Castlemartyr Resort spreads across 220 acres of parkland and woodland in East Cork. At its centre is an 18th-century manor house, standing beside the ruins of an 800-year-old castle whose story takes in Strongbow, Walter Raleigh and the Templars. The resort opened in 2008 and now has 110 rooms and suites, along with 36 self-catering residences in the Gate Houses and the Orchard. The rooms in the manor house keep a period feel, while the newer wing and the residences are plainly contemporary. Food is a strong reason to come. Terre, the two-MICHELIN-starred dining room in the manor house, serves a tasting menu by Lewis Barker, and there is also Canopy for Irish cooking, the Hunted Hog pub, a bar and afternoon tea. The spa uses ESPA therapies, and the inland links course was designed by Ron Kirby. East Cork is good country for day trips, with Midleton Distillery, Ballymaloe and the coast all close at hand. Families are well served too, with kids' clubs over school holidays, and some rooms take dogs.
- Nearest airport
- Cork Airport (ORK), 18 Miles / 28 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 110 rooms and suites, plus 36 residences
Insider tip Book the spa's signature treatment, which works through an exfoliation, a mud wrap, hot stones and a facial in one long session.
Why I choose it Character, serious cooking and a large estate within half an hour of Cork Airport. The residences suit families who want their own front door.