Waterford Castle
Waterford Castle is unique, set on an isle of 300 acres, a short private ferry from the mainland,
and its history stretches back to the 11th Century. This sheltered isle was once home to the Fitzgeralds who during the 15th & 16th Centuries governed most of the south of Ireland and used Waterford Castle as their leisurely retreat.
Ireland has many islands and many castles, but there are few castle isles like this. Waterford Castle is unique, set on an isle of 300 acres, a short private ferry from the mainland, and its history stretches back to the 11th Century. This sheltered isle was once home to the Fitzgeralds who during the 15th & 16th Centuries governed most of the south of Ireland and used Waterford Castle as their leisurely retreat. The original Norman tower was rebuilt in the 15th Century and forms the centrepiece of the present castle, which was substantially added to throughout the 19th Century.
The Castle is a splendid representation of Victorian Jacobean design with stonewalls and mock turrets shrouded in ages old ivy. Through the carved granite arch and studded oak doors of the tower gate entrance is the oldest part of the castle, the entrance hall decked in rich tapestries, Elizabethan Oak panelling, fine 16th Century plaster ceiling and dominated by its huge chimney breast with roaring fire and hand carved Fitzgerald coat of arms. Throughout its grand drawing rooms, Waterford Castle is luxuriously furnished with fine Irish antiquities and oil paintings in keeping with the charm and character of the hotel./
