The Castle.
, Castletownshend, West Cork.
Through 11 generations of the Townshend family, Castletownshend has gradually evolved to become this welcoming waterfront hotel on the edge of Castletownshend harbour. Nothing but the broad terrace separates The Castle from the water, and just over the wall is a small beach. Standing in spacious grounds just outside the village, this is a place to really get away from it all.
The ground floor hall of The Castle is oak panelled and the elegant dining room overlooks the waterfront. Both of these rooms retain their original features, furniture and family portraits. There's lots of room for quietly sitting in the hall, and just off it is the quaint and cosy bar. A fairly recent addition is the Cafe, the perfect place to take a break, relax and enjoy the scenic views of the picturesque waterfront of Castletownshend. Serving a selection of teas and coffees with homemade cakes, scones and light snacks. Add a splash of sunshine and the Café Terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy a tasty treat. Sunday roast lunches are served each Sunday.
The Castle offers eleven individually decorated bedrooms with private bath or shower (or both) and they all feature flatscreen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, wired internet, WiFi, hairdryer and luxury toiletries. Many of the rooms feature sea views looking out over the harbour and the remainder have a view of the garden. The two four-poster rooms are really special, with oodles of space and fabulous bathrooms. There's also one room with two double beds so there is lashings of space for two, or great accommodation for a family.
This part of Ireland has a spectacular coastline of long headlands, numerous islands and deep bays. You could go kayaking or whale watching direct from Castletownshend, or drive to the many other places nearby like Baltimore, Bantry, Kenmare, Garinish Island or Rosscarbery.