and the large open fire is so warm and welcoming.
Afternoon Tea offering a selection of sandwiches, dainty pastries and scones is served from 12 noon to 5pm.
Lots to do on this Unique Island...
Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is not just a place to relax and unwind. It's also full of activities both outdoors and within the Castle itself.
Golf
Irelands only Golf Course on it's own Island... With its gently undulating terrain and wonderful mature trees, the Island presents an established and challenging 18 hole par 72 Championship parkland course, designed by Ireland's legendary golfing hero and twice Ryder Cup player, Des Smyth. Lessons can be arranged with the Islands own Golf Pro.
Cycling
There are a number of bikes available for complimentary guests use. The perfect way to explore the Island.
Walking
Some walking paths have been set out to allow you to see the sights of the Island on foot. With a wide variety of wild life on the estate such as, Deer, Hare and Pheasant, each walk in itself will be a sight to behold.
Clay Target Shooting
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, clay pigeon shooting is available for all levels with tuition and equipment provided.
Archery
Test your skills with one of the oldest sports in the world. Using traditional competition long bows and round targets set on tri pods.
Tennis
Complimentary for all residents on our outdoor court. Rackets and balls available at Reception.
Boules and Croquet
Croquet, Boules and Lawn Cricket are all available on the Lawn adjacent to the Castle.
Picnic in the grounds
Custom made picnic baskets can be prepared by our Executive Head Chef Michael Quinn and enjoyed in the vast grounds of the 310Acre Estate. 24 hours notice is required on all orders.
Nature Trails
There is an amazing array of Wild Life and country Fauna on the Island. Each trail offers the opportunity to spot some of natives such as Hares, Deer, Pheasant, Foxes and Swans.
The following locations are in close proximity to the castle
Waterford City (10 minutes)
Waterford City is the capital of the Sunny South East of Ireland. Waterford City was established in Viking times and it has an exciting medieval flavour and riverside bustle. The City is the home of Waterford Crystal, a lifestyle product of exquisite craftsmanship. Waterford county offers a dazzling coastline, beautiful river valleys and two dramatic ranges of very accessible mountains. A natural playground, Waterford offers the complete holiday experience.Kilkenny City (45 minutes)
Kilkenny, or the Marble City as it is known, is one of Ireland's oldest cities, and proud of it. Its array of ancient buildings is unrivalled. It is renowned for being a vibrant cultural center, devoted to the musical and visual arts. Its two most impressive landmarks are Kilkenny Castle, founded in 1172 and privately owned until 1967, and St. Canice's Cathedral. The current structure of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, though this is nowhere near the beginning of its story, which is rich in folklore and legend. There is no shortage of pubs to explore and enjoy in Kilkenny and during the summer the city is always full of life. The summer also sees the city host an Arts Festival and a very highly regarded Comedy Festival called the Cat Laughs.The Rock of Cashel (1.25 hours)
If you approach Cashel from the north on the main Dublin-Cork road, you will round a 21st century bend and suddenly be transported back 1,500 years. There, standing proud on the plains, is the great 4th century fortification of Cashel - the stone fort. This was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Indeed there was a settlement here from pre-Christian times, traces of which have long since vanished. Brú Ború - the palace of Ború - is a national heritage centre at the foot of the Rock of Cashel. This cultural and interpretative village is designed around a village green and is home to the study and celebration of native Irish music, song, dance, story telling, theatre and Celtic studies. Cashel itself is a busy little market town and is a handy place to break the journey between Dublin to Cork.Cork City (1.75 hours)
Cork City has undergone a transformation in recent years with the city centre geting a compete facelift. Always a much prettier and more pleasant city than Dublin, now Cork really sparkles. And so do its residents who claim to be Ireland's friendliest. Whatever the truth of that claim it is certainly true that there is no shortage of characters in "the real capital" as the locals jokingly claim. The city itself dates back to the 7th century and boasts some fine Georgian architecture. There are a number of places worth visiting while in Cork including the imposing St. Finbarr's Cathedral, St Anne's Church, which houses the Shandon Bells and Cork City Gaol.Blarney (2 hours)
Blarney is a charming village, most renowned for its castle and stone. The impressive castle, perched on solid limestone, dates from 1446 and is situated on magnificent grounds. To acquire "the gift of gab" one must kiss the Blarney Stone. This involves bending over backwards at quite a height and should not be attempted by the faint-hearted!We value your privacy! We will never share your details with anyone else.
