Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballinakill (Galway) ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Near the Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

Perfect

9.5

/10

4.3

Loved by guests

Stunning venue
Delicious menu
Impeccable service
Spacious room
Cozy atmosphere

"Waterford Castle is located on an island and you have to take a car ferry to get to the castle area."

John from Ireland

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"Now for the Castle, a beautiful and historic estate with lovely details from floor to ceiling."

StarrySue 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, accessible via a complimentary car ferry over the King's Channel. Located just ten minutes from Waterford City and within ninety minutes from both Dublin and Cork airports, the resort offers a blend of seclusion and convenience. The island boasts a variety of wildlife, including resident deer and a scenic landscape for exploration.

Golf Course

The hotel features Ireland's only true island golf course, designed by Des Smyth. This championship 18-hole, par 72 course spans over 200 acres with parkland and woodland areas, providing a range of challenging holes. Guests can enjoy the tranquil setting while engaging in golfing activities.

Dining

Dining at Waterford Castle includes the award-winning Munster Room Restaurant, recognized for its exquisite dishes and awarded 2-AA Rosettes. Guests can enjoy casual meals at the King's Channel Clubhouse, which offers a variety of dining options, including family-friendly favorites. The Fitzgerald Bar provides a selection of fine wines, craft cocktails, and an extensive Irish whiskey collection.

Accommodations

The hotel offers 19 uniquely designed castle rooms and suites, each showcasing period decor and luxurious furnishings. For groups and families, there are 45 self-catering lodges featuring three and four bedrooms, modern kitchens, and private patios. All accommodations are equipped with amenities such as Nespresso machines and optional evening turndown service.

Activities

Waterford Castle provides various family-friendly activities, including golf, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, croquet, and nature walks. The island offers playgrounds for children and hosts special events throughout the year, such as movie screenings and treasure hunts. Options for outdoor exploration include seasonal BBQs and picnic hampers.

Highlights

Location: 310-acre Private Island, accessible by complimentary ferry

Golf: Ireland's only true island golf course, designed by Des Smyth

Dining: Award-winning Munster Room Restaurant with 2-AA Rosettes

Accommodations: 19 uniquely designed castle rooms and 45 self-catering lodges

Activities: Family-friendly events, including nature walks and clay pigeon shooting

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Highlights from guests

DiningFood Excellence

Dinner was fantastic, with a fabulous menu. Breakfast was also exceptional, a true culinary highlight.

Olivia Davies from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingIsland Access

The car ferry runs every 15 minutes. Getting around was convenient thanks to the efficient service.

Franca Dubois from Australia

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Sports & FitnessGolfing Gem

The golf course is a hidden gem and in top-tier shape. The layout provides a good change of pace.

Nolan Gray from Canada

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BedroomRoyal Slumber

The Rose Suite offered gorgeous views and a supremely comfortable bed for restful nights.

Myshelle Thompson from United States

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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

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

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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

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 offers a delightful culinary experience infused with local charm, featuring diverse dining options that cater to different tastes and occasions. From fine dining to casual gatherings, each venue invites guests to indulge in comforting dishes surrounded by an enchanting atmosphere.

Munster Room Restaurant

Irish fine dining

Ambiance

Elegant and refined setting, perfect for intimate dinners.

Key Offerings

Signature dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ideal for a sophisticated evening out.

Reservation

Recommended.

Dinner only; hours vary.

Fitzgerald Room Bar

Casual dining and cocktails

Ambiance

Inviting bar lounge with a warm atmosphere, suitable for relaxed afternoons or lively evenings.

Key Offerings

Serves lunch, high tea, and a variety of craft cocktails. Perfect for socializing or unwinding with friends.

Reservation

Not needed.

Open for lunch and high tea from 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM, daily.

The Clubhouse

Informal dining featuring local produce

Ambiance

Spacious cliffside terrace with panoramic sea views, perfect for gatherings and events.

Key Offerings

Offers a full bar and can accommodate dining for up to 100 guests; ideal for group events with a focus on local ingredients.

Reservation

Recommended for larger groups.

Open for various meal types; hours may vary.

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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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:

Former name

Waterford Castle Hotel

Questions of the users

About Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Can I find rooms within the castle at Waterford Castle Hotel?

12 January 2024

Yes, the castle features a total of 19 beautifully appointed rooms. Additionally, there are 45 self-catering lodges available nearby.

Are there options for guests traveling with pets in the lodges?

5 March 2024

Absolutely, pets are welcome in the lodges for a fee of €50 for their entire stay.

Is it possible to travel by coach to the resort via the ferry?

22 February 2024

No, the ferry cannot accommodate large coaches. Smaller vans may be allowed, but full-size coaches are not permitted.

How do I differentiate between booking a castle room and a lodge?

15 April 2024

There are separate booking pages for Castle Rooms and Self-Catering Lodges. Ensure to select the appropriate page before making a reservation.

Are children permitted at the Waterford Castle Hotel? Are extra beds available?

30 March 2024

Yes, children are welcome, and the lodges can accommodate up to 6 guests with an optional sofa bed for an extra cost of €25.

Can guests access the various dining options offered at the resort?

17 May 2024

Dining options are plentiful at Waterford Castle, including traditional Irish cuisine and casual meals at the clubhouse. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times.

What activities are available for families at Waterford Castle?

10 June 2024

Families can enjoy golf, tennis, nature walks, picnics, croquet, and clay pigeon shooting on the resort's stunning grounds.

Is there wheelchair accessibility in the self-catering lodges?

23 July 2024

A limited number of lodges may be suitable for wheelchair users, featuring downstairs bedrooms and wet rooms with additional safety features.

What dining experiences can guests expect at the Munster Room?

8 August 2024

The award-winning Munster Room offers a fine dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients, recognized with 2 AA Rosettes for its culinary excellence.

Is it necessary to pre-book dining even for guests staying at the hotel?

19 September 2024

Yes, dining must be pre-booked prior to arrival to ensure availability, particularly during peak periods.