Waterford Castle, County Waterford

Castles in County Waterford
Granagh Castle
Lismore Castle
Waterford Castle

Waterford Castle reaches back into time, a time capsule that reflects history. According to tradition, a Monastic settlement existed on the island sometime between the sixth and eighth centuries and two "finds" on the land have lent substance to this: a Winged Angel dating from the 8th century and the crude carving of a Monk's head, which is now prominently displayed over the main entrance to the Castle, dating from the 6th century.

The first family to live on the Island was the FitzGerald amily, cousins to Strongbow. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the FitzGerald's were the Kings of Ireland in all but name and hosted many feasts and banquets on the Island.

The Island and the Castle remained in the FitzGerald name up until 1958, then the Igo Family of Rhodesia bought the property and installed a five acre complex of glass houses from which they produced fruits and flowers.

In 1978, the island was rented to a local pedigree dairy farmer, who later bought the island. The owner saw the island as an isolated, disease free area and the perfect place to continue his dairy farming.

Operating as a luxury hotel since 1988, the beauty of the island and the Castle has been opened up to its visitors.