By the city of Cork, in Ireland, deep within the woods stands a beautiful castle. Its foundations were laid in 1210 by the famed Knights Templar, marking the importance it would have in the events that shaped Emerald Isle. Today the castle is best known as the Castlemartyr Resort. The breathtaking venue and legendary golf course makes for a memorable stay, especially for history buffs. The friendly yet professional staff truly makes the whole experience quite royal.
Set in leafy grounds just 15 minutes’ walk from Cork centre, Hayfield Manor is a luxury hotel with a beauty spa and an elegant restaurant. Cork International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. The sumptuous rooms feature a luxurious orthopaedic bed and a marble bathroom with designer toiletries. Rooms also feature a flat-screen TV/DVD player, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Guests can relax in the pretty gardens, or try indulgent beauty treatments in the spa. Hayfield Manor Hotel also features an indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, and an outdoor hot tub. Perrotts Garden Bistro offers Mediterranean cuisine, and the stylish Orchids Restaurant serves a classic Irish menu using local produce. Hayfield's Bar has a range of fine spirits and wines. In the mornings, guests can request full Irish breakfast at an additional charge. Hayfield Manor is just a 20-minute walk from lively St Patrick’s Street and Cork’s main shopping area. Free on-site parking is available, and the famous Cork English Market is just 1.5 km away.
Enjoying beautiful harbour views, Robin Hill House B&B in Cobh offers high-quality accommodation in a tranquil setting. Formerly a 19th-century rectory, with a range of complementary medicine treatments available, Robin Hill House B&B provides free Wi-Fi and free parking. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, iPod dock and tea and coffee facilities. The en suite bathroom has a shower, hairdryer, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. Robin Hill House B&B provides a variety of breakfast options for an additional cost, including continental, full Irish and breakfast in a bag. The property has beautiful mature gardens for guests to enjoy. The centre of Cork city is around 30 minutes’ drive away, with attractions including the Everyman Palace Theatre and Cork Opera House. The Cork English Market is a popular covered food market around 25 minutes from Robin Hill House B&B. The historic maritime town of Cobh is a 5-minute walk away, offering harbour and island tours, and the Titanic experience and Heritage Centre.
On the banks of Cork’s River Lee, this luxurious hotel is a 5-minute walk from central Cork. It boasts air-conditioned rooms, bistro, and free parking. The spacious rooms at the River Lee Hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows and are decorated in fresh light colours and modern fabrics. They feature a flat-screen satellite TV, free internet access and bathrooms with a power shower and under-floor heating. The River Club Bar, Terrace and The Grill room is an exciting addition to the Cork food and drinks scene. With glamorous décor and a relaxed atmosphere, it is the perfect place to eat, drink and be social. At NRG Fitness, guests can enjoy the gym and regular fitness classes. St. Finnbar’s Cathedral and the Beamish Brewery are both 300 metres away. Cork Opera House is a 10-minute walk away.
Set in 14 acres of 300-year-old listed gardens, Maryborough Hotel & Spa boasts elegant rooms with bathrobes, a luxurious spa, and an AA Rosette restaurant. Cork is just 10 minutes’ drive from this 18th-century house, free WiFi and free parking are available. With cotton duvets and slippers, guests can relax in each modern room. Guests can enjoy free bottled water and a 42-inch LED TV. Some rooms feature scenic garden views. The Maryborough Hotel & Spa offer free access to the Thermal Suite, with its luxurious range of heat and cooling experiences including a rock sauna, vitality pool, heated lounges, lifestyle showers and an ice fountain. Guests can enjoy the leisure club, with its 18-metre pool, relaxing hot tub bath, and steam room. Guests can exercise in the modern gym with fitness classes, or enjoy the sauna. The newly launched Bellini's restaurant provides classical gourmet cuisine with an extensive range of fine wines. Surrounded by the vast gardens, The Garden Room serves afternoon teas, lunches, and snacks.
On the South Bank of the River Lee in Cork, The Kingsley Hotel features a luxury, organic Spa, a modern health club and an indoor pool. The hotel also offers conference facilities with 8 business suites and one elegant function room. Free WiFi available throughout. Individually decorated, each luxurious room comes with air-conditioning, a TV with satellite channels and tea and coffee making facilities. There is also an en suite bathroom with hairdryer, bathtub and shower. Most rooms have stunning views over the river. The hotel boasts 2 unique restaurants and a classic, stylish bar and guests can enjoy a classic afternoon tea by the river. The Kingsley Hotel is just 280 metres away from Cork University and 15 minutes’ walk from Cork’s city centre. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is 2.2 km away, while Frankfield Golf Club is 5.38 km away. Cork Kent Railway Station is just 4 km away.
This modern guest house is situated on the cliffs overlooking Ballycotton bay. The rooms are furnished to the highest standards and the staff are helpful and delighted to assist guests in any way they can. The restaurant is well worth a visit also; it specialises in seafood that is caught from the owner's trawler! The chef, Mary Tatton, was trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School.
Castle Salem in Cork County dates back to 1660. It is owned by the Daly family who maintain it and use it as a small hotel. Book a room here to be treated like royalty by the amicable staff. One can request them for a tour of the surroundings which they happily provide. Pony-riding, trekking and fishing are the major activities organized here.
Acorn House is an attractive Georgian guest house, dating from 1810, just three minutes walk from the city center. As it's close to town, guests have the whole city within easy reach. The best restaurants, bars and galleries are just a stroll away. The proprietor, Jackie Boles, guarantees a warm Irish welcome for all her guests. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. This is the perfect base from which to explore the historic city center of Cork.