Situated on the Ardmore Peninsula in southern Waterford, close to Ireland’s earliest Christian settlement and the quiet undiscovered beauty of eastern Cork, the Cliff House Hotel has a sensational location overlooking the sands of Ardmore and pods of dolphin that frolic in the Irish Sea. Built in a series of sun-drenched terraces that drop down to the waves, the architecture of Cliff House is contemporary in design featuring white walls, slate tiles and living roofs, and built to maximise the extraordinary sea views.
All of the rooms and suites are sea-facing and many are interconnected, making Cliff House an excellent option for families. While the views are equally dramatic from every room, it’s worth paying a little extra for the space offered by the balcony or terrace rooms. Bathrooms are ample and indulgent, some featuring glass showers overlooking the waves, and the amenities are just what you might expect in a five-star hotel.
One of the main pleasures in staying at Cliff House is enjoying the superb waterfront contemporary Irish cuisine at the House Restaurant, presided over by Dutch chef Martijn Kajuiter, in one of only eight Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland. When the weather is fine, you can dine on the terrace and enjoy dishes such as ceviche of fresh Cork scallops or roasted squab with beetroots and foie gras accompanied by fine wines, before repairing to the bar and sampling an aged Irish whiskey. And while the hotel’s design may be distinctly modern, the charming service is reassuringly old world and friendly.
Out and about there is plenty to explore. Active types can explore the coast in a sea kayak, swim in the pool, go surfing and sailing or gallop a horse along the beach, while keen golfers have a number of world-class nearby courses to choose from including Old Head of Kinsale and Mount Juliet.
If you want to take it a little easier, you can explore one of Ireland’s finest round towers, shop for Waterford crystal or forage for edible plants along the cliffs. In season, between October and March, the resident marine biologist offers whale-watching walks to spot dolphins, porpoises and fin whales. And when you are done for the day, let all your cares wash away in Cliff House’s wonderful destination spa.
