Jetsettersblog

The Collection’s five-star resorts offer year-round luxury, beauty and tranquility.

Newmarket-on-Fergus and Castlemartyr, IRE — Ski spots and sunny seasides are all well and good, if a bit crowded and pricey during peak winter months. Something refreshingly different and delightfully relaxing awaits a few hours away – the luxurious resort estates of The Dromoland Collection.

Located in Ireland’s temperate western region, Dromoland Castle in County Clare and Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork are featuring three remarkable “Bed and Breakfast” mid-winter value packages – each with government tax and service charge inclusive.

The “bed” and “breakfast” — and dinner — included in these packages are only a few of the unique pleasures to be found at these majestic resorts.

Guests who revel in outdoor pursuits will find no finer locale to enjoy classic year-round Irish sporting activities, including world-class golfing at the resorts’ two courses, falconry, fishing, archery and clay shooting.

Those who fancy an educational experience will be entranced by the flora, fauna and natural history of these expansive estates and the surrounding areas of unspoiled Cork and Clare counties.

Cultural activities abound, of course, from history tours both on and off property to visits to art galleries and a cooking school. For those seeking a slower pace,

Dromoland Castle and Castlemartyr Resort are equally accommodating, as they feature soothing vistas, elegant yet welcoming great halls and galleries, the delightful ritual of afternoon tea and sumptuous spas with staff devoted to guests’ complete relaxation and rejuvenation.

At Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels, the “Midweek Two Nights B&B and One Dinner” package, available until 28 April 2010, includes:

Two nights’ accommodation in a luxurious deluxe guestroom;
Full Irish breakfast daily (a treat not to be missed);

and A table d’hote dinner on one evening in the elegant yet intimate Earl of Thomond Restaurant.

Package rates are available starting at €260 for a Queen Anne Bedroom and €285 for a Deluxe Bedroom.

Also available at Dromoland Castle is the “Weekend Two Nights B&B with One Dinner” package featuring the same exceptional included items. Package rates begin at €310 per adult for a Queen Anne Bedroom and €335 for a Deluxe Bedroom. (available until 28 April 2010)

The refined-yet-glamorous Castlemartyr Resort is offering a “Weekend B&B and One Dinner” package, available until 4 May 2010, which includes:
Two nights’ deluxe accommodation in one of three categories of spacious and enchanting guestrooms;

Full Irish breakfast each morning; and

A Dinner on the evening of your choice at The Bell Tower.

Package rates are available beginning at: €550 for a Classic Room, €590 for a Deluxe Bedroom and €630 for a Junior Suite.

Rates are per room, minimum two adults and maximum two adults and one child.

The Dromoland Collection experience: a refreshingly different and delightfully relaxing winter escape.

The Dromoland Collection comprises Dromoland Castle and Castlemartyr Resort, two of Ireland’s finest and most celebrated hotels. The hotels in this collection embody the legendary Dromoland tradition of incomparable hospitality complemented by exquisite surroundings, yet each possesses a distinctive style, character and charm all its own.

About Dromoland Castle:

Dromoland Castle, located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, was built in the 16th century.

Majestically set on the shores of Lough Dromoland, it is surrounded by over 410 acres of breathtaking scenery, including a championship parkland golf course.

Lavish interiors, fine food and superb wines complement the deluxe accommodations of the Castle’s 99 guest rooms, while Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club, an intimate spa and traditional outdoor recreational opportunities ensure a unique guest experience.

Dromoland Castle is located at Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland. The hotel can be contacted at: 011 353 61 368144 or 1-800-346-7007; website www.dromoland.ie

Reservations can be made through the hotel (sales@dromoland.ie) or through The Dromoland Collection at: www.dromolandcollection.ie

About Castlemartyr Resort:

Nestled in the unspoiled rolling countryside of East Cork near the ruins of an 800-year-old castle, Castlemartyr Resort’s crowning jewel is a classic 18th century manor house.

The Manor has been magnificently restored and elegantly enhanced to offer 103 deluxe guest rooms, gourmet dining, an expansive world-class spa and welcoming, impeccably styled interiors.

Opportunities for outdoor pursuits abound both on the estate, which includes an inland-links-style golf course designed by the renowned Ron Kirby, and in the surrounding region.

Castlemartyr Resort is located in Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, Ireland. The hotel can be contacted at: 011 353 21 4219000; website: www.castlemartyrresort.ie

Reservations can be made through the hotel (www.reception.castlemartyrresort.ie)   or through The Dromoland Collection at: www.dromolandcollection.ie  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Dromoland Castle.