Christmas Magic at Waterford Castle

Christmas Magic at Waterford Castle

For this week's edition of Waterford Castle's Blog we are a delighted to announce a very special event taking place on the Island , 'Christmas Magic at Waterford Castle'. This fun filled family event is being held in association with the WLRFM Lion's Club Christmas appeal. Taking place on Sunday 15th December, from 1pm-6pm, the Island and Castle will transform into a festive wonderland. So today, we are going to take a sneak-peek at some of the festive treats we have in store.

Your magical experience begins with a majestic ferry journey to the Island. When you have arrived at the Castle, why not take a train-ride around the resort and make sure you keep an eye out for Santa’s reindeer!  The front of the Castle’s will be transformed into a winter wonderland; with a snow machine and beautiful ornate carousel enhancing the magical Christmas experience. The special Christmas market will showcase a number of artisan stalls, making it the perfect location to find the unique Christmas present for that special someone. When you are enjoying the array of outdoor activity, why not treat yourself to Christmas beverage and an indulgent snack form the Waterford Castle's food stall. When you need to escape the chill, there will be a number of stalls in the Castle.

 

Santa will be in the Castle on the day in his workshop where he will have a special present for all his little visitors; well, all those on his nice list! Just in case you think Santa will forget what you want for Christmas, there will be an area to write a letter to him; which can be posted in the special Christmas Post-box.  Mrs Clause will also be here and she will be reading Christmas stories in front of the roaring fire. You will also see Santa's elves, who will be very busy getting all the presents ready for the big day! Additionally, there will be a magician, balloon modelling and stilt walkers which provide extra wonder and magic to the day.

There will be a number of cookery and decorations demonstrations for those who wish to get tips to create Christmas magic in their own homes. Discover the adventures of a pirate's world at the special Captain Jack show, taking place between 3.30pm -5.30pm, which will be fun for all the family. The day will conclude with a magical firework display which will truly fill everyone with Christmas wonder and cheer.

With much more surprises in store on the day, Christmas Magic at Waterford Castle promises to be a fun-filled family event not to be missed. So make sure to mark your diary for Sunday, the 15th of December to join us and the WLRFM Lion's Club Christmas Appeal for a magical festive extravaganza. Your Christmas begins with a trip to Waterford Castle; your Island haven. For more information, visit our website www.waterfordcastle.com .

Entry Fees:

€10 per Child

€7 per Adult

Please note that an additional charge applies  for the carousel and for a photograph with Santa.

Proceeds from the day will be donated to the Lion's Club Christmas appeal.

Waterford Winterval 2013

Waterford Winterval

'It's the most wonderful time of the year'

~~~~~~~

For Waterford Castle’s latest blog we continue to look forward to the Christmas season by exploring the variety of events taking place during the Waterford Winterval Festival; which runs between the 29^th November- 23rd December and the 27^th-31^st December 2013. As Ireland’s premier winter festival, the Waterford Winterval Festival showcases Waterford at its cultural, entertaining and vibrant best. With the array and diversity of events taking place, the festival really offers something for everyone.

There are a number of events taking place throughout the duration of the festival. Winterval on Ice; Ireland's premier Ice-rink; will return to the Merchant’s Quay this festive season. Weather you are a master of the ice-rink or struggle to stay on your feet,  Winterval on Ice always proves to be great fun for all the family.  And why not treat your children to a trip to the magnificent Santa’s grotto; which takes place in the exquisite 13^th century Medieval Museum from the 30^th November – 23^rd December. Santa will be joined by his delightful and charming wife, Mrs Claus and her mischievous elves!

After a trip to Santa’s grotto why not book your tickets and hop on board the Winterval Express which will take you on a magical journey through the streets of Waterford. The journey will offer a great vantage point to truly enjoy the city’s transformation into a Winter Wonderland. There are a number of other children’s activities taking place such as the Animal Farm at Coal’s Quay, and children young and old will be awe struck by the spectacular 'Toy Museum', which both take place between the 29th Nov- 23rd Dec.

Taking place from the 30^th November in the weekends leading up to Christmas, the 'Winterval Christmas Market' creates an exciting Christmas experience on the streets of Waterford City. The streets will be transformed with the sights, sounds and aromas of a traditional Christmas market.In this atmospheric shopping experience you will find a number of craft and gift stalls, meaning you can find your loved ones the perfect gift. There will also be a number of food stalls, serving sweet treats to keep your energies up will you finish you Christmas shopping.

Furthermore, 'the Ardkeen Artisan Food Experience', which will take place at Greyfriars during the weekends from 30th Nov- 23 Dec will allow shoppers sample & stock up on some of the country’s most distinctive and flavorsome produce. Or why not visit the Polish Christmas pop-up Village will take place in the Tourist office, 120 The Quay every weekend from the 30^th Nov- 23^rd Dec.  Experience the sights, tastes and aromas of a traditional Polish Christmas and book your place in one of the popular Gingerbreadman workshops.

John Roberts Square will transform into its own winter wonderland as it will be home to a number of activities from the 30th November- 23 December. For instance, the beautifully ornate vintage Christmas Carousel will dazzle the young and young at heart. There will also be a gigantic Santa’s post box in the square; making sure all letters are safely delivered to the North Pole! Furthermore, a traditional and atmospheric Christmas experience will also be created in the square by the Carol Singing, the life size Crib at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity and the Rotary Club Christmas Memorial Tree.

Additionally, there will be a number of events which further showcase Waterford's cultural vibrancy. For instance, the iconic and recently refurbished Theatre Royal’s festive programme that will keep adults and children entertained throughout the season. With a Winterval programme which feature the 'Cinderella' pantomime, 'Christmas Crooners', 'Elfie the Elf Returns!',  'Vladimir presents ‘A Vitemeense Christmas’' and  'The Winterval Cabaret';  the Theatre Royal will be providing theatrically spectacular entertainment to suit all tastes! Garter's Lane will also have an exciting programme of shows from the 30th Nov- 23rd Dec including 'A Muppet Christmas' and 'The Little Mermaid. 

Furthermore, Bishop’s Palace will host Georgian Christmas Tours and you can relive Waterford’s Viking heritage with storytelling taking place in Reiginald’s Tower; with all the stories been written by schoolchildren all across the country. Waterford's Viking heritage will also be brought to life this Christmas by ‘YULE’; a vibrant, interactive, working Viking Settlement, which will be brought to life by the sights and sights and sounds of the Waterford Viking Society. Additionally, ‘Winter Illuminates’, which will take place in Cathedral Square and will dazzle onlookers with a truly unique and mesmerizing 3D Light and sound show.

So mark your diary and make sure you visits Waterford City this Christmas season; do not miss out on a enjoying a magical festive experience! Keep an eye out for Waterford Castle Hotel’s special accommodation rates for the Winterval Festival. There is really no better time to visit Waterford city!

For more information in relation to The Waterford Winterval Festival, and for time, dates, locations  and booking details for all activities,  please visit http://www.winterval.ie/ . Tickets for events are on sale now! 

If you a planning a trip to Waterford Castle Hotel, why not view our ‘101 things to do’, which contains a variety of activities which can be enjoyed during your trip. To view the list, please visit www.waterfordcastle.com .

Waterford Castle Golf Club

For this week’s blog we are going to take a look at the facilities at Waterford Castle Golf Resort.  This is coincide with this blog, we will also look at the latest promotional packages been offered to by the Golf Club. So weather you are a seasoned golfer, wish to practice our swing or want to treat the golfer in your life to 2014 membership for a Christmas present , Waterford Castle Golf Club has something for everybody.

Waterford Castle Golf Club has recently introduced it’s new 2014 membership package.   New members can avail of full membership of Waterford Castle Golf Club is only €800. This offer is only available for a limited period only so book now to avoid disappointment.  Waterford Castle Golf Club is also launching a special Friday Winter Deal. This package include a full 18 hole round on our Championship Golf Course and a Free main meal in our Golf Clubhouse. All this can be yours for only €25 euro (please note that a 5 euro supplement applies for steak). This Friday offer runs until the end of February 2014.

Distinctively, Waterford Castle Golf Club lays claim to being Ireland’s only true island golf resort. Designed by the renowned former Ryder Cup player and vice captain, Des Smith, this 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, utilizes the natural landscape of the Island. The layout of the golf course reveals attractive rolling fairways and subtle contoured greens, which magnificently blend into the natural landscape. A number of man-made features further accentuate the Island’s beauty.  For instance, despite being surrounded by water, Waterford Castle Golf Resort boasts four additional water features on the second, third, fourth and sixteenth hole, which are aesthetically pleasing while providing golfers with added challenges!  Additionally, the golf course boasts its own Swilken Bridge, though it was not built the Roman Empire! While this challenging golf course is completely detached from the mainland, it is ideally located for an Irish golfing vacation. 

Additionally, Waterford Castle Golf Resort offers a year round driving range facility with two covered bays and one teaching bay. The driving range has floodlighting facilities which afford golfers the opportunity to hone their skills at any time of the day. The driving range consists of two distinct areas; one for your short game, and another for your long game. Furthermore, there is a fully grassed and fairway maintained chipping area is available for practice during the daylight hours. This area features two chipping zones and a simulated putting green, affording you the opportunity to sharpen your short game. Additionally, a nine-hole putting green is available for use in front of the club house; completed to the same standard of the golf course. The Golf Pro Shop is open daily Open daily for all your golfing needs; stocking leading brands of clothing and golfing equipment.

To avail of Waterford Castle Golf Club’s latest promotional offers, please contact our golf pro shop on 051-871 633 or email golf@waterfordcastle.com. For further details in relation to Waterford Castle Golf, visit www.waterfordcastle.com .

If you a planning a trip to Waterford Castle Hotel, why not view our ‘101 things to do’, which contains a variety of activities which can be enjoyed during your trip. To view the list, please visit www.waterfordcastle.com .