Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballinakill (Galway) – Luxury 5★ Hotel from 344$| HotelBest.net

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Key details

About the Hotel

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

Close to the golf course

Perfect

9.4

9.6

/10

4.3

4.5

Location

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort occupies a private 310-acre island, accessible via a complimentary car ferry over the King's Channel. The resort's location on the River Suir offers picturesque surroundings, making it a scenic escape just ten minutes from Waterford City. This exclusive setting allows guests to explore beautiful gardens and wildlife while being a short distance from local attractions.

Golf Course

Waterford Castle is home to Ireland's only true island golf course, a challenging 18-hole par 72 course designed by Des Smyth. Spanning over 200 acres, the course combines parkland and woodland elements, featuring natural landscapes and scenic water hazards. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the driving range, putting green, and a well-stocked Pro Shop on-site.

Dining

The resort offers a range of dining options, including the award-winning Munster Room Restaurant, known for contemporary and traditional Irish cuisine. Guests can choose from casual meals at the King's Channel Clubhouse or indulge in a refined culinary experience within the historic castle. Afternoon Tea is also available, served in the elegant surroundings of the Fitzgerald Room and the Conservatory.

Accommodations

The hotel features 19 uniquely designed guestrooms within the 16th-century castle, offering a blend of historic charm and modern comforts. Guests can also opt for self-catering lodges, perfect for families or groups, which include three spacious bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Each Castle suite boasts luxurious decor and amenities like a Nespresso machine and premium bathrobes.

Family-Friendly Activities

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities including golf, tennis, nature walks, and clay pigeon shooting. Younger guests can enjoy a playground and participate in seasonal activities like treasure hunts and movie screenings. The resort ensures families have opportunities for memorable quality time together throughout their stay.

Highlights

Location: Exclusive 310-acre private island

Golf: Ireland's only true island golf course

Dining: Award-winning Munster Room Restaurant

Rooms: 19 uniquely designed castle rooms

Activities: Golf, tennis, nature walks, clay pigeon shooting

Lodges: Self-catering options for families and groups

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

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Room

2 persons

305 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Room

2 persons

905 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Suite

2 persons

905 sq. feet

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
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.

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

2.1 mi

Island

Little Island

3300 ft

Museum

Reginald's Tower

2.0 mi

Museum

Bishop's Palace

2.1 mi

Church

Christ Church Cathedral

2.1 mi

Landmark

Springfield House

3200 ft

Landmark

Ballymaloe Gardens

1.5 mi

Landmark

Ballinakill Church of Ireland Graveyard

5100 ft

Golf Course

Faithlegg Golf Club

1.5 mi

Golf Course

Faithlegg

1.6 mi

Landmark

King of the Vikings VR

2.1 mi

Landmark

The Viking Triangle

2.1 mi

Landmark

Waterford Municipal Golf Course

1.6 mi

Church

Saint Mary's Church

1.5 mi

Landmark

Christendom House

1.4 mi

Landmark

Lost at Sea Memorial

2.0 mi

Landmark

Thomas Francis Meagher statue

2.0 mi

Landmark

Williamstown Golf Club

1.6 mi

Landmark

Agricultural Museum

1.6 mi

Landmark

John Condon Memorial

2.1 mi

Church

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

2.3 mi

Landmark

Kilmurry Graveyard

1.6 mi

Park

People's Park

1.9 mi

Landmark

Tobermurry

1.7 mi

Church

St Joseph and St Benildus Roman Catholic Church

1.7 mi

Church

Church of the Sacred Heart

2.0 mi

Landmark

French Church

2.1 mi

Landmark

Friends Burial Ground

1.8 mi

Landmark

Clock Tower

2.3 mi

Mall

Ferrybank Shopping Centre

1.9 mi

Nearby

Island

Little Island

3300 ft

Restaurants

Pisces Restaurant

100 ft

Kirwans bar Kill

Explore Ballinakill (Galway)

Local Highlights

Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

10-minute drive

An exhibition of Waterford's rich history, showcasing artifacts from the medieval period with guided tours available.

Reginald's Tower

10-minute drive

A historic tower housing fascinating Viking artifacts and offering panoramic views of Waterford city.

Christ Church Cathedral

10-minute drive

Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows highlight this iconic cathedral, often hosting concerts.

Bishop's Palace

10-minute drive

18th-century palace featuring a collection of Georgian artifacts, providing a glimpse into the lives of past bishops.

Hiking at Coumshingaun Lough

10-minute drive

Beautiful lakeside hiking trails perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers; bring your own gear for a day out.

Visit Springfield House

15 minutes' walk

Explore the scenic gardens and trails, ideal for a relaxing stroll or family picnic amidst beautiful landscaping.

Pisces Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

Known for fresh seafood and local produce, offering a cozy and vibrant atmosphere; reservations recommended.

Ballymaloe Gardens

7-minute drive

Farm-to-table dining experience with seasonal menus; try their famous brown soda bread.

King of the Vikings VR

10-minute drive

Interactive Viking experience with virtual reality; ideal for families and a unique way to learn about local culture.

The Viking Triangle

10-minute drive

A cultural quarter with pubs and cafes offering live music, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for nightlife.

Getting around

City Centre

Ballinakill (Galway)6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Waterford Airport (WAT)9 min · 3.5 mi

Shannon Airport (SNN)239 min · 98.9 mi

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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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 139 verified reviews

9.1/10

Perfect

89%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Comfort

9.6/10

Facilities

9.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Location

9.9/10

Staff

9.6/10

Value for money

9.0/10

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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.