‘Summer time and the Living is easy’…… that vintage song was wafting through my I pod as I walked against the flow of exiting holiday traffic at Cork Airport on a wet and windy Friday in July. Travelers – those still with a few bob left – were intent on leaving town in a hurry, having given up all hope of a reasonable 2012 summer. I arrived in a downpour from Brussels , accidentally bumping the luggage trolley into a large stand up advertisement for the popular Ireland based Turkish Tour operator ‘ Wings Abroad’ at Arrivals. Idyllic sun drenched beaches, tanned bikini Babes, posing against the familiar backdrop of Azure skies and a tempting turquoise sea beckoned , but only if you were travelling in the opposite direction!.
Faced with incessant rain and more forecast, there is one tried and tested route towards cheering body and soul during one of these all too familiar Irish summers. A ‘Jonathon Swift ‘ like dash – not via Swords, Co Dublin, where he penned his famous lines about not sparing the horses, but here on the outskirts of Cork city via the Jack Lynch Tunnel – took me onwards towards East Cork and the comfort and solace of a welcome oasis, no matter the weather.
Castlemartyr Resort www.castlemartyrresort.ie +353 (0)21.4219000 which ticks all the right boxes, from tranquility to superb spa facilities, friendliness of staff to luxurious rooms featuring touch panel controls for lighting and drapes and imaginative and beautifully prepared food, most of it organically sourced, was the first port of call, 30 minutes drive from Cork city. Even with sheets of rain descending, the former Carmelite boys boarding school , now a luxury hotel with the 17th century mansion still in use, is a beautiful retreat of old woods, a lake and a renowned golf course enclosed within this intact demesne that has survived the passage of time. Towering 800 year old castle ruins, with a fascinating history dating back to Norman times, complete the picture.
We sadly missed Bill Clinton, accommodated in the 3,000 foot Presidential suite, whose bed may have been still warm and who had cheerfully stepped in for photos with a delighted bridal party as he returned for the night. Castlemartyr Resort is a favorite wedding location because of its countryside setting, photo opportunities, elegance and wealth of facilities. The website features special mid week and one and two night breaks, including spa treatments.
The former US President loved his short stay and will return to the Co Cork hideaway, he told staff. Impervious to the windy weather he and a group of Irish friends headed out across the Lee to enjoy a round of golf at one of the world’s officially rated top golf locations, the Old Head Golf Links www.oldhead.com Protruding over two miles into the Atlantic ocean the Old Head of Kinsale practically blew Bill Clinton away, we heard, following fast in his footsteps to enjoy a awesome panorama. Non golfers may even have a better view from the club house terrace or enjoying bar food or more serious dining (Sunday lunch here is highly recommended) from within enjoying panoramic views, I thought as we puzzled out how the guys shooting the balls below managed to prevent them tumbling over the dramatic cliffs beyond.
Winner of three new awards to add to its existing tally in 2012, Castlemartyr Resort has been crowned by the likes of Conde Nast and Trip Advisor among others for its hotel facilities golf course and spa. I checked out the gorgeous restorative spa with its long list of treatments, and relaxing spa pool replenished constantly with full ozone treated water here is a heavily booked couples suite where champagne and strawberries are served, complete with private vitality plunge pool with jet streams and sauna. The ‘lads’ have lately discovered the benefits of facials, especially bridegrooms to be, usually booked by their girlfriends or wives, believing they will only be having a back massage at Castlemartyr, “They are delighted with the results, you notice these days that more men, especially the younger ones are having skin treatments” reports Gillian, one of the team of beauticians
Apart from the health and fitness facilities and a indoor well equipped kids zone, Castlemartyr offers outdoor activities like Pony and trap rides and free bicycle hire. The area has lots to do and see, from quad biking locally and horse riding to visits to the famous Fota Wildlife Park and the Cobh 100th Titanic exhibition. Cobh was the stricken liner’s last port of call before she sank and the famous Jameson Distillery and whiskey experience in nearby Midleton is also well worth a visit. The Midleton Saturday farmers market is reputedly one of the best in Ireland.
No visit to Co Cork is complete without a trip to colorful trendy Kinsale, where foodies flock to sample its many restaurants and check out atmospheric bars and galleries. The Kinsale Arts festival www.kinsaleartsfestival.com goes from strength to strength. The July 2012 theme was “Virtue and Vice“, presenting plays echoing both sides of the coin, discussions into human nature, dining events, talks and workshops , some featuring food as a necessity and a guilty pleasure. Interestingly among the books sold out that week at the Kinsale bookstore, including the latest novel ‘The Light of ‘Amsterdam from festival speaker David Park, was the much hyped erotic blockbuster often described as ‘Mommy Porn’ the 50 Shades of Grey.
The Kinsale Arts Festival featured burlesque, parodies about sex and sin and some dazzling musical and stand up comedy performances and a lot more. But this annual festival is also about family fun and the 10 day long event entertains and engages children with drama and art workshops and happenings, including this year the world’s smllest circus.
Festivals apart Kinsale has everything to offer being one of the oldest and most fashionable resort towns, its maze of narrow, flower decorated streets housing everything from delightful restaurants like the best place in town for everything from the sea Fishy Fishy www.fishyfishy.ie to great new affordable and casual lunchtime and coffee spots like the gorgeous Lemon Leaf Café www.lemonleafcafe.ie Come dinner time you are seriously spoilt for choice. We opted for Man Friday www.manfridaykinsale.ie shack like from outside but sophisticated within, not the cheapest eatery in Kinsale but maintaining a consistently high standard, especially famous for its succulent crispy roast duck and seafood. Kinsale’s internationally famous gourmet festival runs from 7-9 October 2012 see www.kinsalerestaurants.com and www.kinsale.ie for details of all the happenings in one of Ireland’s most historic towns.
Castlemartyr Resort www.castlemartyrresort.ie +353 (0)21.4219000
