Surrounding Area
The contemporary and cultural combined for a relaxing visit
Situated moments away from the River Lee, we’re located in the beautiful city of Cork, which entertains visitors with an endearing blend of cultural, historical, natural and contemporary places of interest. Exploring the city centre, the city’s foodie scene, see a show, tour around the castle and head out to captivating places of interest a little further outside of the city are just a few things to do in Cork.
Cork City Centre
Cork boasts the delightful title of the Butter Capital of the World, so you can’t really visit Cork and not see the Cork Butter Museum, which tells of the city’s butter-making tradition and history. For further insight into Cork, visit the Cork Public Museum and learn about the city’s different trades and crafts of the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is close to the University College of Cork, if you wish to walk over and take in the intellectual airs of the city while you’re in the area.
The English Market
The English Market has a special place in the heart of Cork and stands at the centre of the city’s foodie scene. This market is cherished not just by locals but by Ireland and beyond for the plethora of locally sourced foods on its stalls and attracts thousands of tourists. The various colours of the produce on display inspire artful photo opportunities. The restaurants and cafes in this part of the city are the place to lunch in Cork.
Cork Opera House
Cork Opera House is a stellar venue for concerts, comedy, drama, dance and opera performances and is the only purpose-built opera house in the country. The orchestra pit has capacity up for 70 musicians, and the venue itself seats 1,000 live performance lovers. Cork Opera House is something of a symbol of strength, since the venue had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1955 caused considerable damage.
University College Cork
Located 10-minutes from Cork city centre, UCC is an award-winning institution with a history of independent thinking. The university first opened its doors to students in 1849 after a long campaign for a higher education institution in Munster. Its beautiful campus is set on 42 acres of wooded ground, and is open to the public to explore. The university offers guided walking tours that give guests a cultural and historical overview of the campus. If you are seeking accommodation near University College Cork, The River Lee offers a convenient location of a 5-minute walk from the campus.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is the home of the famous Blarney Stone. Climb the steps to kiss the stone, but capitalise on your time at this major Irish landmark to stroll around the serene gardens of the castle and, naturally, to explore the castle itself, too. Picturesque and inspiring, the castle sits on a cliff and the view from the battlements is well worth the climb, and the folkloric air of beautiful green Rock Close lends a tranquil vibe to the castle.
Famous Landmarks & Attractions
Twenty minutes east by car from the city centre is the Fota Wildlife Park, in Foaty, where you can see Brazilian tapirs, European bison, penguins, cuddly meerkats and more. Catching a ferry from the town of Cobh makes from another interesting day out: at other end of the scenic ferry journey is Fortress Spike, on Spike Island. You can go on a guided tour of the fortress and of this island which has had a colourful past as a home for monks, captains, convicts and others.
Discover more with our ‘Slice of the City’ guide to Cork.
