Weekend break: A royal welcome at the Castlemartyr Resort, Cork

Sometimes you don’t need to travel for the perfect getaway. Karen Funnell enjoyed a rare night away at the Castlemartyr Resort, just 20 minutes from the city.

THE lap of luxury — it’s a term freely bandied about when describing five-star hotels. However, in the case of the Castlemartyr Resort, it’s well justified.

It had been over two years since the other half and myself had enjoyed a night away in a hotel sans enfants so we were a bit like giddy children ourselves on the trip to Castlemartyr, only 20 minutes’ drive from the city.

The resort consists of a grand 17th century country manor house that sits adjacent to the ruins of an 800-year-old-castle.

It is nestled in the heart of a thriving village, amid 220 acres of sumptuous landscape with streams, parkland and a lake.

The views from every angle are breathtaking.

The castle from which the village of Castlemartyr takes its name was first built in 1210 by the Knights Templar, one of the most famous of the Christian military orders under the leadership of Richard Earl de Clare, more commonly known as Strongbow.

The lands changed hands many times over the centuries — among its owners were Sir Walter Raleigh and Richard Boyle, the first Earl of Cork.

In fact, it was under Boyle’s stewardship that the construction of the magnificent Manor House took place in the 17th century.

This has been restored to its former grandeur and now forms the centrepiece of the resort.

The hotel includes a 10 treatment room spa, a fitness studio, and golf course.

There are 103 guest rooms and suites as well as self-catering accommodation.

The place is spectacular — and enormous.

Be prepared for plenty of walking — my only regret wasn’t bringing a spare pair of flats.

We had a suite on the third floor, which is a fair distance from the bar and restaurant but you get used to meandering through the marble-floored corridors, admiring artworks on the wall and returning the smiles and greetings of a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional staff.

They really can’t do enough for you at the Castlemartyr.

It really is service with a smile, and nothing is too much effort. They work really hard to make you feel like you’re the only guest staying there.

We were booked into a junior suite and it was, quite simply, fabulous.

We were greeted with a spectacular view and a bottle of Prosecco — what more could you ask for?

Most of the suites have a balcony which overlook the beautiful gardens or golf course.

They have a spacious adjoining sitting room and luxurious marbled bathrooms with separate rainforest shower.

We enjoyed a pre-dinner leisurely glass of wine in the Knights Bar, where we could enjoy the spectacular views as we sipped our drinks.

It was a sunny day and the place was buzzing amid preparations for a wedding fair which was taking place the following day and yet relaxed at the same time.

The hotel offers four dining options: The Bell Tower Restaurant, the Italian casual dining restaurant, Franchini’s, the relaxed Knights Bar, and the informal Clubhouse — offering a lighter dining option.

We were booked into the Bell Tower, which offers a sumptuous choice of Irish cuisine ‘with a twist’, all seasonal and locally produced.

For starter I opted for the Ballycotton smoked salmon, pickled beetroot, Mascarpone mousse, spring onion and crab beignet. It was delicious — a decent enough portion for a starter but not so much that it would take away from the main course.

My other half went for pan fried Irish scallops, celeriac and apple puree with an apple and roast walnut butter.

His appetite is bigger than mine but he was happy with the portion size.

I’m generally not a fan of sorbets or mango but our waiter urged me to try one so I duly obliged.

It was delicious, and a perfect palate cleanser, just as he’d suggested.

For mains, it was roast breast of Skeaghanore duck for himself with stem broccoli, roast sunchokes, and orange curd — cooked rare as he asked and, in his own words, to perfection, accompanied by a creamed potato.

I plumped for the pan-fried sea bass with curled kale, spring onion, and almonds and served with a delicious creamed potato. The fish was tender, beautifully cooked, and I finished everything on the plate — which for those who know me is a rare enough feat.

The whole thing was washed down with a bottle of sauvignon blanc that came recommended by our knowledgeable waiter, which, while not cheap, was well worth the outlay.

After such a sumptuous feast, we felt the need for a post-dinner ramble.

We headed into the village — a mere five-minute walk — where we enjoyed a sing-song in Pat Shortt’s pub before heading back to the resort for a cheeky Mojito before bed.

We opted for a lazy stay — we don’t get out much and for us it’s all about the wine and dine — but there is plenty to do if you prefer a more active break.

You can take a carriage ride around the grounds or try your hand at horse riding, archery, fishing, or laser clay pigeon shooting. And obviously it’s a golfer’s paradise.

The world is your oyster while you’re at the Castlemartyr and the main thought that ran through my head during our stay was ‘I could get used to this’.

Deluxe rooms at the Castlemartyr start at €160 depending on time of year and length of stay.

Offers for September include 2 nights B&B and one evening meal for two people for €495.

A two night spa break starts from €338 and a golfer’s dream (2 nights B&B in deluxe twin) from €285.

For room reservations, Tel: [phone]