Wedding Reviews for Waterford Castle Hotel

Words truly fail us when we describe our experience with Linda and her band of merry miracle workers in Waterford Castle.
From the very first moment Jane and I were enchanted by both the team and location. What self-respecting romantic could resist having their own stunning castle and island for their wedding day? Deer roaming free, hares greeting us at the door, our own personal ferry to carry us to our destination and a welcoming fire blazing upon our arrival!! It is the quintessential happily ever after that we were both looking for.
Communication that would put MI5 to shame, Linda in her uniquely professional but oh so- fun manner helped, cajoled, mentored and held our hands the whole way through the days, weeks and months prior to the wedding. I still can’t believe that people say that getting married is stressful, either that or we just got lucky. The ceremony, reception, food (Beyond awesome by the way), drink, dancing and general making of merry flowed naturally from the start. Everything was effortless.
The menu was tailored specifically for us as we have friends with some serious dietary requirements. They were in awe of the resulting food and unbelievably grateful that we made their night so special. Artfully crafted platters carried by staff who knew their clients, ensured that our guests were blown away by the attention to detail.
With more than a little sniffle we boarded the ferry the evening after the wedding. We didn’t just get married, we gained a whole new family.
Waterford castle and the team there will always have a special place in our hearts. It feels like a home-coming every time we visit.

Waterford Castle is absolutely perfect for any special event. The wedding planning with Gillian ran exceptionally smoothly which made it incredibly easy to feel relaxed that things were taken care of correctly approaching the wedding. Considering we live in Germany and were only in Ireland twice prior to the wedding this was an excellent and professional job by Gillian and Waterford Castle. The day itself was wonderful, the staff are always available if you need anything but are very much in the background giving you the feeling that you are not being bothered. The timing and set up for the day is planned incredibly well and the castle venue and staff are very well prepared for any needs and insure that the day goes ahead without any glitches. We would highly recommend this location to anyone and the help and availability of Gillian before and during the wedding was superb, thank you for that. A special location with the matching approach from the staff. Excellent and professional in every way

From the moment we stepped in the main entrance we knew Waterford Castle was the place for us! Linda and all the staff did everything they could to assist with the planning leading up to the wedding keeping things as simple as possible making life very ease. On the day, we had complete confidence that everything would run smoothly which it did allowing us to relax and enjoy the day. Many of our guests complimented the food prepared by the outstanding chefs especially the steak which was cooked to order as well as the homely relaxed atmosphere, this was fantastic for us to hear as it was important to us that our guests enjoyed everything too. This is and will always be a special place for us. We will be back regularly. With our compliment and thanks

Our wedding at Waterford Castle really was perfect. Our coordinator, Gillian, was an absolute pleasure to work with and made the wedding planning process seem simple. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the level of professionalism and attentiveness by all of the Waterford Castle staff.

Starting with the rehearsal and dinner the night before the wedding and ending with the day after New Year's Eve party in the clubhouse, everything was seamless. The day of the wedding was calm, organized, on time, and the best day of our lives thus far. Our guests could not stop telling us how it was the best wedding they had ever been to and that the ambiance was amazing, the food was delicious, and the venue was breathtaking (which we would have to agree) :)

We can't thank Gillian, Antonio, and the entire Waterford Castle staff enough for making our wedding dreams come true. It was everything we hoped for and more. Our only regret is that we can't get married here every year!

My wife and I got married at Waterford Castle in September 2016. As we live abroad (Canada), we visited the venue in June the prior year to walk the grounds, do our tasting, meet the staff and begin planning the day. From the outset Gillian and her team were excellent. They are experts at what they do and were always able to answer our questions and address all of our concerns. We were initially concerned about planning for the big day from afar and how the logistics would work, but Gillian kept in regular contact with us by email, as well as by Skype closer to the date to walk us through the finer details. This greatly put our minds at ease, knowing the team at Waterford knew every detail of how our wedding was going to work. Gillian also anticipated many of our needs before we had even thought of them, ensuring that absolutely no detail was missed. We had a rehearsal dinner the night before, and everyone enjoyed the food and outstanding service. On our wedding day, Gillian and her team were on hand to ensure that my wife and I were looked after, but also that our guests received the same level of treatment. It is immediately apparent once you meet Gillian that she is very much invested in making your day absolutely perfect. There were countless examples of her going absolutely above and beyond all expectations. The wedding went off without any issues, as our guests moved seamlessly throughout the castle from the ceremony to the reception to dinner to dancing, as the staff ensured each and every room was prepared and beautifully presented well in advance.

The following day, we arranged a BBQ at the golf clubhouse for our guests. Once again, Gillian and her team amazed us with how well they laid out the dining area and how they repurposed many of the flowers and decorative pieces from our ceremony, so that everyone could again enjoy them over lunch. The food and service again was excellent and plentiful. Some of our guests took the opportunity to golf after lunch which the staff at the clubhouse had kindly arranged for us in advance. Our guests who did golf enjoyed the experience and commented extensively on the quality of the course. Glay pigeon / Trap shooting was arranged for other guests (which Waterford arranged for us) and this proved to be a very popular and fun experience.

My wife and I would certainly recommend Waterford Castle to anyone whether it be for a wedding, weekend get away or simply dinner in their beautiful restaurant. Our wedding guests continue to talk about how much they enjoyed their entire weekend at Waterford and many of them have since made arrangements to go back again in the new year. As for my Wife and I, Waterford castle will now be a venue for us to return to when we are back in Ireland and to celebrate future wedding anniversaries. The setting, food quality, and high level of service create a magical atmosphere that has to be experienced to be believed.

"What a wonderful experience my husband, guests and I had at Waterford Castle for our wedding November 2016. We were so fortunate to have the assistance of Gillian who did an exceptional job coordinating our wedding. She clearly is a very organized individual who has a lot of experience doing what she does. She is without a doubt committed to her role. 45 of our guests arrived at the same time, and the hotel staff did a job well done checking everyone in. From the minute we arrived until we left, the staff were pleasant and helpful. Whether it was our wedding dinner or just morning breakfast, the food at the hotel was superb. Many of our guests raved about the unique setting and stated that it was one of the most memorable weddings they attended. The setting cannot be replicated. We truly had an amazing experience at Waterford castle and are extremely happy with our choice to get married there. We hope to return again in the future so we can enjoy the castle again. Thanks again Gillian and everyone at the castle!"

From the very beginning when we first started looking at Waterford Castle as a venue, right up until our wedding day we were made to feel special and relaxed. Nothing felt like it was too big an ask of the staff and we knew everyone wanted us to have the best possible experience from start to finish. The food was truly amazing and something all of our guests commented on. The venue was just stunning and we have some really beautiful and memorable photos as a result. Finally I can't say enough good things about Gillian and her team. They were great with suggestions, advice and support during the whole wedding planning process. I would highly recommend Waterford Castle as a wedding venue.

From the moment we arrived in Waterford Castle for our very first visit we knew this is the place we wanted to get married. It was a miserable rainy day in November when we drove down to Waterford and when we arrived we were welcomed in a lovely cosy reception area with the fireplace. We knew straight away we wanted to tie the knot and give our wows in front of that fireplace. Our wedding manager Gillian O'Dea was a gift from heaven, we wouldn't have had our day the way it was if she hadn't helped us. She was always reachable, very professional, accommodating to any of our requests and needs. Our wedding day was magical, everything went very smoothly thanks to Gillian and all the staff in Waterford castle. We would like to highlight the quality of the wedding dinner, it was by far the best meal we have ever had and it was a real treat to our guests. We would like to thank all the staff in Waterford for their help and dedication to their work, any couple getting married there can be reassured they will receive the best service.

I cannot imagine a better wedding day. From the moment we checked in and were reminded we had a very special day coming the next day to the time we left after our wedding, not only were we taken care of but our guests were as well. My family is still talking about how much they loved Illario the bartender and the friendliness of the other staff members, especially the ladies at the front desk and all of the event staff. Our biggest thanks goes to Gillian who was amazing to work with and created such a special day for us. We absolutely loved the guest rooms, the food, the drinks and all of the people we met while we were staying at the castle. We already can't wait to come back!

We cannot thank the staff at the castle enough for everything they did in the lead up to our wedding and through the 3 nights we and our guests stayed at the castle to celebrate our wedding. It was perfect from start to finish and all of our guests complemented on how friendly all of the staff were and helpful. Gillian was amazing to deal with throughout the whole planning process and answered all of my millions of q's promptly and was full of suggestions and ideas for Ian and I. We cannot wait to come back and visit the castle again. It was the best weekend we could have asked for. Thanks again to all of the bar staff and staff working in the castle. You all made it a memorable weekend for us. Laura & Ian

Waterford Castle is the reason our wedding day was so special, it was the first and only venue we visited when deciding where we would celebrate our wedding day. We were blown away by the excitement of taking the ferry to the island and the beauty of the castle, inside and out. The exclusivity it offers is amazing and from the minute you step inside the beautiful oak doors, taking in the aroma of the fire and the ambiance the castle offers, we felt at home and knew this was the venue for us. Our decision was reaffirmed by Mirka, she is courteous, efficient and really cares, making the whole experience magical from start to finish. From the first day we met, to the food tasting with our parents and of course the wedding day Mirka and her team went above and beyond and we would recommend them highly to all of our closest friends and family. Our guests were blown away by the castle, the relaxed yet classy atmosphere, the superb 5 star food and the beautiful bedrooms and lodge guest houses. The food was divine and this was expressed by each and every guest. Antonio ran an organised ship on the day and we felt at ease knowing he was there. We had such a fantastic day, it really did feel like a fairy tale dream come true, this was also echoed by all our guests. The day ran so smoothly we didn't want it to end, especially as it flew by so quickly, however we will always have the beautiful memories to cherish the day for many years to come and we feel that this is down to Mirka, her team and the beautiful Waterford Castle. Elegance, magical and a hidden gem would be three words we would use to describe the castle, alongside professional, dedicated and caring to describe the team at Waterford Castle. We felt our wedding day was unique, extremely special to us and everything we dreamed of, a perfect day to be cherished forever.

From the first day we visited the castle to the day we checked out and beyond, we have been assisted and guided every step of the way. Mirka was a god-send, taking all of our 1920s related decorative items for the treats table and recreating them on the day. Our table plan was created by Mirka and our menus and place-card names were all designed and created to match our invitations. A warm, inviting atmosphere was created on the day by the roaring fire, the canapes, champagne reception and the pleasant manner of the staff. No request was too small or too big on the day and we didn't feel as though we were inconveniencing any member of staff. The wine was flowing on the day and the quality of the food was spoken of by all attending the wedding. The staff were so professional and knew the names of guests with special dietary requirements without needing to consult a sheet. We were blessed with the weather on the day but even if we weren't, the interior of the castle is magnificent for photographs. While our guests were ordering their food, we were brought into the bar, presented with a cocktail and seated on our own. This was a beautiful breather in an otherwise busy day which allowed us to absorb what we had just celebrated. All rooms were impeccably presented and again, the bridal room had special touches to it, we were so disappointed we couldn't spend longer in the room but we will certainly return to check in to the Presidential Suite and relive some happy memories. Mirka was waiting for us when we came down for breakfast to welcome us as a married couple and to ensure that everything we had brought was accounted for and we were satisfied with everything. We felt for that one day that we were truly special, the castle was ours to wander in and out of, the staff were there for us and the setting was one which we would never have been lucky enough to have at any other venue. Thank you to all for a truly memorable day.

I am not often lost for words but it is very difficult to express how special and magical our wedding was at Waterford Castle. Everything, from the food to the level of attentiveness to our guests was beyond perfect. I have travelled a lot, stayed in some amazing hotels, and grew up with a family involved in hospitality so I have high expectations and expect good service. Every need we had was met and I would say anticipated. Staff act as a supportive foundation, they are there in the background to keep things running to time, to ensure you have your room key, to search for the groom and so on! Waterford Castle knew timing was really important to me to keep the night flowing, and when our photographs were running over time, Antonio came out to ensure I knew. Small things like that made the difference to our day. My 2.5 yr old nephew got a beaker of milk at dinner less than two minutes after his mom asked for it-during peak serving time. A friend of mine ordered a specific type of gin. The bar man believed that a different tonic would compliment the gin rather than the tonic that was currently in the bar. He went to get that tonic so that my friend could have the nicest possible gin and tonic available. Nothing is a problem and WC respected us as a couple, respected our and our families' needs. We didn't feel like bride x and groom y, we felt like the two individuals that we are, celebrating one of the most important days of our lives. I could go on and on! We had an Autumn themed wedding so we had lots of autumnal props (pumpkins, dried leaves, acorns etc). They helped us decorate the place, made valuable suggestions and delivered upon our vision 100%. Our guests were genuinely on cloud nine and weeks later they are still talking about it. Thank you Waterford Castle.

The moment we arrived at Waterford Castle, seeing the beautiful grounds and hotel, we knew it was a top contender for our wedding venue. Meeting Gillian sealed the deal as we could see how organised and experienced she was. It was a lovely touch when she showed us the photo-book of the Castle in different seasons to give us an idea of what the venue may look like on our wedding day. We live overseas and visited the Castle twice during our wedding planning - the first for an initial venue scout and the second time for the menu tasting. The remainder of planning was done largely over email and it turned out to be very easy and stress-free, which can only be down to Gillian and all the fantastic staff at the hotel. The day itself ran incredibly smoothly, and we received so many compliments regarding the venue and in particular the food. The dinner service was impeccable and a wine glass was never empty, thanks to Antonio, and his brilliant team of staff. My only regret is that it is all over! Any couple thinking about booking Waterford Castle as their wedding venue shouldn't hesitate; it is a stunning venue, with first class food, friendly, efficient staff and none of the pretension that is often found in other venues of this standard. Thank you to everyone at Waterford Castle.

From the moment we began to speak with Gillian and the team at Waterford Castle about our wedding, we knew we were in very capable hands. In all of the planning leading up to the big day and throughout, their enthusiasm, knowledge and professionalism was faultless. With a background in event organising, I had high expectations, all of which were thoroughly exceeded. Not only that, but all of the team were an absolute pleasure to deal with, nothing was too much to ask for and they were extremely patient in answering all of our questions. All of our guests commented on how superb the food and service was which was a testament to the dedication of Antonio and the food and beverage team. We could not recommend Waterford castle highly enough to any prospective couples. You won't regret it.

We had the best wedding day anyone could wish for at Waterford Castle. Our original venue, was at another location, however due to a fire our wedding there was cancelled less than 3 months before the big day. As we were having a civil ceremony we had to stay within Waterford for the ceremony. We immediately approached Waterford Castle and it was the best thing that could have happened. From the first instance we arrived we were treated with the utmost respect and compassion. Our wedding coordinator Gillian, went to great lengths to put our dream wedding together within a few weeks - our whole day was perfect. We had our civil ceremony in the main reception (to get married in a castle is every girls dream) As we had lovely weather on the day, we had our drinks & canopy reception outside. The canopies & main meal were out of this world - I don't know how the chefs cater first class food for so many people. Inside the castle is stunning, all the rooms were spotless and a 5 star setting. The island is so picturesque for the photographs as is the castle inside. The service provided by all staff made a huge difference, we did not have to ask for anything or instruct anyone to do anything it was all done without even knowing it. Also having the castle to yourself for 24 hours with no other guests made it even more special. If you want 5 star venue, 5 star food & 5 star treatment you have to have your wedding here - we will be returning on all our anniversaries to relive our special memories! Mr & Mrs Mark Brennan

Waterford Castle is a truly unique, majestic and one of the most ( in not the ) most beautiful venue in Ireland. My husband and I got married there in March 2015, fairytale setting is an understatement! Everything was so fluent and professional from the outset. Both Mirka ( the wedding planner ) and Anthonio ( Restaurant Manager ) are at the top of their game in their respective roles. I cannot emphasise how superb the whole team was in Waterford Castle, they went over and above in every way, all our guests were blown away by the service and the level of quality they received.

A special thanks to our wonderful wedding coordinator – Mirka, who helped us pull off our big day, nothing was an issue with Mirka, any request we had was met head on and executed to perfection. We really enjoyed working with her, always great advice and great help with stationery and her attention to detail was outstanding.

Another special thanks to Antonio and his team, the food was superb, every single guest said this was not a normal wedding dinner, this was a proper gourmet fine dining experience. Anthonio, made sure everything was going to plan, he orchestrated an amazing job. It was a magical weekend; watch this space… we will be back again and again J

I can only describe our wedding at Waterford Castle as an absolute fairy-tale. The island, the grounds, the Castle, staff and restaurant are absolutely amazing.
I had the challenging task of planning my wedding from Melbourne, Australia - We only managed to visit the venue for the first time less than 2 weeks before the big day. It wasn't difficult for us as Mirka and Gillian were outstanding! Every single request was dealt with efficiently and professionally. Every detail was ticked off by them and they went through everything with us in advance.
The day before Gillian even offered to run to the shops to pick stuff up from me and supplied batteries for fairy lights that I was missing. They were both an absolute dream to deal with, so professional and helpful.
The day itself was handled without any issues, the ceremony, reception drinks, the meal and speeches and dance floor all flowed perfectly and seamlessly with the help of all staff.
My guests are still talking about the meal and how fantastic it was, the fillet steak was cooked to perfection which is very challenging when catering for a crowd. I took advantage of the golf course and BBQ and did a day after party. The golf was enjoyed by all and really reasonable priced and the BBQ was delicious.
if I could rate this place 6 stars I would. I would recommend this venue to anyone who's looking, its simply stunning and every brides dream. Wait till you see the rooms also, they are so special and unique.

Our Wedding was a Friday in September 2015 but the planning had begun in October 2014 when we decided on Waterford Castle on the Island. From initial viewing to the big day, my experience was very positive. There are a wealth of choices in Ireland with regards Castles, really spoilt for choice. What made Waterford Castle standout from the rest was its very cozy feel of the place, built just after the Middle Ages so not too old looking but old enough to stand out as not just another big house. With the ivy growing up the sides and surrounding greenery it really blended well with nature too and perfect for our numbers (80 to 100 guests).
The staff were very flexible in what we wanted on the day such as the Castle sourcing beers of our choice and room allocation in the lodges for the guests. A lot to plan for and with many changes happening along the way, the staff again were always on hand to respond to our queries and make adjustments.
The food on the day was exquisite and a true reflection of its two AA rosettes. top notch

Waterford Castle was the ideal venue to host our wedding in every way imaginable. It is an unbeatable picturesque location both inside and out, and they have the experience and community connections to make planning simple and enjoyable, so everything went off without a hitch. We were lucky with the weather and got to have our ceremony outside. The food for both the reception and especially dinner was exceptional and shaped to our taste. They have ample spaces for those who want to dance or mingle well into the wee hours. You really feel like you have the whole island to yourself, and all of your needs are taken care of. It was ideal that so many of our guests had the option to stay the night so we could continue the celebration the next day with a pig roast on the lawn. In fact many of us stayed an extra night in the lodges so the party continued. Everyone told us it was the best wedding they'd ever been to because it felt so natural and easy, and a big part of that had to do with our event coordinator and staff. We had the best time of our lives, and we got to feel like king and queen of the castle for a day.

We got married in August in the castle and of course it was the happiest day of our lives. However, what got people most talking and reminiscing about our day was the Venue, the food and the whole package!

We have received so many cards and notes from friends and family telling us how amazing their experience of the Castle was. As a bride and groom, we so very much wanted to our friends and family to enjoy their time, and especially those who traveled from afar and stayed for the weekend. It was so unexpected and so warming to know our guests really did enjoy themselves...

And there there were "us". From initial engagement with Mirka at the Castle down to check out the morning after , every interaction was a pleasure. Mirka was so responsive and nice to deal with. Very detailed and organised, and despite the million questions I had, she always responded with a friendly and professional approach which filled me with confidence in what we were undertaking.

The options outlined to us were very clear and abundant so we were able to design our perfect day, just what we wanted. Nothing was too small or too big to be discussed, and it all went into making our day even more unique for us!

Not only did we get to have our own ideas put forward, but Mirka was able to bring to life the practicalities of these too - which proved their experience in events.

I felt so trusting of the Castle and knew we and our guests were in safe hands - we were beyond impressed with how our wedding went... i wish we could re-live it every year!

We had our wedding day at the Castle on the 25th of July this year and we can not speak highly enough about the service provided by the team there for our special day. The venue itself was spectacular as we had the service itself out on the front lawn (the rain held off !) and it really made the service extra special.

The staff were so accommodating from the date we originally booked the venue upto and including the day itself, no request we made was too difficult for them (and we had a few !).

On the day, the food was simply delicious (people still tell me about how good the steaks were) and the service for the dinner was first class.

Thank you to Gillian and all the team in WC for a day that we will always remember and look so fondly on.

Ed and Andrea

We knew as soon as visited Waterford Castle that we had found the perfect venue - and it didn't disappoint! Everything was so easy in the build up to the wedding, with Gillian and the team making everything so simple and stress-free. The weekend of our wedding was incredible - all the team were so helpful, friendly and professional, the food was delicious, and the castle and surroundings were immaculate yet so relaxed. We had an incredible weekend and so did all our guests, with many of them still going out of their way to compliment the weekend, the venue and the food. Thank you all so much in Waterford Castle for giving us, our family and all our friends such a wondering weekend to remember, we couldn't have asked for more.

My husband and I were married at Waterford Castle on 23rd May 2015.
We had the most incredible day all thanks to Gillian and the Castles amazing efforts to make everything perfect.
We had lots of family attend from all over Europe and many commented to say it was the best wedding they had attended.

They loved the accommodation in the castle itself and also the lodges and always felt very welcome.

The food was brilliant too!

Gillian made sure the whole day and lead up was completely stress free and we couldn't have done it without her and the rest of the team at the castle.

If you are looking for the perfect wedding venue then Waterford Castle is certainly that.

Thank you all for everything!

We were looking around at a few different locations to find our perfect wedding venue. As soon as we went to view Waterford Castle we knew we found the right one. This venue is perfect. If you are thinking about getting married then trust us, go to the castle and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed. The food was amazing. The rooms are fantastic. The staff went above and beyond to welcome us and arrange our big day. In fact the day was so great that our guests are still talking about it 6 months later. We would like to say a big thank you to the team at Waterford Castle, especially Gillian, Mirka and Antonio. We will see you again.

Thank you.

Michael Cahill

“Got married here in July 2015. Had 85 guests and it was brilliant. People say you never really enjoy your own wedding day with all the running around and greeting people, but this was the best wedding I was ever at. Both sides of the bridal party stayed in a lodge the previous night and I would highly recommend that, it made the day so effortless, was no rushing around, lads even played golf that morning it was that relaxed. We had the ceremony in the castle and it was ideal, meant there was no pulling and dragging guests around the country, was they arrived they didn't need to leave all day. Food was amazing, everyone was raving about it. We decided to have the band in the hotel lobby, which I was quiet worried about, thinking it would mean that the guests were split up between the lobby, bar and the court yard, but it actually really works well, it gives people a chance to relax at the bar or go for a smoke and still be two seconds from everyone. The traditional function room can result in people hiding away in corners. Gillian looked after all our worries and couldn't be more helpful along with Antonio on the night. A really special venue that I couldn't recommend highly enough” Eoin & Jessica

For us being in Australia it was really important for us to find a venue that was easy to deal with and excellent at communicating with us via email and telephone as we obviously did not have the convenience of being able to pop up for a chat. From the very first enquiry we made to Waterford Castle we knew that they were going to be easy to deal with and would go out of their way to ensure that we were happy. Unlike a couple of other venues in the area, we instantly got the feeling with Waterford Castle that they wanted our business and were happy to do whatever it took to get it. Our wedding co-ordinator Mirka who we mostly dealt with from start to finish was simply fantastic from start to finish. She was very efficient, pleasant, and nothing was too much hassle for her. You really could not wish for a better person to be your wedding co-ordinator than her. In addition to that, the venue speaks for itself in terms of its exterior, interior. It is stunning. From the ferry ride over to the island to driving up the long tree-lined drive to then seeing the castle you know that this venue is special!! We had guests from all over the world at our wedding (Australia, UK) and everyone commented on what a fabulous venue it was.

Hi, I would like to write this review after the wonderful experience my husband and I had on our wedding last December in Waterford Castle.

Initially I was daunted by the thoughts of looking for venues and all the issues that go with getting married. Waterford Castle was the first venue I visited and upon arrival I know it was the right venue for us. The location, service and staff are out of this world. We had the pleasure to deal with Gillian, whom I could not speak more highly of. She took care of everything from small issues like candles in the bathroom to organising the whole day.

Antonio was super efficient and helpful also. They made our day so special and Waterford Castle added a homely feel to the day, with its rich carpets, our guest felt like hey were at home, but were actually in a fantastic castle.

The food was outstanding and the reports from our guests were excellent. I genuinely could not speak highly enough of Waterford Castle and if like me, you would like a cool, classy,fun wedding with good food in a stunning location, you could not pass Waterford Castle.

Thanks again so much for all you did and I would gladly recommend the experience to anyone.

Klara Behan

Waterford Castle was all we could have hoped for and more. The venue itself is stunning. A castle set on an island with beautiful surrounding landscapes.
We recently got married there and a notable number of our guests have said it was the best wedding they had ever been too. We attribute that to Waterford castle. People loved the food, the friendly staff, the cosy atmosphere and the super accommodation.
As a bride the team at Waterford will do most things for you. They really do go above and beyond to make sure everything is as you want and your day runs smoothly. Our experience with them was excellent from start to finish.
The food was very good. It is often hard to see how a chef will make a top meal for 100+ people but they did this consistently over our whole wedding weekend. The menu uses local food and incorporates your favourites. The result is heavenly.
In addition to all this the location worked so well. It is an easy drive from Dublin and cork. When there guests have so much to do and see. Explore dunmore east, go see the crystal being made, shoot on the lawn, something for everyone.
Even if we had twice the budget or the pick of anywhere else in Ireland we would do it all again at Waterford. It is a very special place.

I can't recommend Waterford Castle highly enough as a venue to host your wedding. It goes without saying that the venue itself is just magnificant, our guests were blow away by it. It's such a special place, its your island for a day. The grounds and castle itself make for beautiful photographs, its romantic and intimate and its wonderful to have just you and your guests in the hotel for the day of the wedding. It is also a great place to have a fun wedding, no music or laughter is too loud !! The venue aside, the staff at Waterford Castle simply can't do enough for you. Everyone is so helpful and accomodating and they make you feel very special, like you are the only couple to ever get married there. A special mention must go to Joanna and Gillian, every email and phone call was treated with urgency, they will do what ever they can to make sure that everything is on the day as you would wish for. They were just amazing to deal with, at no point did I ever worry about the venue I knew that Joanna and Gillian would have everything organised down to the last detail and I can assure you that they did. The food of course is also just out of this world, with every dietary requirement catered for - the vegetarians at our wedding were over the moon!! Everything was such high quality and our guests were just amazed that their beef came exactly as they had ordered it, how Michael and the team can do that for such large numbers we will never know. I honestly cannot highly recommend Waterford Castle enough as a venue to hold your wedding, to us it was the perfect place with people who made sure it was your perfect day, no matter what. As the couple getting married we of course had the best day of our lives but so many of our guests continually told us afterwards that from the food, to the accomodation, to the atmosphere they thought it was the most spectacular place to have a wedding and honestly, it really really is.

We got married in Waterford Castle in 2012 and it was a really wonderful experience. From our first enquiries, nothing was a problem to the staff, especially the dedicated wedding planner. She helped me through so many minor panics leading up to the big day and made me feel that I could call her at any time.

We got married in the entrance hall in front of the fireplace. Family members had been concerned about the venue but it was as atmospheric as any church could be but without the stuffy feeling. I have had so many guests tell me that it was once of the best weddings that they have attended, mainly because you hire the entire Castle for the day so it feels like a big house party. It really encouraged people to mix knowing that everyone was there for the same reason.

The food was absolutely wonderful, top marks to the chef. I've eaten in the restaurant a few times and was very pleasantly surprised that the standards didn't slip from the usual quality when feeding so many at the same time. Every member of the serving staff was lovely, I can't think of any faults at all.

Thank you to Waterford Castle for making our special day even more special.

We had the most amazing wedding day in Waterford Castle , it was well and truly the best day of our lives. Everything was perfect, the castle, the food, the service, – all fantastic. From the moment you arrive on the island by ferry it is like you are whisked back in time to a fairy tale on your own private island for the day. The staff are brilliant at the castle, so accommodating and nothing was too much trouble for them, they were always available yet so discreet! Having the place to ourselves for the day really made the whole experience, just having our own guests there made it so special and intimate. We had excellent support from Gillian the wedding planner, right from the day we booked our wedding until we checked out, she made sure everything ran smoothly on the day and was always on hand when we had questions or requests, so efficient! The barmen were so helpful on the night of the wedding and the guests really enjoyed chatting to them at the bar!

All of the guests had a wonderful day and said it was such an amazing wedding, they are still talking about it, mainly about the delicious food. We couldn’t have wished for a more perfect place to spend our special day, a truly magical wedding venue.

We had our wedding in Waterford Castle on the 29th of September, 2012. As regards the venue it really was the only choice for us in the South East of the Country. No other hotel or venue comes close and it certainly lived up to my expectations. It is without doubt the most expensive venue I looked at in this region and you have to take all the rooms (18) but I felt it was well worth the money. We had a great wedding co-ordinator in Gillian O'Dea who facilitated all our requests - we had a bit of an 80's theme and she helped set up all our gadgets,decorataions, table plans etc perfectly and also allowed us place two cars down near the ferry and put up a banner on the far side. As regards the menu everyone raved about the food for a long time after the event- the fillet steaks were cooked to each guest's request/liking and the quality and level of attention to detail was remarked on by our guests. They were also quite happy for us not only to tailor the menu to our liking but to change the actual dishes themselves eg I am a real dessert person but I hate walnuts and they came in the choc brownie, also the bla bread and butter pudding was cold and I preferred it to be hot. On the day itself everything was perfect - speeches were outside and set up seamlessly, quick turnaround for the music and we had the castle entirely to ourselves for the duration. The honey moon suite and all the other rooms are exquisite - four poster beds, huge room and living area, romantic free standing bath, lots of rose petals and really old world style. Although they have an official 4* rating the standard is 5* and possibly the lack of a leisure/spa centre is the only factor that they fall down on here.

If you are looking for the perfect setting for your wedding, look no further than Waterford Castle. We had a 2 day wedding there in July 2012 and it was everything and more that we dreamed it would be. The magical setting on its own private island, its stunning castle and views, from the moment you step aboard the short ferry ride, your fairy-tale begins.
I cannot thank all the staff at Waterford Castle enough for everything they did for us to make our 2 days so special. They really went out of their way to make us and all our guests feel special. Their attention to detail was spectacular. The wedding co-ordinator Gillian O Dea, was professional and informative at all times and really helped us bring all our thoughts, wishes and dreams to life. Michael, the chef at Waterford Castle produced food fit for a king or Queen.
Whether a large wedding or a more intimate affair, Waterford Castle is ideal. We had a more intimate day with 80 family and close friends in the banquet hall on the first day, which was absolutely perfect and on the second day, we had 280 guests in a marquee on the croquee lawn, which was spectacular.
All in all, we had the best two days of our lifes and I thank Waterford Castle for the memories. We have already returned to Waterford Castle for a weekend and will do many times in the future, It will always be our "Special" place.
I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I got married in Waterford Castle in November 2011. Having previously had experience arranging events I had very high expecations of what I wanted for my own wedding and I was not disappointed. Everyone at Waterford Castle went the extra mile to make my day special including threading hundreds of fairy lights through the buses on the morning of my wedding and changing the entrance hall from a place we had a blessing for 90 people to a nightclub with dance floor, lighting rigs, DJ station and lounging areas in a matter of hours!

The staff were wonderful but special mention has to go to Gillian O'Dea our wedding co-ordinator at the castle and Michael Quinn the head chef. Gillian put us at our ease from the get-go and Michael's talents as a chef were never under question. The thought and preparation that went into the food was fantastic and everyone was "wow-ed" by the food which was certainly not your typical wedding fare.

Paul and I never had a single anxious moment and partied with our friends into the wee hours of the morning and everyone had a truly memorable time.

Simone & Paul Wyse

We held our civil ceremony at Waterford Castle in December 2012.

Being over Christmas, the result was as we had hoped: and the first part of our feedback would be about the uniqueness of the venue, which was enhanced greatly by the time of year. We had, of course, viewed photographs of the island in full summer bloom, but in the depths of Winter the resort is equally as picturesque. A roaring real fire, cosy warm lighting and candles, festive decorations and rich furnishings made for a truly luxuriant feel and really added to the occasion. The building itself is truly spectacular. Intricate, unique, romantic, authentically steeped in fascinating history and grand in the extreme, and looks wonderful in photos as a backdrop to groupings of guests and as feature photos for any wedding album.

Aside from the fabulous surroundings, the service was exemplary and delivered in a really genuinely friendly compassionate manner. At no stage did we feel that we were unattended, and at no stage did we wait for any time for any of our many last minute requests to be dealt with. In addition to the warmth we felt from the staff, there was the right level of professionalism and our arrangements were always handled efficiently: emails were answered quickly, and in the absence of the person sought for, passed on for handling by another member of staff. A ceiling was painted for us as part of feedback given after our tasting evening, just one of the many close attention to detail features we experienced.

The service at meal times was very well organised. The dining throughout the stay was to a very high standard. Aside from the banquet itself, breakfasts were varied and delicious. We had batches of fresh scones baked to request. We had our banquet menu tailored quite significantly without hassle, and we were delighted with the result. Advice was forthcoming when sought but not imposed.

We were amazed at how many of our guests remarked that the event was their favourite wedding that they had attended.

If what you are looking for is a private, unique, memorable venue with excellent service in remarkable surroundings, Waterford Castle fits the bill. A professional but personalised service was maintained throughout the planning stage through to a wonderful day at the ceremony and arrangements the following day were effortless. Many thanks to Gillian and all the staff.

Well, as complete novices, Louise and I had no clue where to start when it came to this wedding organising Lark. Simply put, the team at Waterford Castle are an asset to the venue. nothing was too difficult or obscure for them to arrange for our big day.
All the help and advice was a god send and lead to one of the best days of our lives together. Our wedding at Waterford castle has gone down in the history books of all of our friends and family as the very best they had ever attended and we still talk about it - even now, a year later, in so much depth.
Everyone was fantastic and they made us feel like we had our own castle for the weekend.
I cannot stress enough just how astonished I was when the chef managed to cook 50 odd fillet of beef meals to order and got every single one perfect! And that's before we even talk about the Fish choosers. The food was so good one of my grooms men managed to eat three mains and two deserts - again, no issue for the staff who were more than happy to oblige with the odd order! As the evening went on we had a band and a disco, the Bottle brothers, then spent the few remaining moments of our fairytale relaxing in the Castle's Bar - a very comfortable lounge room where those who had the stamina remained until the close of the party.
Waterford Castle were so friendly and accommodating that both Louise and I will never forget it, from the staff, to the fairytale setting on our own Island for the weekend to the Ferry Captain seeing us off the island at the end of it all with a peep from the boats whistle.
Simply stunning, Simply remarkable, Simply the best.

We had our wedding in Waterford Castle in May last year. I cant think of a more perfect place for a wedding. The staff were so welcoming and helpful. It didn't matter that it was a very small wedding. The grounds are so beautiful, ideal for photographs, especially at night with the castle as a backdrop. the food was superb. They even made my wedding cake. The accommodation was second to none. we stayed in the presidential suite. Some members of my family rented the self catering lodges. These were comfortable, well equipped and great value. With the added bonus of the hotel deer coming right up to the door. Much to the delight of the kids. All in all a very special memorable day. I would definitely recommend this venue to anyone planning their wedding.

We had our wedding on 23rd November 2012 in Waterford Castle, from the moment we stepped into the castle before booking we knew it was the place for us. Warm, homely and intimate it provided the perfect setting for what we wanted. Once booked we had to worry about nothing, as Gillian and her team were just a phone call away with help and advice.

The food and wine on the day were spectacular, Michael and his team served a dinner that people are still talking about 5 months later which is an achievement in itself. One of the things that really made it for us were the staff, they were absolutely fantastic, really helpful and above all non intrusive, no matter what we needed they were on hand to help and no request was too much. They had a knack of not being seen but appearing when needed .

Waterford Castle made our wedding a day to remember and a day that we would love to do all over again.

Deirdre & Dave

Hi all,

I know when people are asked to describe their wedding the general response would be that is was beautiful and perfect... that would be a complete understatement for the Castle... all I can say is WOW.

From the second we parked on the ferry to cross the waters to the private island where the castle is situated we were mesmerised.The scenery is spectacular with a long winding driveway which is often frequented with deer and other wildlife, the second you see the venue nestled behind the trees you get a real sence of magic and history - The views out to the river are simply breathtaking, just so beautiful.

We entered knowing that this was a special one of a kind venue and we were not disapointed. When we enquired about booking it for our special day we were treated like royalty and were made feel so special and important, we were even treated to a beautiful meal including wine chilled to perfection (the attention to detail is unbelievable).

We knew if we booked the castle we would be giving our guests a day out that they would never forget and nor would we. Prosseco and canapes in front of the large fire in the main reception room adorned with candles and fresh flowers, a meal from a Michelin awarded chef cooked to the liking of each individual guest (Fillet beef cooked to the liking of a wedding of 120 people - pretty unbelievable and evrybody was blown away), gorgeous wine served to perfection thanks to the dedicated wine waitor at the Castle, the piano playing in the background adding to the incredible atmosphere that the dining room provides, and not to mention the fact that you get the entire castle all to yourselves with no other guests allowed.... it really is a fairytale.

The service was just out of this world, complete professionalism, if I could give more than five stars I would, we did not have to worry about a single thing. I dont even know how to put into words how important they made us feel, we even had our own waitor assigned to us for the day who basically did everything we wanted without question, so friendly and poilte (thanks Antonio)!!

The wedding co-ordinators were amazing (thanks Gillan and Mirka) and made the organisation of our wedding as stress free and seamless as possible, they really know their jobs inside out and their expertise really makes the Castle stand out from any other wedding venues Ireland.

If you want a wedding which will resonate with every guest for the rest of their lives, a wedding that will fulfill all of your dreams, a Castle that provides five star service, beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife, fabulous food, great entertainment, and will fulfill all of your expectations and more this is your venue.

The rooms are unbelievable with four poster beds and amazing bathrooms, all set in the original castle building providing a real original experience. The castle is as you see it with no extensions or added buldings, it is authentic and beautiful which we really loved.

When we were looking at other venues we disliked the mediocre service, regular square function rooms with no atmosphere, normal bedrooms that we have all seen before, food that was dull end exactly what you expect at a wedding, all very disappointing - The Castle just blew us away in every department - its is just exceptional and we could not recommend it highly enough.

To sum up our wedding, it was just the most magical day of our lives. The Castle and their amazing staff are to thank for fulfilling our dreams and exceeding our expectations in every possible way.

We simply can not thank them enough.

Orlaith & Robert Walsh.

We got married in Waterford Castle Hotel in February 2013 & we honestly cannot recommend this venue highly enough. The castle had such a warm, welcoming atmosphere which was exactly what we needed as it was a cold day and we saw the faces on each of our guests light up as they entered the reception area where they were greeted with warm delicious canapes, a glass of champagne and a roaring fire!!
Throughout the day the staff were amazing and they couldn't do enough for us. They were so friendly and helpful and kept the day running smoothly. During the meal the waiters were never intrusive, but yet somehow always there when needed. The meal was absolutely delicious and many of our guests say that it is the best steak they've ever had. The barmen were brilliant at their job and also made quite an impression on our guests!!!
The bridal suite was heavenly and we had breakfast in the living room of the suite the next morning which was just so perfect and a lovely way to start married life.
All in all Waterford Castle was worth every penny and more & we give it our highest recommendation. It is a truly amazing experience to have a castle to yourselves for a day and a night and makes for a magical wedding experience.

Where do we even start!
Waterford Castle was a fantastic choice for our wedding, and if we had to start over again I'd have no hesitation in choosing it again.

The venue itself is magical, and we loved the idea that the whole place was ours for the wedding! It's location is pretty spectacular, our guests loved the theatrical element of getting the ferry over to the hotel. In addition to the gorgeous rooms in the castle itself, nearly all of our guests choose to stay in the holiday homes on the Island....great as they were within stumbling distance to the castle.

The service we got was second to none. Gillian O Dea who was our co ordinator went above and beyond for us. I felt I was dealing with someone who really cared about every little detail of our day. We were in very regular contact, and to be honest she was able to answer every and any question I asked, often before I even asked them!! from busses to baby sitters and cake stands to string quartets.

The food was a high point. Every guest commented on the quality of the locally sourced and produced menu. We were in contact with the head chef before the big day, who a recommended seasonal menu. Everything tasted fresh and delicious.

The atmosphere was so warm and cosy. Some other venues we visited were a bit snooty, others I got the feeling that I was just one of a squillion brides passing through, but Waterford castle was just like (a quite grand and very beautiful) home away from home, with a personal touch, and indisputable quality and attention to detail.

We got married in Waterford Castle on the 15th March 2013. I cant recommend this venue highly enough, it was fabulous. There is something so special about arriving by ferry to a private island for your wedding. We hired the Castle exclusively and all the Rooms were gorgeous not to mention the fab, honeymoon suite. The venue is really personal and intimate and even though we only had 63 guests, the place seemed full. Everyone who attended said just how wonderful the castle was as a wedding venue. it was also a lovely touch to be able to sit down with Michael Quinn the head chef to go over some dinner ideas, who then designed a gorgeous tapas board as a starter for us. Mirka our wedding planner had some great ideas and was lovely and reassuring to deal with. Nothing was too much trouble. We stayed the night before the wedding and on the morning of the wedding, the staff were extremely helpful and made sure we were okay for everything. I will be rating this venue wholeheartedly with 5 stars. And if I could do it all over again...I would pick the Castle every time....

Waterford Castle is the dream venue for a wedding. My husband and I were so enchanted with the venue, we just had to get married there. From the approach to the island, to being greeted by the excellent staff everything was perfect. Nothing was too much trouble and everyone was extremely helpful. The support we had leading up to our wedding and especially on the day itself was wonderful and we could not have asked for more. Our guests were overwhelmed with the beauty of the castle and are still talking about it! Waterford Castle helped make by big day perfect. It was a fairytale event and that was due to the hard work of Gillian, Adrian and the rest of the team. I cannot praise them enough

The stunning Waterford Castle and surrounding grounds was not let down by the excellent staff. From our first meeting with the wedding coordinator right through to all the team working at the castle for our wedding - the service and warmth was second to none. Our wedding day was everything we had hoped for and more. Waterford Castle is truly a beautiful venue, with exceptional restaurant and service to match. We are probably one of the few couples who didn't actually mind the rain on our wedding day - it allowed us to gather with our guests in the magnificent main reception area of the castle in a very intimate, yet regal setting! It was hard to check out the next day.......

We had our wedding reception at Waterford Castle in December 2010. Many of my friends who had married before us, had told me how difficult they found the planning of their wedding reception...... not for us! Gillian, the events manager, at Waterford Castle made the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable. She guided us gently but effeciently through the whole organisation process - even my husband enjoyed it! Gillian was in regular contact with us in the months before the wedding, which ensured the final week before the wedding was a breeze. In all aspects of the reception planning, Gillian facilitated our every wedding request - no request was a bridge too far! The day itself at the castle was in a word, magical. The private setting of Waterford Castle was a venue with a difference, creating an intimate and warm wedding vibe. Starting from where Gillian left off, the staff at Waterford castle waited on us hand and foot. All our wishes for the day were followed exactly. Many of our guests commented on the exceptional standard of the food. In the surrounds of such a special venue, we danced and sang the night away - I wouldn't hesitate in highly recommending Waterford Castle as a wedding venue!

We had our wedding at Waterford Castle it was an absolute five star venue. The staff there could not have been nicer, and could not do enough for us, to make our day so special. It truly was amazing and shall remain very special to us for the rest of our lives. The team at Waterford Castle simply made us feel like the Castle was our house for the day. Gillian O' Dea was a super help to us, she made the entire wedding and the planning so straight forward and could not do enough for us. The food was some of the finest food I have ever tasted and all of our guests said the same. It was just an all round magical experience and most of our guests including ourselves are still wishing that they could go back and relive that wonderful day at Waterford Castle.

My wife Rachel and I got married in Waterford Castle in early January of 2011. Two years of planning, tasting, saving, worrying and hoping culminated in the most amazing day of our lives. So much so, the way we describe it to people is that we dearly wish we had been guests at our own wedding. From the very first meeting with Gillian and Adrian, we knew we made the right decision with Waterford Castle. We chose to get married in the castle and it was everything we could possibly has wished for. The decorations from the Christmas just gone were still up, giving an amazing festive feel to a venue which already has so much character. The subtle candle light and open fire had people feeling at home and relaxed almost immediately. The staff were ever present; never obtrusive but always there just when you needed them. Some of our primary requirements when choosing a venue were that the food had to be seasonal, locally sourced and freshly cooked and boy, did chef Michael Quinn and his team deliver. Everyone was speaking about the meal afterwards. From the Quail parcel starter to the fillet and Monkfish mains, to the Castle medley of deserts, nothing disappointed. In a word, superb! From an organisational point of view, Adrian, Gillian and the team could not have done enough. Everything that we had agreed upon and discussed was executed with military precision. We can't really praise them enough for everything they did for us. Waterford Castle is the hidden jewel in the treasure chest of Irish wedding venues. If you are looking for a unique, exclusive, magical venue then look no further than Waterford Castle. Our day was everything we had hoped for an more, and we are hoping that someday we will be lucky enough to be guests a wedding held there sometime in the future. Rachel and Jason Barry

We got married in Waterford Castle in April 2011. From the offset we were greeted by Gillian who was extremely friendly, informative and accommodating. Once we booked, the high standards that we were met with, were continued and maintained throughout the process, with both ease and informality. Gillian's planning and co-ordination coming up to the wedding ensured that the day ran smoothly and comfortably. The day itself was without fault; above all the staff were amazing and exceptionally friendly, making all our guests feel at ease. Adrian co-ordinated events on the day and dealt with them in a very personable manner. It must be said that he interacted genuinely with all the guests; his skilful calmness but above all his sense of humour created a great atmosphere. A lot of the wedding party commented on how sound he was and that his approach really enhanced the day. All of our guests were overwhelmed by the location, food, service and staff. The feedback from our guests was amazing and we can't believe how many people are still talking about it and praising it to such heights. Well done to all involved for sure. The major advantage of Waterford Castle, beyond the above, is the fact that the entire castle is yours for the day. We were lucky enough to stay the night before with many of our guests. Those who didn't stay in the castle, stayed in the lodges. Consequently, the atmosphere was built up from the night before. We had 145 guests at a civil ceremony and all of them sang the praises of the entire experience. We can't recommend this place enough - their precision, professionalism, attention to detail, accommodating nature and ability to tailor the day to your needs was beyond our expectations. All of this is before you even mention how gorgeous the venue is. Hello! It was worth every penny.

Hello, We got married at Waterford Castle last December and there is only one word to describe it - Magical! It was the perfect venue for our Christmas wedding. There was a big Christmas tree in the Castle lobby and a big fire and candles added to the romantic atmosphere. Getting the boat on to the island made it feel so secluded and private. It really raised our guests excitement on the day. The food was superb. Chef Michael Quinn was so helpful running up to the day and you can tell he takes real pride in the food served. All of our guests were commenting about it weeks after the wedding. The patient bar staff let us party well into the night. Also, I believe the party continued in the lovely lodges available to rent on the island!! The Presidential Suite has to be seen to be believed - it was so lovely getting ready in such plush surroundings. One my favourite memories is getting breakfast in bed in the suite in anticipation of the day ahead :) I can't thank all the wonderful staff enough who made everything so effortless. They really spoilt us and catered for our and our guests every need. Gillian in particular was so warm and helpful at every stage of the process - she was calm throughout, even with last minute changes, a nervous bride and the threat of snow! When we came back from our honeymoon everyone was still talking about what a special wedding it was. It was a day that we will not soon forget. Derek and Maria Keany

We got married in Waterford Castle in April of this year (2011). The groom being English and me (the bride) from Dublin we decided to make a weekend of it and took the castle exclusively for two days. For us it was the prefect venue. All our guests could be accomodated on the island in the castle or in the more budget friendly option of one of the island lodges (both fab). The castle itself is stunning - all original features and full of charm! The food was outstanding - beef cooked to each guest's preference or fish (chef Michael could not gaurantee what fish but catch of the day - a great sign of his interest in fresh quality ingredients!) afternoon tea, bbq, breakfast - all yum!! Finally, for I fear I could go on for pages about the venue, I will finish off mentioning the wonderful staff. In the lead up to the wedding Gillian (events manager) was always on hand to assist and accomodate us in whatever we wanted to do - it was a case of tell Gillian what we were thinking and they would do their best to deliver - which they did. All staff were courteous, friendly and always went above and beyond. Even when we let our 90 odd guests loose in the castle and island for our treasure hunt the staff took it in their stride as they were pumped for information and guests stuck their head up the chimney place. The only drawback was that the weekend had to end.... but we will be back for our anniversary :) Linda and Duncan, Dublin

My wife and I got married in Waterford Castle in June. We chose the venue for a number of reasons. Firstly, the setting is amazing - not only the Castle itself but also the Island. Secondly, the onsite accommodation (lodges) are really high-spec and really good value - this meant that guests could stay for three days and not have to worry about the cost of doing so. Thirdly, you can have the ceremony on-site, which we did, and the main hall is ideal for this. The venue set up also means that you have the place to yourself - which is great for a wedding. From start to finish we were really impressed with Waterford Castle and how they dealt with us. They were really organised and willing to offer suggestions and other advice on how to plan things, but were also really open to our ideas and happy to change things to suit us. We never wanted a 'pre pack' wedding, and at no time did we feel we were being pushed down a 'template' route. Also, when we looked for little extra touches, it was never the case that they were seen as ways in which the venue could earn more money - we never felt that we were being overcharged (quite the opposite in fact). On the day itself, the staff were fantastic. Everything ran like clockwork, there were a lot of senior staff around, and they really knew what they were doing. Without being obtrusive, at key times of the day, the staff would ask if everything was ok, if they needed to do anything, and there was always someone there to make sure that everything was fine. This was the same at the BBQ we held on the island the next day, along with the golf competition we held on the island's golf course (which is excellent). Waterford Castle is not a cheap venue by any means but we felt it was really good value for the following reasons. The food is exceptional - virtually every guest said that it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. The care and attention taken by the staff is really fantastic. We always felt that they were working to make everything right. The Castle itself and the accommodation is perfect - again, so many people said to us that it was the best wedding venue they had been at. In short, it is the perfect venue if you are looking for a smallish wedding (we had 100 guests).

We had our wedding in Waterford Castle in March this year. It was absolutely perfect and I can't recommend the venue highly enough. From the moment we started planning, Gillian O'Dea and the team were helpful, responsive, accommodating and made the wedding so easy to organise. Gillian was able to recommend excellent local suppliers and nothing was too much trouble. The venue itself is simply stunning, we fell in love with it from the moment we set foot there. Getting the ferry across to the island just adds to the magical feeling of getting married in a beautiful castle. It is fantastic to have the venue for yourself and your guests on the day of the wedding - it made the atmosphere very special and intimate. There are enough areas for people to spread out a bit (foyer, bar, main room) but you don't lose anyone as the castle is really compact. As for the food - where do we start?! Almost six months on and people are still talking about the food at our wedding - from "the best beef I have ever tasted" to "the best wedding meal I have ever had" to "I can't believe they asked how we wanted our meat cooked, and then actually delivered it the way I ordered". Michael Quinn and his team did an amazing job. I can truly say that it was the best wedding meals we had also (and one of the best meals outside of a wedding). It really surpassed everyone's expectations. The accommodation in Waterford Castle was superb - the hotel rooms are absolutely gorgeous and the Presidential Suite is luxurious and beautiful and a wonderful place to get ready on the morning of the wedding. People loved the Castle rooms (especially the bathrooms!). The lodges were also superb, and great value. They sleep 6 so they suited anyone coming with kids or 2 or 3 couples could team up and share a lodge. They were really modern, comfortable and we got great feedback from guests. We also had a barbeque in the golf club the day after the wedding - again, this was no hassle to organise, the food was great and everything ran really smoothly. The service at the Castle was amazing, the front desk staff, particularly Mairead were friendly and helpful and Gillian, Adrian and the team did a fantastic job to make sure that our wedding day was perfect. We only wish we could get married again so we could have our wedding in Waterford Castle all over again. If you're thinking about having your wedding here, book it - you won't regret it.

Our wedding was on the 9th December, 2010.Waterford Castle was the most amazing venue. We had a slightly unorthodox set up to our day and Gillian and the team were able to accommodate our every request. We had a civil ceremony held in the entrance hall in front of a roaring fire,with tall candles lighting everywhere and the Christmas tree twinkling in the background. Afterwards, 29 of us sat down to the most exquisite intimate meal we've ever had.. Thanks to Michael Quinn!!! Then at 7pm 130 of our closest friends and family joined us for a drinks reception with wine, mulled wine and warm punch flowing. Then we were treated to a fish and chip supper, served in boxes with wooden forks.. I'm a fan of the seaside and wanted a little bit of that in the depths of Winter! There were poker tables in the grand entrance hall for the gambers who wanted a break from the band and dancing! And we sat on the comfy couches in front of a roaring fire chatting and drinking into the early hours. The only thing Waterford Castle couldn't do is control the weather! There was the heaviest snow in decades but luckily for us there was a slight thaw country wide and people were able to make it no problem, but there was still plenty of snow on the ground to make the setting even more spectacular and our photos just amazing!! A perfect day in a perfect venue!!

Quite simply our wedding at Waterford Castle was perfect! We loved every single second, as did our guests. We got married in May 2011 and right from when we first visited the castle (when we were looking at venues), we were made to feel special. Gillian, Adrian and their team look after your every need. No question was too much bother, and they are always on hand to give you great advice (we used many of their recommended suppliers, and all were brilliant). On the wedding day itself, you will not be able to fault the service - it's fantastic, we had 110 guests and all were kept fed and well watered into the very early hours (the guests loved it!). The food was fantastic - first class uniform quality for every guest! And the castle itself is just wonderful - we had the whole place to ourselves, so magical, and with plenty of room for those who want to dance the night away, or relax by the fire on a big sofa or enjoy a few drinks in the bar...every guest is catered for. Our guests also loved that they could all stay on site in the fantastic and really well-priced lodges. We also took advantage of the gold club to have a party the night before, which went down really well with those guests who'd travelled down the night before, and was a great way to catch up with people before the wedding. So from the moment, you get on the ferry and cross to the island, you will be caught up in the magic that is Waterford Castle...we had the most incredible day ever thanks to the Castle and its wonderful staff, and I have no doubt that any other bride and groom would do to.

choosing Waterford Castle as our wedding reception venue was one of the best decisions we made. from the beginning we were given the most professional advice and guidance. The day itself was magic and we felt like royalty. Four months on and our guests still rave about the castle, the amazing food and the excellent sevice. Every request was catered for and several of our guests have told us it was the best wedding venue they have experienced. personally we couldn't recommend Waterford Castle enough. the photos both outside and inside the castle turned out amazing , our wedding suite was pure luxury and the staff did everything to make our day so special. we owe them a huge thank you.

We did a destination wedding in Ireland at Waterford Castle. It was the best decision we could have made. The staff was genuinely friendly and extremely helpful in working out details for us long-distance and took excellent care of us during our stay. The honeymoon suite was enormous and luxurious. The food was out of this world! If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the start of your married life, Waterford Castle is for you. The grounds are lovely to walk around, the castle is peaceful, and wildlife abounds. You are surrounded by antique furniture, fabulous architecture and georgeous scenery. It is like walking back in time but having all the creature comforts of home. Truly an experience that we will never forget.

As clichéd as it may sound, our wedding day really was one of the best days of our lives. Not only because we proclaimed our love for each other and our desire to spend the rest of our days together as husband and wife in front of our closest family and friends, but because we really really enjoyed the day. In the run up to the wedding I, the bride, panicked because I wasn't panicking or running around like a headless chicken like most brides are supposed to be! And I can only say that this is because Waterford Castle took everything in hand. We had nothing to do only send out our invitations and turn up on the day. We had both our Civil Ceremony and our wedding reception in Waterford Castle. The Civil Ceremony took place in the foyer of the hotel, at Christmas time, and it was stunning. The open log fire and the Christmas tree really set off the relaxed atmosphere that we wanted for the day. Everything ran like clockwork, while we were getting our photos taken outside with our guests after the Ceremony the staff had the foyer returned to its normal comfy setting, so when the guests walked back in it was like a different room. The dinner was amazing. We still continue to get great feedback about the food served at our wedding. We had hired the Castle's in-house piano player to play throughout dinner, this was a fantastic little addition to the dining room, as again, it set a lovely relaxed mood for our guests. After dinner the dining room was transformed into the dancing area for the remainder of the evening. And I can honestly say that the dance floor was never empty. The guests that stayed in the hotel woke up the next morning to a fine hearty full Irish breakfast. If you want a hassle free wedding day, where every detail is taken care for you, visit Gillian in Waterford Castle. She's calm and collect and excellent at what she's hired to do - organise your wedding reception! Our wedding day at Waterford Castle lived up to our every expectation and more. So, go ahead and book your dream Castle wedding, you won't be disappointed.

Last January 2011, we were lucky enough to have our wedding in Waterford Castle. As an ex-hoteiler and current Events Manager my expectations were extremely high. Waterford Castle exceeded on all levels. The hotel itself is an amazing intimate castle on its own island, and it actually feels like your own private house for the day moreso than a hotel. The staff are friendly and efficient yet inconspicuous. The food was second to none. From the initial enquiry - only 4 months previous to our wedding day, Gillian and her team could not have been more helpful. Responses to all our emails and voice messages were very prompt which of course is an ease of mind and all the suppliers that were recommended to us were certainly on top of their game as well as being resonably priced. I would have no hesitations in recommending Waterford Castle as a wonderful intimate wedding venue! M Connolly

We had our wonderful wedding reception at Waterford Castle in March of this year. The day was better than we could ever have hoped for and our guests were just in awe, of the Castle, it's grounds and the meal, in short, they loved every minute of it as did we. My husband and I live in the U.S so I was anticipating some difficulty with planning the day. But, it was so much easier than I expected. I was able to plan everything by email and over the phone and always received prompt answers to my questions. We got ready in the Castle the morning of the wedding, the Presidential suite is beautiful and was such a relaxing way to start the day. After our ceremony at Crooke church, we came back to the Castle in our vintage car and were greeted with a red carpet and glass of champage. After taking some pictures in grounds - it was a beautiful sunny day in mid-March- we came inside and mingled with our guests in the lobby. There were trays of champagne flutes waiting for our guests arrival, followed by lovely canapes. By the time we were seated for dinner, we were all completely relaxed. For such a majestic and beautiful venue, the Castle is so comfortable and welcoming. Our four course meal was just amazing, the food was delicious and it was a 5 star service. After the meal, the dance floor was set up and our DJ got ready. In no time we were having our first dance and from then on the dance floor was full all night. At midnight people barely had time to stop for a snack and cake. We had a small wedding, 60 people and many of our guests didn't know each other. By the end of the night though, everyone was family. When the music ended at 2am, nobody wanted to leave so they sat around and chatted into the wee hours. I think that the combination of all these things is what makes the Castle so special. Not only did we feel like royalty for the day but each one of our guests felt like royaly too.