Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

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Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Ballinakill Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Castle Hotel

The Island, Waterford, Ie, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Near Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

Perfect

9.3

9.6

/10

4.5

Loved by Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort guests

Enthusiastic staff
Delicious food
Cozy room
Beautiful ambiance
Perfect service
Wonderful experience

"The location is simply amazing, where you need to take a small ferry to a private island."

wile1000 from Ireland

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"We also enjoyed a lovely walk around the grounds, where you were able to have different views of the castle."

Mark from United States

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"I have traveled extensively over the last 40 years, and then that time I have had no finer meal, then was served at the castle for dinner."

James

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Location

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is situated on a 310-acre private island, surrounded by the River Suir, emphasizing its unique setting. Guests arrive via a complimentary car ferry, enhancing the island experience. The location provides proximity to Waterford City, just ten minutes away, as well as easy access to Dublin and Cork airports within ninety minutes.

Golf Experience

The resort boasts Ireland's only true island golf course, an 18-hole par 72 designed by Des Smyth. This championship course spans over 200 acres of parkland and woodland, featuring water elements and scenic challenges. Golf enthusiasts can also utilize modern facilities, including a driving range and putting green available year-round.

Dining Options

Dining at Waterford Castle includes the award-winning Munster Room Restaurant, recognized with 2 AA Rosettes. Guests can experience fine dining crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The King's Channel Clubhouse offers casual dining with a diverse menu, making it suitable for relaxed family meals.

Family-Friendly Activities

The resort is designed for families, offering various activities such as golf, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, and nature walks. Children can enjoy the resort's playground, along with special seasonal events and family movie screenings. Self-catering island lodges are available for families, providing space and privacy.

Accommodations

The castle hotel features 19 luxurious bedrooms, with options ranging from Classic Rooms to the Presidential Suite, each tailored with distinct character. Additionally, the resort includes 45 three and four-bedroom self-catering lodges ideal for groups and families. Each room is designed for comfort and equipped with modern amenities.

Highlights

Location: 310-acre private island

Golf: 18-hole par 72 Championship

Dining: Munster Room Restaurant

Activities: Family-friendly activities

Accommodation: Self-catering island lodges

Awards: Irish Culinary Experience of the Year 2023

“Staying here feels like stepping into a page of history, but with every modern comfort thoughtfully integrated. I was particularly drawn to its unique island location and the opportunity to play golf on a championship course surrounded by the River Suir. For families or couples seeking a memorable getaway, this property strikes a beautiful balance of luxury and heritage.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Castle-hotel

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningA Chef's Dream

Dinner in the Munster Room was unforgettable. The 7-course fine dining and vegetarian menus offered plenty of choices.

Oliver Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesPresidential Grandeur

The Presidential Suite was HUGE! Old furniture with bumps and lumps gave a homely, luxurious feel.

Ava Johnson from United States

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Sports & FitnessGolfing Paradise

Golfing on the property offers a lovely course. Walking around the island (approx 5 miles) was super.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

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BedroomRoyal Slumber

The Rose Suite was spacious. The comfortable four poster bed with lovely views completed the royal experience.

Isabella Rossi from Italy

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Choose your room

Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers

Standard Room

2 persons

28 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Room

2 persons

84 m²

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Suite

2 persons

84 m²

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

See current availability and rates for your selected dates

Facilities

Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments

Facilities: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Tennis court
Golf course

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's menu
Children's play area
Kids club

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort presents an array of delightful onsite dining options, each offering a unique experience that highlights local flavors and welcoming atmospheres. From fine dining to casual gatherings, the culinary experiences here cater to every taste while celebrating the region's rich culinary heritage.

Musnter Room Restaurant

Fine dining with a focus on seasonal local produce

Ambiance

Elegantly appointed dining room with views of the castle's grounds

Key Offerings

Signature dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients, indulging in a full dinner menu that mirrors the elegance of the setting.

Reservation

Recommended.

Dinner only; hours vary.

Fitzgerald Room Bar

Casual dining with an emphasis on high tea and light bites

Ambiance

Charming bar setting with stylish decor, ideal for lounging and catching up with friends.

Key Offerings

Delight in high tea with exquisite pastries, cocktails during the hour, and an array of lunch options.

Reservation

Not needed.

Lunch, High tea, and Cocktail hour daily from 12:30 to 18:00.

The Clubhouse

Informal dining featuring local produce

Ambiance

Welcoming clubhouse atmosphere with a spacious terrace overlooking the golf course.

Key Offerings

A full bar with a selection of wines, beers, and whiskies, along with the capacity to host meetings for up to 100 guests.

Reservation

Recommended for larger groups.

Hours vary.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Location

The Island, Waterford, Ie, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Map view

The Island, Waterford, Ie, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

City landmarks

Museum

Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

3.3 km

Island

Little Island

980 m

Museum

Reginald's Tower

3.2 km

Museum

Bishop's Palace

3.4 km

Church

Christ Church Cathedral

3.4 km

Landmark

Springfield House

970 m

Landmark

Ballymaloe Gardens

2.4 km

Landmark

Ballinakill Church of Ireland Graveyard

1.5 km

Golf Course

Faithlegg Golf Club

2.4 km

Golf Course

Faithlegg

2.6 km

Landmark

King of the Vikings VR

3.3 km

Landmark

The Viking Triangle

3.4 km

Landmark

Waterford Municipal Golf Course

2.5 km

Church

Saint Mary's Church

2.5 km

Landmark

Christendom House

2.2 km

Landmark

Lost at Sea Memorial

3.1 km

Landmark

Thomas Francis Meagher statue

3.2 km

Landmark

Williamstown Golf Club

2.5 km

Landmark

Agricultural Museum

2.5 km

Landmark

John Condon Memorial

3.4 km

Church

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

3.7 km

Landmark

Kilmurry Graveyard

2.6 km

Park

People's Park

3.1 km

Landmark

Tobermurry

2.7 km

Church

St Joseph and St Benildus Roman Catholic Church

2.8 km

Church

Church of the Sacred Heart

3.2 km

Landmark

French Church

3.3 km

Landmark

Friends Burial Ground

2.9 km

Landmark

Clock Tower

3.7 km

Mall

Ferrybank Shopping Centre

3.0 km

Nearby

Island

Little Island

990 m

Restaurants

Pisces Restaurant

20 m

Kirwans bar Kill

Explore Ballinakill (Galway)

Explore the Surroundings

Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

10-minute drive

A fascinating museum showcasing Waterford's medieval history, featuring guided tours and rich heritage artifacts.

Little Island

15 minutes' walk

A tranquil spot perfect for nature walks, featuring scenic views of the surrounding waterways and local wildlife.

Reginald's Tower

10-minute drive

The iconic symbol of Waterford, this historic tower offers insights into Viking heritage and splendid city views.

Bishop's Palace

10-minute drive

An elegant museum housing 18th-century treasures and decorative arts, reflecting Waterford's rich history.

Faithlegg Golf Club

5-minute drive

A stunning golf course set within lush greenery, perfect for sport enthusiasts. Reservations recommended.

Waterford Nature Park

10-minute drive

Ideal for relaxing walks and birdwatching, this park features scenic trails and picnic areas for families.

King of the Vikings VR

10-minute drive

An immersive experience that combines history and technology, perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Pisces Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

This quaint spot offers fresh seafood and local dishes, celebrated for its friendly atmosphere and stunning views.

Ballymaloe Gardens

7-minute drive

Farm-to-table delights with a focus on organic ingredients, providing a cozy dining setting and a garden to explore.

The Viking Triangle

10-minute drive

A vibrant area full of pubs and live music venues, often hosting local bands and cultural events for all ages.

People's Park

10-minute drive

A great spot for family fun with beautiful gardens and occasional events, ideal for leisurely afternoons.

Local transport options

City Centre

Ballinakill (Galway)6 min · 500 m

Airports

Waterford (WAT)9 min · 5.6 km

Shannon (SNN)239 min · 159.2 km

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Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 01:00-12:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Waterford Castle & Golf Resort provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Croatian, Tagalog / Filipino

Number of rooms:

Former name

Waterford Castle Hotel

Guest reviews & ratings

Guest impressions & feedback from past stays

Review score

Based on 176 verified reviews

9.0/10

Perfect

88%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Comfort

9.7/10

Facilities

9.3/10

Free Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Location

9.7/10

Staff

9.7/10

Value for money

8.8/10

Pros

Beautiful castle

Friendly staff

Excellent breakfast

Manicured grounds

Delicious dinner

Cons

Small shower

Old toilet seat

High price

Dreadful bathroom

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

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Questions of the users

About Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Are there any accommodations that come with balconies at this resort?

12 November 2024

Castle rooms do not feature balconies, but some of the self-catering lodges might offer this amenity.

How can I tell if my reservation is for a room inside the castle or one of the nearby lodges?

05 January 2025

Reservations for Castle Rooms and Self-Catering Lodges are listed on separate booking pages, allowing guests to choose their preferred accommodation type.

Is it permitted to bring pets along when staying in the lodges?

22 February 2024

Pets are welcome in the lodges, with a fee of €50 applicable for their stay.

Can larger coaches access the ferry for travel to the resort?

18 March 2025

Only small mini vans can utilize the ferry; larger coaches cannot fit.

Are pets allowed in the castle accommodations?

30 June 2024

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the Castle; pets can only stay in the lodges.

Do the lodges accommodate families, and are extra beds available for children?

15 April 2025

Families are welcome, and the lodges can accommodate up to 6 guests. A sofa bed can be arranged for an additional fee of €25.

What type of outdoor activities can be enjoyed at Waterford Castle?

11 May 2024

The resort offers a variety of outdoor activities including golfing, tennis, nature walks, croquet, and clay pigeon shooting, perfect for families and groups.

How is dining at Waterford Castle Hotel described?

29 July 2024

The dining experience features a fusion of traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine, with options available at the award-winning Munster Room Restaurant and the King's Channel Clubhouse.

Is the resort well-suited for families looking for a getaway?

21 August 2024

Yes, Waterford Castle is ideal for families, offering spacious lodges and child-friendly activities such as outdoor play areas and seasonal events.

Does the resort host special events or celebrations?

14 September 2025

The venue is popular for special occasions and offers tailored menus for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations in unique island surroundings.