3 Day Itinerary

Day 1

After checking in, enjoy a glass of prosecco in our cosy lobby or outside in our courtyard beside Cork City’s only waterfall before venturing off for an afternoon of exploration.

Take a wander down St Patrick’s Street, the city’s main thoroughfare and its adjoining streets – a shoppers’ paradise awaits.

If some art and culture is calling you, a trip to the Crawford Art Gallery, the city’s main gallery dating back to 1724 is a must. Canova casts from the Vatican, video, paintings and a stunning selection of Harry Clarke stained glass windows are just some of the gems to admire.

If you fancy stretching your legs a bit further, why not check out the campus of University College Cork? Founded by Queen Victoria in 1845, the beautiful campus grounds could well fool you into thinking you’ve been transported to Oxford. Explore the Honan Chapel to marvel at its famous Harry Clarke stained glass windows and floor of half a million mosaics. Make sure you check out the ogham stones lining the Stone Corridor on the main quadrangle too.

The Glucksman Art Gallery, a winner of numerous architectural awards, is a contemporary art gallery on campus offering free admission with regular eclectic exhibitions on show.

Return to the hotel to freshen up before losing yourself in a feast for the senses at Greenes Restaurant. Reservation is highly recommended to get a table with a view of our beautiful waterfall.

Day 2

For your first full day in the city, start your morning sunny side up with a delicious breakfast at our award-winning Greenes Restaurant. Is there any better way to begin the day than sipping your coffee with Cork City’s own waterfall as your backdrop?

Set off on a stroll down the North Mall Riverside, a charming walk featuring bridges, coffee shops, and vintage stores. Take a break on one of the benches overlooking the city or climb the steps to the Shandon Quarter, one of Cork’s oldest areas. Climb the 132 steps of the Shandon Bell Tower for spectacular 360-degree views at 36.65m/120ft. Stock up on homemade treats at Linehan’s Sweet Shop, one of Ireland’s oldest, before tackling the hill to your next stop – Cork City Gaol.

Don’t worry, Cork City Gaol no longer houses real prisoners but perfectly recreates nineteenth-century prison life. Admission also includes entry to the quirky radio museum upstairs – definitely worth a visit.

In need of fresh air after the confines of prison life? A ten-minute walk brings you to Fitzgerald Park, a lovely green space with a playground, duck pond, and the free Cork Public Museum, which charts the city’s history from the Stone Age to today.

All that exploring worked up an appetite? Head to Cork’s top visitor attraction, the English Market. Dating back to 1788, it caters to every taste imaginable. The Farm Gate Restaurant upstairs is ideal for lunch – but it fills up fast. (Closed Sundays and bank holidays.)

No trip to Cork is complete without a selfie at the neo-gothic masterpiece that is St Finbarr’s Cathedral – a must for architecture lovers!

Just beside it lies Elizabeth Fort, a hidden gem with free entry, panoramic city views, and a glimpse into Cork’s past.

End your afternoon at the nearby Nano Nagle Place Centre, celebrating the pioneering “Lady of the Lamp” who founded the Presentation Sisters. This interactive exhibition takes you through 18th-century Cork and offers tranquil gardens to unwind in – a peaceful oasis in the city centre.

After such a full day, wind down with a cocktail and dinner at our award-winning bar, Cask. You’ve earned it! The menu changes every twelve weeks, always local and in season – your toughest decision will be choosing just one.

Day 3

Rise early on the morning of your departure for a leisurely last breakfast before packing up your bags for your journey home.  Before leaving the city, you may like to take in some fresh air with a refreshing walk/cycle down the newly pedestrianised Marina river-walk to Blackrock Castle. History and science blend perfectly in this iconic Cork landmark dating back to 1582.  Take a guided tour of the tower overlooking Cork Harbour, explore a historical exhibit in the castle basement or lose yourself in the wonders of the cosmos with a trip inside the planetarium or one of the many science exhibits on offer.  

Alternatively, why not get your splash up at Ballyhass Lakes Aquapark or how about taking your adventure to a new level with some zip-lining at Farran Woods?

Rise early on the morning of your departure for a leisurely last breakfast before packing up your bags for your journey home.  Before leaving the city, you may like to take in some fresh air with a refreshing walk/cycle down the newly pedestrianised Marina river-walk to Blackrock Castle. History and science blend perfectly in this iconic Cork landmark dating back to 1582.  Take a guided tour of the tower overlooking Cork Harbour, explore a historical exhibit in the castle basement or lose yourself in the wonders of the cosmos with a trip inside the planetarium or one of the many science exhibits on offer.