Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballinakill (Galway) ~ Reviews, Room Choices & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

The Island, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is situated on a 310-acre private island, accessible via a complimentary resort ferry. This unique location boasts a historic castle surrounded by the River Suir, exuding an elegant ambiance that captivates visitors. The resort features Ireland's only true island golf course, offering a luxurious getaway with exceptional culinary and leisure experiences.

Location

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is located just 10 km from Waterford city and a short ferry ride from the mainland. The surrounding area features notable attractions such as Kilkenny Castle and beautiful cliffside walks in Tramore, enhancing the resort's appeal for guests looking to explore.

Rooms

The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Suites within the 16th-century castle. Each room features elegant antique furnishings, modern comforts, and complimentary WiFi. The self-catering lodges, with views overlooking the golf course, provide spacious living areas and private patios for families or groups.

Eat & Drink

Onsite dining options include the Munster Room Restaurant, serving à la carte dishes, and the Fitzgerald Room Bar, offering a fine Irish whiskey collection. The award-winning culinary team ensures a memorable dining experience, highlighting both traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine.

Leisure & Business

Guests can enjoy the 18-hole Championship golf course, clay pigeon shooting, and outdoor tennis courts. The resort also offers access to a driving range, Pro Shop, and nature trails, making it ideal for both relaxation and active pursuits.

“Staying at this hotel feels magical, nestled on an island right in the middle of the city, providing a serene escape with easy access to local attractions.”view full review

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“An enchanting castle experience with exceptional service!” view full review

Top location:Highly rated by recent guests(9.1)

Check-in/Check-out

from 15:00-22:00

from 01:00-12:00

Amenities

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Other information

The hotel Waterford Castle & Golf Resort provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets are not allowed.

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Croatian, Tagalog / Filipino

Number of rooms:15

Former name

Waterford Castle Hotel

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Select your room type

The resort provides a range of accommodations, including double rooms, family rooms, and suites, all with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Standard Room

Max:

2 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Deluxe Room

Max:

2 persons

84 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Deluxe Suite

Max:

2 persons

84 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Ballinakill (Galway)500 m

Airports

Waterford (WAT) 5.6 km

Shannon (SNN) 158.5 km

Facilities

Enjoy a range of amenities at the resort designed for your comfortable stay and remarkable experiences.

Spacious Comfort

“The lodge we stayed in was impressively spacious and well-equipped, providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for our getaway.” view full review

Delicious Dining

“Dinner in the golf club was enjoyable, with a well-cooked meal that exceeded our expectations despite the limited menu.” view full review

Inviting Lounge

“The large reception area, complete with a cozy log fire, created a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the ambiance of the hotel.” view full review

Luxurious Bath

“The cast iron bath in our suite was a luxurious touch, providing an indulgent experience that made our stay memorable.” view full review

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

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

Springfield House

970 m

Cork Waterford Road N25

Ballymaloe Gardens

2.4 km

Ballinakill Church of Ireland Graveyard

1.5 km

Golf Course

Faithlegg Golf Club

2.5 km

Golf Course

Faithlegg

2.6 km

10 Bailey's New Street Viking Triangle

King of the Vikings VR

3.3 km

High Street and Henrietta Street

The Viking Triangle

3.4 km

Waterford Municipal Golf Course

2.5 km

Church

Saint Mary's Church

2.5 km

Christendom House

2.2 km

29 William Street

Lost at Sea Memorial

3.2 km

Meaghers quay River Front

Thomas Francis Meagher statue

3.2 km

Williamstown Golf Club

2.5 km

Agricultural Museum

2.5 km

2 Cathedral Square

John Condon Memorial

3.4 km

Church

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

3.7 km

Kilmurry Graveyard

2.6 km

Park

People's Park

3.1 km

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

Bailey's New St

French Church

3.3 km

Friends Burial Ground

2.9 km

Meagher's Quay

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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience. <br />

78%

liked the resort and would come back

Stunning architecture

Exceptional dining

Overwhelming portion sizes

Limited vegetarian options

7.8/10

Very good

Rooms

8.8

Location

9.1

Service

7.4

Dining

7.0

Sebastian

United Kingdom, January 2025

9.2/10

Staying at Waterford Castle was an unforgettable experience filled with luxury and charm. The breathtaking architecture and serene island setting provided the perfect backdrop for our romantic getaway. The rooms were beautifully appointed, and the dining experience exceeded all expectations. However, the unexpected ferry ride could be inconvenient for some, and I wish the service was a bit more attentive during peak dining times.

Rooms

10.0

Our Executive Suite was incredibly spacious and tastefully decorated, with stunning views overlooking the gardens.

Service

8.0

The service was mostly attentive, though it did feel a bit stretched during busy dining hours.

Location

10.0

The castle's location on a private island made for a unique and relaxing getaway.

Dining

9.0

The meals were top-notch, with a delightful variety of gourmet options, and the complimentary cocktails were a nice touch.

Facilities

9.0

The array of activities, from walking trails to golf, added to the overall charm.

Mia

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.8/10

Our stay at Waterford Castle was truly enchanting, with beautiful lodges and stunning grounds. While we enjoyed the spacious accommodations and great dining options, the hidden fees at checkout were unexpected and disappointing. Overall, it was an incredible experience, but guests should be mindful of extra costs.

Rooms

10.0

The lodge we stayed in was beautifully presented and offered ample space for our family, complete with nice toiletries and elegant furnishings.

Service

7.0

Service was great overall, though the confusion with our takeout order was frustrating and required multiple calls.

Location

10.0

Nestled on an island in the River Suir estuary, the location was stunning and offered a magical escape with lovely scenic walks.

Dining

9.0

The meals we had were exceptional, with the breakfast being particularly memorable as it was delivered right to our room.

Facilities

8.0

The grounds boasted a range of activities, from walks to tennis, but some areas could use updating.

Howard

United States, December 2024

9.0/10

Our stay at Waterford Castle was nothing short of magical. The stunning architecture truly made us feel like we were living in a fairytale, while the exceptional dining experience and activities kept us entertained throughout our visit. The only downside was that the amount of food at dinner was overwhelming and there could be more variety in vegetarian breakfast options. Overall, it was a unique getaway that we'll cherish.

Rooms

9.0

Our room was spacious and beautifully furnished, adding to the castle experience.

Service

10.0

Service was top-notch from the moment we arrived, with every staff member going above and beyond.

Location

9.0

The castle is situated on a serene island, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Dining

8.0

Dining was exceptional, especially the multi-course dinner, although we underestimated the portion sizes.

Facilities

9.0

The wide range of activities available made our stay even more enjoyable, with options like clay pigeon shooting.

Stunning architecture

Overwhelming portion sizes

Phil

United States, December 2024

5.4/10

My family and I had high hopes for our stay, but it fell short of expectations. The property itself is beautiful, but the restaurant being closed was a huge letdown and the service left much to be desired. It made what should have been a magical stay feel disappointing, especially given the high price. On the brighter side, the room was nice, and the atmosphere of the castle was charming.

Rooms

7.0

The room was spacious and had a lovely ambiance, but it did show some wear and tear with cracked tiles and broken lamps.

Service

5.0

Service was lacking as management seemed dismissive of our concerns, which made us feel undervalued as guests.

Location

6.0

The location was unique being on an island, but the access to dining options was limited due to the restaurant closure.

Dining

5.0

Dining was disappointing since the main restaurant was closed, forcing us to choose from a small bar menu.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities were underwhelming as some areas seemed in need of refurbishment.

Sawyer

United Kingdom, December 2024

6.8/10

Waterford Castle offers a stunning castle experience nestled on an island, and the overall charm and ambiance are truly captivating. The rooms are luxurious and the staff goes above and beyond, especially during events. However, we had significant issues with the dining, as the restaurant was closed during our stay and the bar options didn't meet our expectations. The price feels steep, especially when considering the limited dining options during our visit.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, offering a luxurious feel with unique accouterments. They provided a lovely ambiance that felt both historical and cozy.

Service

6.0

The service was impersonal at times, especially given the high expectations set by such an iconic venue. It felt like the management was stretched too thin, particularly during the busy wedding weekend.

Location

10.0

Located on a scenic island, Waterford Castle boasts a unique charm that truly sets it apart. The ferry ride adds a delightful touch to the overall experience.

Dining

5.0

Unfortunately, the dining was underwhelming as the main restaurant was closed during my visit, and the bar did not live up to the dining expectations associated with a castle of this stature.

Facilities

5.0

While there’s a beautiful ambiance throughout the castle and grounds, the limited dining options severely impacted the stay, overshadowing the overall appeal of the provided facilities.

Eric

United States, November 2024

6.0/10

My stay at Waterford Castle Lodges was unfortunately less than ideal. While the property itself is stunning with its historical charm, the experience was marred by lack of communication and service issues. The impersonal service made the high price feel unjustified, especially since we were unable to enjoy the dining facilities due to a wedding event. The location is beautiful but requires careful planning to avoid disappointment regarding amenities.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms featured beautiful antique furniture, but I found myself disappointed by the limited view from our room.

Service

5.0

The service felt impersonal and did not match the expectations set by the hotel's luxurious appearance.

Location

8.0

Set on an island, it offers a unique getaway, but the access is limited by ferry which might not suit everyone.

Dining

5.0

Dining was subpar, as the restaurant was closed during our stay, forcing us to settle for bar food.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were well-maintained, but unfortunately limited due to events that restricted access to the castle.

Penelope

United Kingdom, November 2024

7.4/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Bill

United States, September 2024

7.4/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Jerome

United States, August 2024

9.2/10

Our stay at Waterford Castle was absolutely enchanting. The stunning architecture and charming ambiance truly made it feel like a magical escape. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, although there were minor imperfections. The staff went above and beyond with their impeccable service, making us feel at home. The dining experience exceeded expectations with delicious food, but it could be pricey. Overall, a remarkable experience with a few small drawbacks.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious and comfortable, with beautiful vintage decor. They provided excellent facilities, including lovely toiletries that enhanced our stay.

Service

10.0

The service was impeccable. Staff were attentive and accommodating, ensuring all our needs were met with a smile.

Location

10.0

The location is breathtaking, being situated on an island in the River Suir estuary. It provided a peaceful and tranquil setting for our getaway.

Dining

9.0

Dining was exceptional, with a sumptuous breakfast that left a lasting impression. The dinner options were gourmet and delicious, though a bit on the pricey side.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offered a range of lovely facilities, including scenic walking trails and entertaining activities like pickleball for the kids.

Jessica

United Kingdom, August 2024

9.0/10

Staying at Waterford Castle was an enchanting experience that beautifully combined luxury and family-friendly amenities. The enchanting island location made our getaway feel magical, and the castle's architecture was a lovely throwback to history. The service was exceptional, though it could be a bit more attentive at times, and the dining options, while high-quality, were somewhat limited in variety. Overall, it’s a place I would highly recommend for families and couples alike.

Rooms

9.0

The room we stayed in was stunning with beautiful antique furniture and spacious amenities, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

Service

9.0

The service was impeccable and attentive, although I felt a bit more personal touch would enhance the experience.

Location

10.0

Located on a peaceful island in the River Suir estuary, the setting provides a serene escape from everyday life.

Dining

8.0

Dining was an exceptional experience, with gourmet meals and a fantastic breakfast, although the selection could be a touch wider.