Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort in Waterford

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.

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.

A superb unique experience. Located on an island in the river Suir accessed by the hotel ferry. A must place to visit.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The food was gorgeous throughout and the staff were amazing.

Nice coffee ☕️ but no wagon wheels

I only visited the restaurant: Great location, renovated, fast service, good price

The dream wedding venue that we could have only wished for. This was unlike any venue we’d seen before (and we’ve been to a lot!). The pictures speak for themselves, but what deserves a callout is the amazing hospitality and welcome faces that greeted every one of our guests throughout the stay. The privacy and closeness afforded by the island, the lodges and the clubhouse were unrivalled. It truly felt like we had our own space to celebrate with the people who mattered most to us. Gillian, the castle’s wedding coordinator, made sure that everything ran as smoothly as possible. Her expertise were evident from day 1 as she made sure every base was covered, putting us at complete ease so all we had to do was focus on ourselves on the day. Antonio who managed the service was also fantastic and willing to help at every opportunity (extending even outside of his remit). We couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. A surefire consideration for couples looking to add something completely unique and inherently Irish to their special day. Not a bad word to say. I wish we could do it all again! Aaron & Antonia

There is no question that the location of this hotel is second to none. Stunning surroundings and the castle itself looks like something from a movie when you pull up. The food is amazing, one of the best meals we had on our trip. The service was also very good. My issue is that the hotel is very rundown and old. Items broken, worn out, threadbare carpeting everywhere, broken elevator, no HVAC so a constant damp feeling and odor. It needs a complete overhaul inside. That said, it is a magical place location and with some renovation will be hard to beat.

Peaceful getaway. Total relaxation. Beautiful bedroom in the castle, roll top, deep bath. Lovely log fire & couches in reception. Friendly helpful staff at every turn. Exceptional breakfast. Fully recharged and happy. Would recommend for a tranquil 24hrs. The break started as soon as we got onto the ferry to the island.

A wonderful place for a relaxed treat. We just went for coffee in the afternoon, it was a beautiful day to sit in the garden and enjoy the surroundings, but the interior looks very comfortable too. Do book in advance or you'll have to pay to get across on the chain ferry.