WELCOME
Discover Ireland's finest 5* hotel
AN OCEANSIDE HOTEL
ON THE ATLANTIC RIM OF HISTORIC IRELAND
Sitting high on the cliffs of Ardmore, Co. Waterford, Cliff House Hotel which is located on the South East coast of Ireland offers a luxurious taste of modern minimalism and luxury on the seafront, with an emphasis on elegant simplicity and top-class culinary experiences.
Just a short 2.5 hour drive from Dublin airport, it is regarded as one of the finest small luxury, 5-star hotels in Ireland. The Irish seaside boutique hotel offers 39-bedrooms in the traditional fishing village of Ardmore. It is a place where guests can rediscover the forgotten rhythms of long, leisurely days and easy, lingering evenings.
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.
Our privately owned hotel also features an intimate Irish destination spa as well as a one Michelin-star restaurant.
Follow the link below, fill out our form and one of our experienced reservations team will assist you in planning your memorable trip to the Ireland’s stunning east coast.
OUR LOCATION
Our five-star luxury hotel in Waterford is an hour’s drive from both Cork and Waterford airports, and a two hour drive from Rosslare Car Ferry. We also have moorings for yachts. From your base here, we provide smooth access to our destination’s highlights, many of which are just walking distance.
A little further afield lie the towns of Dungarvan and Youghal, both just 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Dungarvan is also known as the home of the Waterford Greenway, a 46 km track suitable for both walking and cycling. Should you wish to tour further, then we are an easy drive to Kinsale, Cobh and Cork City.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
Opening up West Waterford and the wider East Cork region is part of our commitment to your luxury vacation in Ireland. With expert concierge services – and genuine pride for this part of hidden Ireland – we can direct you towards activities suitable for rain, sun, culture, children or the actively inclined.
This includes exploring Ardmore with its sandy beach, traditional music and thatched cottages. Youghal, at the mouth of the River Blackwater just 15 minutes away, is one of the best examples of a Norman walled port in Ireland. Nearby Dungarvan is a thriving seaside market town, and pretty Lismore – dominated by the castle – is possibly one of the country’s quaintest villages.
To get around, we can recommend hire car companies, as well as exceptional private driver-guides. Helicopter connections are available by request and especially useful for luxury golf vacations.
We aslo make the most of our coastal location by encouraging guests to engage with the great outdoors and the various leisure activities nearby, whether it’s taking on our Cliff Walk, fishing the Blackwater or exploring Ardmore’s famous ‘Round Tower’.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Food is the beating heart of this corner of Ireland with its long history of farming and fishing. The area of West Waterford is a gourmet cornucopia – recently dubbed ‘the hottest place to eat in Ireland’ by a prominent national magazine. Cliff House Hotel has contributed to that reputation, with our House Restaurant holding a Michelin Star and Four AA Rosettes.
From Lismore’s Michael McGrath, who is possibly the best butcher in all of Ireland, to the traditional blaas that come from Barron’s Bakery & Coffee House in Cappoquin, this is a region defined by exceptional seafood, artisan producers and a commitment to eating well.
THE WELL BY THE SEA
A LUXURY HOTEL SPA & POOL
A 15m indoor infinity-edge swimming pool is The Well’s centerpiece. The floor-to-ceiling windows and ocean views create a sense of unending space, as if the pool is merging into the Irish Sea.
Outside, we have a natural outdoor rock pool which can be enjoyed at full tide, for those who want a bracing swim. We also have an outdoor heated Jacuzzi and relaxation terrace with two stone baths, allowing you to benefit from the refreshing sea air in comfort.
Inside our spa, the sauna, steam room and four treatment rooms – including a couple’s treatment room – offer serene luxury in a light, peaceful space.
CULTURE
WHERE VIBRANT HISTORY AND MODERN LIFE MEET
The region is rich in tradition. We are located close to Ring – a Gaeltacht or Irish-speaking area – while the nearby Blackwater Valley sequesters some 70 historic ‘Big Houses’ on its wooded banks. Ardmore itself has its own rich history as one of Ireland’s oldest Christian fishing settlements.
St Declan’s Well and Round Tower, Ardmore: St Declan used this holy well as his Baptistry in the 4th century and the ruins of a small church that were built in his honour still stand. July 24th is St Declan’s Day and at midnight on the 23rd, devotees gather here for mass. Walking time: 5 minutes.
The Waterford Garden Trail: The Waterford Garden Trail features some 15 different garden attractions throughout the county, from the new plantings at Ballynatray (driving time, 20 minutes), to the cluster of great gardens around Cappoquin.
Lismore Heritage Centre: Lismore Heritage Centre was opened in 1992 to share insights into Lismore’s formidable history and heritage. Boasting a picturesque location at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains, Lismore is famous for the magnificent Lismore Castle (dating back to 1185) that was once the home of, the famous Broadway performer, Adele Astaire and Kathleen Kennedy, sister of John F. Kennedy. Inside this private residence can only be viewed using through the Lismore Castle Experience.
SOME LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Jameson Distillery, Midleton: Discover the history behind one of Ireland’s most famous whiskey brands at the beautifully restored distillery in Midleton. Driving time: 25 minutes.
Waterford Crystal, Waterford: The popular guided factory tour at this state-of-the-art visitor centre lets you see close-up how intricate pieces of this world famous glassware are made. Driving time: 60 minutes.
Cobh Harbour, Cobh: Millions emigrated to America from Cobh in the 19th century. Learn more about Cobh’s intriguing past at the excellent Cobh museum (open March to October). Driving time: 45 minutes.
West Waterford Food Festival, Dungarvan: This annual festival, held in April, celebrates Waterford’s rich culinary scene and is a great way to sample local produce in a fun-for-all setting. Driving time: 10 minutes.
LANDSCAPE
Ardmore, and more widely, County Waterford and the East Cork region, is home to some of Ireland’s most unspoiled landscapes, quaint villages and magnificent coastline. A stay with us in your ‘home from home’ will immerse you in the natural beauty, culture, and community of Ireland.
Ardmore with its sandy beach, traditional music and thatched cottages is one of the most popular seaside villages on Ireland’s southeast rim.
