Location, location, location. The Granville hotel in Waterford sits on the historic quay, a copuye of hundred metres from everything.
Guests who step into the lobby on the quay in Waterford find a reception area finished in warm wood panelling and soft lighting that creates a calm first impression. Staff greet arrivals by name when possible and handle check-in at a polished mahogany desk while offering a complimentary glass of prosecco or tea.
This being Waterford Lár of the Láirge, there is history in every direction. Thomas Francis Meagher was born in this house. The man who introduced the Irish tricolour has a plaque and a statue outside across quay. The view from the bedroom window is of the construction of a new pedestrian bridge that will open up the left bank and transform the city. The lobby displays local Waterford crystal pieces on shelves and comfortable seating invites visitors to sit for a moment before heading to their room.
The building dates to the early 1700s, when the Newport family, merchants and bankers of Dutch origin, constructed it as their home on the banks of the River Suir. The structure passed to Philip Long, a Catholic merchant, before Thomas Meagher acquired it and raised his son Thomas Francis Meagher there, the future Irish patriot who designed the tricolour flag in 1848. Charles Bianconi purchased the property in 1832 and launched Ireland’s first public coach service from its doors, carrying passengers across the country. The house opened as a hotel in 1865 and remained in operation through the years until Liam and Ann Barry bought it in 1979 to restore and run it as a family business.
Visitors arrive at the four-star property in Waterford city centre to find 100 rooms equipped with antique furnishings, tea and coffee facilities, cable television, complimentary WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Classic rooms offer traditional decor with pastel or red bedspreads and wooden pieces, while king rooms feature individual designs and balcony rooms provide views over the quay. Penthouse suites include lounge areas and large en-suite bathrooms for added space. Staff greet arrivals with attention to detail, and the location places the hotel steps from the Viking Triangle, the House of Waterford Crystal, and the start of the Waterford Greenway.
Rooms include king or super-king beds dressed in Irish linen, en-suite bathrooms with power showers and heated floors, flat-screen televisions, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and Nespresso machines with fresh milk delivered daily. Many rooms overlook the River Suir and guests can open windows to hear the water below.
Dining options start with the main Granville Restaurant where breakfast runs from 07:00 to 11:00 and offers a full Irish breakfast alongside continental choices, fresh pastries and fruit. Lunch and dinner menus feature dishes such as pan-seared Atlantic cod, slow-cooked Irish beef and vegetarian options using produce from local suppliers. The adjoining Thomas Francis Meagher Bar serves craft beers, Irish whisies and cocktails in a setting lined with historic photographs of Waterford. Afternoon tea takes place in the lounge with scones, finger sandwiches and a selection of loose-leaf teas for €32 per person. Room service operates 24 hours and includes a late-night menu.
Our room 318 overlooked the quays and came with
The Thomas Francis Meagher Bar serves as a central spot with its whiskey and gin wall, where guests order drinks alongside light meals prepared by head chef Stephen Hooper and bar manager Ann Power. The Bianconi Restaurant delivers dinner menus with appetisers, main courses, and desserts, plus a four-course Sunday lunch option. Meeting rooms support business events, and the recent Trinity Room renovation accommodates gatherings with natural light and flexible layouts.
Michael Skehan took on the role of general manager in July 2022, bringing experience from Thomastown in County Kilkenny to oversee daily operations and guest services. Under his direction, the hotel maintains its focus on comfort and local connections.
Entertainment includes live traditional music sessions on Thursday and Saturday evenings in the bar and a quiet residents’ lounge with board games and daily newspapers. The hotel provides complimentary access to a nearby fitness centre and offers bicycle hire for guests who wish to explore the Waterford Greenway that starts minutes away.
Hospitality touches extend to turn-down service with homemade shortbread left on pillows, umbrellas available at reception for rainy days and a concierge team ready to arrange Viking Triangle walking tours, crystal factory visits or tee times at nearby golf courses.
Bookings open now for 2026 from €122 per night for three or more consecutive evenings, with the same room options and dining selections available throughout the year.
