Cork Summer Bucket List

Table of Contents

The best time of the year is here and even the weather seems to be cooperating these days as we glide into the summer months. Our boutique hotel loves summer and suffice to say we are definitely in the mood for some summer adventures. Ireland’s number one cocktail bar, Cask is already putting the final touches to its summer menu (is there really any better combination than summer and cocktails?), our award-winning Greenes Restaurant is set for some alfresco dining and we, at Hotel Isaacs Cork, are loving the buzz of having all our guests, including our international visitors, back again.

Wondering why you should make a trip to us this summer?  To inspire some summer feelings, we have put together a bucket list of our top things to do in Cork this summer:

Beaches

Is it really summer without a trip to the beach? One of the best things about Cork City is its proximity to a lengthy coastline. The colourful seaside town of nearby Kinsale actually marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world (2500km). Even if you want more of a ‘stretch back and relax’ type of holiday, there are loads of beaches within a 40-minute drive from Hotel Isaacs. Myrtleville, Fountainstown, Kinsale, Inchydoney, and Youghal are just some of the sandy surrounds calling you, and don’t worry, most of these are served by regular public transport links too.

Picnics

Prefer to stay in the city but want to get in touch with some nature? You’ll be spoiled for choice with Cork’s wide variety of green spaces. Choose from the picturesque grounds of Fitzgerald’s Park with its duck-pond and brand new playground, or how about a lazy evening walk along the river at the Lee Fields? Alternatively, what about watching the sunset on the banks of the Lough (Cork’s freshwater lake complete with lots of swans, geese, and ducks)?

Concerts

Cork comes alive with the sound of music during the summer and this year, we are back with a bang to make up for time lost. Elton John is coming to our stadium, Pairc Ui Chaoimh on July 1st (there are still tickets available) and that’s before we even get on to the offering at Live at the Marquee, Independent Park, and Cork Opera House. Think The Script, Dermot Kennedy, Lewis Capaldi, Christy Moore, and many more.

Festivals

Summer is manic in Cork with festival after festival to keep you entertained. The upcoming Cork Midsummer Festival (15th-26th June) is one of our personal favourites. Theatre, art, music, circus, and a stunning parade on June 21st await. Other festivals we can’t wait for include the Cork Harbour Festival, Cork Cycling Festival, the Laya Healthcare City Spectacular, and of course, the colour and excitement of Pride.

Shandon Bell Tower

It’s always good to get a new perspective on things, and what better way to do that than from the panoramic view atop the Shandon Bell Tower. Climb 132 steps for one of the city’s best viewpoints. Don’t forget to ring the famous bells of Shandon on your way up!

Day Tours

You’ll be spoiled for choice with the insane number of places you can get to from Cork, many under 30 minutes from our city-centre hotel. Choose from Kinsale, the gourmet capital of Ireland, Cobh, the main disembarkation point for emigrants during the 19th century as well as the last port of call for the doomed Titanic, Blarney, home of the famous castle and infamous Blarney Stone, or how about some whiskey tasting at the Jameson Experience in Midleton. Cork City Tours also offers day tours to Mizen Head and the Ring of Kerry if you fancy making a day of it.

Of course, this is only a tiny selection of what Cork City and County have to offer this summer. We didn’t even get to mention some of our amazing art galleries, the oasis of calm that is Nano Nagle Place, or all the retail therapy options that exist on our doorstep. Feel free to chat with our friendly reception staff or give us a call to help us plan your summer trip on +353 21 4500011, email us at [email protected], or check out our website for the best deals.

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