Visitors to County Cork can experience the centuries of history that Ireland has to offer while also enjoying the best of 5-star, 21st century luxury when visiting Castlemartyr Resort, which sits near Cork City and the Cork Airport. The grounds of the resort surround a castle dating back to approximately 1210 A.D., and a Manor House where guests can enjoy the accommodations, dining and the view. It is just one of many unique accommodations found in Ireland.
5-Star Manor House
There are 11 rooms and suites in the 18th century Manor House, that sits just yards from the castle ruins, while also providing views of the surrounding parkland. These rooms and suites have a computer system right next to the bed. This allows guests to control lighting, window curtains and all electronics without ever having to leave the comfort of the bed covers.
The 92 rooms and suites in the new wing of the hotel also offer views of the castle and grounds, but have a more contemporary feel in their decor.
Garden Mews
Those wishing to experience the castle up close can stay in the Garden Mews, or “The Mews”, self-catering accommodations built right off the castle walls. Other self-catering options can be found in the Golf Lodges, two-and-three bedroom condominium-style properties located further in on the property. Guests staying in both the Mews and the Lodges can enjoy all of the facilities and options available at the resort.
Recreation in Irish Parklands
Castlemartyr Resort sits on 220 acres of landscaped parkland, gardens and woodland. While a round on the 18-hole golf course is one way to have a look around the property, there are many others such as pedaling the bikes that are available for use, or taking the resort’s two resident Irish Setters for a walk in the woods. Another option is to simply head out the back of the Manor House onto the lawn for a round of croquet. Activities such as fly-fishing, clay pigeon shooting can also be arranged.
Those who would rather stay indoors, but still have beautiful views of the outdoors, can take a swim in the heated pool, or workout in the fitness area. Both of these sit in a building with glass walls, allowing guests to enjoy the comforts of the indoors while gazing on the manicured gardens of the hotel.
Gaelic Escape
The same building which houses the pool and fitness center also houses the Spa at Castlemartyr, which offers signature treatments such as the “Gaelic Escape,” which gets rid of stress and tension through deep release and hot stone massages.
Dining In The Bell Tower
There are several options to choose from when eating at Castlemartyr, but the highlight is the Bell Tower Restaurant which sits in the Manor House and overlooks the gardens. The menu features local and seasonal produce used to produce modern Irish cuisine.
Light or informal meals can be taken in the Knight’s Bar, which offers a lounge menu to go along with a full-bar, or if the weather is nice, sit on the terrace.
One of the highlights of any stay at Castlemartyr Resort is having traditional afternoon tea served on the terrace in nicer weather, or in one of the lounges. Tea is served every day from 3-5:30 p.m. and includes sandwiches on Irish soda bread, scones with clotted cream, and any sort of tea one can imagine from Earl Grey to Jasmine to Lemon Verbena.
Castlemartyr Resort - Ladysbridge Road Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, Ireland
353-21-421-9000
Castlemartyr Resort has history on a property that offers great outdoor recreation options. When guests are done walking around the castle ruins and through the beautiful landscape, they can head into the Manor House for gourmet meals and luxury accommodations.
Kathleen Curry - As a self-professed travel guru Kathleen Curry has spent many of her days and future retirement savings on travel. She has worked in the ...
