Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballinakill (Galway) - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Resort

The Island, Waterford, Ie, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Near the golf course

Perfect

9.4

9.6

/10

4.3

4.5

Loved by Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort guests

Fine venue
Delicious food
Attentive staff
Amazing location
Perfect service

"The Castle was located on a little island and the car ferry operates every 15 minutes."

Franca from Australia

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"We loved the little car ferry that brought us to the island, the warm welcome received and our beautiful castle room were all fantastic."

ElaineD from Ireland

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"Staying in a castle?! On its own island?! In Ireland?! Could there be anything better?"

liesl

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Resort Overview

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is located on a 310-acre private island accessed by a complimentary car ferry. This unique setting offers Ireland's only true island golf course, surrounded by the River Suir. The resort includes a historic 16th-century castle and modern self-catering lodges, catering to various guest preferences.

Accommodations

The castle features 19 individually designed bedrooms with distinct character, including the opulent Presidential Suite. For families or groups, the island offers 45 self-catering lodges that include three or four bedrooms, a living room, and outdoor dining areas. Each accommodation type includes modern comforts alongside historic charm.

Dining Options

The award-winning Munster Room Restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes and serves contemporary and traditional Irish cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Casual dining can be found at the King's Channel Clubhouse, ideal for pre-and post-golf meals. Afternoon Tea is also available, showcasing a selection of warm scones and savory treats.

Golf and Activities

Waterford Castle Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course designed by Des Smyth, providing scenic views and challenging holes for golfers. The resort offers family-friendly activities including tennis, croquet, and clay pigeon shooting. Nature walks and picnics are enjoyable experiences along the island's charming paths.

Awards and Recognition

Waterford Castle Hotel has been recognized with multiple awards, including 'Romantic Hotel of the Year 2024' and 'Irish Culinary Experience of the Year 2023'. The recognition of the Munster Room Restaurant and other dining options positions the resort as one of the finest culinary destinations. It was also voted the '7th of the 50 Best Hotels in The World 2016' by Condé Nast Traveler.

Highlights

Location: 310-acre private island resort .

Golf: Ireland's only true island golf course .

Dining: Munster Room Restaurant with 2 AA Rosettes .

Activities: Family Friendly Activities including clay pigeon shooting .

Recognition: Voted '7th of the 50 Best Hotels in The World 2016' .

“Waterford Castle delivers a singular experience: a 16th-century castle transformed into a luxury hotel, set on a private island accessible by ferry. The golf course is a highlight, and the island setting offers a peaceful remove. While some rooms might benefit from updates, the overall ambiance and award-winning dining promise a memorable stay.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Toresort

Location: Perfect

9.9/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningFood was exceptional

Dinner in the Munster Room was fabulous! The menu had great service, the food was mainly grown on the grounds and the ravioli was a highlight.

Isabelle from France

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Guest ParkingIsland Access

Arriving by car was easy with the short ferry ride to the island operating every 15 minutes.

Kenji from Japan

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Sports & FitnessFun activities

Clay pigeon shooting was so much fun! The instructors were first-rate. Golf on property is lovely.

Antonio from Spain

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BedroomSpacious and Comfortable

The Kildare room was large and spacious with a bay window. The bed was comfortable, and we slept soundly.

Mei from China

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Select your room type

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Room

2 persons

305 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Room

2 persons

905 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Suite

2 persons

905 sq. feet

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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

Dining Onsite

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort promises a delightful culinary experience with two exceptional dining venues. Guests can indulge in fine dining or relax with casual bites, all while enjoying locally influenced flavors and serene settings, catering to every moment of the day.

Musnter Room Restaurant

Refined dinner offerings

Ambiance

An elegant setting perfect for intimate dinners, featuring accents of classic Irish charm and stunning views of the resort grounds.

Key Offerings

A curated menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and sophisticated dishes, transforming every dinner into a special occasion.

Reservation

Recommended

Dinner only; specific hours may vary.

Fitzgerald Room Bar

Light lunch, high tea, and cocktails

Ambiance

Welcoming bar atmosphere with a comfortable lounge setting, ideal for afternoon relaxation or pre-dinner drinks.

Key Offerings

A diverse selection of light fare, participates in high tea experiences, and offers an extended cocktail hour with craft beverages to unwind.

Reservation

Not needed

Lunch, High tea, Cocktail hour; open daily from 12:30 to 18:00.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Location

The Island, Waterford, Ie, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

Map view

The Island, Waterford, Ie, Ballinakill (Galway), Ireland

City landmarks

Museum

Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

2.1 mi

Island

Little Island

3300 ft

Museum

Reginald's Tower

2.0 mi

Museum

Bishop's Palace

2.1 mi

Church

Christ Church Cathedral

2.1 mi

Landmark

Springfield House

3200 ft

Landmark

Ballymaloe Gardens

1.5 mi

Landmark

Ballinakill Church of Ireland Graveyard

5100 ft

Golf Course

Faithlegg Golf Club

1.5 mi

Golf Course

Faithlegg

1.6 mi

Landmark

King of the Vikings VR

2.1 mi

Landmark

The Viking Triangle

2.1 mi

Landmark

Waterford Municipal Golf Course

1.6 mi

Church

Saint Mary's Church

1.5 mi

Landmark

Christendom House

1.4 mi

Landmark

Lost at Sea Memorial

2.0 mi

Landmark

Thomas Francis Meagher statue

2.0 mi

Landmark

Williamstown Golf Club

1.6 mi

Landmark

Agricultural Museum

1.6 mi

Landmark

John Condon Memorial

2.1 mi

Church

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

2.3 mi

Landmark

Kilmurry Graveyard

1.6 mi

Park

People's Park

1.9 mi

Landmark

Tobermurry

1.7 mi

Church

St Joseph and St Benildus Roman Catholic Church

1.7 mi

Church

Church of the Sacred Heart

2.0 mi

Landmark

French Church

2.1 mi

Landmark

Friends Burial Ground

1.8 mi

Landmark

Clock Tower

2.3 mi

Mall

Ferrybank Shopping Centre

1.9 mi

Nearby

Island

Little Island

3300 ft

Restaurants

Pisces Restaurant

100 ft

Kirwans bar Kill

Explore Ballinakill (Galway)

Explore Local Delights

Little Island

15 minutes' walk

A serene getaway featuring stunning views of the river and rich wildlife, ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Reginald's Tower

10 minutes' drive

An iconic medieval landmark showcasing Waterford's history, with an impressive tower and interactive exhibitions.

Bishop's Palace

10 minutes' drive

Home to Waterford's historical artifacts, this 18th-century palace features fascinating exhibits and guided tours.

Christ Church Cathedral

10 minutes' drive

An architectural marvel with stunning stained glass windows, offering insight into Waterford's religious history.

Stradbally Cove

10 minutes' drive

A beautiful beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with opportunities for kayaking and walking trails nearby.

Faithlegg Golf Club

5 minutes' drive

An 18-hole golf course nestled in lush surroundings, catering to all skill levels. Advance booking recommended.

Pisces Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

A cozy eatery specializing in fresh seafood and local ingredients, known for its warm atmosphere and culinary delights.

Ballymaloe Gardens

7 minutes' drive

Offering farm-to-table cuisine in a beautiful garden setting, perfect for a tranquil meal amidst nature.

The Viking Triangle

10 minutes' drive

A vibrant cultural area featuring live music venues and events, showcasing local talent in a lively environment.

King of the Vikings VR

10 minutes' drive

An immersive virtual reality experience bringing Viking history to life, suitable for all ages and highly engaging.

Getting around

City Centre

Ballinakill (Galway)6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Waterford Airport (WAT)9 min · 3.5 mi

Shannon Airport (SNN)239 min · 98.9 mi

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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

Wireless 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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort from previous guests about their experience

Review score

Based on 139 verified reviews

9.1/10

Perfect

89%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Comfort

9.6/10

Facilities

9.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Location

9.9/10

Staff

9.6/10

Value for money

9.0/10

Pros

Beautiful grounds

Helpful staff

Delicious dinner

Comfortable furniture

Cons

Small shower

Old toilet seat

High price

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Questions of the users

About Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Do any of the accommodations feature a balcony for guests to enjoy the scenery?

14 March 2024

There are no balconies in the Castle rooms. However, select self-catering Lodges may offer balconies for an outdoor experience.

How many rooms are situated within the Castle itself?

22 February 2025

Waterford Castle offers 19 beautifully appointed rooms inside the Castle, along with 45 additional lodges located a short walk away.

Is there a way to differentiate between rooms in the Castle and those in the Lodges when making a booking?

10 January 2024

Booking options are clearly separated on the website, with distinct pages for Castle Rooms and Self-Catering Lodges to ensure guests select their desired accommodation.

Are pets permitted to stay in the self-catering Lodges?

5 April 2024

Pets are welcome in the Lodges, subject to a €50 fee for the duration of the stay.

Can coaches utilize the ferry service to access the resort?

30 June 2025

Unfortunately, the ferry cannot accommodate large coaches. It is suitable for small vans only.

Are small dogs allowed in the Castle public areas?

18 November 2024

Only guests in the Self-Catering Lodges can bring pets. Dogs are not permitted inside the Castle itself.

Do the lodges accommodate children, and is there an option for additional beds?

12 December 2024

Children are welcome, and the 3-bedroom Lodges can accommodate up to 6 guests. An extra sofa bed can be arranged for a nominal fee.

What type of family-friendly activities are available at the resort?

28 January 2025

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities including golf, tennis, nature walks, croquet, and even clay pigeon shooting on the island.

What dining options can guests expect during their stay?

6 February 2025

Dining experiences range from fine dining in the award-winning Munster Room to casual meals at the King's Channel Clubhouse, offering something for everyone.

How can families enjoy outdoor activities while staying at the resort?

23 March 2024

The resort is ideal for enjoying the outdoors, with options for picnics, scenic walks, and access to a private 18-hole golf course surrounded by beautiful landscapes.