Espresso in Waterford

11/12/2025: Just came back from The Santa experience. I hadn’t seen much online so wanted to give an honest review so others could see it. When we arrived we were confused as we weren’t in the castle at all but in the back where the golf course is, in the bar/restaurant for there. We were met by a lovely girl dressed as an elf and asked to wait inside where we were offered coffee and tea. Me and my husband got a tea and were waiting maybe 10 minutes after our time as there was a little hold up, no big deal. We then were escorted by another girl dressed as an elf to a shed, she was lovely and had a little chat before being brought to another shed to meet Santa. Santa was so nice and made my daughter feel welcomed as well as another girl dressed as an elf. We got two presents and had some pictures taken with our phones. I did expect a more professional set up with the pictures but whatever. Afterwards we went back to the golf club bar/restaurant and was seated for dinner. We had a lovely dinner, even got a baby bowl for my daughter which was mash, gravy and some carrots. Food was a solid 4/5. My takeaway from the day was that it was very expensive €50 a head, my daughter went free as she’s under 18 months so that’s something. When I booked I did expect it to be in the castle in a lovely room not a garden shed out the back. It wasn’t exactly Santa at the castle vibes they project in promos and website. I don’t think I would go again but the Santa was great and all the staff were so kind and accommodating. If it wasn’t for the staff it would had been terrible. I suggest having a room in the castle for next year as that’s what I was expecting and I’m sure others would too, I wouldn’t mind the dinner in the golf restaurant afterwards then with no issues. It felt thrown together and I didn’t see much different other then the dinner to go to town and see the Santa there, much cheaper too. Thank you to the staff and the Santa you were a credit to the place.

02/12/2025: I’m a Wedding DJ and have played at Waterford Castle quite regularly throughout the last few years. It is very popular for American destination weddings and the venue seems to meet the needs of these destination weddings as there is sufficient rooms on the island between the castle and lodges. There is always a great atmosphere around the castle and I’ve seen many great party’s here. The team are also excellent and everything runs on time.