Castlemartyr ResortGetoff to an Opul tManor 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 opul t 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 opul t, 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 Bla ey Stone at Bla ey 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. http://www.affluentmagazine.com/articles/article/587

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