Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballinakill (Galway) – Luxury 5★ Hotel from

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Close to the golf course

Location

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is situated on a 310-acre private island on the River Suir. Guests access the resort via a complimentary car ferry, which offers scenic views during the brief crossing. Just ten minutes from Waterford City centre and within a 90-minute drive from Dublin and Cork airports, the resort is easily reachable while providing secluded tranquility.

Dining

The award-winning Munster Room Restaurant, holder of 2-AA Rosettes, serves contemporary and traditional Irish cuisine. Guests can also enjoy casual meals at the King's Channel Clubhouse, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of options. Afternoon Tea is available in the luxurious surroundings of the Fitzgerald Room Bar.

Golf

The resort boasts Ireland's only true island golf course, designed by renowned golfer Des Smyth, covering over 200 acres. The 18-hole championship course presents scenic and challenging features, tailored to players of all skill levels. The on-site golf facilities include a driving range and a well-stocked Pro Shop for all golfing needs.

Family-Friendly Activities

Waterford Castle offers a diverse range of family-friendly activities such as golf, tennis, and nature walks. The resort features playgrounds and hosts events like treasure hunts and movie screenings for children throughout the year. Families can choose from 45 self-catering lodges, which provide ample space and privacy for enjoyable stays.

Rooms & Amenities

The castle hotel comprises 19 uniquely designed bedrooms, each equipped with luxurious amenities and traditional decor. Options include Classic Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and a Presidential Suite, all featuring modern comforts tailored to guests' needs. Self-catering lodges with three or four bedrooms provide additional flexibility for groups and families.

Highlights

Location: 310-acre private island

Dining: Award-winning Munster Room Restaurant

Golf: Ireland's only true island golf course

Family-Friendly: Diverse range of family-friendly activities

Accommodations: 19 uniquely designed bedrooms

Self-Catering: 45 self-catering lodges

Must-do experiences

Discover the stunning Connemara National Park for scenic hikes.
Savor local seafood chowder at O'Grady's on the Pier in Barna.
Visit the historic Aughnanure Castle, just a short drive away.
Wander through Galway's Latin Quarter for vibrant street performances.
Taste artisanal cheeses at the Galway Market on Saturday mornings.

View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

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

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Ballinakill (Galway)500 m

Airports

Waterford (WAT) 5.6 km

Shannon (SNN) 158.5 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Free Wi-Fi

Free parking

24-hour services

24-hour reception

Babysitting

Babysitting/Child services

General

No smoking on site
Free 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 a delightful range of dining options, each designed to offer guests a unique culinary experience. From cozy evenings to leisurely afternoons, the venues highlight local produce and create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and indulgence.

Munster Room Restaurant

Contemporary dining with a focus on local ingredients

Ambiance

An elegant setting perfect for intimate dinners, with elegant décor and a warm atmosphere.

Key Offerings

Featuring seasonal dishes crafted from the finest local produce, ideal for a serene dining experience.

Reservation

Recommended

Dinner only; hours vary.

Fitzgerald Room Bar

Casual dining with light bites and refreshing beverages

Ambiance

A relaxed and inviting lounge, perfect for unwinding or socializing, boasting a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.

Key Offerings

Serves lunch, high tea, and cocktail hour, offering a selection of craft cocktails and delightful snacks.

Reservation

Not needed for lunch and casual visits; high tea may require advance booking.

Open for Lunch, High Tea, and Cocktail Hour daily from 12:30 to 18:00.

The Clubhouse

Informal dining focused on local flavors

Ambiance

A scenic location featuring a spacious cliffside terrace with panoramic sea views, creating a relaxed beachside dining experience.

Key Offerings

Offers meeting room facilities and accommodates up to 100 guests, plus a curated drink selection at the full bar.

Reservation

Recommended for larger groups or private events.

Hours vary; typically open for lunch and casual dining.

Location

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Map view

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

City landmarks

Museum

Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

3.4 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

2.5 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

3.2 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

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Questions of the users

About Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Are there rooms in the hotel that come with balconies?

25 February 2025

The Castle rooms do not have balconies, but some of the self-catering lodges do offer them.

How many guest accommodations are located within the historic castle?

10 April 2025

The castle features a total of 19 elegant rooms, while additional lodging options include 45 self-catering lodges a short walk away.

What's the best way to distinguish between rooms in the castle and those in the lodges when booking?

15 March 2025

To correctly book a room in your desired area, make sure to check for a distinct Booking.com page for both Castle Rooms and Self-Catering Lodges when planning your stay.

Is it permitted to bring pets to the lodges?

20 January 2025

Yes, pets are welcome in the lodges with an additional fee of €50 for the duration of the stay.

Are large tour coaches allowed access on the ferry for transport to the resort?

5 March 2025

Unfortunately, large coaches cannot fit on the Mary Fitzgerald ferry; however, smaller vans can be accommodated.

Can small dogs be brought into the hotel areas?

13 February 2025

Dogs are not permitted inside the castle itself; they are only allowed in the self-catering lodges.

Are children allowed to stay at Waterford Castle, and is there a provision for extra bedding?

28 March 2025

Children are indeed welcome at the resort. The lodges can accommodate up to 6 people, and an extra sofa bed can be provided for €25.

What kinds of family-friendly activities are offered at the resort?

18 January 2025

The resort provides a variety of activities including golf, tennis, nature walks, picnics, croquet, and clay pigeon shooting, making it an ideal destination for family fun.

What dining options are available for guests at the resort?

1 February 2025

Dining options include the award-winning Munster Room Restaurant, offering fine dining, as well as the King's Channel Clubhouse, which features casual dining and a family-friendly atmosphere.

What is the best way to experience traditional Irish cuisine at the resort?

11 March 2024

Guests can indulge in both traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine at the Munster Room Restaurant, recognized for its exceptional culinary quality.