Festival Accommodation

 

There is a wide range of festival accommodation to choose from for your visit to the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Lismore, and it’s neighbouring village, Cappoquin, will be hosting the opera and the recitals respectively. These are quiet, characterful riverside villages, a 10km drive apart, where the friendly local community offers a wide choice of places to stay, from country house hotels, B&Bs and pubs, to self-catering in traditional Irish cottages, or renting the whole of Lismore Castle itself.

Alternatively, you may choose to build a short break that takes advantage of the great outdoor facilities on offer. The harbour town of Dungarvan, a 20-minute drive east, at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains is the start of the Waterford Greenway, and has great coastal scenery and three golf courses.  The Park Hotel Dungarvan overlooks the Colligan River and is an ideal base if you are searching for festival accommodation, and touring or holidaying in Ireland’s ‘Sunny South East’. Travelling further east on the N25 Waterford City, a scenic drive of 60 minutes from Lismore, has numerous festival accommodation options as well as an exciting mix of things to see and do.

As Ireland’s oldest Christian site, Ardmore (30 mins) is ideally placed to take centre stage of Ireland’s Ancient East. The Round Tower in this Co. Waterford village, where St. Declan established his monastery, is the only monastery on Ireland’s coast. Its delightful beach and cliff walks provide a tranquil oasis of sea views. Home to one of finest 5-star hotels in Ireland, the luxury Cliff House Hotel includes an Irish destination spa and a one-star Michelin restaurant; as well as a luxury self-catering hotel, Cliff Cottage, and the stunning Cliff Beach House – a modern, architect-designed home above Ardmore Bay.

Over the county border into East Cork there is an impressive range of accommodation options available. The region also boasts several world class visitor attractions such as the Jameson Distillery and Spike Island to provide an active counterbalance to opera and recitals as part of your stay. Nestled amid East Cork’s woodlands, the luxury 5-star Castlemartyr Resort & spa is a grand 17th century country manor house that sits adjacent to the ruins of an 800 year old castle. Surrender to luxury with a choice of guest rooms, suites and self-catering lodges, wellness spa, fine dining, and 18 hole golf course. From Cobh to Midleton, Ballycotton to the Ring of Cork, this beautiful region can be included as part of your stay this summer.

Youghal, 25-minutes south has a new boardwalk to take you along its long sandy beaches, and combines the charms of its Edwardian heyday as a seaside resort with contemporary holiday facilities. The town centre has links to Walter Raleigh and Moby Dick, with daily guided walks and a choice of water cruises and boating adventure  options. History is brought to life in Youghal Clock Gate Tower and the newly revamped St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal Heritage Trail, Mall Arts Centre with stunning ocean views, and the opulent Regal Cinema.

We have assembled a large selection of festival accommodation options for your consideration below and early booking is recommended for during Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival.

Select Accommodation

Ballymaloe House

A scenic drive 40km to the south of Lismore, this luxurious, family-run period house has a range of rooms in the main house, as well as charming rooms in a lime washed, rose-covered farm building in the courtyard and self catering cottages.

☎ 00353 21 4652531

Cliff House Hotel

A five-star, privately owned luxury hotel, a pleasant 37km drive from Lismore. The building seems to defy gravity, clinging to a cliff above Ardmore Bay. This 39-room Irish seaside boutique hotel  also features an intimate Irish destination spa and one Michelin-star restaurant.

Cliff Cottage

Cliff Cottage is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a luxury self-catering hotel in Ireland. With three large bedrooms — one double with en suite, one double and one twin — Cliff Cottage offers accommodation for up to six adults, with additional space for children.

Cliff Beach House

Cliff Beach House is a modern, architect-designed home located above Ardmore Bay in the country’s sunny Southeast. Expanding over two levels and features six en-suite King sized bedrooms, 2 living rooms, dining room, kitchen, outdoor jacuzzi, indoor gym, steam room and private cinema.

Castlemartyr Resort

This 103-room five-star resort set in 220 acres of mature parkland has an 18 hole golf course, wellness spa, fine dining, suites and self-catering cottages. Just half an hour’s drive from Lismore, this grand 17th century country manor sits adjacent to 800 year old castle ruins. 

Fota Island Resort

Fota Island Resort, a five – star hotel near Carrigtwohill in East Cork, lies within a 780-acre estate of woodlands and three par 71 golf  courses. Choose from stylish rooms or luxury self-catering lodges.

Lismore Castle

Dating from 1170, Lismore is a privately owned castle offering luxury accommodation. Rent the entire castle at the heart of the festival – sleeps 8 to 12 in an intimate setting or up to 27 for a bigger party.

ballyin

Ballyin House Accommodation

Ballyin House, Lismore has two self-contained accommodation properties. Mill View Lodge (up to 6 people) is the old Servant`s Quarters, dating from 1820. ​​The Coach House (up to 2 people) is a Jacobean property from the early 1600`s, which was the original residence of the Coach Hand of Ballyin House. 

Lismore House Hotel festival accommodation

Lismore House Hotel

Ireland’s oldest purpose built hotel is located in the heart of the picturesque town of Lismore. PLEASE NOTE: Lismore House Hotel is not available for visitor accommodation bookings in 2023. 

Cappoquin Accommodation (8 km)

Dromana House Self Catering

Choice of self-catering accommodation in the grounds of one of the Blackwater Valley’s fine houses – Dromana House & Gardens.  Self catering options in either The River Duplex or the East Wing.

Richmond House

Bed and breakfast in a 300-year old country house with extensive grounds. This private and exclusive guest house features an award winning restaurant, luxury guest suites and expansive gardens. 

Pilgrims Rest Hotel festival accommodation 2022

The Pilgrims Rest Hotel

In a beautiful, quiet location with mountain views, Pilgrim’s Rest is a charming, country-house hotel next to Mount Melleray Abbey, with rooms  attached. Suitable for adults only, 

Dungarvan Accommodation (24 km)

Ballinatray Self Catering

Rent the whole 850-acre estate, on a scenic bend of the Blackwater, or choose from an interesting range of luxury self-catering accommodation or two double bedroom pad, The Garden Flat.

Lawlors Hotel

One of the best known and longest established hotels in the coastal town of Dungarvan. A traditional family-run 3-star hotel with comfortable and spacious rooms overlooking the waterfront.

Gold Coast Golf Resort

One of the most popular hotels in Waterford, on the shores of Dungarvan Bay with pool and leisure facilities, 37 stylish hotel rooms, and a range of self-catering lodges, cottages, villas and suites.

The Park Hotel

Classic 4 star family hotel overlooking the Colligan River, situated in the harbour town of Dungarvan. Leisure centre with gym and swimming pool, hotel rooms and self-catering holiday home options.

Kilcannon House

Nestled in the West Waterford countryside,  enjoy a beautiful B&B in a traditional 200 year old farmhouse with 11 acres of grounds, where horses graze and hens forage. Evening meal or picnic by arrangement.

Tannery Townhouse

The Tannery Restaurant and Townhouse in Dungarvan, 25km east of Lismore, offers outstanding cuisine and striking modern décor. Combining quiet luxury and great Irish hospitality.

Youghal Accommodation (28 km)

Aherne's Town House

Comfortable rooms decorated with antiques above a famous seafood restaurant in the town centre. Aherne’s specialises in boutique accommodation, delicious sea food, and a warm welcome.

Carleton Village Self Catering

Modern holiday home villas and apartments, a seasonal outdoor pool and walled garden, a playground and two tennis courts. Just a short walk from the seaside town of Youghal, on the East Cork coastline, 

Walter Raleigh Hotel

A luxury four-star beach front hotel. This large 18th century boutique hotel has three restaurants and is spectacularly located on the seafront promenade, handy for Youghal’s 7km-long Blue Flag beach.

Country House Hotels

The Old Convent

The Old Convent Country House & Restaurant is nestled at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains 15 miles from Lismore. A unique destination for those seeking elegant accommodation, Irish artisan cuisine, refreshing walks in the picturesque countryside and more.

Ballyvolane House

This classic Georgian pile in north Cork is more country house than hotel, and was a founder member of the Hidden Ireland organisation. The Greene family also offer famously up-market “glamping” in 4-metre bell tents, as well as luxury manor house accommodation.

Hayfield Manor Hotel

Located in Cork City, an hour’s drive from Lismore, but it is  designed to feel like a country house, and succeeds. An award winning 5 star boutique hotel in the heart of Cork City, with stunning private walled gardens, gourmet fine dining and a Beautique Spa.