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Page 1 of 2 WATERFORD CASTLE HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB,The Island,Waterford.The Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Club enquiries Waterford Castle Hotel Why Stay Here?
We recently had a really unique ‘Island Experience’ when visiting one of the country’s great castle hotels. Taking the ferry across to the island hotel was the beginning of a fairy-tale experience that was rich in history and legend, and then further enhanced by a most memorable dining experience. All the modern luxury hotels in the world could not match this place for atmosphere. Dating back to the Norman occupation of Ireland in the 11th century it was a former home of the powerful Fitzgerald family. Throughout the grey stone castle there are antiques redolent of an elegant past, and a carved granite archway leads to the grand entrance hall, where a blazing fire warmed our welcome. With open fires and family portraits and warm oak, cool marble and elegant antiques, we really felt like the lords of the manor during our stay. ACCOMMODATION AT WATERFORD CASTLEWe stayed in the Presidential Suite and had spectacular views over some of the 310 acre gardens. We had the most comfortable four-poster bed in our huge room which was high-ceilinged with marble-fireplace and antique furniture. There were portraits of past presidents adorning the walls, including Mary Robinson who smiled down on me as I sat at a beautifully carved wooden antique desk by one of the windows. The bathroom was out of this world – a Jacob Delafon stand-alone bath, and the prettiest hand painted toilet and wash-hand-basins ever! The room was full of soft lighting and the antique cast-iron windows set in original stone opened to the splendour of the surrounding grounds. We enjoyed evening views over the estate and river and watched the cute baby deer with their sweet doe-eyes graze peacefully all around the grounds. In fact when we went for an evening stroll we came quite close to these adorable creatures, who appear well used to human visitors and not particularly bothered by us at all.THE ISLAND LODGESWe spent another night in one of the luxurious Waterford Castle Lodges. There are forty-eight in total, mostly three bed-roomed with two having four bedrooms. We found them really comfortable, spacious and luxurious with lots of glass show-casing the surrounding scenery, sophisticated design and exceptionally stylish furnishings. Great for families who want a luxury ‘home from home’ but also perfect for groups of friends who may be attending a wedding at the Castle. While ours had three double rooms, there were also three bathrooms, so privacy and full facilities would make these lodges great value for a group of friends to share. Of course for people who love golf, and that is the real jewel in the crown on this island, staying in one of these lovely lodges guarantees the fairways on your doorstep and the time is your own. While the lodges are situated in a secluded enclave they are just short stroll from the Golf Club, driving range and just a few minutes walk to the Castle itself. |
