Dig into Luxury

When you’re ready to slow down and indulge, Waterford offers a rich and restorative escape. Enjoy spa days with ocean views, elegant afternoon teas, and unforgettable meals by award-winning chefs, all set within a landscape shaped by nature and history. This is luxury with a sense of place, where every moment feels deeply connected and effortlessly indulgent.

Ballyin House Afternoon Teas

Tucked away in the storybook town of Lismore, Ballyin House offers a true taste of genteel luxury. This elegant Georgian home sits across from Lismore Castle, making it the perfect setting for a slow, scenic afternoon. Enjoy freshly baked scones, handmade cakes, finger sandwiches, and fragrant teas, all served on antique china in the drawing room or out on the lawn when the sun shines. A peaceful pleasure after a stroll through Lismore’s historic streets or gardens.

Sólás na Mara

Meaning “comfort of the sea,” this haven in Helvick blends traditional Irish healing with modern wellness. Immerse yourself in a steaming seaweed bath filled with freshly harvested Atlantic kelp, known for its detoxifying and soothing properties. Add a seawater soak or a deep-tissue massage for the ultimate relaxation. With its panoramic coastal views and warm local welcome, it’s a serene experience that connects body, mind, and nature.

The Hot Pod

This mobile barrel sauna is one of Waterford’s most unique indulgences. Nestled on cliff edges or sandy shores, it offers sweeping views of the ocean while you sweat out stress. The cedarwood interior fills with heat, while nearby sea breezes and cold plunge spots give the full Nordic wellness experience. Available to book for private groups, wellness events, or spontaneous seaside self-care.

Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore

Perched dramatically above Ardmore Bay, the five-star Cliff House Hotel is a sensory sanctuary. Every room offers ocean views, but the true highlight is The House Restaurant, Waterford’s only Michelin-starred dining experience, where seasonal tasting menus celebrate local produce and coastal flavours. The spa features warm stone massages, seaweed wraps, and an infinity-edge pool with views that stretch to the horizon. A perfect escape for honeymoons, anniversaries, or stylish weekends away.

Faithlegg Hotel

A stately Georgian mansion tucked into lush parklands. Faithlegg offers a refined retreat just 15 minutes from Waterford City. With an award-winning restaurant, Elemis spa, and 18-hole golf course, this hotel balances timeless elegance with modern indulgence. It’s ideal for romantic escapes, leisurely golf trips, or spa weekends with friends. Afternoon teas in the drawing room are a guest favourite.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

For pure luxury and escapism, you can’t beat a stay on a private island. Reachable only by car ferry, Waterford Castle is a 16th-century stone castle turned boutique hotel. Guests enjoy Stunning rooms, formal dining with a focus on Irish produce, and the freedom to roam acres of woodland and golf fairways. Whether you’re curling up by a roaring fire or sipping prosecco under the stars, it’s pure fairytale indulgence.

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival

Held each summer in the lush surrounds of Lismore Castle and its riverside grounds, this world-class opera festival is the cultural highlight of Waterford’s calendar. Enjoy open-air performances, candlelit concerts, and elegant picnic evenings with the scent of flowers and music in the air. A celebration of art, nature, and refined pleasure, this festival is a must for lovers of music and unforgettable atmosphere.

Where to Stay…