Despite its dramatic, 12th-century castle and adjoining palatial, 17th-century manor house, the initial impact of Castlemartyr does not come from its beautiful buildings but from its high standard of service. The attention to detail begins with a call from a personal assistant before you leave home to arrange an itinerary, which might include a horse-drawn carriage trip around the 220-acre grounds, golf on the Ron Kirby-designed links or treatments at the Auriga Spa. The decor is more understated opulence (antique oak floors; Persian rugs; subdued colours) than cutting-edge design, and the most striking room is the Knight's Bar, with its high, rococo ceiling. Chef Roger Ohlsson (from London's two-Michelin-starred Pied à Terre) presides over the Bell Tower restaurant - three rooms with views of the formal gardens - and the restful Garden Room; his inventive use of East Cork's renowned produce is a key attraction. Only 11 of the 109 bedrooms are in the manor house; the rest are in a new wing. All are uniformly luxurious and spacious. The marble bathrooms have large baths and walk-in showers. A highlight is the spa designed by Raison d'Etre, with its glass-enclosed Ozone pool, indulgent lunar-cycle treatments with Organic Pharmacy products in 10 treatment rooms, 24-hour gym and vitality pools.
WHEN TO GO
Summer, to enjoy nearby beaches, fishing trips, dolphin sightings and the beautiful East Cork countryside.
ROOM TO BOOK
The manor-house rooms and suites have the most atmosphere.
Castlemartyr, County Cork (00 353 21464 4050; www.capellacastlemartyr.com). Doubles from 425 Euros
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