Cork’s Blackwater Castle open for Business as a Conference Destination.
Blackwater Castle, in Castletownroche village, Co. Cork, is Ireland’s latest multi-purpose conference venue with a difference which is now available for company conferences, think-ins and seminars and offers a unique blend of facilities in this attractive part of North Cork.
Just 7 miles from Mallow town, this 12th century castle is situated on a 40-acre protected nature reserve on the banks of the Awbeg River. Centrally located, it is easily accessible from Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Kerry.
“Its private location is ideal as it is removed from the hustle and bustle of life, yet on the doorstep of a lovely village, stunning rural hinterland and easily accessible from Cork, Shannon and Farranfore airports, as well as Cork ferryport” owner Patrick Nordstroem told us.
Lovingly restored over the last ten years, the Castle has recently hosted seminars for pharmaceutical companies as well as University seminars and business meetings. Typical of a country house, it has six elegant reception rooms, a full catering suite, long hall, tower, library and bar, and has 9 individually styled ensuite rooms and 6 self catering apartments.
The Old Coach House Hall, which seats over 120 delegates conference-style, along with several garden apartments, is located in the courtyard of the estate.
Patrick Nordstrom told us: ‘We have hosted several day-long, and weekend private conferences and meetings here, and we are now making the venue available to educational institutions for outreach projects, and to companies whose executives want to fly into Ireland for a short conference, returning back to an airport within two hours.
Furthermore, we are planning a series of ‘stay and see’ initiatives to bring artistic, historical and culinary events to the castle which will appeal to several categories’.
Mr. Nordstrom went on to say that, from a catering perspective, clients can engage their own chef and catering staff, stock the bar as they wish or contract these services from the Castle’s list of preferred professional caterers.
‘Companies want flexibility and we deliver that. Indeed we hold several weddings and civil wedding ceremonies here on an on-going basis, and we are happy to report that both the couples and the contractors work very well together’ he said.
According to Patrick ‘Our greatest strength is the flexibility this castle can offer to corporations and colleges and organisations. We have large grounds available here also allowing clients to hire marques if necessary for more space.
During breaks from the hard graft, conference attendees can avail of the private river run flowing through the estate and fly fish the brown trout or angle for salmon or tour the lush hinterland of the local area (known as Ballyhoura Country) with its 5 towns, 12 villages and 50 communities.
The Awbeg River flows through the Castle grounds and guests or delegates are welcome to explore both sides of the valley. For those who love nature, they will find inspiration and relaxation in the Castle’s protected Nature Reserve which is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the peregrine falcon, game, otters and endangered species such as the Red Squirrel.
Blackwater Castle also has a very interesting history, the castle dates from the eight century but evidence suggests it may have been occupied in the Stone Age. During the Iron Age the fort of Dun Cruadha was established on the current site of the Castle and the Castle itself is now a history lover’s delight as the old Castle fortifications are still visible around the grounds of the Castle.
The prominent Tower on the West side of the Castle is a fine example of Norman architecture as it is still structurally intact throughout and offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley from the rooftop. The Tower is now home to a Sheela na Gig, a rare sacred symbol of a female figure believed to date from the Eight Century.
The Castle grounds also houses an ancient Holy Well (the Well of Saint Patrick) which is said to be imbued with magical properties and it’s own version of The Blarney Stone (or ancient loo as it was in olden days!).
Now another Patrick (albeit he is a Finnish Patrick) has brought the magic of yesteryear back to Blackwater Castle, opening it up to exploration, education, community and artistic endeavor, and he and his wife Sheila and family, who now live on the grounds, have truly ‘revived’ this national treasure.
http://www.blackwatercastle.com or view the castle on youtube.com