The Local Area

Waterford House (Ardsallagh Lodge) makes an ideal base to see the Waterford, Cork and Kerry area of Ireland.

Waterford House also known as ‘Ardsallagh Lodge’ is just off the N25 Waterford to Cork road. The Lodge has panoramic views of Youghal Bay and The Blackwater River. There is a quiet river walk, which when the tide is out stretches for miles along The Blackwater River. From the house, guests may see the fishing boats go by collecting their crab pots. The Blackwater River is famous for its salmon fishing. Guests may take supervised riverboat ride to Ritchie’s log cabin for a picnic. There are numerous beaches in the area.

Waterford is the location of the world’s most famous crystal factory. Take time to partake in the guided tour and then have coffee/tea in their tearoom. Waterford boasts a mile long quayside behind, which lies a maze of narrow streets evoking the atmosphere of Waterford’s medieval past. Just a few miles outside Waterford lies Woodstown House where Jacqueline Kennedy stayed with her two children in 1967.

With a multitude of scenic drives to choose from to the east off Waterford through the Barony of Gaultier Drive, The Blackwater River Drive, Comeragh Mountains, Dunmore East, Dromana Drive, Caeltacht, Ardmore, Clashmore Drive, Knockmealdown Mountains, Nire Valley, The Vee, and the dramatic changing views from the coast road, you will be spoilt for choice.

Midway between Waterford and Cork lies Youghal with its ancient walled port Sir Walter Raleigh was mayor here in 1588. Sir Walter was sitting under a tree in his Myrtle Grove garden quietly smoking a pope. A maid seeing the clouds of smoke billowing round his head, thought he was on fire and threw a bucked of water over him. Youghal is now a popular seaside resort with wide sandy beaches and has become something of a gastronomic centre.

Blarney Castle this 15th-century castle is the mecca of first-time visitors to Ireland who hope to win the gift of eloquence by kissing the Blarney Stone. To the west lies the pretty church of Gouganebarra, which is a must see. The little church sits on the edge off the lake surrounded by a glacial valley and forest. Drive along the coast road and stop at Cobh then Kinsale, which is full of style, to Inchydoney Island with its miles of sandy beaches. On then to Bantry Bay and the magnificent Italian Gardens on Garinish Island. The coast road if full of surprises, quaint villages, charming historic stately homes, craft shops and plenty of places to stop for that friendly Irish Welcome and a ‘cup of tea’.

Kerry is within easy reach, The Dingle Peninsula stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean Ireland’s most westerly point. Killarney with its pretty town and horse drawn traps. The Ring of Kerry with so many picturesque towns with narrow streets and the traditional Irish Cottages along the way. Killarney National Park covers some 25,000 acres of woodland and three major lakes is a nature lovers delight.