Ah, that idyllic Christmas scene we all know and love so well….
Of course, the reality is not always quite so peaceful. Whether it’s the kids fighting over their new toys, those seriously boring relatives you have to endure once a year or just the general claustrophobia and inertia of living in a turkey coma- there is no denying that Christmas is not without its own unique challenges.
This might possibly explain why those days between Christmas and New Year are fast becoming one of the most popular times to book a get-away. Here, at Hotel Isaacs, we are still living our Christmas dream with our beautifully illuminated Winter Wonderland decked out in all its Christmas splendor, we are slowly making our way through Cask Bar’s selection of seasonally sensational cocktails and of course, Greenes Restaurant by the waterfall is providing a whole new culinary experience to rival any Christmas dinner.
Still undecided? Allow us to enlighten you on some of the fantastic reasons you should make Hotel Isaacs the place to be this New Year’s!
Pantos
A Christmas cliché perhaps but who doesn’t love a good old Christmas panto? We certainly do in Cork with no less than two city-centre pantos to choose from: Jack and the Beanstalk is treading the boards in the Cork Opera House while Beauty and the Beast is providing that Christmas sparkle across the road in the Everyman. Singing, dancing, glitter, laughs- it’s sure to warm the hearts of even the coldest night!
Ferris Wheel
Desperate for some me-time or simply want to avoid one of your sleazy uncles? Escape from it all and take a turn on the huge Christmas ferris wheel currently in residence at Grand Parade. With stunning views of the city we love to call home, you won’t want to come down.
Sales Shopping
A mecca for shoppers all year around, don’t miss out on the endless bargains to be had in Cork’s Rebel City this Christmas season. It’s the perfect time to trade in some unwanted gifts or do some damage control at half the cost if your gift failed to wow! From high street brands to independent stores and of course, our beloved English Market, we guarantee you will find that special something.
Marina Market on Ice
Glide your way into the New Year with an outing on the ice at Cork’s popular Marina Market. Warm up with one of the many food specialties on offer or for something with a real kick, pop into the Rebel City Distillery for some of their famous Maharani Gin and Absinthe. Probably best had after the skating though!
Crawford Art Gallery Exhibits
What better way to start the New Year than with some inspiration from our national collection? Be sure and check out some of the gallery’s newest exhibs. We are particularly loving Harry Clarke: Bad Romance: his famous stained glass windows seen in a way you’ve never quite seen before!
Christmas Special with Chris Kent and Guests: 29th December
Give your eyes a rest from the tv and find humour at Cork City Limits Comedy Club with this unique Christmas special with award-winning comedian, Chris Kent. Guaranteed to lighten the spirits!
Abbaesque and Jenny Greene at Cyrpus Avenue: 30th December
And, for those that love to boogie, Cyprus Avenue have some stellar talent coming your way. You’ll definitely find us being Dancing Queens at Abbaesque before rising the roof with Jenny Greene. Definitely one night out you don’t want to miss!
NYE Party at the Pavilion
With so many great bars and clubs in Cork City- the only place you don’t want to be this New Year’s Eve is watching the countdown on tv! Ring the New Year in in style with Cork drag legends, Mockie Ah for seven hours of non-stop dancing across two floors with no less than 6 DJs to keep the party going till the early hours.
Walks
Feeling sluggish after all the festive feasting? What better way to shake off the cobwebs than with a refreshing winter walk? Best of all, you don’t even need to leave the city-surrounds. From the peaceful tranquility of the picturesque Fitzgerald’s Park and its nearby Lee Fields River Walk, to Cork City’s only wildfowl reserve at the Lough to the cardio-inducing climb up St Patrick’s Hill (1 minute from our boutique hill)- there really is something for every age and fitness level waiting to be explored. If cycling is more your thing, why not hire out one of the city’s bikes and pedal your way to the Marina Greenway Loop? Relive the glory days of the old Cork-Blackrock railway line whilst taking in some views of Cork’s harbour views before stopping off for some food at Cork’s Marina Market, Cork’s largest indoor market with over 35 vendors showcasing cuisine from all around the world.
Cobh
Growing tired of watching Christmas movies back-to-back and eating turkey sandwiches as you listen to that same uncle tell that same insanely long story for the 20th Christmas in a row (it ain’t getting any funnier either)? Why not dilute the monotony by dragging the family off for a change of scenery. Cork City is perfectly placed with some of Ireland’s most famous towns and villages within a leisurely 30 minute drive of our hotel. Choose from the charming village of Blarney, the colourful fishing town of Kinsale or how about the historic Cobh. Take in some sea-air on the promenade, admire the views of Cork Harbour from St Colman’s Cathedral, delve into the Titanic Experience (Cobh was the last port of call for the doomed liner) or track down your ancestry with a resident genealogist at the Cobh Heritage Centre.
