Family Breaks in Cork

We are situated perfectly for a great family break, whether you are planning a visit to the vibrant and friendly city of Cork or you are tempted to venture into the magnificent countryside of County Cork, there are numerous attractions for families at Castlemartyr Resort and in our surrounds.

Indeed many a family holiday and short break has been enjoyed without ever leaving the grounds of the resort however, as proud Corkonians, we also love to share all the sights and activities that make our area so special for visitors (and for some of those highlights, please see below). In terms of accommodation, families can choose to have all the luxury and associated services of the hotel at their fingertips while staying in the family and interconnecting rooms. Alternatively, for a little more space and flexibility, we also have our purpose-built self-catering residences; The Gate Houses or The Orchard Residences. All families staying on the resort enjoy complimentary access to the Health Club and to the Swimming Pool, and can avail of all resort amenities including the driving range, the golf course, tennis and  the exceptional facilities of The Spa. Families are also welcome to explore the 220 acre estate on foot or on two wheels with our complimentary resort bicycles. Don’t forget to press the breaks to take time to say hello to our resident horses and foals.

Kids Club 

Children aged 4-12 are invited to join in all the fun at our Kids Club which runs throughout the Irish school holidays and includes engaging morning activities and evening activities with meals.

For more information about our Experiences & Offers see the buttons below and please feel free to contact us should you require any assistance. We look forward to welcoming you.
Tel: +353 (0)21 421 9000
Email: reservations@castlemartyrresort.ie

Family Dining Options

At mealtimes, families are spoilt for choice as we also have cuisine and dining styles to suit all palates. Casual dining is available in Canopy Brasserie & Bar, in The Clubhouse and at The Hunted Hog Traditional Pub or, for a special family occasion, or even for grown ups to enjoy a quiet meal a deux, Canopy Restaurant offers an extensive menus showcasing the finest Irish contemporary cuisine. With a little advance notice, babysitting can be arranged for Junior Guests while you experience the exceptional tasting menu at Terre. Children can opt to dine from the Children’s Menus and for a special treat we recommend sampling the delights of Children’s Afternoon Tea in The Manor House.

For more information about our Family Dining Options see the buttons below and please feel free to contact us should you have any questions.
Tel: +353 (0)21 421 9000
Email: reservations@castlemartyrresort.ie

Family Activities 

Beyond the resort gates, great days out await. One of Ireland’s top attractions, Fota Wildlife Park, is a short trip away. This is no ordinary zoo, at Fota Wildlife Park you will encounter animals that thrive in a free-range environment, which allows them to roam free while mixed with other species and with human visitors too. Also located on Fota Island and not to be missed, is the beautiful Fota House & Gardens, where families can roam the free to visit gardens with its exotic collection of plants and trees from across the globe and relax on the lawns on sunny days to enjoy a picnic. Another of our area’s top attractions is The Jameson Experience, based in the farmer’s market town of Midleton. It is a wonderful, worthwhile excursion for all the family, with the distillery history tour sure to captivate children and grown ups alike while they learn how the world famous Irish Whiskey is made. Grown ups finish the tour with a whiskey tasting and junior family members feel very grown up sipping a ginger beer! Just a little further towards the coast lies the historic town of Cobh, set in one of the world’s finest natural harbours, Cobh is home to Cobh Heritage Centre that tells the tale of Irish emigration (a must for any international visitors with Irish roots). Also highly recommended to visit while in Cobh is The Titanic Experience, as Cobh was in fact the last port of call for that ill fated vessel, as well as Spike Island which is just a stone’s throw and a boat trip across the bay! And speaking of bays, families will love exploring the beautiful than the stretch of bay between Ballycotton & Garryvoe with the option to take to the waves with Ballycotton Sea Adventures around Ballycotton Bay and the surrounding scenic coastline. The 90 minute guided tour of Ballycotton’s black lighthouse and Island is a very popular experience for families and you may even spot some dolphins and whales en route. Foodie families will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the famous eateries and entertainment venues of Ballycotton and the world-famous Ballymaloe.  Ballymaloe Shop & Café in Shanagarry, are located a short drive from Castlemartyr Resort and the shop stocks a wide range of Irish craft and kitchenware. Ballymaloe and Sea Church in Ballycotton have a regular schedule of family friendly festivals and events.

Serious seafaring families will just love Whale of a Time for a sea adventure in Cork Harbour, via the beautiful coastal towns of Kinsale or Youghal ,with epic views of Cork’s historic forts, seaside towns, meandering rivers and the host of marine wildlife. Whale of a Time caters for family fu in fully licensed, comfortable, clean, safe, high speed craft, while the resident families of friendly dolphins may decide to join your clan on route to the last place where Titanic set anchor.

If you haven’t visited Cork city previously, a family stroll around the Cork city can take you from St Finbarr’s Cathedral to the renowned English Market via historic Nano Nagle Place before you make your way to The Crawford Art Gallery, remembering to make plenty of time to take in coffee shops, pubs, shops along the way. Active families and history lovers will enjoy a stroll through the grounds of University College Cork, making sure to visit The Glucksman Gallery and onward to the the museum in Fitzgerald’s and perhaps finishing with a trip across the shaky bridge over the River Lee to visit the 19^th century Cork City Gaol Museum – good walking shoes a must! At the end of your action packed day, we’ll be sure to have a warm welcome and a few treats in store for all the family back at base at Castlemartyr Resort.

For more information about our Experiences & Offers see the buttons below and please feel free to contact us should you require any assistance. We look forward to welcoming you.
Tel: +353 (0)21 421 9000
Email: reservations@castlemartyrresort.ie