Crisp leaves, lushness, golden colours, the shortening days and a noticeable drop in temperatures- yes, Autumn is in the air and after a non-stop go, go, go summer, we are looking forward to the impending cosiness and adapting to a slower, more indoor focused lifestyle.
Of course, here at our boutique hotel, we do warmth and cosiness very well. Our deluxe and superior rooms as well as our self-catering apartments are the perfect place to unwind after a day’s retail therapy. Best of all, all of your dining options can be found under the one roof with our award-winning Greenes Restaurant (right beside Cork City’s only waterfall) offering tantalising dining options. Or, check out Ireland’s best cocktail bar-Cask serving a selection of tapas and small plates to whet your appetite.
And, if all of that doesn’t sound exciting enough, just a reminder that we are bang in the centre of Cork City’s vibrant Victorian Quarter, within 10 minutes’ walk of almost every attraction in the city. If that doesn’t scream convenience, we don’t know what does.
In case you’re in need of just a little more persuasion on why you should make an Autumnal trip down to us, we’ve put together our top 10 reasons why a trip to Cork this Autumn should be a non-negotiable.
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival – 26th October -30th
Autumn means one thing and one thing only in Cork City and that’s the return of the city’s biggest festival- the Jazz Festival. Running over 5 days, expect an extravaganza of music, magic and mayhem. Think open-top bus music, markets, street art, outdoor free concerts and of course, some of the world’s biggest names in Jazz including Macy Gray, Corinne Bailey Rae and of course, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. For the full line-up, check out the website but hurry, tickets are going fast.
New art exhibitions
What better place to escape those autumnal showers than in the confines of one of the city’s magnificent art galleries? Our personal favourite is the Glucksman Art Gallery. Nestled in the grounds of University College Cork (worth a visit in its own right) and renowned as much for its architectural design as its eclectic contemporary art exhibits, the Glucksman is one place you want to be in the middle of a rain shower. The acoustics alone are worth the visit. The Crawford Art Gallery is also another stunning space and with free tours every Thursday evening at 6:30pm-it’s never been as easy to get up close and personal with your favourite gallery pieces.
Cork Folk Fest – 29th September -2nd October
Back for its 44th offering, is there anything that gets the pulse racing like some good old traditional music? Expect lots of music, song and dance with stars such as Mary Black, John Spillane and Conal Creedon in attendance. There’s even a ceili mor. Check out their website for more details.
Comedy
With the days getting shorter, it can sometimes feel a bit gloomy. Lighten your spirits in one of the city’s comedy clubs. Choose from the Cork City Limits (Tommy Tiernan and David McSavage are among its regulars) or the Coco Comedy Club upstairs in one of the city’s most loved bars, the Roundy.
Triskel Arts Centre
Tucked neatly away down a side-street, one of the city’s best kept secrets boasts some of the best alternative entertainment in the city. From string quartets to jazz to a diverse arthouse cinema-no trip to Cork would be complete without checking out the arts centre‘s ever-changing offering.
Gigs
You’re spoiled for choice in Cork with so many wonderful entertainment options including the Cork Opera House, Everyman Theatre, Cork Arts Theatre and Cyprus Avenue. With acts including the Coronas, Basshunter and Cascada scheduled for October, there’s never been a better time to get to Cork City!
Autumnal walks
Is there anything quite as refreshing as a crisp autumnal walk? Our city-centre hotel allows you quick and easy access to some of the Rebel City’s best walks. Feeling energised? Why not chance the climb up Saint Patrick’s Hill for one of the best viewing points in the city in Bell’s Field (you might just recognise it from The Young Offenders)? Or, for those that prefer more leisurely strolls, amble along the banks of the Lee to the pretty grounds of Fitzgerald Park and the Lee Fields (watch out for the resident otter).
Vivaldi Four Seasons at Saint Finbarr’s Cathedral – Sunday, 15th October
A trip to the neo-Gothic cathedral of Saint Finbarr’s is always top of most visitors’ bucket lists but why not combine your historical visit with some classical music at what is sure to be a truly atmospheric experience in this architectural masterpiece?
Pick a Pumpkin Festival – 8th and 15th October
Pretty much as the name suggests, get into the Halloween spirit and follow the pumpkin trail with stops including the haunted cabin, sheep pen, arts and crafts area before finally arriving to pick your Pumpkin. Guaranteed fun for all the family.
Dragon of Shandon – Halloween Night
Halloween night in Cork City is so much more than trick or treating and parties. A Cork tradition, watch the Dragon of Shandon parade sweep through the streets of the city. Designed and built by the local community, expect ghouls, beasts and all things spooky to get your Halloween off to a scary start.
