Welcome to Ireland's Edge

Escape to the Atlantic

Welcome to the Cliff House Hotel

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Cyclyingsea at Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore

Five-Star Luxury Hotel in Ardmore, County Waterford

Cliff House Hotel is a 5-star, privately owned luxury hotel on Ireland's southern coast, located close to both Cork and Waterford. 

Perched dramatically on the cliffs above the historic fishing village of Ardmore, our privately owned, 39-room seaside hotel combines contemporary Irish design with panoramic Atlantic Ocean views, MICHELIN-starred dining at HOUSE Restaurant and restorative wellness at The Well by the Sea spa.

Named among the Irish Independent Hot 100 Hotels 2026, Cliff House Hotel is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the exceptional collection of Ireland’s Blue Book, making it one of Ireland’s most distinctive luxury coastal hotels.

Bestow the perfect gift of luxury with a Cliff House hotel voucher. Choose from monetary or curated packages tailored to suit all special gifting occasions.

Best Luxury Staycation Waterford | Nice Coolycations in Ireland
Outdoor Activities Waterford, Ireland at Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford

Five-Star Seaside Luxury in Ireland

From sun-drenched terraces and private balconies, it is possible to see Ardmore’s golden sands, lobster pots and dolphins that play out on the water. All our luxury hotel rooms and suites are sea-facing while many are interconnected to provide family-friendly configurations.

From this dramatic coastal location in Ireland’s gourmet heartland, it is possible to enjoy some of the country’s best restaurants—including our own Michelin-starred House Restaurant. As well as House, we also offer the more casual Oceanfront Restaurant & bar and summer terrace dining.

What's On in Waterford - Cool Temprature Stay at Cliff House
Fishing Ardmore Waterford

Rooted in Heritage

Cliff House Hotel is rooted in the history and landscape of Ardmore, one of Ireland’s oldest Christian settlements. Just moments from the hotel, centuries of heritage can be discovered through Ardmore’s 12th-century Round Tower, cathedral ruins and St Declan’s Well. That strong sense of place continues throughout the hotel, where contemporary Irish design, local craftsmanship and spectacular views across Ardmore Bay connect every stay to the culture, coast and character of County Waterford.

Our distinctly Irish, contemporary design draws inspiration from the landscape itself, with white walls, local stone, sedum-covered roofs and limestone terraces that settle naturally into the cliffside. Inside, one of Ireland’s largest collections of campaign furniture sits alongside specially commissioned Irish craftsmanship, from hand-loomed wall pieces by Muriel Beckett to bespoke carpets featuring Celtic motifs - bringing together heritage, craft and modern Irish design.

At the heart of it all is a tradition of warm Irish hospitality, thoughtfully carried forward for a new generation of guests.

Oceanfront Bar & Restaurant Terrace in Waterford, Cliff House Hotel
5 Star Hotel Dining

Dining by the Sea

From MICHELIN-starred dining at HOUSE Restaurant to relaxed dishes and drinks in Oceanfront overlooking Ardmore Bay, food is at the heart of the Cliff House experience. Led by Executive Head Chef Dan Crewe, our menus celebrate the finest Irish produce, shaped by the seasons and our coastal setting.

Come for the food, stay for the view.

Cliff Hotel Swimming Pool Reduced
This is your moment to disconnect… and drift at Cliff House Hotel

Wellness by the Sea

Perched above Ardmore Bay, The Well by the Sea is Cliff House Hotel’s luxury destination spa in Waterford, created for rest and relaxation on Ireland’s south coast. Unwind with restorative spa treatments, swim in the indoor infinity pool overlooking the sea, or relax in the outdoor heated Jacuzzi as you take in the coastal views. A peaceful retreat for a spa break, romantic escape or simply time to slow down in Ardmore.

Kayaking at Cliff House Hotel - Cooler Summer Escape in Ardmore
Ardmore Pottery at Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore

Discover Ardmore & Ireland’s South Coast

Step outside Cliff House Hotel and discover one of Ireland’s most captivating coastal villages. Walk the 4km Ardmore Cliff Walk from close to the hotel, explore Ardmore’s 12th-century Round Tower and cathedral ruins, stroll along Ardmore Beach or take to the water for sea swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Further afield, discover the Waterford Greenway, the Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains, historic Lismore and the coastal towns and countryside of West Waterford and East Cork.

Special Offers & Experiences

Slow Down Escape

Slow Down Escape

SLOW DOWN ESCAPE | 2 NIGHTS A two-night invitation to surrender to the slower rhythm of th...
Cliff Classic | Casual Dinner | Bed & Breakfast

Cliff Classic | Casual Dinner | Bed & Br...

  • Sea View
  • Includes Breakfast
  • Access to Spa
House Restaurant Experience | MICHELIN Dinner | B&B

House Restaurant Experience | MICHELIN D...

  • Includes Breakfast
  • 1 Night in MICHELIN Restaurant
  • Sea View
Couples Retreat | MICHELIN & Casual Dinner |Two Night B&B | Spa

Couples Retreat | MICHELIN & Casual Dinn...

  • 1 Night in MICHELIN Restaurant
  • Includes Spa Treatment(s)
  • Sea View
Balcony Suite Cliff House Hotel
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The Gift of Cliff

Treat someone special to a gift shaped by the rhythm of the Atlantic.

From restorative spa moments and quietly exceptional dining to an overnight escape poised above the sea, a Cliff House gift voucher opens the door to experiences defined by calm, care and craft.

Whether for a celebration, a thank you, or simply because, it’s a thoughtful way to share time, space and the restorative power of the coast in Ardmore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cliff House Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel in Ardmore, County Waterford, on Ireland's south coast. The hotel overlooks Ardmore Bay and is approximately one hour from Cork and Waterford and around 2.5 hours by car from Dublin. Ardmore Beach and the Ardmore Cliff Walk are just minutes from the hotel.

Cliff House Hotel is home to the Michelin star ‘House Restaurant’ as well as the more relaxed Bar Restaurant so there is a dining option for everyone.

Yes. Guests enjoy complimentary access to our 15-metre indoor infinity pool overlooking the sea, outdoor heated Jacuzzi, private sea-swimming rock pool and cardio room. The Well by the Sea offers a range of restorative spa treatments and therapies.

Yes there is free Parking available at the hotel as well as other amenities such as Free Wifi and access to the hotel's Leisure facilities.

Yes. We have wheelchair accessible rooms available and our staff are happy to help you with any accommodations that we may be able to provide.

We welcome guests of all ages and aim to provide the best service to give an enjoyable experience to everyone.

Yes, there are electric car chargers at Cliff House Hotel in the car park. We recommend bringing your own leads. There is a charge of €12.50. 

Yes. Cliff House Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel in Ardmore, County Waterford, with 39 rooms and suites overlooking the sea. We are members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the renowned Ireland's Blue Book collection. 

Yes. Cliff House Hotel is in Ardmore, County Waterford, and is approximately an hour's drive from Cork City, making it suitable for a coastal break from Cork.

Ardmore is in west County Waterford. Driving time from Waterford City is approximately one hour, depending on traffic and route.

Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car from Dublin, depending on traffic and where in Dublin you start. It is generally recommended to take the M7 from Dublin, then the M9 towards Waterford, before leaving the motorway for the final section towards Dungarvan/Ardmore.

Cliff House Hotel is located in the historic seaside village of Ardmore, County Waterford. Guests can walk the Ardmore Cliff Walk, explore Ardmore Beach, visit the 12th-century Round Tower and cathedral ruins, enjoy coastal and sea-based activities, or explore nearby attractions including Lismore, the Waterford Greenway and  hikes in the nearby Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains. The hotel is also well placed for discovering West Waterford, East Cork and Ireland's south coast. We are also close to many of East Cork's attractions for day trips including Fota Wildlife Park and Midleton Distillery. 

Ardmore is one of Ireland's oldest Christian settlements and is known for its 12th-century Round Tower, cathedral ruins, St Declan's Well, sandy beach and spectacular cliff walk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Michelin starred HOUSE Restaurant at Cliff House Hotel is also a foodie destination in itself. 

Yes. With every hotel room overlooking Ardmore Bay, Michelin-starred dining at HOUSE Restaurant (and casual dining in Oceanfront) and treatments at The Well by the Sea spa, Cliff House Hotel is particularly suited to romantic breaks, anniversaries and special occasions.

Guests can enjoy the indoor infinity pool, outdoor heated Jacuzzi, private sea-swimming rock pool and spa treatments at The Well by the Sea. Dining is always a highlight with Michelin starred HOUSE Restaurant and Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar. Time is always well spent simply relaxing and enjoying the panoramic views across Ardmore Bay from the comfort of your bedroom or from the many gallery windows in our public areas. 

Youghal Article at Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore

Closer than you think

1 hour from Cork · 1 hour from Waterford · 2.5 hours from Dublin · Set in Ardmore on Ireland’s south coast, close to the Waterford–Cork border, Cliff House Hotel feels wonderfully removed while remaining surprisingly easy to reach.

Getting to Cliff House