Spring is in the air and with only 3 weeks until the clocks spring forward, never has it been a more apt time to utter that well-worn phrase: ‘Sure, there’s a grand old stretch to the evenings’. Spring is definitely making itself known here in our city-centre hotel. The longer days and abundance of early-blooming daffodils, combined with the further lifting of restrictions has certainly (forgive the pun) put a spring in all of our steps as we eagerly await the start of our season. Of course, our opinion is that there is never a bad time to treat yourself to a trip to the Rebel City especially after the past two years. However, we could put up a strong argument that spring is definitely one of our favourite times to explore Ireland’s second city and its wonderful surrounds. Here are just some of our top picks for why you should come visit us this spring:
St Patrick’s Day Festival
Yes, after a two-year hiatus, all things green, shamrock, and boisterous are back (and that’s just the beer). To celebrate, the government have even given us two bank holidays to make sure we properly celebrate and that, we intend to do. The huge St Patrick’s Day Parade will of course be the highlight but expect lots of music, dancing, laughter and maybe even a few sightings of St Patrick himself. Stay tuned to the Cork City Council website for the full schedule due to be announced any day.
Racing Home for Easter Festival
Fancy doing something completely different this spring? How about the races at Mallow (just half an hour from our boutique hotel with regular train services too). Kicking off on April 20th, it’s not just about the horses. Why not try out for the Most Stylist Lady Event or take the kids along to the Easter Egg Hunt?
Springtime strolls in Fitzgerald’s Park and the Lee Fields
Sunny weather tempting you outside again but want to stay within walking distance of our city-centre hotel? Fear not, Cork City has a wonderful selection of walks to suit every age and fitness level from tranquil riverside wanderings to the more strenuous climb up St Patrick’s Hill. Our personal favourite though would be a trip to the insanely picturesque Fitzgerald’s Park. Kids will love the redesigned playground and duck-pond too. Extend your walk along the Lee Fields to see Cork’s best display of daffodils. Wordsworth eat your heart out.
Art Exhibitions
Yes, we love spring weather but we also love shelter from springtime showers. What better place to shelter than in one of the city’s finest art galleries? See the everyday transformed in the Crawford Art Gallery’s latest exhibition: ‘Saturation’ or for something a bit off the beaten track, try St Peter’s on North Main Street.
Nano Nagle Place
If art isn’t quite your thing and you’re looking for a place to embrace the season with easy access to shelter, look no further than Cork’s newest visitor attraction. Named after the pioneering founder of the Presentation Sisters, this is so much more than your regular museum. The complex comprises of a design shop, Cork-themed bookshop, printworks, quaint gardens perfect for a morning coffee or brunch at Munster’s Number One Café.
Concerts
Suffice to say, the arts and culture scene has returned with a bang this spring and Hotel Isaacs couldn’t be more conveniently located. Cork’s Victorian Theatre, the Everyman is directly opposite us and the Cork Opera House is just a 5 minute walk away. Oh and did we mention, City Limits Comedy Club is also down the road for those in search of a giggle.
Fota Wildlife Park
There are some places that never get old no matter how many times you go and for us, Fota Wildlife Park is one of them. Less than 15 minutes’ drive (or just hop on the train for 10 minutes), is there really any better way of spending a spring day than catching up with the giraffes at Fota Wildlife Park? A visit to Fota Gardens and Arboretum afterwards is strongly recommended too. Nearby Cobh (another three stops on the train) and its plethora of Titanic and immigration history is another perfect spring-time outing just calling you to get outdoors.
