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Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Club

This beautiful hotel dates back to the 15th century, and is situated on its own 310 acre wooded island (complete with 18-hole golf course), reached by a private ferry.

The hotel combines the elegance of earlier times with modern comfort, service and convenience - and the location is uniquely serene; its quietness (and the golf facility for off-duty relaxation) makes the castle a good venue for small conferences and business meetings, but it is also a highly romantic location and perfect for small weddings.

All guest rooms have been refurbished and, although they inevitably vary in size and outlook (and may have some of the little quirks that are typical of old buildings), all are very comfortably furnished in a luxurious country house style, and discreet, well-trained staff look after guests magnificently.

And you may be sure of an excellent breakfast, offering a well presented buffet with fresh juices and prepared fruit, yoghurts, muffins, smoked salmon, local cheeses, Waterford Blas (the local bread rolls), and cooked offerings of Flavahans porridge, excellent dry cured bacon and sausages in a full breakfast, or other hot dishes including omelettes and scrambled eggs & smoked wild Irish salmon and breakfast service is excellent too.

Conference/banqueting (30/80). Golf, archery, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, tennis, walking, gardens. Pool table. Children welcome (under 4 free in parents' room; cots available; bay sitting arranged).

Rooms 19 (5 suites, 3 junior suites, 2 family, 4 ground floor, all no smoking). Lift. 24 hr room service. Turndown service. Room rate from about €195. Closed 2 Jan - 8 Feb.

Munster Room:

This beautiful room is appointed to the highest standard and head chef Michael Quinn and a fine kitchen brigade continue to create superb meals. Michael demonstrates through all his menus the true spirit of sourcing the best local and Irish foods, and using them in a very imaginative and creative way - this includes rearing his own Saddleback pigs and using the pork on menus which, as well as his own Saddleback brawn, may include Paul Crotty's chicken broth, croquettes made with Sally Barnes smoked haddock, local man Tom Cleary's vegetables, and cheeses from nearby areas including Knockalara Sheep's and Crozier Blue.

The setting, staff and the cooking, in a modern classical style, are all excellent and a meal here is sure to be a very special experience.

A set dinner menu is offered, but considerately priced by course, allowing for a semi á la carte selection.

Hunter Dining Room : Children welcome. Seats 60. D daily, 7-9 (to 8.30 Sun), L Sun only (12.30-2); Set D about €59, á la carte and vegetarian menu also available; Set Sun L about €30. House wines from €28. SC 10%. Pianist at dinner. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Outskirts of Waterford City just off Dunmore East road.