Stay in Style
Allow us to plan your visit and explore our choice of luxury hotels, bijou guest houses and country homes near Lismore. We know the hidden gems and local recommendations for your visit to Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Lismore, neighbouring villages Cappoquin,Villierstown, and Dungarvan in Waterford, and Youghal and Castlemartyr in Cork. These welcoming local communites offer a wide choice of places to stay, from country house hotels, B&Bs and pubs, to self-catering in traditional Irish cottages, or find out about how to stay at Lismore Castle.
The luxury five-star Castlemartyr Resort is the Preferred Hotel Partner of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. This grand 17th century country manor house sits adjacent to the ruins of an 800 year old castle in East Cork. 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, 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. Youghal 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, history trails, lace and camera museums and more.
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 above Ardmore Bay.
We have assembled a large selection of festival accommodation options for your consideration below. Early booking is recommended for accommodation during Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival.
Select Accommodation
Lismore Castle
Dating from 1170, Lismore is a privately owned castle offering luxury accommodation. Rent the castle during the festival – sleeps 8 to 12 in an intimate setting or up to 27 for a bigger party.
00353 58 54288
Castlemartyr Resort
BVOF Preferred Hotel Partner offering exclusive BVOF Opera Packages. This 103-room five-star luxury resort is set on 220 acres with an 18 hole golf course, wellness spa, fine dining, suites and self-catering cottages.
Cashel Palace Hotel
A Palladian manor, in the heart of Ireland, Cashel Palace is a luxury hideaway, meticulously restored and exquisitely reimagined. Experience the spa, Michelin dining and exclusive BVOF Opera Package offers.
Cliff House Hotel
A five-star, privately owned luxury hotel above Ardmore Bay. This 39-room Irish seaside boutique hotel also features an intimate Irish destination spa and Michelin-star restaurant.
Ballyrafter House
Ideally situated for Lismore Castle opera nights and as a base for festival week, this ten-bedroom country house B&B sits on a 15-acre farm just over the bridge from Lismore town. Surrounded by rolling gardens and views of the Knockmealdowns, Ballyrafter House offers peace, comfort, and convenience.
Cliff River Lodge
Luxurious 4-bedroom residence, within the picturesque landscapes of Ballyduff, just a short hop from Lismore Castle. Breathtaking views. State-of-the-art amenities, and private access to a serene lake. Once a proud Garda Station, this meticulously renovated guest house is based just a short hop from Lismore.
Ballyin House
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.
The Fitzwilton Hotel
The Fitzwilton Hotel is a boutique hotel consisting of 90 stylish rooms and suites. Ideally located in the centre of Waterford City, with many spacious rooms offering floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of the river Suir and the cityscape.
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 self-catering lodges.
Hayfield Manor Hotel
Located in Cork City, an hour’s drive from Lismore. An award winning 5 star boutique hotel in the heart of Cork City, with private walled gardens, fine dining and a Beautique Spa.
Country House Hotels
Glenbeg House
Jacobean manor available for exclusive private hire in Glenbeg, Lismore Waterford. Six large double rooms alternating between four poster beds and canopy beds, and five bathrooms.
Ballyvolane House
A historic Irish country house of extraordinary warmth, style and comfort that provides 5* luxury manor house accommodation, bespoke intimate weddings, private house parties/exclusive house rentals, in the beautiful North Cork countryside.
Ballymaloe House
A luxurious, family-run period house with 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.
Cappoquin | Curraghglass Accommodation (8 – 10 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.
Lisnabrin Country House
Exclusive accomodation for up to 17 guests with 6 ensuites and one family room. Extensive grounds, BBQ terrace, firepit, 10-seat hot-tub, and a games wing.
Dungarvan Accommodation (24 km)
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.
The Park Hotel
Four-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 homes.
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, self-catering lodges, cottages, villas and suites.
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.
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.
The Hatmaker Boutique Hotel
Experience luxury at the new boutique townhouse hotel, in the heart of Dungarvan. 16 individually styled rooms, each featuring super-king beds, premium Irish linens and smart technology.
Youghal Accommodation (28 km)
The Lighthouse Keeps Her
A 200 year old lighthouse keepers house, set atop the cliffs at Youghal Bay. The fully renovated modern house sleeps six people ( two double sea-facing rooms, one twin room). Irish Independent – Top 50 Places to Stay in Ireland.
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.
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.
