Yes, it’s that time of year again where red and pink explode on to the market, cheesy rhymes are back in vogue, and everything seems hearts and flowers! It’s enough to make you float on air or feel nauseous depending on your personal feelings towards the day. Yes, love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is upon us! Admittedly, we feel we’re still in recovery from Christmas. Has it already been a month? Weren’t the decorations only up just yesterday?
Of course, there are perks to Valentine’s Day- it means spring is on the way, longer brighter days, the new February bank holiday is fast-approaching and this year, Valentine’s is also falling during midterm break so regardless of whether you’re self-coupled or riding the love wave, there has probably never been a better time to plan a rejuvenating spring/Valentine’s break away. Experiences last much longer than roses anyway.
Is there a better city-break than the Rebel City? We think not! Allow us to give you some of the best ways to celebrate the season of love in our boutique hotel:
Romantic Rambles:
Whether it’s strolling hand-in-hand along the banks of the Lee or sauntering around the Lough and its resident swans or the picture-perfect serene grounds of
Fitzgerald’s Park- Cork City is a walker’s paradise. From gentle strolls to more energetic hikes (a climb up St Patrick’s Hill is well worth the cardio feat for the stunning city views)- there is something to get everyone’s heart rate up in our city.
Artistic Adventures:
What is it about the hushed tones of an art gallery that oozes romance? Hidden in the stunning grounds of UCC, explore the
Glucksman Art Gallery’s latest eclectic exhibition (the building alone is an architectural masterpiece) or pop into the
Crawford Art Gallery in the city-centre for a wider artistic offering including the famous Canova casts and best of all, the Harry Clarke Bad Romance Exhibition. For a unique start to your evening, don’t forget, the gallery runs free tours every Thursday evening at 6:30pm.
Captivating Castles:
Nestled just 7km from Hotel Isaacs (with a fantastically regular public transport service) lies one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions-
Blarney Castle. Hang over the castle battlements and get your pulses racing as you kiss the Blarney Stone or find a secluded spot on the extensive grounds of the sprawling castle estate to share a private moment with your special someone. With lake and forest walks as well as a fernery and poison garden, there is always something new to see. Best of all, it’s usually quieter at this time of year.
La Tragédie de Carmen: Cork Opera House: 14th February:
Nothing screams passion and romance quite like a devastating tragic opera and this Valentine’s Day- allow
Cork Opera House (less than 10 minutes’ walk from our boutique hotel) to take you on a cathartic wave of emotion in this dark and emotional retelling of Bizet’s masterpiece.
Valentine’s Day Stand-Up Comedy: 14th of February: The Roundy Coco Comedy Club:
For those that prefer a lighter approach to the day of love, check out this special night of comedy upstairs in the Roundy? Who says love can’t be found in laughter?
Valentine’s Cabaret: Tuesday 13th February: The Pavilion:
And, for something completely wild and different, how about joining Cork drag legends Mockie Ah for a special Valentine’s Cabaret this Galentine’s Day? Featuring a mixture of drag, burlesque, comedy and live music including special guests, expect a musical extravaganza and plenty of fun and games.
Cassablanca at the Triskel Arts Centre: Sunday, February 11th-Wednesday, February 14th:
Movie nights and romance go hand-in-hand and what better way to celebrate the season of love than with an old classic in one of Cork City’s most atmospheric venues- the
Triskel Arts Centre? Located in a beautifully restored 1700’s Neo-classical Georgian Church, prepare to experience cinema in a way you’ve never quite experienced it before.
Charming Coasts:
Blow away the cobwebs with a refreshing coastal walk. Choose from the colourful fishing town of
Kinsale and its selection of forts or how about the
Ballycotton Cliff Walk with its stunning views of Ballycotton Lighthouse.
An evening of fine dining by the waterfall:
Possibly our favourite way to while away a romantic evening is right here in our very own
Greenes Restaurant beside Cork City’s only waterfall. Indulge your senses in our carefully crafted Valentine’s Day menu.
cocktails at Cask:
Wow your date with a trip to Ireland’s number one cocktail bar! Cocktails and tapas-inspired dishes-what more could you want? Expect casual but chic vibes for a night to remember without having to take more than five steps from your hotel! Who says love has to be hard?
