Castlemartyr ResortGetoff to an OpulrntManor House Retreat inCounty Cork, Ireland

Steeped in yesteryear, the majestic hotel stands adjacent to 800-year-old

castle ruins, initially constructed by knights under Richard Earl de Clare. The

pleasant manor house has been beautifully restored and enhanced to present

103 opulrnt rooms and suites, boasting luxurious furnishings, Italian linens

and high-tech flourishes including touch-panel control for lighting and

drapes.

With an inland links-style golf course designed by Ron Kirby, fabulous

wining and dining, a myriad of resort events and an wonderful spa, the

resort is popular with couples, families and groups alike. Its blend of

innovative interior design and world-class facilities has attracted luminaries

which include Beyoncé and Jay-Z who, I’m informed, enjoyed the most extravagent of

all the suites — the Presidential — with its silk-lined bedroom walls, exclusive

sauna and sumptuous living areas.

There’s something for all of us at this Irish treasure; with a host of things to do

including clay pigeon shooting, archery, croquet, strolls through the

forrest trails with the adorable resort dogs Earl and Countess, boating

on the lake and pony and trap rides around the broad estate. Weekend

visitors can step back in time and trace the steps of Sir Walter Raleigh with

a tour around the ancient castle ruins and manicured gardens, while

children are treated like little lords and ladies of the manor, with their own

Children Zone packed full of activities. For adventure-seekers, outside pursuits

— including angling, sailing, nature tours and quad biking — are all

accessible nearby and the concierge crew are only too happy to help in

making arrangements to suit your specifications.

Spa enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven in the quiet surroundings of

The Spa at Castlemartyr; a 24,400-square foot state-of-the-art wellness

center. If you’re after a pampering sojourn, choose from the extensive range

of therapies, such as the signature Gaelic Escape massage, which

uses the unique Anne Sémonin product selection. The stylish treatment

rooms induce overall relaxation, with two being formulated especially for

partners to participate in a massage jointly — the ideal prop for revitalizing the

romance in your relationship! Visitors can also engage in swimming within the

ozone-treated pool, relaxing inside the sauna and steam room, taking yoga or

Pilates courses or simply just soaking up the sights from the comfort of a

poolside day lounge.

Connoisseurs will adore the delightful Bell Tower restaurant with its opulrnt,

locally-sourced seasonal menu, impressive wine list and exhilarative views

of the manicured grounds. Dress to impress every time you head down for

dinner, although, as in these surroundings, you really do not want to feel

too casual. There’s a fashionable bar where you can enjoy an aperitif

and the grand piano in the hall can be heard through the early night chatter.

For more casual dining, the modern Clubhouse delivers tempting

dishes and a fantastic kids’ menu in a less formal surroundings, with beautiful

views over the golf course through the large panoramic window.

Castlemartyr Resort is really a perfect base from which to explore the delights of

Cork City as well as the gorgeous southeast of Ireland. You’ll find ten Blue Flag

beaches in the region, in addition to quaint fishing villages and harbors which

are famed hotspots for whale-watching. The vibrant town centre provides the

best of designer shopping and boasts the only Brown Thomas — Ireland’s

foremost department store — outside of Dublin. You can find a host of not-tobe-

missed sights as well, for example the legendary Blarney Stone at Blarney

Castle, The Titanic Trail at Cobh in which the famous ship last docked and

whiskey tasting at the Jameson Distillery.

With easy worldwide access through Cork Airport, as well as fantastic motorway

links from Dublin, Castlemartyr Resort is ideally positioned for locating

this stunning region of Ireland. There are also direct ferries to Cork

from the UK for those on a touring holiday.

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