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A corker of a location for luxury
 Malcolm
Rogers looks at a former convent converted into high-end hotel.
Ireland’s latest luxury hotel the five star Capella
opened at the end of August in east Cork in the former Carmelite convent
in Castlemartyr.
Prior to being a priory, the elegant 17th century manor house belonged
to Walter Raleigh so it’s no surprise that it is set in
its own 220acres within whose boundaries lie an 800-year-old castle built
in 1210 by the Knights Templar. You would expect nothing less.
For good measure the grounds also feature an 18-hole golf course, a swan
lake, an ancient chapel, Mitchell’s Wood and the tomb of the fourth
Earl of Shannon.
Refurbished at a cost of 80million, the opulent Capella Castlemartyr
boasts that guests can avail of any service they desire “so long
as it’s legal and moral”.
Here on the Travel Page we would never dream of wanting anything outside
those categories but should you be unclear of the limits contact the hotel
directly.
If, however, your interests are run-of-the-mill conventional, then you’ll
find plenty to take your fancy at the Capella including a hike
round the extensive grounds in the company of the two resident Irish setters.
If that’s too energetic, you can explore the estate by carriage,
en-route stopping off to enjoy a decadent picnic lunch. Or you could go
boating with local fisherman, go spotting dolphins or whales, try hot
air ballooning, or even enjoy private readings by authors in the lush
surroundings.
Personal assistants liaise with guests in advance of their arrival to
ensure they experience the kind of service one might rightfully expect
if you’re forking out 2,750 per night for the presidential suite.
It comes, incidentally, with two bedrooms, a dining room, living room
and library.
There are 11 top-class suites in the beautifully restored building.
Those plumping for one of the 10 manor suites (1,450 per night) will
have to make do without a library or dining room: accommodation runs to
a large bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, shower room and sauna.
Should you be in a room without a private sauna, head for the discreet
glass and wood building beyond the verdant lawns which houses the 24,000-sq-ft
Auriga spa.
 If
you’re not independently wealthy or wantonly extravagant, there
are 93 rooms priced at around the 425 per night that bear the same stamp
of understated elegance.
Those nearest to the spa have a small garden to the rear, while hidden
in the bedside locker are touch panels that control the lighting and the
curtains.
The Manor House is the centre of the resort, the site of three restaurants
(featuring local cuisine cooked to gourmet standard), a private guests’
lounge and the Knights’ Bar. The latter features bar, fireplace,
grand piano and striking original rococo ceiling, fully restored. The
18th century English travel writer and chronicler Arthur Young described
this as “the best room in Ireland”.
Special offer
Each weekend in September there’s an opportunity to partake in the
best that Cork has to offer in the way of produce the harvest
season will see a number of events to tempt you to visit.
Cuisine will be influenced by autumnal flavours and produce berry, apple,
mushroom and seafood.
The two-night programme includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and
activities, from 675 per person sharing.
Normal price List
425 to €2,750: The cost of the 109 rooms ranging from standard
to presidential.
130: The cost of a ‘moon phases massage’.
120: The cost of afternoon tea for two including a bottle of champagne.
200: The cost of a two-hour sightseeing tour.
Contact: Tel: 00 353 21-464 4050
www.capellacastlemartyr.com
Co. Westmeath
Temple Country Retreat and Spa in Co. Westmeath is offering ‘post-holiday
treats’ for 195 per person sharing midweek, and 245 for weekends,
two nights bed and breakfast and one dinner. Single room rates also available
for an extra 40.
Merrion Moss
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin has introduced the Garden of Ireland ‘Heather
and Moss’ toiletries collection for guests, the only Irish hotel
with its own product range.
From November 1, 2007 until February 29, 2008, The Merrion is offering
overnight accommodation for two people sharing a Superior Queen Room in
the Garden Wing inclusive of full Irish breakfast the following morning
starting at 290 per night. Supplements apply for an upgrade to a Deluxe
Room.
Telephone 353 1 603 0600
www.merrionhotel.com
Limerick
The tree star Jury’s Inn, Limerick is set in the heart of the city
along the banks of the Shannon and is just a two-minute stroll from the
shopping and cultural centre of Limerick.
During September a double room is 69 (total price for two people sharing)
on www.centralr.com
WESTPORT
The Carlton Atlantic Coast Hotel, Westport, an award winning luxury four
star hotel, situated at the foot of Croagh Patrick & over looking
Westport Harbour is offering double rooms during September for 139 (total
cost for two people sharing) on www.centralr.com |
