Description
Word is getting around about this posh new hotel overlooking Bantry Bay. Its richly colored, modern décor and tantalizing setting is creating a buzz. Open since St. Patrick’s day, it is still working out some kinks but is well on its way to becoming a favored destination of the many travelers to Bantry.
The hotel was built by Murnane and O’Shea, one of Ireland’s leading property developers and building contractors, to four-star specifications. It is managed by The Glen Eagle Group of Killarney, who manages some of the most highly regarded hotels in Ireland.
It is equipped with 115 rooms, many with views of the bay. A standard room is features wireless internet access, movies on demand, a room safe, tea/coffee, and hairdryer. A penthouse suite has a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave, as well as a living room, dining room, a personal deck, and a spa bath.
Other amenities include Club Maritime, a state of the art leisure center with a wild, futuristic pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and gym. The spa treatment center is due to open next year. There is a large function room for conferences, weddings, and banquets, with a private bar attached. The library has wireless internet access and is the perfect, quiet space for writing or reading.
The Ocean Restaurant is captained by Derick McKnight, former chef of the QE2 cruise ship. The restaurant is styled to resemble a ship deck. Though the menu is not yet set in stone, entrees have included Rack of Spring Lamb with Dijon mustard and sun dried tomato crust with a maple rosemary glaze. And Roast Tail of Monkfish on a new potato rositi, served with a red pepper cream sauce. There is also a desert pastry chef on staff who makes homemade ice creams and cheesecakes. Across the lobby is The Maritime Bar, a place to unwind and clink pre-dinner cocktail glasses.
The Hotel also hosts summer cabarets in July and August.
How to get there
By car:
From Kenmare, take N71 south to Bantry.
From Cork, take N22 west to outside Crookstown. From Crookstown, take R585 southwest to Kealkill to main N71 highway. Take N71 south to Bantry.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie website for all current travel details and restrictions.
Accommodations
Now offering many promotional packages.
Address
The Maritime Hotel
The Quay
Bantry, Co. Cork
Tel: +353 027 54700
Email: info@themaritime.ie
Web: www.themaritime.ie
Written by Liz O' Malley - Summer of Travel 2007