If you want to experience true country life in the heart of Ireland’s Blackwater Valley, then the pleasure will be all yours after a mere forty-five minute’s drive on the N8 from Cork city. Amidst the rolling countryside just outside Fermoy, Co. Cork, lies the quaint village of Castletownroche, the home of Blackwater Castle, a carefully restored 12th century castle. Surrounded by 46 acres of woodland and lush countryside in a designated Area of Special Conservation, the castle is ready for occupation for events or short-term lettings and is fully equipped for that special family reunion, nostalgic visit to the Munster area, or as a gorgeous venue for a private celebration, wedding or civil ceremony. The Castle (www.blackwatercastle.com) has also been used by educational institutions conducting intervarsity conferences and the owner of the castle, Patrick Nordstrom, plays host to the unique Beast of Ballyhoura annual 36-hour non-stop race which incorporates several sports each August weekend. With the fisherman’s paradise - the Awbeg River (which feeds into the Blackwater River) lapping the valley at the front of the castle, and several historic aspects on the grounds, the castle is truly a retreat to be cherished. Furnished with a mix of antiques and collectors items, this self-catering property is adjacent to the area known as Ballyhoura Country (www.ballyhouracountry.com) an area of exceptional rural beauty, incorporating the Galtee Mountains and its rich mix of rivers, valleys and quaint villages and tourist attractions. As it’s located almost at the centre of the province of Munster, the castle is often used as a touring base due to its proximity to counties Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary, with Dublin just a two and a half hour drive on the motorway. Lovingly restored over the last ten years, the castle itself has several reception rooms, a full catering suite, long hall, tower, library and bar and a separate Hall in the courtyard which seats 120. There are nine individually-styled ensuite bedrooms in the castle itself and five self-catering apartments in The Courtyard.