Castlemartyr Resort ticks all the boxes

 

Castle Walls at Castlemartyr Estate

I had the pleasure of visiting Castlemartyr Resort recently and to say I was impressed would be an understatement.   If like me, you are a Mom looking for a little bit of 5-star luxury while trying to ensure your little ones also have a fun and enjoyable stay, then Castlemartyr should be top of your list for your next family break

We all have fond memories of days gone by, when we were able to enjoy romantic holidays and spa breaks, and while I still yearn for those kinds of holidays, nowadays I see a holiday destination and I think “oh the kids would love that”! Well, the kids would love Castlemartyr! And you don’t need to compromise on standard or style.  As for romance – well, you couldn’t help but feel enamoured in this fairy-tale setting.

The impressive Castlemartyr Estate comprises of a stunning five-star hotel with four different dining options, a 220-acre wooded parkland and a choice of family friendly self-catering accommodation.

Aerial View of Castlemartyr Resort

I was so lucky on the day I visited Castlemartyr as the December sun cast a golden sheen over the vast Resort which provided the most picturesque backdrop. The Estate itself is simply breath-taking, with waterfalls and rolling greenery. We entered the grand reception area with it’s old style charm and contemporary luxury and were met by a pleasant receptionist who dialled through to our host who was going to give us the grand tour.

Outdoor patio area at Castlemartyr Hotel

We were taken by the hotel’s concierge to the 2-bedroom Walled Gardens. These spacious self-catering homes are modern and homely with all the comforts you would expect from a 4-star home. The spacious open plan kitchen and dining area with multi-channel TV is flooded with brilliant natural light.

The Walled Gardens are situated about an 8 to 10-minute walk from the hotel. In the tranquil and peaceful setting of the Resort’s parkland your kids can safely roam free.

Bright and airy living area at The Walled Garden Lodges at Castlemartyr

The two-bedroom Walled Gardens comprise of a king-size double bedroom and a second bedroom which can be zipped and linked as a king or two single beds. For families, there is also the bonus of multi-channel tv in both rooms and free WIFI with cot and highchair available on request.

Pool area at The Health Club at Castlemartyr Resort

There is a large decking area outside each lodge with picnic table to facilitate outdoor dining. Parking is right outside your door which is very convenient for unloading and reloading the family car. At Castlemartyr Resort your four legged family members are welcomed as this is a pet friendly resort with lots of lovely walks on site for you and your pooch to enjoy! So you can bring the whole family on holidays if you choose to stay in a two bedroom Lodge.

View from the hotel patio area – Castlemartyr Resort

Dream Ireland also offer 3 bedroom units at Herons Reach. These 3-bedroom houses have been specifically designed to enhance the stunning surroundings of the Resort. These are very contemporary in design and incorporate many natural elements.  Large windows frame the lush woodlands and allow natural light to flood the entire home.

Exterior image of Herons Reach at Castlemartyr Resort

Heron’s Reach have a dining area suitable for six and a spacious yet cosy open plan living area downstairs. There is also a well-equipped modern kitchen for those who choose to cook for themselves. An outdoor terrace overlooks the Resort’s lush setting.

Dining area at Castlemartyr’s 3 bedroom Herons Reach

The lodges are modern and well finished and would be classified as a luxury four star self-catering property.

Guests of both Walled Garden Lodges and Herons Reach have use of the hotel leisure centre and towels and toiletries are provided, with towels also available for use in the leisure centre. There are restricted times for kids which I feel is a great idea –  as a Mom of 3 it’s nearly easier to say, “oh we have to go now because that’s the rules” as opposed to trying to coax three shrivelled raisins out of the pool after 4 hours of paddling!

Once out of the pool why not enjoy a peaceful and relaxing horse drawn carriage ride through the Estate (this needs to be prearranged with the hotel prior to arrival) or a leisurely walk through the vast resort where memories are just waiting to be made!

Family friendly pool area at Castlemartyr Resort

Any anxieties that you might have that a five-star hotel and kids don’t mix should quickly be banished from your mind. The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and relaxed. The hotel is luxurious and classy while being relaxed and just posh enough to feel indulged, yet still completely at ease as a family.

Franchini’s Italian Restaurant in the main hotel offers an affordable and casual dining experience with a family friendly menu of pizza and pasta and a lovely little play room just off the restaurant to entertain the younger kids between courses! During the peak summer months they also offer barbecue and outdoor dining options (subject to numbers and weather conditions).

There are of course more formal dining options and a bar menu available if perhaps Mom and Dad decide to avail of a babysitting service (please ensure you pre-arrange with the hotel).

Franchini’s family friendly Italian Restaurant at Castlemartyr Hotel

There is plenty to do in East Cork, from Fota Wildlife Park, Leahys Open Farm in nearby Midleton to Ballymaloe Cookery School, Trabolgan and of course the delights that Cork City itself has to offer.

Then again, you may well decide not to bother leaving the Resort at all – and why would you when you have ample dining options, relaxation and luxury right on your door step?

Evening shot of the historic Castle Walls

From a personal point of view all I can say is “I will be back and I look forward to it!”

This stunning Resort ticks all the boxes for me, I get luxury, I get Spa time, I get family-friendly dining and plenty to keep the kids occupied both onsite and locally. Dad gets an onsite golf course and the kids get freedom to explore a majestic and historic setting that is sure to set their imagination into overdrive and make memories that will last a lifetime! What are you waiting for? Call Dream Ireland to book your family holiday to Castlemartyr today!

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