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23Oct2025Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, a 4-star property rated 9.4/10 on Booking.com, offers a unique experience on a private 125.5 hectare island with golf and various recreational activities. This destination features 19 luxury rooms and 45 self-catering lodges, accessible via a ferry across the River Suir. The resort is renowned for its award-winning dining and outdoor adventures.

Rooms & Amenities

The hotel features 19 elegantly designed rooms within the 16th-century castle, each equipped with modern amenities such as Nespresso machines and complimentary Wi-Fi. Accommodations include double and twin Classic Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and a Presidential Suite, with self-catering options available in the lodges.

Dining Options

Dining options at Waterford Castle include the award-winning Munster Room Restaurant, known for its fine Irish cuisine, and the King's Channel Clubhouse offering casual meals. The Fitzgerald Room Bar features an extensive whiskey selection, providing a relaxing setting for guests.

Leisure Activities

Recreational pursuits at the resort include access to the 18-hole Championship golf course, clay pigeon shooting, outdoor tennis courts, and nature trails totaling over 7.5 kilometers. Family-friendly amenities include a playground and various seasonal outdoor activities.

Location & Local Attractions

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is a short ferry ride from Waterford city center, making it easily accessible for visitors. Nearby attractions include the House of Waterford Crystal and the historic Kilkenny town, renowned for its medieval architecture and cultural experiences.

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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
Max:
2 persons
28 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Deluxe Room
Max:
2 persons
84 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Deluxe Suite
Max:
2 persons
84 m² 
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore a range of transportation options for your spa getaway

City Centre
Ballinakill (Galway)500 m
Airports
Waterford (WAT) 5.6 km
Shannon (SNN) 158.5 km

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
What’s included

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free 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
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Location

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland
Map view
The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland
Nearby
Island
Little Island
990 m
Restaurants
Pisces Restaurant
20 m
Kirwans bar Kill

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
9.4
9.4/10 based on 54 reviews
William
United Kingdom, March  2025
8.2/10

We had a wonderful stay at Waterford Castle, enjoying the beautiful grounds and the unique ferry ride to the island. The lodges were spacious and clean, though some amenities like tea and coffee could have been better stocked. Our dining experience was memorable, with exceptional food, but a few service hiccups during breakfast reminded us that there's still room for improvement.

Rooms
8.0
The lodges were spacious and clean, equipped with modern conveniences. However, the towels were a bit basic and there could have been more complimentary tea and coffee.
Service
7.0
Service was generally friendly, especially from the restaurant staff. Though we encountered a slight issue with breakfast service, it was quickly corrected.
Location
9.0
The location is fantastic, set on an island accessed via a charming ferry, providing a serene escape from the everyday bustle.
Dining
8.0
We experienced a fine dining meal that was both well-presented and delicious, but breakfast had a few issues with the temperature of the hot foods.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities on the property were impressive, with lovely walking trails and a picturesque playground for the kids, enhancing the overall experience.
Oscar
United Kingdom, December  2024
8.4/10

Our stay at Waterford Castle was quite enchanting, combining breathtaking views and beautifully curated grounds. The dining experiences were exceptional, especially the breakfast and dinner. However, our experience was marred by noisy neighbors that disrupted our sleep throughout our stay, which the hotel seemed to overlook. Overall, the charm of the castle and the delightful food more than made up for the sleep disturbances.

Rooms
8.0
Our room featured antique furniture and provided a lovely view, making it quite a comfortable space for our stay.
Service
6.0
While the staff was attentive, the management's approach to addressing nighttime disturbances left much to be desired.
Location
9.0
Sitting on an island in the River Suir estuary, the location provided a unique ferry experience and serene surroundings for leisurely walks.
Dining
10.0
Dining options were outstanding, with both casual and fine dining menus that impressed us every time.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were excellent, featuring expansive grounds perfect for strolls and engaging activities like golf.
Cameron
United Kingdom, December  2024
5.0/10

Our stay at Waterford Castle Lodges was quite disappointing despite the beautiful surroundings and the allure of a castle experience. While the setting was stunning, the condition of the lodges and lack of basic amenities were significant downsides. We had hoped for a memorable family getaway, but the issues we encountered along the way made it far from ideal.

Rooms
The lodges were in a rough state, with dirty carpets and poorly maintained furnishings. It felt more like a neglected townhouse than a charming castle lodge. Rating: 3
Service
We found the service to be lacking, especially with the absence of daily housekeeping in self-catering units. For the price we paid, we expected more. Rating: 5
Location
The location on the private island is unique and adds charm, but the slow ferry ride can be inconvenient. Rating: 7
Dining
Dining options were limited, especially with the restaurant closure, forcing us to venture into town for meals. Rating: 4
Facilities
The facilities were lacking in quality, and basic utilities came with unexpected extra charges. Rating: 3
Luna
United Kingdom, October  2024
9.4/10

Staying at Waterford Castle was a truly enchanting experience. The castle's stunning architecture and serene island setting made for a perfect escape. The service was exceptional; every detail was attended to by the attentive staff. However, while the dining experiences were delightful, we did encounter a minor inconvenience with the restaurant being closed for a wedding. Overall, it's a fantastic place for a unique getaway, and I can't wait to return.

Rooms
10.0
Our room was beautifully decorated, featuring antique furnishings and a comfortable four-poster bed that added to the castle's charm.
Service
10.0
The service was impeccable, with staff going above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction throughout our stay.
Location
10.0
Set on an island in the River Suir estuary, the location was truly idyllic and provided a peaceful retreat from everyday life.
Dining
8.0
Dinner in the castle restaurant was a highlight, featuring exquisite gourmet dishes made from freshly sourced ingredients, although we were disappointed when the restaurant was closed due to a wedding.
Facilities
9.0
The property offered a lovely array of facilities including walking trails and tennis courts to enjoy amidst the beautiful surroundings.
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Check-in
23Oct2025Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room