Stunning Irish town that feels like a fairytale | UK | Travel

Nestled peacefully in County Waterford, Ireland, lies this idyllic town, where an imposing castle and flourishing gardens create a serene day out. On the shores of the River Blackwater in the county’s northwest corner sits Lismore, a modest village brimming with historical tales.

Whilst it maintains its charming character, housing just over 1,300 inhabitants, it’s dominated by a magnificent castle, cathedral and several other heritage structures. The original castle constructed on this remarkable site dates back to 1185, positioned at the water’s edge with an extremely commanding presence over the landscape beneath. Though it has been reconstructed twice since, with the majority of what stands today rebuilt in Gothic fashion throughout the 19th century.

Castle

Initially it was owned by the Earls of Desmond, then the Earls of Cork, before passing to the Cavendish family in 1753. Today, it serves as the Irish residence of the Duke of Devonshire, inhabited by Lord and Lady Burlington, the son and daughter-in-law of the 12th Duke.

Whilst portions of the residence remain in family use, and the castle isn’t available for public tours, they do provide a private accommodation experience. A « luxury venue » inside the castle can be reserved for eight to 12 guests to lodge, and it can accommodate up to 27 people for a private function or celebration.

Gardens

Whilst the castle remains closed to visitors, the public can explore all 10 acres of Lismore Castle Gardens, alongside its on-site art gallery and café. For gardening enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy strolling through a stunning location, the grounds are all tucked within the 17th-century defensive walls of the castle.

The picturesque grounds are thought to be the oldest cultivated gardens in the entire nation and benefit from breathtaking views. Across its extensive site, visitors can discover a diverse array of plants and trees, all expertly maintained by the gardening team, plus a surprise sculpture collection concealed throughout.

One visitor shared: « Always such a beautiful place to visit. The gardens are well tended to, yet not overly manicured, and the environment and nature seem to be a priority. Whilst I love to go in June when the roses and gardens are in full colour, it has plenty to offer outside of this. »

Places to eat

Following some time appreciating the castle vistas and exploring its grounds, Main Street in Lismore hosts several excellent dining establishments. There’s even a restaurant recognised by TripAdvisor reviews as being the top destination for food, situated in the shadow of the magnificent Lismore Castle.

Foley’s on the Mall continues to impress patrons, garnering glowing testimonials for its traditional Irish pub ambience. One guest shared: « Highly recommended. A super-extensive tapas menu. The quality of the dishes and their presentation was excellent. Five-star service. »

Also ranking amongst residents’ preferred establishments are Lizzie Brien’s Café, Fuller’s Bistro, Rose’s West End Bar and several highly-rated takeaways. Describing their experience at Fuller’s Bistro as « fabulous », one visitor claimed they were eager to return for another meal.

A customer wrote: « I have to say the food is so awesome, and we really enjoyed it very much. The staff and the owner, Sandra, are so nice and friendly. Truly well worth going there. I would recommend this place to anyone. Can’t wait to visit again. »

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