Autumn is here and it’s one of our favourite times of the year at Hotel Isaacs. Crunchy leaves, warming colours, a hot new cocktail menu in
Ireland’s number one cocktail bar Cask, seasonal savoury dishes at our award-winning
fine dining restaurant Greenes, refreshing walks, festivals…the list goes on and on.
Travelling off season of course has its perks-less crowds, more time to saunter the streets peacefully, easier to make reservations at some of Cork’s best restaurants and bars and of course, unbeatable great value breaks at our boutique hotel bang in the centre of Cork’s most vibrant Victorian Quarter.
Still undecided? Allow us to regale you with some of the wonderful offering awaiting you on your next visit to the Rebel City:
Undoubtedly Cork’s biggest and most eagerly awaited festivals, for five days, the city is turned into a musical extravaganza from huge headliner acts taking over venues like the Cork Opera House, City Hall and Everyman Theatre (right across the road from us conveniently) to the tiniest of pubs housing the very best of local jazz musicians. The library and the local public transport even hop on the music mayhem. Of course, it isn’t really all about the Jazz. There’s outdoor markets, pop up exhibitions, comedy gigs and even Jenny Greene makes an appearance along the way too. Take our word for it: there isn’t anywhere else you’d want to be this October bank holiday.
2. Autumnal Walks:
Is there anything quite as satisfying as walking through a pile of crunchy multi-coloured Autumnal leaves? We think not and if ever there’s a good time to put on some trainers and explore the autumnal lushness of Cork City, it’s during the Autumn time. The pretty grounds of
Fitzgerald’s Park make for some stunning leafy photographs, the nearby Lee Fields are another popular choice or for those that want to go a little further, how about a refreshing walk/cycle to
Blackrock Castle Observatory? Walk along the old Greenway before branching out on to Cork’s estuary.
Farran Woods and its resident deer, just a twenty minute drive away is also well worth the journey.
3. The Farm Grenagh:
Another 20 minute drive well worth the effort is a trip to
Grenagh Farm. Particularly popular with families, Grenagh is an Open Farm with lots of cool activities to take part in such as viewing the farm animals, feeding the donkeys and exploring the fairy garden. In keeping with our autumnal theme, you might want to explore the pumpkin patch and pick out your own pumpkin just in time for Halloween?
4. Indie Cork Film Fest: 2nd-16th October:
Darker evenings making you want to stay inside for “Netflix and Chill”? Why not stand out from the crowd and check out the delights of the
Indie Cork Film Festival showcasing some of the best independent films before they hit the streaming platforms? You never know who you’ll meet there too as the festival attracts some of the top film directors.
5. Dragon of Shandon:
Possibly even bigger than St Patrick’s Day is the
Dragon of Shandon parade, a community initiative where a huge dragon is built and literally dragged through the streets of the city celebrating the ancient festival of Samhain, the moment when our human world and the other world, the unseen world of shadows, coexist freely. Expect music, dancing, costumes, colour and lots of other spooky surprises.
For something completely different, check out this quirky little festival and its selection of both award-winning and up and coming authors taking place in the
Cork Arts Theatre.
7. Triskel Arts Centre concerts:
Be it classical music, art house movies, experimental collaborations, chamber quartets- the
Triskel Arts Centre is one of Cork’s most eclectic arts and cultural venues. It is also possibly one of the few places in Cork City where you can take in a lunch time concert.
8. Cork Mind Body Experience: 15th and 16th October:
Pace of life gone too fast for you? We’re all guilty of getting caught up in the mayhem since life returned to normal. Why not take some time to breathe and attend Ireland’s largest holistic event at the
Cork Mind Body Experience in the City Hall. With free entry, immerse yourself in a world of self-care with 101 exhibitors and 68hr of complimentary talks, workshops and classes including yoga and meditation.
9. Comedy Improvised Murder Mystery: 20th-22nd October:
Taking place at the
Cork Arts Theatre, this play blends theatrical experience and murder mystery evening except the audience has complete control over the plot. The show is entirely improvised with suggestions from the audience taking the show in endlessly new and unexpected directions.
10. Art Galleries:
The perfect place to shelter from those unpredictable autumn showers, choose from the
Crawford Art Gallery in the city-centre or the
Glucksman Art Gallery in the stunning grounds of University College Cork.
