The Island

An old castle on an island in the estuary of the River Suir downstream from Waterford which always belonged to this branch of the Fitzgeralds-of which the most famous member in recent times was Edward Fitzgerald.

In 1900 it was remodelled, modernized and had large wings added to it by Edward Fitzgearlds great-nephew Gerald Purcell- to the design of Roymane Walker. 

The wings are almost as high as the centre, and, like it, have Irish battlements; the centre being flanked by 2 small turrets. 

The walls are more or less devoid of ornament; there are many stoned mullioned windows and a mullioned conservatory at one side of the building. 

The interior is Baronial and lavish Edwardian-Elizabethan; there is a great hall with walls of Portland stone, Gothic arches and a stone fireplace carved with an impressive heraldic achievement; there is a very large dining room panelled in oak with an Elizabethan-style plasterwork ceiling, and other rooms in the same manner. 

After being let for some years The Island was sold 1960 by Princess Ferdinando d'Ardua Caracciolo. You can now go by boat to explore this castle.

It is now a modern hotel.