Going green on the Emerald Isle

Stylish, five-star Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork has received an environmental award from Green Hospitality Ireland, the only Irish developed environmental certification standard for the hospitality sector, proving that you don’t have to give up luxury to be kind to the environment.

The respected accolade was awarded for Castlemartyr Resort’s remarkable drive to reduce their carbon footprint and follows an audit from the Green Hospitality Programme in May 2010 which identified the hotel’s strong initiatives focused on energy, waste and water management as well as its evident environmental awareness demonstrated throughout the resort, which sits amidst 220 acres of luscious scenery and boasts its own lake, rolling meadows, castle ruins and an inland links-style golf course.

Green-aware activities presently underway include recycling of newspapers, plastics and bottles, energy conservation both front and back of house within the charming 103-room manor-house hotel, using local suppliers to reduce travel costs and minimising food waste. General Manager Andrew Phelan commented, “One of our objectives here at Castlemartyr Resort is to progress our environmental efforts to be as carbon neutral as we can, and our award recognises this.”

As part of their environmental awareness programme, Castlemartyr Resort recently invited students from local schools to come and join in activities including the annual Autumn bulb planting, seed growing and the creation of a vegetable garden. In addition, Castlemarytr Resort is carrying out a series of works on its impressive grounds, including collecting seeds, propagating cuttings, germinating and growing seeds in the poly tunnel, as well as planting more trees, shrubs and bulbs.

Guests can enjoy a winter escape at this magnificent resort from £128 per person*, with one night’s accommodation in a deluxe room, dinner in The Bell Tower restaurant and a hearty Irish breakfast. To book visit: castlemartyrresort.ie

Fly to Cork from 11 UK departure airports with prices from as little as £19.99 with Aer Lingus** or take the ferry direct from Swansea to Cork with Fastnet Line.***

*Based on two sharing, valid for travel until 19 December 2010. Price is 150 Euros, based on rate of exchange at date of issue
**See website for details aerlingus.com  
***See fastnetline.co.uk