In honor of St. Paddy’s day we thought we’d bring you a little taste of the Irish. And what better way to celebrate the home of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde then in a 17-century country estate.
With over a hundred guest rooms and suites, Castlemartyr Resort isn’t exactly a quaint country inn. Instead it’s a modern-day palace, centered around a manor house, set on two hundred acres of parkland, complete with gardens, spa, even a crumbling old castle.
As one might expect of an upscale country hotel, the guest rooms are huge and grandly appointed, with rich drapery, oil paintings and antique-style furniture. There’s a contemporary twist, of course — the lighting and heating systems are computerized and controlled from the bedside, flat-screen televisions and iPod docking stations come standard, and wireless internet is available everywhere.
We loved the decadent cheese sampler with wine at the Castlemartyr’s Bell Tower restaurant, tea next to the grand piano at Knights Bar, and the gourmet picnic feast with pink champagne. Those feeling guilty after the gastronomic indulgence should head to the Auriga Spa, fitness center, and swimming pool, and the resort’s croquet and archery courses and nearby equestrian facilities remain the traditional forms of fresh air entertainment.
More hotels in Ireland…
+ Dylan Hotel
+ Bellinter House
+ National Trust Cottages
+ Historic House Hotels
