Waterford Castle Hotel Lodges

Holiday homes
8.8 (393 reviews)
Ballinakill, Dunmore Road, Waterford The Island , Waterford , ie

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Garden
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional private-island location and setting
Spacious, comfortable lodges
Privacy and scenic walks/castle
Generous breakfast delivery option
Good for families and children (staff attentive to kids in some cases)
Golf course and on-site outdoor activities
Unique/novel experience
Cons:
Maintenance and cleanliness lapses (dirty patio, walls, flies in bins)
Outdated in-room tech (very old TVs) and some broken appliances (fridge)
Noise disturbances from neighbours/children/weddings
Clubhouse closed for food service; limited F&B options
High dog surcharge (€70/day) with no dog amenities
Tennis courts and some amenities in poor condition
Mixed/unprofessional staff experiences (arrogant or amateur)
Occasional issues with water pressure and cooling in hotter months

Categories

Cleanliness
8.2
Mixed signals: several guests praised cleanliness of lodges, but multiple reports of dirty walls, filthy patio area on arrival and flies in bins indicate maintenance and cleaning lapses.
Service
8.6
Mixed service reception: some staff were described as lovely (especially with children) and responsive to issues (fixed water pressure), but there are multiple reports of arrogant front-desk and amateur restaurant staff.
Location
9.8
Clearly the strongest aspect: unique private island setting, castle, walks, privacy and proximity to Rosslare repeatedly praised as standout features.
Room Quality
8.6
Generally spacious and comfortable lodges, but recurring issues: dated TVs, occasional fridge failures, overheating in summer and a need for refurbishment noted by several guests.
Amenities
8.4
Good range of on-site features (golf, castle, walks), but clubhouse closure/no longer selling food, poor tennis courts and long-term playground construction reduce amenity satisfaction.
Value for Money
8
Location and spacious accommodation add value, but €70/day dog surcharge, lack of dog amenities, and loss of clubhouse food make perceived value lower for some guests.
Food and Beverage
8.8
Breakfast delivery described as generous and scrumptious; however clubhouse no longer sells food and some guests found restaurant service amateur, giving a balanced but positive view.
Overall Experience
10
Despite targeted operational and maintenance issues, the unique private-island location, privacy, spacious lodges, wildlife and memorable setting produced very positive overall stays for many guests.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-11 21:37

Property Description

Luxurious Holiday Home Experience

Family-Friendly Amenities: Enjoy a children's playground, 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi throughout the property.

Gourmet Dining: Indulge in Irish cuisine at the on-site restaurant offering dinner, lunch, and high tea options.

Recreational Activities: Play tennis or relax in the garden and terrace with picturesque views.

Experience the perfect blend of luxury and comfort at Waterford Castle Hotel Lodges. Book now for an unforgettable holiday home getaway.

Important information:

Please note that lodge guests might not have access to the castle during certain days due to private events. Please confirm with the property prior to arrival.

Please note that the property allows maximum of 3 lodges to be booked per each reservation. Before booking 4 lodges and more, please contact the property as different policies may apply.This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: WAT

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 393 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Location: 9.8
Room Quality: 8.6
Amenities: 8.4
Value for Money: 8
Food and Beverage: 8.8
Overall Experience: 10
B
Bartosz • solo_traveller • ie
3
Pros:

Not much

Cons:

Arrogant staff, dirt

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
B
Breda • family_with_children • ie
9
Fabulous island location
Pros:

Loved the location , the privacy and the size of the lodge . Always plenty of hot water .

Cons:

The area outside the back patio door with picnic table was very dirty when we arrived and we had to do a lot of cleaning of it before we could use it . Fridge was not working properly so we had to use the freezer to cool down drinks

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • solo_traveller • ie
9
Great weekend!
Pros:

I loved the castle, the walk around the island and the peace and quiet. The lodges were very good, spacious, comfortable, and clean. The golf course is fab too, I would have liked to play tennis, but the courts were not in good condition and need an upgrade!
Otherwise, great weekend!

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
U
Uri • solo_traveller • il
8
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
S
SPLarkin • family_with_children • ie
9
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
D
Dan • family_with_children • gb
4
We’ve had better stays.
Pros:

The grounds are nice, close proximity to Rosslare is an advantage. Lots of parking.

Cons:

The Lodges are totally bare and void of any comfort or personality. The TV’s are at least 30 years old so forget trying to entertain children with Netflix whilst you unpack the car - the extent of their tech is “cable” which is connected via “SCART”. The children’s playground is still “under construction” even after four years of return visits.

During the hotter months the lodges are absolutely sweltering and they make no effort to cool them by opening windows despite being aware of your arrival time. If there is a wedding happening during your stay then you are made to feel insignificant despite paying more proportionately.

The dog surcharge is €70 per dog and you get nothing for that, they don’t even provide a water bowl. Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore charges NOTHING for dogs and you get a dog towel, water bowl and treats.

During our most recent visit there was no evidence of any wildlife apart from Flies in the bins that hadn’t been emptied for some time.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
S
Shawn • family_with_children • us
5
Ok experience.
Pros:

Very unique experience being on an island.

Cons:

The restaurant staff were amateur at best. The front desk staff were two star hotel level. The neighbors were drunks and a disaster and nobody did anything about it. And the castle was closed for a private party making lodge guests feel like second class citizens.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
L
Lawless • family_with_children • ie
5
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
D
Declan • family_with_children • ie
9
Had a great family holiday with good food, lots of activities and interesting wildlife.
Pros:

The island location, the walks, the fab castle and the spacious lodges.

Cons:

Tennis courts were in appalling condition.

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
K
Kathleen • solo_traveller • ie
10
Pros:

The facilities

Cons:

Everything perfect

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
J
Joy emily • extended_group • ie
10
Beautiful, peaceful, perfect place to recharge.
Pros:

We stayed in a lodge. As self catering goes it was very spacious and clean. Very comfortable. Staff were lovely, very attentive.
The grounds were beautiful. Lovely walks. Also the instructor for Clay Pigeon, was fabulous. There was also a host of wildlife, peacocks, fawns, squirrels and baby wallabies. “Little Island” is beautiful.

Cons:

The Club House... Is never opened. It would have been nice to have an alternative to the castle in the evening.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
G
Galvin • solo_traveller • ie
6
Pros:

The green area behind house

Cons:

There was a wedding , the reception was packed and nobody at desk for us too check in

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • solo_traveller • us
8
Nice place and a unique experience
Pros:

The castle grounds were exceptional. The castle bar and restaurant provided good food, although a bit overpriced. The lodges provided plenty of space and comfortable accommodations, with every bedroom having its own bath. Plus an additional half bath on the main floor.

The staff was very friendly and helpful, at reception and in the bar/restaurant. And the food was top notch.

We were surprised by the time our GPS said it would take for us to arrive, but it was a pleasant surprise. It is a castle after all, so would not want to ruin it.

Cons:

Again, food prices were a little high, as they have you "stuck" at their location. If you are staying in the lodges, the continental breakfast is not included with the stay. That only comes if you stay in the castle proper.

2026-06-13 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • couple • ie
10
2026-06-10 • via Nuitee
P
palmer • solo_traveller • ie
9
Pros:

It was all amazing only thing I wasn't happy about was paying for 6 people to stay at the property then having to pay an additional 25 for a travel cot

Cons:

Having to pay for my under one year old son to stay then having to pay an additional 25 for the travel cot on arrival

2026-06-08 • via Nuitee
E
Elma • solo_traveller • ie
5
A golfers paradise but not for young families
Pros:

The Lodges were very spacious & clean

Cons:

There is no "restaurant" - there are a few low tables & armchairs scattered around a bar & reception - we were told we had ti 5.30 to order food as there was a function in the clubhouse so after that it was take away only. Definitely not "young family friendly". Considering its 2026, no USB plugs anywhere in the lodges

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
J
John • family_with_children • ie
10
2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
Y
Yeswanth • extended_group • ie
8
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
J
John • family_with_children • ie
6
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • solo_traveller • ie
10
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee