Waterford Castle

Waterford Castle is built on a small island attached to land, close to the town of Ballinakill. It is believed that Waterford castle was built on a Monastic site, which existed between the sixth and eighth century, two finds on the land backed it up. These finds, included a winged angel from the 8th century and a carving of a monk’s head, which is prominently placed above the main entrance to the castle, believed to be dating from the 6th century.

The first family to live on the site was the FitzGerald family who were direct cousins to Strongbow.During the 15th and 16th century the Fitzgerald’s were the Kings of Ireland and hosted many glorious feasts and banquets.

The Island and the castle remained in the Fitzgerald name up to 1958 until the Igo family from Rhodesia bought it over and installed a 5acre complex of glass houses from which they produced fruits and flowers which were sold on home and export markets.

It then, in 1978, passed on to a farmer who used the land for his dairy farming until it was sold on in 1988 only to become a four-star luxury hotel and golf club right up until the present day.

The hotel keeps in essence with the history of the castle with its stonework within the hotel and the surrounding areas, the expansive land and the magnificent views the whole way around. In 1992 it opened a wonderful parkland 18 holes golf course, which was opened officially by Ryder cup player Des Smyth, and boasts 6,814 yards along with a luxurious clubhouse.

The Waterford hotel has been voted as one of the top 100 hotels 2003-2005 by the AA and lives up to its role. It promises guests a stay away from hustle and bustle of everyday life and lets them enter into a world of comfort and luxury. It is a guaranteed pleasurable stay.