pursuits
First Class HISTORIC LUXURY Medieval castles dot the landscape of the Emerald Isle, many restored as fine hotels. Many of Ireland’s castles are ancient tower houses, whose battered walls attest to a history of violent times. Today, Castlemartyr Resort, an eighteenthcentury classic manor house that lies adjacent to the ruins of an 800-year-old castle originally built by the Knights Templar under Richard Earl de Clare, is a haven for peaceful pastimes and relaxation. The Manor State Rooms are unabashedly opulent, with marble bathrooms, enormous beds and separate dressing rooms. The four Grand Suites are justly named, with spectacular panoramic views of the lake and meadows. There is only one Presidential Suite, and it is magnificent, so book early if you are interested in the ultimate in luxury. While the five-star resort provides many activities and amenities for adults, the resort is family-friendly, with
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provisions made for separate children’s activities, kids’ times in the pool and age-appropriate dining in the Bell Tower gourmet restaurant. Should parental guilt set in, families can spend quality time together by visiting a nearby wildlife park or Leahy’s Open Farm at petting time. A charming way to learn some of the property’s lore is via a tour in an open horse-drawn “trap” to the original castle, “cannonballed,” the driver says, by Oliver Cromwell. The formal gardens stretching the length of the manor provide tranquility, while a nearby ultramodern glass structure houses a large pool, gym and spa. Also inspiring is the environmentally friendly links golf course, designed with distinctive hills and valleys that reduce the need for irrigation. When you’re ready to venture out of the resort, two interesting attractions are worth the time.
courtesy Castlemartyr Resort
By ROBERT RAGAINI