Castlemartyr Blog

As we continue our overview of the history of Castlemartyr Resort, this week we highlight Castlemartyr castle itself. The castle was first built in 1210 by The Knights Templar, one of the most famous Christian military orders under the leadership of Richard Earl de Clare, more commonly known as Strongbow. In the many years that followed the castle was damaged and rebuilt following numerous battles. 1660 saw the castle and grounds purchased from Sir Walter Raleigh by the Boyle family, who began construction and eventually resided in the Manor House that now forms the centrepiece of the Resort. Visible as you drive the Avenue towards the Resort, the castle ruins are an impressive sight and offer a stunning backdrop for outdoor wedding celebrations and concerts alike, with the former moat acting as the perfect amphitheatre.

From Strongbow and the Knight's Templar to Sir Walter Raleigh and the Earl of Cork, Castlemartyr Resort and village have their own fascinating history to tell. The 'Manor House Experience' at Castlemartyr Resort captures some of that rich history for our guests, with historically titled Manor House guest rooms, complete with plaques giving further insight into our history.
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We look forward to bringing you more details on this fascinating history in the coming weeks, and we are delighted to have received more new photographs we look forward to sharing with you soon.
Night castle image by Denis O'Flynn.

From Strongbow and the Knight's Templar to Sir Walter Raleigh and the Earl of Cork, Castlemartyr Resort and village have their own fascinating history to tell. The 'Manor House Experience' at Castlemartyr Resort captures some of that rich history for our guests, with historically titled Manor House guest rooms, complete with plaques giving further insight into our history. This selection of images showcases the Manor House and formal gardens from 1896 through to present day.

We look forward to bringing you more details on the Manor House Experience, and our fascinating history, in the coming weeks. For more, visit https://www.castlemartyrresort.ie/hotel/history/.

We look forward to welcoming all guests back to Castlemartyr Resort, and while things may be slightly different for now, we ask that you bear with us as we continue to provide a wonderful 5 Star escape for you and your family.

The safety of our guests and our team is of paramount importance at Castlemartyr Resort, with this in mind we continue to implement our ‘Rest Assured’ strategy, designed to ensure that your stay is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

As Castlemartyr Resort continues to open in phases, with a full reopening on July 16th, we continue to implement all HSE Recommendations and Failte Ireland Guidelines across the Resort.

Below, we have answered a number of the most frequently asked questions on the steps we are taking, in accordance with the latest recommendations and guidelines, to ensure your stay with us is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, while still offering the security and peace of mind required at these times.

To read our 'Rest Assured' policy in it's entirety, click here.

Answering your COVID-19 FAQs.

When will The Castlemartyr Resort re-open?
Castlemartyr Resort is now fully reopened. We continue to implement all HSE Recommendations and Failte Ireland Guidelines in the Resort, and each of our outlets, including the Golf Club, Self-Catering Lodges, Hotel and dining outlets.

Will the Knight's Bar be open to non-residents?
Unfortunately not for now. As we continue to follow the latest guidelines and continue to promote the health and safety of our guests and team, the Knight’s Bar and other dining outlets shall remain open to Resort guests only.

Will non-residents be able to dine at the hotel?
The Clubhouse at Castlemartyr Resort is now available to book for non-residents. We look forward to reopening our Bell Tower, Afternoon Tea, Sunday Lunch and all-new Terrace dining options to non-residents in the coming weeks.

What if I want to cancel my booking?
If you would like to cancel or reschedule your booking please inform our reservations department as soon as possible on 021 421 9000, or by email at reservations@castlemartyrresort.ie. Please note there may be a slight delay in responding to your email given current circumstances.

When will the Health Club and Pool be open to members?
The Health Club and pool to will reopen to Health Club members on July 20th. Please note however that these facilities will be reopened with strict pre-booking, distancing and hygiene measures in place, that may impact on their opening times and accessibility.

Is it possible to arrange Babysitting during my stay?
Unfortunately given current circumstances, we are unable to offer a babysitting service in the hotel or self-catering lodges until further notice.

When will the Spa be open?
The Castlemartyr Resort Spa has now reopened, with a number of new Health and Safety procedures in place. To book your appointment, call 021 421 9060 or email spa@castlemartyrresort.ie.

Can I extend a voucher that is going to expire soon?
We are certainly happy to work with guests who would like to extend their vouchers, however, please note that this is done on a case by case basis and may not be possible for vouchers that have already expired. For more information on extending your voucher, please call 021 421 9000 or email info@castlemartyrresort.ie.

When will the Golf Club be open for guests?
In accordance with the latest HSE Recommendations and Failte Ireland Guidelines, the Castlemartyr Resort Golf Club has now reopened. For more information, please call our Golf Proshop on 021 421 9001.

Castlemartyr Resort was proud to recently be awarded an Irish Hotels Federation 2020 Quality Employer Award for Excellence in HR Management & Staff Development.

The awards recognised employers who demonstrated continuous improvement and progression in people management and development, and who continue to provide quality employment practices and opportunities for their employees.

We also had the opportunity, soon thereafter, to celebrate a number of our team members' 10 years of dedicated service at the resort. Congratulations, and thank you, to all recipients.

Cork300 will celebrate Royal Cork Yacht Club’s 300th anniversary, where it all began, and Cork’s maritime haven, with a series of events next summer.

The luxurious 5-Star Castlemartyr Spa & Golf Resort has been named weddingsonline’s Munster Hotel Venue of the Year. The East Cork Resort won the prestigious wedding industry award at a black-tie gala ceremony in the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, Co Meath last night (17 February).

The polished and sophisticated Castlemartyr Resort, an essential and relied-upon backdrop for countless wonderful holidays and glamorous special occasions, will soon begin 10th year anniversary celebrations.

To put everyone in a good mood, and to begin the celebratory atmosphere that will prevail over the next 12 months, from September Castlemartyr Resort gets the party spirit started with special one-night and two-night breaks in this luxurious East cork classic.

Immerse yourself in our 5 star property and take a virtual tour of our beautiful resort and suites! Just click on the arrows as you go and direct your own grand tour around each of our impeccably furnished bedrooms or why not take in the Manor House and virtually stroll around the magnificent formal gardens...

Castlemartyr Resort has been named Resort Hotel of the Year at the  2017 Irish Hospitality Awards!

Castlemartyr Resort has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Resort Hotel of the Year’ at the inaugural Irish Hospitality Awards that took place on Sunday, 14th May with a black tie event held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Dublin.

Slow down and take a Midweek Moment at Castlemartyr Resort

Beat the weekend rush with a midweek break in the elegant surroundings of five-star Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork. With gorgeous grounds featuring a tranquil swan lake, the dramatic ruins of an 800 year old castle and impeccably restored parterre gardens, the country estate is the perfect location to indulge in a little relaxing and refreshment...

Give the gift of elegance this Christmas with a voucher for Castlemartyr Resort
Christmas is a precious time, a time to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and a time to share special moments with family and friends.  This year, dedicate yourself completely to enjoying the flawless Christmas and leave the detail to us.  Our professional team will guide you to choosing the perfect gift.

To celebrate the unveiling and launch of Heron’s Reach Gate Lodges, General Manager Cathal Lynch and Sales and Marketing Manager, Breffne McKenna welcomed the local community, media to the nine elegantly equipped and beautifully designed gate lodges at the entrance to the luxurious five-star Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork. 

We are delighted to announce that Grainne Furey therapist at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Spa Therapist of the Year 2016’ by Tatler magazine. Following suit, The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort was awarded ‘Best Body Treatment’ for their ESPA Lift and Firm Hip and Thigh Treatment by Tatler magazine for 2016!

There were celebrations to match all of the glamorous weddings past and yet to come here at Castlemartyr Resort, as Jackie Day, Sales executive, won the coveted prize of "Best Wedding Venue Co-ordinator" of the year in the 2016 Mrs2Be Bride's Choice Awards.

A member of the Sales and Marketing team since the resort opened in 2007, Jackie has been calming nerves and tailoring wedding days to ensure each and every couple at Castlemartyr Resort have the wonderful day they always dreamed of and this commitment to her couples has paid off, as they voted in their droves to make sure that Jackie's hard work was recognised. Entrants are judged on a range of criteria including professionalism and quality. To win or to be shortlisted for the Mrs2Be Brides 2016 awards is a real achievement in itself.

With one couple saying: " Just a quick line to thank you Jackie for all of your wonderful help. . .

Castlemartyr Resort is delighted to be hosting the 4th annual John Saul Picnic & Vintage Fayre on Bank Holiday Monday, 1st August 2016 from 12 noon to 5pm in aid of ‘My Place’ Midleton, Castlemartyr GAA, Castlemartyr Community Council, Mogeely Vintage and local charities in the area.

Set to be bigger and better than ever, this year’s picnic will provide, great food and a fun day for all the family, and with a large number of food stalls, the 4th annual John Saul Picnic and Vintage Fayre will be a busy and exciting day out. With entry on the day at just €5 per adult and free entry for children.

We all know Christmas is a time full of magic and celebrations. It’s a time where little kids faces light up, imaginations run wild and magic is created.  It's the season to be jolly, the season of goodwill and the season to make memories to last a lifetime. It's time to think outside the box and create those moments where memories will be created. We are sharing with you some festive moments where memories will be created this Christmas season... moments surrounding us here in the resort.

A few weeks ago, I was delighted to experience the Wedding Fair at Castlemartyr Resort.

You spend so much time selecting the perfect venue, choosing the right dress, hiring the best photographer, a fantastic band, a creative florist... the list goes on and on.

The ESPA Back, Face and Scalp Massage is a wonderfully indulgent treatment and should be enjoyed by all at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort.

Airbase make-up, one of the most advanced products in the beauty world today has now been launched at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort.

Following on from the incredible successful launch of our optimal pro skin serum we have introduced the ESPA optimal pro serum facial as our treatment of the month.

On my spa journey I have decided to review some of ESPA's best loved products for sale at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort and at the moment the renew promotion is running offering a complimentary refining skin polish for with all retail purchases over €55.00 so I have decided to review this wonderful product.

As I continued on my spa journey through our spa brochure at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort I tried the ESPA Aromatherapy Massage.

It is that time of year again when we are in search of a new miracle cure for our dreaded cellulite or body detox to compliment our new year resolutions of a new diet and exercise regime.

The muscle reviver is a condensed massage for those who suffer with tension related headaches and neck strain.

So it is that time of year again when we are preparing to get into that wonderful cocktail dress sitting in the wardrobe and reminding you that it is time for a detox......

After sitting in front of a computer for most of the working week last week one of the therapists here at The Spa at Castlemartyr resort recommended that I try the Indian Head Massage.

In ancient times, we stimulate reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rocks, stones and rough ground. In today's modern world we have lost much of nature's way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality.

For my third week on my spa journey I tried an evening with a difference enjoyed with a group of friends perfect for celebration a special occassion or just because we are worth it....

This week as I continued the quest of exploring the spa brochure and discovering what each treatment had to offer, I have decided to try out the new promotion running for October called Star Performer.

Christmas is a time to relax, a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and a time to share precious moments with family and friends. This Christmas dedicate yourself to the ones you love and leave the rest to us

As a new member to The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort team I have decided to work my way through our extensive brochure of treatments over the next few months to gain a greater understanding of the treatments on offer. I am sure that it will take me serveral months to complete the full brochure with one treatment a week but by Christmas I will look and feel a million dollars after my research. I have decided to chronicle this journey in a blog so you have an opportuntity to explore these treatments with me.

Castlemarty Resort compliments summer in the same way as lemon compliments lime, individually fantastic, simply elevated when combined. 

The Castlemartyr resort recently hosted a number of Tauck Tour Groups. Our team wanted to extend a real feel for Irish hospitality and heritage.

Castlemartyr Resort has added an exciting fourth dining option to what is fast becoming Ireland’s most popular “staycation” property. Franchini’s Italian Restaurant quite literally answers Ireland’s call offering an affordable and casual dining experience in the uncompromised beauty of this spectacular resort. This restaurant is very much of its time providing exceptional food offered with competitive prices and value for money that we all expect today.

The recent sunshine cast over Castlemartyr Resort presented the perfect opportunity to take the resorts resident Irish Setters, Earl and Countess, for a walk around the magnificent grounds of the estate.
There was nothing but a breath of air as we strolled along the paddocks. Our re-acquaintance with the sun was nothing short of uplifting.

R.M.S Titanic is famous the world over and as a result Cobh in County Cork attracts a huge number of visitors who want to learn more. The town in 1912 was called Queenstown and was the last port of call for the ill fated Liner.

Leaving close friends in the Knights Bar of the Castlemartyr Resort I wandered outside to the formal gardens to indulge in the peace and tranquillity for a moment. I took a seat on the edge of a feature fountain and gazed up at the night sky.