Lismore Castle, Ireland

Lismore Castle, Waterford, Ireland

Lismore is a privately owned castle offering luxury accommodation on an exclusive hire basis.

Fabulous reception rooms, 15 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. All individually designed and beautifully appointed.

Lismore Castle in Waterford, Ireland, is a one of a kind and a repository of extraordinary history: from walls marked by Cromwellian cannon balls to the days it was owned by Sir Walter Raleigh -the man who brought potatoes and tobacco to Ireland – to Cecil Beaton, Lucian Freud, Fred Astaire and JFK, all of whom slept a night or more in this private castle on the banks of the River Blackwater.

The castle dates from 1170, yet there is no shortage of modern luxuries: ensuite bathrooms, a cinema room, Wi-Fi throughout the castle and much more. It sleeps 8 to 12 in an intimate environment or up to 27 for a bigger party. Larger events are also possible and all are attended by the family’s private staff, led by Denis Nevin, the castle’s Butler for the last 35 years.

World-class art — contemporary and Old Masters — hangs from walls, while the Pugin Banqueting Hall is a major historic treasure in its own right. Every detail is a masterpiece of good taste, presided over by the Duke of Devonshire’s family for whom this luxury castle in Ireland remains a private home.

Lismore Castle is conveniently located close to many excellent opportunities for activities and excursions and our concierge team will be happy to advise and make all the necessary arrangements.

SALMON FISHING

We have marvellous fishing here at Lismore. Fishing beneath the Castle, along the River Blackwater and on first rate neighbouring beats can be arranged

GOLF

There are many fine golf courses within easy reach of Lismore Castle, starting from the charming nine hole course on the Estate to the Old Head of Kinsale which is now included in the 100 best golf courses in the world.

WALKING & HIKING

There are wonderful walks and hikes in and around Lismore, on the nearby Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains and along the coastline.

CYCLING

West Waterford is easily explored by bicycle and a local company specialising in cycle tours for all levels and interests will provide everything from bikes, to first aid kits and cycle computers.

RIDING

Horse riding is available within a 30 minute drive of the castle. In addition to the expected range of services, trail rides and hacking can be arranged. Beach treks provided in off-season.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

You won’t find a mode of transport more serene and tranquil than hot air balloon– no engines, no exhaust fumes and nothing between you and the open air. Local operators provide a magnificent way to explore the region!

RACING

There are several top class national hunt racecourses within easy reach of Lismore – Cork, Tipperary, Clonmel, Tramore and Gowran Park and the Lismore Point-to-Point, held on the Estate in March, is one of the best and most fixtures on the amateur circuit in Southern Ireland.

BOAT TRIPS

The wonderful Blackwater River is ideal for a leisurely boat-trip and there are a number of local agencies that operate a variety of cruises and river adventures.

KAYAKING & CANOEING

Explore the majestic River Blackwater on guided canoe and kayak trips. Tours available for all levels of experience and adrenalin needs.

DEEP SEA FISHING

For those of you looking for more adventurous fishing, the nearby town of Dungarvan is a base for several operators specialising in wreck, reef and shark fishing.

SCUBA DIVING

Nearby enclosed bays offer ideal conditions for sheltered inshore diving and further out to sea there are numerous excellent dive sites as well as several wrecks.

SURFING

Surfing & whale watching in Tramore – an ideal combination! Private lessons in both available locally.

KITE SURFING

A perfectly formed 5 kilometre beach in nearby Tramore is the ideal stretch to learn the trade of the winds. IKO certified instructors teach kite surfing to all levels.

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

Clay pigeon shooting equipment can be brought to Lismore for shoots on the Estate.

GREYHOUND RACING

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday in Cork City.

KARTING

There is a karting and rally school in the local town of Dungarvan

LISMORE & SURROUNDS

Lismore Town is one of Waterford’s oldest towns and as winner of Irelands Tidiest Small Town in 2010, Lismore is proud not only of its ancient and historic heritage, but also of its natural beautiful location in the heart of the River Blackwater Valley.

GARDENS

The Waterford Garden Trail features 15 different garden attractions throughout Waterford (one of which is Lismore Castle public gardens).

CASTLES AND HERITAGE SITES

Blarney Castle: Situated just north of Cork City, this castle is famous for the ‘Blarney stone’, reputed to confer eloquence on all who kiss it!

Cahir Castle: an imposing 15th century structure.

Kilkenny Castle: Over 900 years old, it overlooks the River Nore in the heart of the bustling city.

The Rock of Cashel: This National Monument of Ireland is the ruins of a large cathedral, ancient round towers and a Romanesque chapel perched on a dramatic outcrop if rock where St Patrick converted the local king, Aenghus in the 5th Century.

WATERFORD CRYSTAL

The newly opened Waterford Crystal Centre is a wonderful place to visit. See exquisite pieces of crystal made before your very eyes and view the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world.

CATHEDRALS

St Carthage’s is nearby and well worth a visit.
St Finbarr’s Cathedral in Cork City stands on the oldest site in Cork. Guided tours available

BEACHES

There are numerous excellent beaches within 20-30 minutes of the Castle. The best are in the Ardmore area, particularly Whiting Bay, Goat Island and Ballyquin.

CAVES

Mitchelstown Caves are situated off the N8 and are within 40 minutes of the Castle. These massive limestone caverns with impressive array of stalagmites and stalactites are fascinating.