Ireland's latest luxury hotel opened its doors for business in Castlemartyr, Co Cork yesterday, with room rates ranging from €540 per night for the regular suites to €3,500 for the presidential suite.
The former Carmelite college in Castlemartyr, near Midleton in east Cork, has been transformed into a €70 million hotel and golf resort.
The hotel will initially employ 120 people, rising to more than 150 in a few months when the golf course is completed.
Capella Castlemartyr is a 17th century manor house set on 220 acres that includes the ruins of an 800-year-old castle.
The castle, from which Castlemartyr takes its name, was built in 1210. Capella Castlemartyr is part of an estate that was built by the Knights Templar and the first Earl of Cork. The 109 guest rooms and suites range in size from 150sq m to 914sq m.
The Knights' Bar will serve as the resort's social focal point. It features a large bar, fireplace, grand piano and fully restored ceiling.
Particular attention was paid during the conservation of the house to the restoration of the ceilings which feature rococo plasterwork. What is now the Knights' Bar was described by the 18th century English travel chronicler, Arthur Young, as "the best room" in Ireland.
An 18 hole links-style golf course is among the facilities for guests. The course was created by golf course designer Ron Kirby who designed the Old Head of Kinsale course and the facility at Dromoland Castle. A clubhouse will be opened next spring.
The grounds are home to a swan lake, an ancient chapel, Mitchell's Woods and the tomb of the fourth Earl of Shannon.