Travel

Travel Note

Accommodations

We are delighted to be hosting our wedding on the beautiful island in Waterford. A limited number of guests will be staying in the Castle on the island. Waterford Castle Resort also offers 45 self-catering lodges, located just an 8-minute walk from the Castle. Each lodge sleeps six guests and features three double bedrooms, four bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living area, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests staying in the lodges have full access to all resort facilities, including dining options, making them a convenient choice for wedding guests staying on the island. If you wish to stay in a lodge, please contact the Reservations Department directly to book, either by phone at +353 (0)51 878203 or by email at info@waterfordcastleresort.com. Please mention the wedding date and our names when booking to receive the wedding rate. In addition to the lodges, there are several wonderful hotel options in Waterford city. The Waterford Marina Hotel and The Granville Hotel come highly recommended, though guests are very welcome to choose any accommodation that suits their preferences. Please note that guests staying in the Castle are being notified directly.

Hotel

The Grafton Hotel

For guests arriving in Dublin ahead of the wedding, we’ve arranged accommodation at The Grafton Hotel. A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special rate for our celebration. To view availability and secure your booking, please use the link provided here.

Travel Note

UK Tourism Requirements

UK Tourism - U.S. citizens traveling to the UK for tourism do not need a traditional visa, but MUST obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is mandatory, costs around $14 USD, is valid for two years, and should be applied for via the official UK ETA website or app at least 3 days before travel. Please make sure to look up the authorization requirements for your travel prior to or after the wedding! If you are traveling to Northern Ireland you will need to apply for the ETA.

Travel Note

EU Tourism Requirements

EU Tourism - Starting in late 2026, U.S. citizens traveling to 30 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) travel authorization. It is a mandatory online, pre-travel screening for visa-exempt travelers, costing roughly $8–$23 and valid for multiple entries. Please make sure to look up the authorization requirements for your travel prior to or after the wedding!

Train

Dublin to Waterford

For guests traveling from Dublin to Waterford before the wedding, there are several convenient train options. Trains depart from Dublin Heuston Station and arrive at Waterford Plunkett Station in just over two hours. Please note that train tickets are available for purchase 90 days in advance. Tickets typically cost around $20 - $30 USD and can be purchased through the link provided. Buying tickets online is often cheaper than purchasing in person. Some routes may include a transfer to a bus; if so, this will be clearly indicated beneath the trip duration when booking. Once you arrive in Waterford, the wedding venue is approximately 30 minutes away by car. Taxis are readily available outside Waterford Plunkett Station, with fares generally ranging from $20–$30 USD, and possibly less depending on traffic and time of day.

Travel Note

Bus from Dublin to Waterford

In addition to the train, there is a direct bus route from Dublin Airport to Waterford. Similar to the train, the journey takes around three hours. The bus is also a convenient option for returning to Dublin for your flight home. Tickets typically cost around $30 USD each way. There are several bus stops throughout Waterford, so we recommend reviewing the route map and choosing the stop closest to your hotel. Our suggested stop is Waterford Parnell Street (Rapid Cabs), as taxis are easily available nearby for a short ride to your hotel. This location is approximately 30 minutes by taxi from the wedding venue.

Travel Note

Ferry

The ferry operates 24 hours a day and runs according to the following schedule: 7:00am – 12:00 midnight: Every 15 minutes on the quarter hour (i.e. 7:00am, 7:15am, 7:30am, 7:45am, 8:00am, etc.). 12:00 midnight – 7:00am: On demand. Please phone the ferry directly; the number is displayed on signs on both sides of the river. The ferry is included in the island facilities fee, so there is no additional charge for guests or visitors. It can accommodate both cars and foot passengers. Free parking is available on the island in the main Castle guest car park, the Golf Clubhouse car park, and outside each of the self-catering lodges. For more information about the ferry, please visit the FAQ section on the Castle's website.