Hotel Review: This destination five-star in East Cork offers lots to love

A winding driveway flanked by broadleaf woodland and manicured greens leads towards an impressive keep tower, and beyond it the estate’s original manmade lake complete with waterfall, gurgling weir and a family of swans for as long as I can recall. 

The hotel itself, an 18th century manor plus harmonious 21st century wing, are equally impressive and feature French gardens to the rear and pastures to the front where resident horses graze in one of the county’s most bucolic patches.

9/10

Style and design

Castlemartyr Resort has been continuing to ramp up its luxury identity in recent years, from a reception overhaul to a two-star Michelin star restaurant, and just this month the hotel was accepted into the luxury global travel agent group, Virtuoso. Ambitions for the future are high…

That revamped reception remains a weak point and, upon entry, lacks that five-star aura you’d expect. In fact, it feels quite chilly, though the receptionist makes up for it with warmth.

Beyond it, the hotel is much more impressive, not least the original manor which oozes warmth and grandeur from Knight’s Bar with sublime rococo ceiling to its calming reading room (often under utilised by guests). 

Noteworthy at Castlemartyr is the hotel’s considerable collection of sculpture and art, mostly contemporary and many from Gormley’s Gallery. 

It’s an aesthetic aspect which really sets the property apart and gives a striking gallery quality to its (rather meandering) corridors.

9/10

Service

Castlemartyr Resort generally offers pleasant service without being overly obsequious, which can sometimes feel stifling in luxury Irish hotels.

The team I encounter at dinner, breakfast and the spa are all friendly and polite; young servers Fergal and Leah at the restaurant and bar are great assets to the team. 

I do clock that I’m not greeted by one or two staff members along corridors which is unusual for a hotel, especially one with five stars.

8/10

Guest rooms

Castlemartyr Resort’s rooms offer a quintessential five star experience with classic gilded décor and plush, richly textured soft furnishings. 

Scale is one of the main plusses here, even their entry level deluxe rooms are a roomy 45m² while I rate their considerable all white marble en suites (or black marble in the original manor) as some of the most impressive in the game.

I stayed in a junior suite which has almost a presidential feel for a reasonable €77 extra. Note that Castlemartyr Resort’s scale is reflected in its layout too. 

You’ll rack up your daily step count here. If you have mobility issues, try requesting a room nearer to reception.

9/10

In-room perks

With attempts to reduce single-use plastics, the days of replenishing your toiletry bag with luxury hotel products are numbered. 

Guests can still enjoy ESPA products in en suites; elsewhere there is bottled water, and a well stocked tea and Nespresso station with packaged shortbread cookies.

7.5/10

On the menu

The two Michelin star restaurant, Terre, is one of the county’s ultimate dining experiences with its tasting menu at €200. 

A more accessible fine-dining offering is at the foliage-filled Canopy restaurant which is an airy, contemporary space serving its chef’s menu for €80. 

The brasserie and golf clubhouse are more relaxed options while afternoon tea is offered for €48. 

I found the breakfast buffet, also served at Canopy, a little on the modest side though hot options are on par. 

Don’t overlook dinner at the hotel’s village pub, The Hunted Hog.

8.5/10

Activities

New tennis courts and an outdoor barrel plunge pool are some of the latest additions to an offering that already includes an 18-hole links golf course, a health club, and one of Ireland’s most impressive hotel pool spaces. 

The hotel’s ESPA spa offers 60-minute treatments plus lunch from €140.

9/10

• Castlemartyr Resort
• East Cork
• castlemartyrresort.ie
• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Castlemartyr Resort