Want to escape the winter chill, but find beach holidays boring? Why not try a sightseeing holiday in Ireland starting from the Castlemartyr Hotel?
The most popular months for visiting Ireland are between June and September, but don’t let this turn you away from a winter break. Ireland doesn’t have an extreme climate: the weather is normally mild even during the winter months.

Many visitors see Ireland as a leafy green island, full of pubs, clubs and thatched cottages. And to be honest- they’’re not far wrong. But as you go towards the west of Ireland, you’ll notice the vista is a stunning landscape stretching along the entire west coast that is beautiful all year round even when the greens have turned to autumn russets and browns.

Starting at the Ring of Kerry and running north for about 470 miles until you reach the splendid County Donegal, you’ll see that the battered west coast remains unspoiled with towering cliffs and sandy beaches that make a perfect getaway destination no matter what the season.

If you have the time,

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Things to know when you visit Ireland and the Castlemartyr Hotel

Ireland is an island in the northwest of Europe with an area of 32,595 sq miles. Only about 230 miles long by 140 miles wide, Ireland includes both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Even though it may seem small by US standards, Ireland is the third largest island in Europe.

The population of Ireland is approximately 5.8 million people, of which 4.1 million live in the Republic of Ireland and 1.7 million live in Northern Ireland.

Ireland has thirty-two counties, and four provinces: Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster.

The Irish landscape is one of Ireland’s greatest attractions.

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Not surprisingly, Ireland today is being promoted heavily by the hotels and businesses that stand to gain financially from the tourism industry. The main thrust of these publicity campaigns seems to be based on the quality of the accommodations that are available, like the luxury accommodations at the Castlemartyr Hotel. And certainly these hotels do have a lot to offer, including indoor heated swimming pools, fully equipped gyms and spas, a quality dining experience, picturesque surroundings and much more.

But one of the reasons that Ireland is such a great holiday destination is that not only are the hotels superb, but the country itself is interesting enough to make a holiday here truly memorable. After all, few people travel halfway around the world just to stay in their hotel and see nothing else of the country that they are visiting! And there is no question that Ireland is a destination that can match any in the world.

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Ireland has always been a great travel destination, and during your stay at the Castlemartyr Hotel you’ll quickly find out why. Today, long-term vacationers and those who just want a quick get-a way for a weekend or so, come to Ireland to experience a unique combination of old town charm mixed with the excitement of big-city conveniences. Whatever your age or interests, you’ll find that Ireland has something to catch your eye, and keep you coming back for more.

If you want to tour some Irish cities, you won’t want to miss Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, or Belfast, which is the capital of Northern Ireland. Both of these cities began as shipping ports and their historical charm and distinctive character are still very much in evidence if you take a moment to look behind the hustle and bustle of modern life.

If you’d like to take things at a slower pace,

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It is unfortunate that Ireland has long been an island divided, but after years of “the troubles” this wonderful country is starting to make a serious comeback that is gradually transforming it into an attractive vacation destination. Things have changed dramatically for the better in the last ten years as have Ireland’s fortunes. Religious violence seems to have tapered off and Ireland’s economic growth is now some of the strongest in Europe.

Today tourists from around the world are coming to the Castlemartyr Hotel and other Irish resorts and hotels to experience Irish history and culture for themselves. If you’re planning an Irish vacation in the near future, here are ten things you should know about the wonderful country of Ireland.

1. The island that makes up Ireland is actually split between two countries, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

2. Prior to 1921, the entire island was part of Great Britain.
3. In 1921, 26 counties in the south were given independence and became the Republic of Ireland.

The rest of the island was named Northern Ireland and remains under British control.
4. Northern Ireland is approximately 55 percent Protestant and 44 percent Catholic. This division has led to decades of strife in all aspects of life.

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The Emerald Isle’s signature rolling green hills and meadows are a treat for travel-weary vacationers, offering calming beauty and refreshing hospitality like that found at the Castlemartyr Hotel. From ancient stone formations and thousand-year-old churches to modern shopping centers, Ireland’s intriguing combination of turbulent history and jubilantly jolly pubs offers something for every traveler.

Some of the most fascinating things to see during a trip to Ireland are the stone circles, monoliths and mounds dating back thousands of years. Burial mounds, known as Court Cairns and Tumuli, can be found all over the countryside. One such ruin in the Silvermines Mountains has become exposed over time, and the many stone chambers inside are now visible to tourists.

The most impressive stone circle is

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If you are looking for great day-trips that don’t cost a fortune while you’re enjoying your stay at the Castlemartyr Hotel, you’ll find that Ireland offers many interesting places to visit, including Dublin, Galway and Listowel.

If you want to learn more about Irish history and culture, Listowel is a perfect place for you. You can see the Garden of Europe with its beautiful array of flowers and plants. Nearby, the St John’s Art and Heritage Centre is filled with religious items and some spectacular architectural buildings. And don’t miss the famous Listowel Castle. Other historical sites in Listowel are River Fort and Cladh Ruadh. Listowel makes a great day trip, but with so much to see and do you can easily spend several days in this charming city.

If you spend a day in Dublin, be sure to visit

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Irish travel tips when you stay at the Castlemartyr Hotel in County Cork

Irish summers are hot and winters are moderate with some snow. May and June are the sunniest months of the year but the weather changes quite frequently from cloudy to sunny and vice versa. For summer visits, lightweight woolen or cotton clothes are recommended, and you should always pack a jacket for spring and autumn trips. It is also a good idea to carry a raincoat at any time of the year in case of unexpected showers.

Culture

Most of the locals prefer speaking English, which they do with a unique and charming accent. The Irish are social people and enjoy having a lively conversation even with strangers. Handshaking is common, and foreigners are welcomed with warmth and are made to feel at home. Irish hospitality is justly famous and guests are never sent back away without a good meal. Supper is considered very important in Ireland because that is when the whole family gets together to catch up with one another as well as enjoy the food.

It is ok to dress casually in the street, but women are expected to dress formally at social gatherings and restaurants. Smoking is banned in public places. Most of the locals come from an agricultural background, although there are many fishermen near the coastal areas.

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Enjoy the outdoors when you stay at the Castlemartyr Hotel

If you’re interested in spending your vacation outdoors, the Castlemartyr Hotel and Resort has a wide range of activities for you to enjoy right on-site. You have a choice of several beautiful scenic walking, jogging and nature trails, or you can borrow a bicycle and spend a pleasant day rambling among the 220 acre grounds.

Love to golf? There’s also an 18-hole golf course right on the resort property, along with a croquet lawn. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, archery, fly-fishing and falconry.

If you want to range a bit further afield, you’ll find a number of nature walks like the Ballycotton Cliff trail, which is known for its varied birdlife. Or enjoy a pleasant stroll by the seashore or through the scenic woodlands at Castlemartyr Wood, Marlouge Wood, Youghal Sightseeing Trail, Youghal Nature Trail, or the Glanmire Heritage Walks.

And for something a little more challenging you can try mountain hiking and trekking tours in Knockmealdown, Comeragh and the Galtee mountains. Or why not spend a day horse riding, off-road driving, sailing, power boating or kayaking?

Want something a bit more cultural?

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