Ten Reasons to Love Cork

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Who doesn’t love Cork? Ireland’s second city on the banks of the Lee believed by many to be the real capital!

Yes, here at Hotel Isaacs, we are a tad biased but allow us to enlighten you with just a small selection of the many reasons to love Cork and plan a visit to see us soon.

The Young Offenders:

Walk in the footsteps of Conor and Jock and discover some of the key filming locations of the popular film and tv series around the Rebel City.  One of the most well-known Young Offenders scenes- the dance scene- was filmed on Carey’s Lane, just a ten minute walk from our city-centre hotel.  Home to some of Cork’s best restaurants and cafés, take a stroll around the Huguenot Quarter of our city and maybe try doing the dance for yourself (TikTok optional).  Even closer to Hotel Isaacs is Bell’s Field, known for the famous bench where Conor and Jock sit overlooking the city- the perfect spot for a picnic or simply to sit back and recover after the steep climb up St Patrick’s Hill.  Not for the faint-hearted!

GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association):

What better way to embrace local culture than a visit to one of the country’s main stadiums-Páirc Uí Chaoimh to catch a game of one of our national sports?  Having undergone a significant renovation in 2017, whether it’s your first time checking out a game or you simply haven’t been in a while- nothing quite beats the thrill and excitement of catching a game of hurling or football.  Expect blood, sweat, tears and everything in between!

Temperate climate:

Let’s face it: Ireland is not famous for its weather.  Still, if you’re looking for the warmest part of the country- you’ve found it in the County of Cork.  Blessed by the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current bringing warmer waters and milder temperatures, we are lucky to live in a unique microclimate allowing for lush, sub-tropical vegetation to flourish.  It also means you have no excuse not to go for a sea-swim on one of the many beaches within 30 minutes of our boutique hotel.

Sound of the Summer at Live at the Marquee and Virgin Media Park:

Feel the beat in the city this summer with a plethora of musical offerings for every age and music taste.  Running for the month of July, expect headliner acts including Picture This, Michael McIntyre, Kingfishr, The Waterboys, Roy Keane and Olly Murs.

Munster Rugby:

Renowned for our stellar national team, see where it all begins in the provinces with a ticket to one of the sought-after Munster Rugby games.  Keep an eye on fixture dates as tickets sell out fast.

The English Market:

Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Cork would not be Cork without the English Market.  Dating back to 1788, this eclectic indoor food market has survived everything from wars, famines and pandemics to bring you the very best of local produce from freshly caught fish to gourmet cheeses, artisan chocolates, homemade spirits- whether it’s a unique gift or looking for something special to treat yourself- no trip to Cork would be complete without a visit to this market.

Retail Therapy:

Of course, as Ireland’s second city, expect a shopper’s paradise with our mixture of high street, boutique, designer and independent stores.  Don’t forget to branch off the main street for some quirky finds.  When it all gets too much?  Pop into one of the city’s many cafés, bars and restaurants or simply sit back on a bench and tune into the sounds of some of the city’s best buskers.

Further Afield:

The fun isn’t limited to the city.  We are within easy access of some of the country’s best visitor attractions including Blarney Castle and Gardens (a mere 7km), the picturesque seaside town of Kinsale (27km), the port town of Cobh with its history of immigration and of course the doomed Titanic liner (21km) and Fota Wildlife Park (16km).  Easily accessible by both car and public transport, your toughest dilemma will be deciding where to go first.

Boutique Hotel:

Yes, bang in the heart of all of the action is Hotel Isaacs, our stylish boutique hotel offering the perfect oasis to recharge after an intense day of retail therapy or a day’s adventure.  From deluxe and superior bedrooms to newly refurbished self-catering apartments offering all the comforts of home, you can feel confident of a warm and friendly welcome, assistance with itinerary planning from locals who know the city like the back of their hand and of course, the jewel in our crown- Cork City’s only waterfall.

Dining Experiences:

Choose from our newly revamped Greenes Restaurant or for something a little spicier, head to Ireland’s number one cocktail bar, Cask.  Be dazzled by our mixologists stirring up another new creation or order a sharing platter.

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