Set on a 310 acre island haven, Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort truly is a special venue.

Employing 67 full and part time staff, the Castle offers 19 beautifully decorated bedrooms, and 48 self-catering lodges

“We are unique,” said Head of Sales & Marketing at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Aine Comerford.

“Arriving from the ferry is a quirky addition. People really are arriving somewhere different.”

The Mary Fitzgerald ferry operates regular services between the island and the mainland.

“It’s lovely to think you can come out here and have no passing traffic and see deer meandering around the island. We want people to come over and enjoy all that the island has to offer,” said Aine.

From August 2013 the Castle came under the new management of UK chain Great National hotels who have a number of operations in Ireland and a base in Ennis, Co Clare.

The resort is hugely popular among American tourists.

“A lot of American guests who stay here have Irish connections,” explained Aine.

“Very often Americans and Canadians staying with us are her tracing roots in and around Waterford. They love the idea staying in an Irish castle.”

However, it’s not just the international market which Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort appeals to.

“Our message to the local community is that we are fully open for business. People can come here for a coffee or a walk and relax whenever they like,” said Aine.

The Fitzgerald Room Bar offers superb informal dining, while afternoon tea for just €20 is currently hugely popular.

This great offer is available 3pm-5pm seven days a week.

Visitors can relax in the ornate surroundings of the Fitzgerald Room Bar while enjoying sumptuous handmade goodies.

“We’re not expensive just because we’re a castle,” said Aine.

“We’re very accessible and within people’s dining out budgets.”

Another example of great value is the Sunday lunch on offer in the Munster Room Restaurant (named Best Hotel Restaurant in Munster at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2013) for a mouth-watering €32.

Waterford Castle has retained its two AA Rosettes for fine dining throughout the past 13 years, ensuring it is the ideal venue to mark a special occasion.

Current Head Chef Christine Walsh has just launched the new spring menu.

Restaurant Manager Antonio Clemente from Italy brings great knowledge of food and wine.

As a wedding venue, Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is truly special.

“We cater for lots of weddings from Dublin and overseas but we’re also popular in the local market,” explained Aine.

The castle can cater for a capacity crowd of 124, but can also specialise in much smaller weddings.

“We can create for whatever people’s needs are,” said Aine.

“The wedding party can have exclusive use of the castle overnight.”

Meetings and conferences can also be catered for, with the venue offering four meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 100 people.

Some fun events are planned for the coming months including a huge Easter egg hunt and family friendly day on Easter Sunday.

A summer afternoon party is scheduled for the end of June; a family barbecue in July; and a harvest banquet event in August.

“Every month, we’re aiming to have an interesting family friendly event,” said Aine.

A special festive event staged at Christmas attracted around 740 people.

“Lots of people didn’t realise we were open. Many hadn’t been here for years and they wanted to see what was on offer.”

A spring treat is currently on offer at

Currently available at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is a great spring treat offer comprising one night’s B&B in a deluxe room for two people sharing with a plate of homemade handmade chocolates for just € 145.

“Lodges are a great alternative for families,” said Aine.

“Our lodges offer three double bedrooms and a large open plan dining/living area with a green space at the back which runs along by the side of golf course offering a lovely view. A lodge per night is available from about €129 which is super value.”

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort certainly offers something for everybody and is the ideal venue in which to relax and unwind.

For more information visit www.waterfordcastle.com , call 051-878203 or email

Kieran Foley

The award winning Munster Room Restaurant.

The award winning Munster Room Restaurant.