Set on sprawling green parkland a 25-minute drive from the city of Cork, the 103-bedroom Castlemartyr Resort has turned an 18th-century manor house into a full-service, modern retreat that caters to both families and couples. It's ideally located for exploring East Cork and southern Ireland, with the coast just a short drive away, but the grounds also offer plenty of entertainment, including 13th-century ruins, an 18-hole golf course, three restaurants and a bar, and a modern spa and health club with an indoor swimming pool. Spacious rooms have sophisticated country style and big lovely marble bathrooms, though some minor signs of wear are evident.