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From366US$ /night
Check-in
07Dec2025Select date
Check-out
08Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland
-
Steps from the golf course
Perfect
9.5
9.5
/10
4.3
/5

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.

Must-do experiences

  • Explore the stunning grounds of Waterford Castle by bike.
  • Savor the seafood chowder at The Grattan Restaurant nearby.
  • Visit the medieval Dungarvan Castle just a short drive away.
  • Enjoy the farmers' market in Ballinakill every Saturday morning.
  • Take a scenic walk along the Wild Atlantic Way for breathtaking views.
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
Deluxe Room
2 persons
84 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Suite
2 persons
84 m² 
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

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
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Dining Onsite

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort boasts a delightful array of dining options, each providing a unique culinary experience that emphasizes local flavors and stunning settings. Whether indulging in an exquisite dinner or enjoying a lively lunch with cocktails, guests can expect a warm atmosphere filled with genuine hospitality.

Musnter Room Restaurant

Elegant fine dining
Ambiance
Refined and intimate setting, perfect for special occasions
Key Offerings
A curated menu showcasing the best of seasonal produce, ideal for a romantic dinner experience.
Reservation
Recommended.
Dinner only; hours vary.

Fitzgerald Room Bar

Casual bar dining
Ambiance
A relaxed yet sophisticated lounge space, ideal for unwinding with friends or family
Key Offerings
Serves a delightful selection of light lunches, luxurious high tea, and craft cocktails during cocktail hour.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM for lunch, high tea, and cocktails.

The Clubhouse

Informal dining with a focus on local produce
Ambiance
Scenic beachside venue with a spacious cliffside terrace offering panoramic sea views
Key Offerings
Ideal for gatherings and meetings, serving a selection of fine local dishes along with a full bar featuring an array of wines, beers, and spirits.
Reservation
Recommended for larger groups.
Hours vary.

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
Explore Ballinakill (Galway)
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
10-minute drive
A unique museum showcasing Waterford's history and medieval artifacts, with guided tours available.
Little Island
Little Island
15 minutes walking
A picturesque island offering beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Reginald's Tower
Reginald's Tower
10-minute drive
An iconic landmark chronicling Waterford's Viking history, with panoramic views of the city from the top.
Water Sports at Stradbally Cove
10-minute drive
Exciting water sports activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding available for thrill-seekers.
Hiking at Coumshingaun Lough
10-minute drive
Relaxing hiking trails around stunning lakes, offering tranquility and beautiful views of the landscape.
Pisces Restaurant
Pisces Restaurant
5 minutes walking
Cozy atmosphere specializing in seafood dishes, with local ingredients and vegetarian options available.
Ballymaloe Gardens
Ballymaloe Gardens
7-minute drive
Charming eatery surrounded by gardens, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and seasonal menus in a rustic setting.
King of the Vikings VR
King of the Vikings VR
10-minute drive
Unique virtual reality experience showcasing Waterford's Viking heritage. Fun for all ages.
Waterford Municipal Golf Course
10 minutes driving
Beautiful 18-hole course with a relaxed vibe, catering to both seasoned golfers and beginners.
Getting around
City Centre
Ballinakill (Galway)6 min  ·  500 m
Airports
Waterford (WAT)9 min  ·  5.6 km
Shannon (SNN)238 min  ·  158.5 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
9.5
9.5/10 based on 63 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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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
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:
15
Former name
Waterford Castle Hotel
FAQs
About Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
How far is Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort from Waterford city center?
The hotel is located 5 km from Waterford city center.
What dining options are available at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?
The hotel features two on-site restaurants: the award-winning Munster Room and the Fitzgerald Room.
What recreational facilities does Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offer?
Guests can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, clay pigeon shooting, tennis courts, and nature trails.
Is parking available at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?
Public parking is available on-site for free without a reservation.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
What is the distance from Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort to the nearest airport?
The hotel is approximately 10 minutes by car from Waterford Airport.
Does Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort provide Wi-Fi access?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, heating, and luxurious bedding such as goose-down quilts.
Is breakfast available at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 26 EUR.
What family-friendly activities does Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offer?
The hotel features a kids' club, children's playground, and outdoor activities like hiking and golf.

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Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Ballinakill  Exterior photo

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

9.5
Perfect63 reviews
500 m from center
329 US$
366 US$
per night
Mobile-only price