Travel & Stay
Getting to the Island
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We recommend Aer Lingus airline for flight booking, but there are many direct flights available to Dublin Airport through Delta and United from both JFK and Newark airports.
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Be sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
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Red-eye (overnight) flights are common and recommended so guests arrive in the morning and can get a head start on the day!
Island Travel
Most of the major cities in Ireland are within a 1-2 hour drive from Dublin, and without a doubt the best way to see Ireland is to rent a car and drive through the sprawling countryside and quaint towns along the way (please note that you will be driving on the left side of the road, but trust us, it's not that bad!).
Dublin Airport to Kilkenny - 90 mins
Kilkenny to Waterford - 35 mins
Dublin Airport to Waterford - ~2 hrs
Rentals:
Our trusted picks:
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Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Europcar
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DiscoverCars.com & Rentalcars.com – Best for comparing deals across all providers.
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Estimated Cost: From €25–€40/day for compact cars.
Tip: Most people drive manually in Ireland so be sure to book an automatic if needed. Book early & double-check insurance — Irish rentals require special CDW coverage.
Private Transfers:
Our trusted picks:
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Transfers & Tours Ireland - Transfers & Tours Ireland
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Easy Transfer Ireland - Dublin Airport Transfer | EASY TRANSFER
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Estimated cost:
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Dublin → Kilkenny: ~€160–€300 per vehicle (1–4 passengers)
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Dublin → Waterford Castle: ~€300–€450 per vehicle.
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Tip: Larger groups can book SUVs or vans to split costs
JJ Kavanagh & Sons offers direct coach service from Dublin Airport to both Kilkenny and Waterford. It’s slower (2.5–3 hours), but easy and budget-friendly.
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Estimated Cost: ~€20–€25 per ticket
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
Trains are available from both Dublin and Kilkenny to Waterford. Tickets typically cost ~€20 each way.
Dublin (Heuston) to Kilkenny (Macdonagh): 90 mins
Kilkenny (Macdonagh) to Waterford (Plunkett): 35 mins
Dublin (Heuston) to Waterford (Plunkett): 2hrs
Tip: Be sure to book all trains ahead of time
Access to the island where the castle is located is by a private car ferry which operates throughout the day. Complimentary ferry crossing takes 3 minutes and does not need to be reserved in advance, it departs every 15 minutes, and runs 7.00am – 12am midnight. For ferry services 12am midnight – 7.00am, please phone the ferry directly.
Accommodations
Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
The Island,
Waterford,
Ireland
X91 Y722
Lodging Fit for Lords & Ladies
For this grand occasion, we have claimed Waterford Castle as our own — the entire castle is ours for the pre‑wedding festivities and the wedding day itself! Our noble guests are invited to stay on the grounds throughout the celebration.
While the castle chambers are few (royalty does have its limits), we have secured a block of charming self‑catering lodges on the estate for July 6th–8th.
Each lodge boasts three double bedrooms (perfect for a small court of six), laundry facilities, wifi and an outdooring dining area and can be reserved at the following rates: €350 for one night, €550 for two nights, or €750 for three nights (that’s €125pp for all 3 nights and €92pp for 2 nights!). Daily check-in time for the Lodges is 4 PM with check out at 11 AM.
Feasting options abound — breakfast and lunch are available both within the castle walls (to be confirmed at booking) and at the King’s Channel Clubhouse.
Want more details, including a virtual tour?
Self-catering & Holiday Homes Ireland | Waterford Castle Lodges
To secure your quarters:
All lodge bookings must be made directly through the Waterford Castle front desk before March 1st, 2026 — simply announce that you are part of our wedding party when booking!
Payment for lodges will be due upon arrival.
Contact the Castle:
Phone: + 353 (0) 51 878 203
Fax: + 353 (0) 51 879 316
Email: info@waterfordcastleresort.com
Prefer to reside beyond the castle gates? The City of Waterford offers many fine inns and hotels to suit your needs (Granville Hotel, Dooley's Hotel,Treacy's Hotel)
Reach out to brandonandjuliawedding2026@gmail.com with any questions regarding booking, castle availability, etc.
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Things to Do
At the castle:
Waterford Castle Golf Resort:
310 acres with 18-Hole, par 72 Championship Golf Course. Rental equipment is available at the Pro Shop. Reach out to the Pro Shop directly for more information around group tee times and scheduling.
Clay Pigeon Shooting:
All necessary equipment is provided. Suitable for ages 16 and over. Pre-booking for clay shooting is required.
Beyond the castle walls:
City of Waterford:
Located 10 minutes from the castle
Geoff’s Cafe, Everett’s, Katy Barry’s Bar (local spot with live music), House of Waterford Crystal
Tramore Beach:
Strand Road, Tramore, WD, Ireland
Located 15 mins from Waterford City
Mount Congreve Gardens:
Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, WD X91 PX05, Ireland
Located 15 mins from Waterford City
Dunmore East:
Located 20 mins from Waterford City
East Pier, Powers Bar
Dublin:
Located ~2 hrs from Waterford City
Guinness Storehouse, The famous Temple Bar Pub, Brazen Head Pub (one of the oldest in Ireland), St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College
Galway:
Located ~3 hrs from Waterford City
Taafes Bar (trad Irish music every day at 5:30pm and 9:30pm), The Front Door Pub, Cliffs of Moher
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