Waterford Castle is now a hotel and golf resort, but back in the 16th century, it was just a regular castle. Located on a 310-acre private island, it can be easily accessed via the car ferry. The castle offers luxury accommodation, but with only 19 bedrooms, you will not be surrounded by crowds. In fact, Waterford Castle is the ideal destination for small conferences, team building events or family celebrations such as weddings.

Facilities

Within the 310 acre grounds, there are 45 self-catering lodges to add to the castle’s accommodation. With the golf course and other sporting facilities, it is ideal for group holidays too. Visitors to the resort can also play croquet, take part in clay pigeon shooting, play tennis or just enjoy one of the many walking trails on the island.

The hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant, which is perfect for catering for those all-important family occasions. You can dine in luxury surroundings or just relax in the hotel’s bar and try one of the many whiskeys in the collection.

The hotel rooms are elegant, or you can opt for a suite if you require more space. Great amenities such as free tea and coffee and Wi-Fi will help to make your stay more relaxing and enjoyable. Business conferences and events can be held in the hotel’s meeting facilities, and hotel staff are multi-lingual, which will make things easier for foreign visitors.

Waterford Castle history

The island was the home of the Fitzgerald family for more than 800 years, and it is known that there has been a settlement on the island since the 6th century. After those early monks made their home here, the area was settled by the Vikings between the 9th and 11th centuries. The Fitzgerald family arrived following the Norman Conquest of England.

The current building is not the original castle. The original keep was the first structure on the site, but by the 14th century, it was not habitable and had to be rebuilt. Over the centuries the castle has been altered and extended. The castle moved out of the hands of the Fitzgerald family in 1958 and over the years changed hands several times until in 1987 owner Eddie Keans decided to turn it into a hotel. The current owner is Seamus Walsh, who purchased it in 2015. He has carried out further renovations, and there are plans to do even more in the future.