Perfect for 5 star hotel breaks in Ireland, Castlemartyr in County Cork provides countless activities for our guests who love the outdoors. East Cork has over 30 sites of national importance, including 6 Special Protection Areas and 13 National Heritage Areas. A popular choice for romantic hotel breaks in Ireland, view our 5 star hotel deals online!

The following activities have proven popular among our guests and as with all of our activities, can be arranged in advance.

The Kids Zone

Children may access the complementary Kids Zone during their stay. The Games Room is located next to the pool and is accessed from the Spa Corridor. Games include air hockey tables, pool tables, football tables and Nintendo Wii.

Spend an hour touring the Manor House, Castle and Gardens – trace the steps of Sir Walter Raleigh, Oliver Cromwell and the Boyle Family (weekends only).

Our resident Red and White Irish Setters, Earl and Countess, are happy to take walks or play fetch with you during your stay. Why not take the leads and walk

We have the finest coaching (including an ex-Irish Olympian instructor) and the most imaginative games available. Nock, Cock Fletch, Vane and Quiver, are just some of the strange terms you will learn when doing this most ancient of sports. Pre-Booking is a must; archery sessions last 90 minutes and require a minimum of 4 guests.

Are you an experienced marksman or have you never picked up a gun before? It doesn't matter, Laser Clay Shooting is great fun. These are REAL shotguns but have been remodelled to fire nothing more than an infrared beam at the clays launched from a traditional clay launcher, so you have all the excitement of a traditional clay pigeon shoot without any of the associated dangers. Pre-Booking is a must; clay shooting sessions last 90 minutes and require a minimum of 4 guests.

Be lured by a game of croquet on Mitchell's Lawn during the Spring and Summer months, and stargazing by night. View the celestial skies with our telescope or scan the heavens with your own eyes as you warm yourself by the fire pit in the shadow of the Castle ruins.

Enjoy fly casting and fishing tuition on-site with our experienced Ghillie, Maurice Cahill (€45 per per person – 90 minutes duration).

Participate in a Dynamic Yoga Relaxation Class
Our Yoga instructor, Peter Tompson has created an approach to yoga called 'dynamic relaxation' which is based on contemporary yoga practices. During the practice you will work through centering and grounding techniques, warm-up exercises, yoga postures, meditation and guided relaxation (€120).

Meditation Class
The class includes a guided meditation allowing you to relax your mind and get into a deeper state of consciousness (€120).

Join your personal Guide Michael Crowley from Trailways to explore the rolling hills, the mountainous terrain and the lush forests of Ireland, hiking through the picturesque outdoors. Take tranquil walks along the beach, enjoying views of the Celtic Sea and listening to the crashing of the waves along the coastline. For the more adventurous, Roberts Cove, situated among the cliffs and approximately 40 minutes away, is located in one of the most scenic bays in South West Cork, looking out towards the famous Daunt Rock beacon, renowned by Yachtsmen.

Join Michael Martin your tour guide at the Commodore Hotel, Cobh for the Titanic Trail. The Titanic Trail is a guided tour around the streets and environs of Cobh, revealing locations and incidents directly connected to the Titanic and many other aspects of the port's history. Visit the actual building in which the White Star Line Office was, the very pier where Titanic passengers departed, St. Colmans Cathedral, the Holy Ground, and the site of the landing of Lusitania victims. The trail brings the whole era of Sailing Ships, departing emigrants (almost 3 million left from Cobh) and great military fleets to life.

Guided walking tours take place every day all year at 11am leaving from the Commodore Hotel in Cobh. Off season (Oct. to Mar.) times may vary. During the summer months of June, July and August extra daily walks operate at 11am and 2pm. At the end of the walk a complimentary sample of Guinness is served in Jack Doyles one of Cobhs most traditional and friendly Irish Bars.

Tours cost €9.50 and last from 60 to 75 minutes. Children under 12 are half price.

For those who like to relax on the waves and feel the wind in their face as they sail the cresting sea, we have an experience for you. Catamaran and yacht sailing day trips around the superb coastline are available. Take in awe-inspiring views of the cliffs along the coast, the bright green of the hills and the deep blue of the sea as you sail through St. George's Channel and the Celtic Sea.

Join our experienced Ghillie, Maurice Cahill on a tailor made fishing trip. With over 20 years of fishing experience, Maurice can advise where and when to Fish, depending on the weather, river conditions and runs of fish. Enjoy salmon fishing starting at €350/day (includes Ghillie and beat), trout fishing in the river starting at €250/day (includes Ghillie and permit) or trout fishing in the lake starting at €250/day (includes Ghillie, boat and engine). All prices cover a per person rate with rod and reel hire. Maurice puts the best fishing and guides at your disposal, ensuring that you have a day to remember.

Off-Shore Fishing

Board the Seahunter Charter Boat, departing Youghal Harbour for an enjoyable half day fishing for Cod, Ling, Pollock (Conger Eel may be caught off wreck diving). Rods and Tackle are available for hire. A half day charter with Skipper will cost €240. Interesting Olex Technology allows you to conduct sea bed mapping and get a 3D visual of wrecks etc. You can also take a trip to the Lousitania wreck site and other such historical sites.

Welcome to bird watching paradise! County Cork is home to hundreds of bird species ranging from the Cormorant to the Black Tailed Godwit. Meander through the Cork woodlands and enjoy the vibrant wildlife. If you prefer creatures of the sea, take to the water and enjoy whale, dolphin and seal watching; fin, humpback and minke whales, bottlenosed dolphins, harbour porpoises and seals dot the seascape.

If cantering through lush, green countryside strikes your fancy, take advantage of the many horseback riding opportunities available at Capella Castlemartyr. At Knocknamana Riding Stables - Minane Bridge (near Carrigaline), riders are surrounded by the spectacular rolling countryside of South Cork, trekking along farm lanes and quiet roads, many of them opening up splendid sea views. The horses are gentle and well-schooled, and are housed in a traditional stone-built courtyard of stables behind Knocknamana House which is a century old and has been in the Corrigan family for 3 generations. Instruction is available from 3 qualified instructors for all levels from complete beginners to those interested in eventing. Unaccompanied children are welcome and refreshments are available. Knocknamana has an enclosed ménage for schooling, horses are available for hire or hunting, and in addition to trekking in quiet country areas and scenic country hacks, beach riding can also be enjoyed tide permitting. Rates are €30.00 for 1 hour, €35.00 for 1.5 hours and €40.00 for 2 hours.

Beginner equestrian enthusiasts will also enjoy Ballywilliam Riding School, near Cobh. Ballywilliam offers arena or beach trekking depending on the tides.

Looking for an "off the beaten track" experience? Try Quad Biking, an "off road" trek on your own All Terrain Vehicle. Negotiate the 9 mile trek through some of the most raw and beautiful countryside around, rain or shine. Rain coats, wellies, helmets, and all weather gear will be supplied on-site. Absolutely no experience is necessary, although you must be 8 years or older; bookings are required in advance. Shower and toilet facilities are available in the Clubhouse. The following costs apply: 8 to 12 years €30, Teenagers €35 and Adults €60 (16 years and up).

The RallyConnection Rally Driving School is based at Millstreet, Cappagh, Dungarvan, County Waterford, in Ireland's sunny southeast, RallyConnection is the perfect venue for an unforgettable rallying experience in the Irish countryside. They use fully prepared rally cars to ensure that our guests experience the realism of a rally car, while benefiting from all the safety features essential in car rallying. The safety of all those participating in school activities is of paramount importance.

Cork has a strong sporting tradition including hurling, rugby, greyhound and horse racing; the sport of kings. Cheer on Castlemartyr GAA, one of Cork's distinguished hurling clubs, as they engage in the ancient Gaelic past-time. The fast paced sport of hurling is sure to entice fans and novices alike. If rugby is more of your flavor, catch a game at the local pitch or watch the Cork Constitution take on its rivals.

Prefer the excitement of racing instead? The Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium in Curraheen, Cork, offers a night of excitement to visitors with ten races every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, while the Cork Racecourse in Mallow, Cork, provides fun with every thundering hoof.

The English Market, Cork City has entrances on Princes Street, Patrick Street and the Grand Parade. It is a covered market for fish, fruit, meat and vegetables. The origins of the market can be traced back to James 1st in 1610, but the present building dates from 1786. In 1980 it was destroyed by fire and was refurbished by Cork Corporation to an award-winning design by the Cork city architect T. F. MacNamara. Foods from all over the world as well as traditional Cork foods can be purchased. Meat eats, fish, breads, organic fruit and vegetables, you'll also find as hot buttered eggs, cheese, olives, crubeens (pigs' feet), and the Cork favourite Tripe and Drisheen.

The Old Distillery in Midleton is steeped in history. The Distillery stands on the banks of the Dungourney River. A tour here is like taking a step back in time and will take you through the magnificent courtyard, to the Distillers Cottage and past the giant waterwheel. In the Brew House you will see the largest Pot Still in the World. Complete this experience in the only way possible with a whiskey tasting session in the Jameson Bar. The tour will take approximately 2 hours and at the end of the tour they will look for volunteers for Whiskey tasking. They always choose the first people to raise their hands - so please be quick! After the Whiskey tasting you will receive a lovely certificate as Qualified Tasters.

See Ireland from a new perspective! Whether its sky high or underwater, adrenaline surges and adventures a wait with these unique activities. Go wreck and reef diving and search for the ruins of famous wartime ships and submarines. Soar through the air with hot air ballooning, a surefire photograph opportunity. Or zoom across the water as you treasure hunt on rib boats.