Christmas time is here at last. It's hard not to feel a little giddy about it all especially after the year we've had. Suddenly, the thoughts of mistletoe and wine, Santa, stockings and elves fill us with warmth and cosiness. Suffice to say, after this strange year, Christmas has never meant as much and even those who typically harboured somewhat indifferent feelings towards the season can be seen getting into the festive spirit. Here at Hotel Isaacs, we are no different. We are busy putting the final preparations to our decorating, the chefs are finalising Christmas menus and Cask are of course stirring up some seasonal delights. With that in mind, we have put together a list of some of the top reasons to come to Cork and stay with us this Christmas season.

1. Our Christmas Treat to you ~ New Superior Rooms

It hasn’t been all doom and gloom for us this year. Just a couple of months ago, we launched our brand new superior rooms and now has never been a better time to finally showcase them to our wonderful guests just in time for Christmas. They are the perfect treat for a night away. Cuddle up with a good book or how about some Netflix? Yes, all of our Smart LED TVs now offer Netflix to our guests. Home Alone anyone?
Superior Bedroom at Hotel Isaacs Cork

2. Christmas Menu at Greenes Restaurant

An annual tradition for many locals, Greenes Restaurant and their highly anticipated Christmas menu should be top of every visitor’s bucket list. Did I mention we have Cork City’s only waterfall? Enjoy a relaxed, culinary feast overlooking our fairy-lit waterfall.

3. Festive Cocktails at Cask Bar

We are the home of Ireland’s number one cocktail bar. Beautiful decor, cosy surroundings, top food and festive cocktails with a twist served by our creative team.

4. The English Market

Dating back to 1788, this indoor market has survived it all- wars, famines, centuries of political instability and it looks like it will survive this pandemic too. Just a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Hotel Isaacs, lose yourself in a sensory feast of tantalising Christmas aromas and mouth-watering food displays. With takeaway food all the rage these days, you won’t find a better spot for your perfect mid-morning snack too.
English Market Cork at Christmas Time

5. Christmas Shopping

Online shopping is great but nothing quite beats hitting the streets for a spot of Christmas shopping at this time of year and fear not, Cork City has you covered. From big brands in Brown Thomas as well as Marks & Spencers, ECCO, Top Shop and River Island to quirky local stores like Pinocchio’s Toys and Vibes & Scribes craft and bookshop, the city has your Christmas needs fulfilled. You can see our full Christmas local gift guide here. 

6. Christmas Lights

The City Council have gone all out this year with 6.8km of twinkling lights lining the city streets including 45 Christmas trees. Of course, the giant lit-up Santa outside An Post continues to stand tall and proud. Don’t be afraid to get your selfie! It’s a Christmas rite of passage here.
Christmas Lights Cork City

7. Christmas Window Displays

Brown Thomas’s extravagant window display typically marks the start of the Christmas season but this year many of the other retailers are jumping on board with some festive glittering magic to guide you on your journey as you amble through the streets.

8. Fota Wildlife Park and Fota Gardens

When you need a bit of a break from the shopping, a twenty minute spin out the road or a 10-minute train journey is Cork’s answer to all things wild and fluffy. Tigers, lions, giraffes and rhinos are just some of the animals that await you. Right beside it is one of Cork’s best kept secrets, Fota Gardens and is well worth a visit in its own right due to its wide variety of non-native tree species including Giant Redwood, Japanese Cedar and Monkey Puzzle.

9. The Great Outdoors

If you still have energy left after all of the above, fear not, Cork City is the perfect place for a refreshing walk and with green spaces like Fitzgerald’s Park, the Lee Fields, Blackrock and the Lough all within walking distance from our hotel, there is absolutely no reason to feel bored or inactive.
Fitzergeralds Park Cork

10. Free Prosecco

Christmas is all about giving. Did we forget to mention that booking direct on our website not only guarantees you the best rates but also a complimentary glass of prosecco to enjoy in Cask Bar? We try to save the best till last. Check out our website for our very Festive Spirit Night away package and New Year's Package. Sure to be top of everyone’s Christmas Wishlist.


About The Author

Colette is a hotel receptionist working at Hotel Isaacs Cork. Her favourite part of the job is meeting the many guests coming from all corners of the globe and sharing with them all the wonders that Cork City and County has to offer. One of her great passions is travelling and exploring new places especially museums, galleries and castles. "One of the things I feel very strongly about is how so many people in Ireland are completely unaware of some of the hidden treasures right on their door-steps. When people go abroad, they push themselves to see all the cultural delights on offer but too often, they have no idea how great what is right in front of them, readily available every day is. I came to Cork as a student in 2008 and I too limited myself and didn't push myself to explore. It took a friend to take me off and show me how truly amazing this city and county is and this is what I want to share with my guests and readers.

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