Castlemartyr Resort

Highlights

Fairytale and history fuse perfectly in this 800-year-old castle resort amid the woodlands of Cork. Have a lovely ceremony in the castle park facing the historic castle ruins. Have a memorable reception within the magical courtyard, and have your photoshoot in the amphitheater, near the pool, in front of the fountain, and atop the roof terrace. There are so many areas to enjoy in the castle’s 220 acres of fairyland! Above all, it’s a 5-star resort with top-notch services and accommodations for you and your loved ones.

Location

This castle resort in Cork promises pure tranquility and a close encounter with nature. Located almost three hours away from Ireland’s capital, the venue sits in one of Cork’s quiet towns, near nature reserves and the world’s second-largest natural harbor. Enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Cork, and visit the historic Irish towns of Youghal and Cobh for your honeymoon. This will be an exciting journey of discovering Ireland’s scenic nature in its humblest towns.

History

The castle was built in 1210 by the Knights Templar, one of the most popular religious groups at that time. However, the ownership of the castle passed on to different hands, including the famous Sir Walter Raleigh and the first Earl of Cork, Richard Boyle.

When Boyle managed the castle and the whole estate, he built a beautiful Manor House around the 17th century and restored the whole property to its former glory. The historic marks remain in the venue, including the cross of the Knights Templar and the castle’s Golf Club coat of arms.

When you get married in the castle resort and stay here for your honeymoon, you will discover many other marks of its rich history, and experience the grand yet cozy atmosphere of the venue.

Ceremony

There is no better space in this wedding venue for an unforgettable ceremony than the castle park, a wide open space teeming with lush greenery. The castle ruin’s historic walls will be your wedding backdrop as you recite your vows overlooking the picturesque rural landscape of Cork.

There’s a perfect blend of history and nature as you tie the knot in the castle park. You can bring your furbabies to your Irish destination wedding when you get married in this pet-friendly venue. Note that the castle is also registered for civil unions so that you can have a legally-binding wedding here.

The formal garden is another candidate for a luxury outdoor ceremony. The well-maintained garden arranged in stunning geometric shapes with perfect symmetry will take your Irish destination wedding to a whole new level of grandiosity.

Should it rain on your big day, there is nothing to worry about. The majestic ballroom hall inside the manor house is available, with historic and lavish interiors for a regal ceremony. It’s a perfect space for indoor weddings with an authentic Irish vibe.

Aside from the ballroom hall, there are several other indoor spaces in the castle for intimate weddings.

Reception

An outdoor celebration in the courtyard is the most magical way to hold your wedding reception. Imagine being surrounded by the beautiful manor house walls while you wine and dine with your guests. Intimate weddings in the courtyard are well-lit by the afternoon sun and well-ventilated by the cool Irish breeze all year round.

Having said that, we can assure you that the venue is prepared for any kind of weather. There are many event rooms in the castle for all sizes of weddings, including intimate celebrations with 60 or fewer guests. You can expect 5-star quality from the interiors and facilities of all the event rooms.

Photoshoot

After your ceremony and reception, we advise that you take all the time that you need to have amazing photos on the castle grounds. Get lost in the formal garden, walk along the historic castle ruins, pose next to the weir and the pool, and don’t miss the chance to have a photo or two at the castle’s enchanting fountain overlooking the emerald green Irish landscape. If that’s not enough, there’s a lovely river near the venue with a giant tree along its banks for a romantic photoshoot.

Accommodation

The castle resort’s accommodations are the best thing about the venue. Whatever room you choose, there are fine linens, luxury and comfortable furnishings, and 5-star amenities that offer modern comfort and convenience. All its 108 rooms and suites are spacious, ranging from 500 sq ft to a generous 3,000 sq ft. Stay here for a night or a whole week and you will experience a relaxing and luxurious retreat from the splendors of the hotel.