Family Stay at Ireland's Waterford Castle

A 16th-century castle on a private island in Ireland’s oldest city and it’s family-friendly? Yes, most definitely, yes!

If staying at a 500-year-old castle on a private island in the oldest city in Ireland sounds romantic and maybe not-so-family-friendly, you’d be right… and you’d be wrong.

With children’s menus, kids’ clubs, and child-friendly features, hotels around the world are going to great lengths to attract families – one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative segments of the global travel market. Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort is no exception, catering to families in innovative ways while still balancing its reputation for exclusivity and romance.

So how does a property manage to be grand and elegant while still family-focused? We went to County Waterford in Southeastern Ireland to find out and were pleasantly surprised by how well it manages to please all parties. Read on!

Photo: Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

Accommodations at Waterford Castle

There are two choices of accommodation at Waterford Castle: luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views or big, bright, contemporary houses tucked away next to the 18-hole golf course.

Each of the castle’s 19 rooms has an elegant, old-world charm and is uniquely decorated with four-poster beds, beautiful furnishings, and antiques belonging to the castle’s original owners. These rooms are quiet, comfortable, and have all the modern conveniences that you’d need. Many are large enough for travel cribs and/or rollaway beds, and the suites all have two bedrooms.

However, we chose to stay on the other side of the island in the resort’s more modern, Garden Lodges – mostly because this was a multi-generational trip with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, but also because we felt that the seven children in our party, ranging in age from 2 to 13, would disturb fewer guests this way! We made the right choice.

There are 48 lodges, or townhouse-style homes, that are spacious and family-friendly. The lodges offer three light-filled bedrooms, each with a private balcony, three full bathrooms, one half bath, and views of the golf course and grounds. The homes have nice open plans with the living, dining, kitchen, and laundry areas on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs. Each home also has a fireplace that comes in handy (even when you’re visiting in August like we were) and a back terrace that opens up onto a grassy common area.

KidTripster Tip: The lodges sleep six, but we noticed that both couches in the living area were pull-out sofa beds, so you probably could sleep eight to ten people. The Castle also will happily provide families with travel cribs (or “cots,” as they call them) and highchairs.

We booked four of the lodges in all, ideally located next to each other. Each family had their own space and privacy, but we still were able to spend quality family time together. These houses are perfect for multi-generational get-togethers; everyone from Grandma and Grandpa to the youngest of family members will feel right at home.

Note that these are self-catering units, meaning you’re cooking for yourself, and there’s no daily housekeeping. I know some parents who say “if there’s a kitchen and a laundry room, it’s not really a vacation.” But for us, traveling as a group of 16 – seven of them young kids – it just made sense. The houses are more spacious than hotel rooms and allow kids and parents to have separate rooms. They also have communal living spaces and large dining areas where you can all socialize in the evenings – something that we really enjoyed doing each night of our stay.

KidTripster Tip: You can find self-catering homes like these all over Ireland. Some websites refer to them as “lodges” or “villas,” but if you search for “self-catering Ireland,” you’ll find many options. They’re almost always cheaper than staying in a hotel, but some will require a 5 or 7-night minimum during the high season (July and August).

KidTripster Tip: If it’s raining, as it so often is in Ireland, and you forgot to pack rain boots for your kids (or just didn’t bother because they take up so much weight/space in your luggage, as was the case with us), then head over to Ardkeen Village. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Waterford Castle. There, you’ll find a Tesco that carries everything from beer, wine, and groceries to kids’ clothes, shoes, and toys. We picked up a pair of Wellies there for less than 10 bucks! There’s also a Lidl nearby. Either store is a perfect spot to stock up on food and necessities that you’ll need for a stay in the self-catering homes.

Activities at Waterford Castle

Ireland may not have the sunniest of climates, but it’s bursting with charm, history, and beauty. There’s no shortage of things to see and do on the property and in Waterford City, which was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. Here are just a few activities that we enjoyed during our stay.

Nature walks

Maybe it sounds a little corny to put this activity first, but I just couldn’t help notice that the kids in our group actually enjoyed walking the property. Waterford Castle is set on a 310-acre island estate that is truly stunning. There are several peaceful nature trails and grassy walking paths around the island for families to explore. Our kids particularly liked spotting wildlife along the way – from the resident family of deer to foxes, red squirrels, badgers, hedgehogs, wild hares, swans, owls, cuckoos, and even a peacock! It kept them interested, engaged, and learning while we wore them out.

My little city kid also loved venturing through the tranquil, moss-covered forest in search of the “Hedgehog Hotel” and Eliza the fairy, who is said to live and watch over the property. Watching your child search for and find the adorable, red, fairy door and knock to see if she’s home… magical. It was one of the many enchanting things about staying at Waterford Castle.

Falconry

The coolest thing that we did as a family during our stay, hands down, was take part in the Falconry Experience with John Duggan of Hawkeye Falconry. I’ll admit that I thought it was just going to be us watching some trained birds flying around doing tricks. I had no idea just how much we’d learn and how fascinated each one of us would be by the experience!

For the entire two hours, despite the heavy drizzle and mud, the kids and adults alike were captivated, mesmerized, and wowed as we watched and handled these majestic birds and learned about falconry, the ancient sport of kings. Hundreds of years ago, falconers trained birds of prey to hunt on their behalf, making them wealthy from all the meat and hides that the birds would bring in. John introduced us to Dennis and Stewart, two beautiful Harris hawks who demonstrated their hunting skills and would land on our gloved hands. Each of us, even my 3-year-old and her 70-year-old grandmother, got to personally catch, handle, and release the hawks and Maggie, a soft and adorable Southern White-faced owl. John even let the hawks fly right over our heads – so close that you could feel the whoosh of their feathers as they swooped down. It was terrifying, exciting, and exhilarating all at the same time! The kids loved it; I loved it! It’s a unique experience that you won’t soon forget.

Golf

If you’re a golfer, then you know the appeal of Ireland. It’s one of the most beautiful countries to play a round. It’s certainly a big attraction at Waterford Castle which is home to a championship woodland and parkland golf course designed by former Ryder Cup player, Des Smyth. It features first-class practice facilities, a 300-yard driving range, and a stunning natural landscape as its backdrop. The golf club also offers private lessons, junior group classes, and camps.

Other fun stuff

One of the many perks of staying in the Garden Lodges is that they are located right next to the playground, complete with swings, slides, toy golf carts, and the flying fox zipline which was a huge hit with all the kids. There’s also a nice big grassy area where kids can run around safely and play soccer.

Families can also partake in clay pigeon shooting, archery, tennis, or lawn games like croquet or jumbo outdoor Connect Four.

KidTripster Tip: There are several tables on the front lawn of the castle where the lawn games are found. Go inside and order tea, coffee or a cocktail in the Fitzgerald Room, and the servers will bring it out to you to enjoy while the kids play.

If you’re visiting in July or August, there’s also a kids’ club for children, ages 5 to 12. Activities vary from drama, dance, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and more.

Other activities

If you can tear yourself away from the island, more family fun awaits just a few minutes away.

Amusement park

Just seven miles away from Waterford Castle is the beautiful seaside town of Tramore, a paradise for kids of all ages, especially because of the amusement park that’s located here. With a broad beach, windswept boardwalk, and the scent of cotton candy, Tramore has a Coney Island-kind of feel that your family will love.

KidTripster Tip: While you’re in Tramore, pop in to the Seagull Bakery (4 Broad St.). This little, artisan bakery, specializes in naturally fermented sourdough breads made with unbleached and additive-free flours. With beautiful designs baked into the bread, they’re as nice to look at as they are to eat!

Water park

When it comes to family summer vacations, no pool on the property is kind of a negative, but that’s not unusual when traveling in Europe. So, if you’re missing that amenity, get the kids in the car and head to Splashworld, an indoor waterpark, also located in Tramore. Then head to lunch at one of the many restaurants or pubs in town. We liked Vee Bistro (1 Lower Main St.) and Brooklyn Cafe right on the boardwalk.

Waterford Greenway

Located about a 30-minute drive from the castle is the start of the Waterford Greenway (also called Deise Greenway), a spectacular 30-mile-long, off-road cycling and walking trail. Built along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan, this paved pathway has become one of Southeastern Ireland’s most popular attractions. It’s a beautiful journey well worth taking. Ask the staff at the Castle to help you find a place to rent bikes.

KidTripster Tip: There are a few pubs and coffee shops dotted along the Greenway and many great, family-friendly restaurants along the waterfront in the picturesque seaside town of Dungarvan, a KidTripster favorite.

Waterford Crystal

No trip to Waterford is complete without touring the famed House of Waterford Crystal. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the master craftsmen as you’re guided through the centuries-old tradition of glass blowing. After the 50-minute tour, step into the opulent, 12,000 square-foot retail store which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Just keep an eye on little hands!

KidTripster Tip: The House of Waterford Crystal has an on-site cafe where you can grab breakfast, lunch or just a coffee and pastry. If you’re looking for a proper meal, head to L’atmosphere Restaurant (19 Henrietta St.). It’s a charming, yet inexpensive bistro that serves up authentic French food in a cozy setting. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Waterford Crystal. Try the beef Bourguignon! Trust me.

Dining at Waterford Castle

If you and your family enjoy the royal treatment, definitely book yourselves for dinner at The Munster Room at Waterford Castle. This award-winning restaurant has a warm atmosphere, local seasonal menu, and extensive wine list. It has preparation and presentation down to an art with impeccable service to boot. This fine dining experience is definitely for a special occasion for Mom and Dad or families with teenagers or quiet, well-behaved young children. There isn’t a children’s menu, but I have no doubt the staff could accommodate a picky eater, if need be.

For dinners out, we found The Munster Room a tad too fancy for our big, high-energy brood. We felt much more comfortable dining in the King’s Channel Club House which overlooks the golf course. It has a casual, relaxed atmosphere, good food, and friendly service. It also has kids’ menus, crayons, and coloring books.

KidTripster Tip: If it’s a nice evening, eat on the Club House’s terrace. It not only has a pair of playground rocking horses right next to the tables but also a tennis court full of bikes, Big Wheels, and toy cars that the kids can ride before or after dinner.

Another great option for lunch or early dinner is The Fitzgerald Room. Located in one of the most opulent spaces in the castle, this is a great spot for elevated bar food. It’s a limited menu, but you can get everything from soups and salads to a club sandwich or fish and chips here. And there’s a really cool and quirky bar with a whiskey selection that you won’t believe.

KidTripster Tip: Take the kids here for afternoon tea, a time-honored tradition at the Castle. You’ll enjoy a selection of small sandwiches, homemade pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam – all while overlooking the gorgeous formal gardens.

KidTripster Tip: You also can “take tea” beside the fire, sitting on one of the oversized couches in the Castle’s grand lobby, or in a cozy little corner adorned with an antique chessboard.

If you’re staying in the self-catering lodges and want to treat your little prince or princess but don’t want to do fine dining, try breakfast in the Conservatory. It is, quite possibly, the prettiest room in the castle, and (moms of teenaged boys will appreciate this) you can help yourself to the buffet and get made-to-order items off the menu. Breakfast fit for a king (or queen)!

KidTripster Tip: For afternoon tea, dinner in The Munster Room, and breakfast in the Conservatory, reservations are highly recommended.

Getting to Waterford Castle

Waterford Castle is located on Little Island, a private estate encircled by the River Suir on the eastern outskirts of Waterford City. The only way to get to the island resort is by private car ferry which is free and operates a 24/7 service. Ferry crossing takes just 3 minutes. Then drive up the winding, beech-lined drive to reach the castle doors and its 500 years of history.

From the USA, the best way to get to Waterford City is to fly into Cork, Dublin or Shannon. From there, it’s about a 2 to 2-1/2-hour drive to Waterford City.

Before renting (or “hiring,” as they say in Ireland) a car, be sure to read our 7 Things you need to know before driving on the Emerald Isle.

Marcia Breen is a journalist who was bitten by the proverbial travel bug in Germany where she was once an exchange student. She has been happily infected ever since – seeing the world, living abroad, and telling stories along the way. She lives in NYC with her favorite travel buddies: her Irish-born husband and 3-year-old daughter but spends every summer exploring her second home – Ireland.

This writer received a discounted stay and some complimentary activities for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.