Tis’ the last days of summer. Whilst it is somewhat normal to bemoan the slow but sure arrival of autumn, there is something refreshing about the (slightly) cooler temperatures, the impending cosiness and the general autumnal lushness that awaits us. September is frequently seen as a month to reset after a hectic summer. The kids have returned to school, you’ve made it through an intense summer of non-stop activities and now, there’s that moment to breathe and think “what now?” One could argue that the best way to reset and find out the answer to that question is with some time out for oneself and one’s special someone; a time to reconnect after all the craziness. And what better time and place to do that than in the oasis of calm that is our charming boutique city-centre hotel this autumn?
Think:
award-winning fine dining restaurant by the waterfall, carefully-crafted cocktails at
Ireland’s number one cocktail bar, inviting
newly refurbished rooms…and this is before you even step outside our hotel located in the heart of Cork’s Victorian Quarter.
Still in need of some convincing? Allow us to present you with just a tiny selection of some of the top romantic things to do with your special person this autumn in Cork City.
Thursday Date Nights at the Crawford Art Gallery
Whether it’s a first date or a married couple, sometimes, it’s nice to do something different beyond the standard “dinner and drinks” option and what better way than with a tour of the city’s
Crawford Art Gallery. You don’t have to be into art to enjoy this experience lasting only an hour and led by some of the gallery’s most enthusiastic guides. Best of all, entry is free.
Take in a Play at One of the City’s Many Theatres
Cork Opera House,
The Everyman Palace Theatre,
The Cork Arts Theatre… Regardless of which night of the week you decide to visit, you can be guaranteed to be spoiled for choice with the variety on offer in our city’s theatres- all less than 10 minutes’ walk from our hotel too.
Get Them Giggling at a Comedy Gig in City Limits or the Roundy Bar
They say laughter is the best medicine and if you’re worried your jokes aren’t up to par, fear not as here in Cork, we like to have a laugh with a wonderful comedy scene.
The City Limits Comedy Club at the bottom of our street or upstairs in the
Roundy Bar (yes, it’s very round) are two of our favourite ways to laugh our cares away.
Go Cycling the Greenway to Blackrock Castle
Active couples will love hiring out some bikes and cycling the Greenway to
Blackrock Castle. At just 2km from our hotel, it’s a very leisurely adventure and sure, why not pop into Blackrock Castle for some exploration of the cosmos afterwards? Alternatively, you can follow the Greenway the whole way to the harbour town of Crosshaven, possibly one of Cork’s best kept secrets and home to the world’s oldest yacht club.
Fota Wildlife Park and Fota House and Gardens
A firm favourite with locals, getting up close and friendly with some exotic animals from around the world at
Fota Wildlife Park is definitely up there with one of the best activities for couples. You don’t even have to worry about driving with a regular train taking you there in just 10 minutes. Afterwards, enjoy some afternoon tea at
Fota House before exploring the stunning gardens and arboretum.
Zero Gravity Float Experience
For couples that like spas but fancy a more alternative spa experience, float your stresses away in a sensory deprived
floatation tank. With studies showing that floating is a safe and proven way to reduce stress, relieve chronic and acute pain and recover from physical activity or injuries; it’s an excellent way to intimately connect on a whole new level.
Walk Along the River Lee Banks, Fitzgerald’s Park and Otter Trail
Nothing can beat the simplicity of a gentle stroll along the banks of the Lee before winding up in the picturesque grounds of
Fitzgerald’s Park with its duck pond, sky garden and rose garden. Watch out for the
resident otter too.
Blarney Castle and Gardens
Arguably one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions,
Blarney Castle is just 7km from Hotel Isaacs. Ascend the spiral staircase for stunning views of the surrounding countryside before courageously hanging off the battlements as you acquire the gift of eloquence by bestowing a kiss on the famous Blarney Stone. The castle is surrounded by luscious gardens and parkland including a poison garden and lake walk.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Escape to the charming coastal village of Ballycotton and take your loved one on a refreshing cliff-walk along the incredibly popular Ballycotton Cliff Walk. Fresh sea air, coastal views of
Ballycotton Lighthouse and a hidden beach at the half-way point-what could be more romantic?
Pitch and Putt
Cork has an abundance of pitch and putt courses to choose from. Our personal favourites are Blarney and Douglas. Give them a shot.
