Clay Pigeon Shooting

Perfect your aim, time your shots & let your competitive streak shine with our Clay Pigeon Shooting experience on the Private Island at Waterford Castle.

Clay shooting in Waterford Hotel & Castle Resort is expertly brought to you by Mick our Irish guide, who brings both skill and laughter to every activity.

Clay shooting is a great activity for small or large groups and one of our most popular recreations here on the Island.

A thrilling sport, clay pigeon shooting is an ideal activity if you wish to learn a new skill and have some fun.

Whether you are a novice or experienced, take advantage of the tuition available at the Island Resort which caters to all levels of expertise and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

All necessary equipment is provided. Suitable for ages 16 and over.

Pre-booking for clay shooting is essential. Call reception on 051 878 203

Please be advised that cancellations made 24 hours or less before your allocated time will be subject to a fee of 50 euro.

Is the clay shooting suitable for children?

Young children cannot take part in Clay Shooting for safety purposes. Children must be aged 16 or more to participate and must be kept under strict adult supervision at all times. You can find more about family activities in Waterford here.

Is the clay shooting suitable for groups?

Yes, the clay shooting experience is suitable for groups.

Other Island Activities

Tennis

Test your skills on our outdoor tennis courts. Rackets and balls can be rented at the Clubhouse for your convenience.

Croquet

Experience the charm of a traditional croquet game on the Castle lawn. Equipment and game rules are available at reception.

Island Trails

Explore the Island’s rich wildlife, including deer, hares, pheasants, foxes, and swans, by strolling along our nature trails.

These paths offer the best chance to spot the diverse fauna that call the Island home.

Picnic in the Grounds

Let our award-winning kitchen team prepare a Waterford Castle picnic basket for you to enjoy. Choose a serene spot on our 310-acre Island to relax and dine.

Please pre-book your picnic 24 hours in advance by contacting reception at 051 878 203.

Family Activities

Family Activities in Waterford Castle Resort

Resort Activities

This unique 310-acre Island Resort offers activities for all the family, including:

Tennis/Basketball Courts

18-hole Championship Golf Course*

Driving Range

Lawn Croquet

Clay Pigeon Shooting*

Nature Walks

Playground

Picnics

Juniors Golf Camp (selected dates)

Eliza the Fairy

Eliza loves to play with the island deer although won't be seen by you or I! Venture through the woodlands keeping an eye out for her Fairy Doors. She keeps a watchful eye over the Castle and those who visit the Island. Our new and improved fairy walk is located in the woodland trail at the back of the Castle heading towards the ferry.

Family Picnics

Our family picnic baskets include a range of sandwiches, fruit, pastries and more.

Pre-booking is essential, for more information please contact reception on +353 15 878 203.

Family Activities in Waterford City

The Island Resort is surrounded by a host of attractions and activities in Waterford and surrounding areas in Ireland's Ancient East.

Situated just 10 minutes drive from Waterford City Centre, the resort is a world away yet centrally located.

Below is just a small selection of things to do nearby:

House of Waterford Crystal

Waterford Museum of Treasures

Mount Congreve Gardens

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

Waterford Greenway

Tramore Blue Flag beach

Copper Coast Scenic Drive

Waterford and Suir Valley Railway

Day Trips

In addition to the plethora of local attractions, Waterford Castle Resort is also an ideal base for full or half day trips to nearby counties.

Historic Kilkenny town is just an hours drive North and is well-known for it's versatile attractions including the Kilkenny Castle and Gardens and Medieval Mile Museum.

To the East, Wexford is home to exciting features such as Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the world, and Loftus Hall, one of Ireland's most infamous haunted houses.

To the west, Cork is full of colourful towns and scenic areas, including Cobh and the amazing Spike Island.

Family Activities in Waterford

The Best Things to Do with Kids Near Waterford Castle:

Planning a family getaway in Ireland’s Sunny South East? Waterford is a dream destination filled with outdoor adventure, coastal charm, and cultural fun for all ages. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or enjoying a longer stay at Waterford Castle Resort, discover unforgettable family activities in Waterford right on your doorstep.

🏰 Why Choose Waterford for a Family Break?

✅ Ireland’s oldest city with modern, family-friendly attractions

✅ Stunning beaches, bike trails, and outdoor experiences

✅ Safe, walkable spaces and engaging history

✅ Waterford Castle: a peaceful island retreat with space to roam

Whether your children love nature, castles, animals, or action-packed fun, you’ll find things to do in Waterford for families that everyone will enjoy.

Top Family Activities in Waterford

🚴 Waterford Greenway

Cycle along Ireland’s most scenic trail, stretching 46km from Waterford City to Dungarvan.

Family bike hire available locally

Stop-offs for picnics and ice cream

Safe, car-free path suitable for all ages

🏖️ Dunmore East & Tramore Beaches

Just 20–30 minutes from the resort, these beaches offer soft sand, rock pools, and summer amusements.

Paddle, explore, or play mini-golf

Cafés and playgrounds nearby

🏰 King of the Vikings VR Experience

Step inside a reconstructed Viking house for a 360° virtual reality tour — the first of its kind in the world!

Immersive and fun learning for kids

Right in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle

🌿 Mount Congreve Gardens

Explore woodland walks, wildflower meadows, and riverside trails.

Accessible walking for strollers and younger kids

Café with seasonal treats and outdoor seating

🐐 Ardmore Open Farm & Mini Zoo

A family favourite just outside Waterford, featuring:

Animal feeding and petting zones

Tractor rides, indoor play area, and zipline

Great for toddlers and primary-age children

🎯 Activate Waterford

An indoor adventure centre ideal for rainy days!

Climbing walls, soft play, ninja zone, and more

Drop-in sessions or pre-booked activities

🏛️ Waterford Treasures Museums

Explore the city’s Viking and Medieval roots through hands-on exhibits, maps, and artefacts.

Fun scavenger hunts for kids

Tickets valid across 5 engaging museums

🏞️ Kids Activities at Waterford Castle

Enjoy fun right here on the island!

Nature trails and secret paths to explore

Lawn games and open space for safe play

Golf practice facilities for older kids

Family dining options in the Castle or Clubhouse

Our self-catering lodges are perfect for flexible family stays, complete with kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and plenty of privacy.

👉 [Explore Family Lodge Offers]

🍽️ Family Dining Options

From Castle breakfasts to casual dinners, dining with little ones is easy and elegant:

Kids’ menus available at the Castle and King’s Channel Clubhouse

Afternoon Tea for all ages

High chairs and dietary needs accommodated

Takeaway and in-lodge dining options for relaxed evenings

Waterford Attractions

Located just minutes drive from Waterford City Centre, there are lots of things to do near Waterford Castle Resort. The Private Island boasts an ideal location for exploring the many attractions around Waterford and surrounding areas of Ireland's Ancient East. Keep reading to find out some of our top recommendations and highlights, based on local staff knowledge and positive feedback from our past guests.

Staff Picks

Mahon Falls and the Comeragh Mountains - Recommended by our Maintenance Manager

This picturesque walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels due to a nearby carpark, however adventure seekers and experienced hikers can do a longer route. The Mahon waterfall and walk allows for scenic mountain views, and you might be lucky enough to see some sheep and goats! You can read more about it on the Visit Waterford website here

Anne Valley Scenic Walk

This peaceful walk is one of Waterford's hidden gems, featuring marshland and views of the ruins of Dunhill Castle. You might spot some fairy doors along the way too..... The walk is very accessible with benches dotted along the way, and is suitable for most wheelchairs and prams/buggy's. You can read more about it here.

Activate - Recommended by our Reservations Manager

Activate is an indoor family fun centre with activities such as bowling, mini golf, roller skating, laser tag and more. Perfect for those rainy days and only a 5 minute drive from the Island Resort. Read more and book here.

Hook Lighthouse - Recommended by our Marketing Assistant

The drive is itself an adventure, taking in the nearby Passage East Car Ferry (a little bigger than our own Mary Fitzgerald!) and stunning coastline views. Hook Lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in the world and is open for tours. Hook is about 45mins drive from the Resort, depending on the departing Passage East ferry times, which can be checked here.

Inistioge - Recommended by a Member of our Reception Team

Pronounced "in-ish-tee-guh" - this small village in nearby Kilkenny has a lot to offer. Kilkenny boasts scenic lakeside walks. The Woodstock Gardens and historic Jerpoint Abbey are also closeby. The village is about 40 mins drive from the Resort, and you can find more about things to do here.

Waterford Treasures Museums - Recommended by a Member of our Reception Team

The Waterford Treasures consists of five museums located in the historic Viking Triangle area of Waterford City Centre. Together they tell the story of Waterford, Ireland's Oldest City and founded by Vikings in the 9th Century. The Medieval Museum features an impressive collection of medieval artefacts, however the enchanting 13th Century Choristers Hall is likely to be the highlight for many. The Bishop's Palace recreates life in a 18th Century townhouse, and has recently added a new state of the art 3D experience which brings to life the fascinating story of glass making in Waterford. Reginald's Tower is Ireland's oldest civic building with hundreds of years of history within its walls. The newly opened Museum of Time and Museum of Silver began welcoming guests in 2021, and offer even more for guests to see and discover. Read more about the museums and plan your visit here.

Guest Favourites

House of Waterford Crystal

The world famous glass factory and tourist attraction remains the most popular attraction with our guests. Our reception team are on hand to assist with bookings, or for more information visit their website.

Tramore

This small seaside town on the scenic Copper Coast is a firm family favourite, and located just 20mins drive from the Resort. The town features a Blue Flag Beach with a number of surf schools, an amusement park (open seasonally), an indoor swimming pool with a fun aqua park and stunning cliffside walks. While there, we recommend to eat at our new sister property One the Waterfront, offering beach access, a spacious outdoor terrace, panoramic sea views and an informal atmosphere.

Waterford Greenway

Opened in 2017, the magnificent 46km route has quickly become one of the most popular attractions in Ireland's Ancient East. The impressive route takes in tunnels, historic viaducts and seaside views. There are a number of bike rental companies in Waterford City, our reception team are happy to assist. Read more about the Greenway and plan your route here.

Mount Congreve

These extensive gardens are home to one of the largest collections of plants in Ireland. The gardens have over 16km of walkways with curiosities such as a Chinese Pagoda and a Greek-style temple, and over 3,000 different varieties of trees and shrubs. Visit their website here.

Hidden Gems

Axe Junkies

If you really want to try a unique activity in Waterford, a visit to Axe Junkies Waterford City is a must! Strictly over 18's and with rigorous safety measures in place, axe throwing is described as "think of it as darts...but with an axe". While it may not be for everyone, it's certainly an experience you will never forget! Visit https://axejunkies.ie/ for more information

Ballysaggartmore Towers

This hidden gem is popular for photographers and social media, especially Instagram. The fairytale stone towers were built in 1850 by a wealthy estate owner for his wife. It is located near Lismore in west Waterford and you can find directions here.

The Sea Gardener

Perhaps the most unique experience in Waterford - join Marie Power (better known as The Sea Gardener) foraging for seaweed on the beautiful Waterford coastline or a seaweed cookery class. Learn about the different uses and benefits of Irish seaweed - from dining to health, beauty and gardening. You can read more here.

Blackwater Distillery

The modern distillery produces popular brands of gin and Irish whisky which you can taste in both our Fitzgerald Bar and Kings Channel Clubhouse. The gin in particular is a popular souvenir or gift, with Irish infusions such as Wexford strawberry or Barry's Tea. Tours of the distillery, located about an hour away in Ballyduff, are available for adults and children aged 9 and up. You can book on their website here.

Waterford Castle Resort

Can we name ourselves as a hidden gem? We think so! From the unique ferry crossing to the rich history of the Castle and grounds (from its time as a monk settlement, to the family home of the Fitzgerald family - to its time as a farm!), the Island Resort is not just a hidden gem, but a jewel in the crown of Ireland's Ancient East.

Immerse Yourself in the Ultimate Golfing Experience in Ireland

Ireland’s only true Island golf course, surrounded by the River Suir and accessible by complimentary car ferry. Waterford Castle Golf Resorts & Club (WCGC) enjoys idyllic seclusion located minutes from Waterford City Centre, 90 mins from Dublin and Cork.

The 18-hole par 72 Des Smyth designed course is located on a 310-acre Private Island. The 6814-yard course covers an area of over 200 acres on the Island Resort, with parkland and woodland areas including numerous scenic and strategically challenging features.

Tee times can be booked online or by phoning the Pro Shop on 051 871 633.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, named Golf Experience of the Year 2023 for Munster by the Irish Hotel Awards, and shortlisted for Ireland's Best Golf Hotel 2021 by the World Golf Awards.