Cork Hotels - Finding A Cork Hotel For Your Stay

• By: MFoley
• On: 04/Mar/2010
• In: Cork Travel Tips

Hotels in Cork city

Cork city is the second largest city in Ireland (after Dublin). It is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a charming allure and a traditional laid-back atmosphere. Beautifully situated on the River Lee this small, compact and friendly city is home to some of the country's most loved attractions such as St. Finbarr's Cathedral, the Cork City Gaol, the Crawford Art Gallery and the English Market to name a few.

If you want to be in the heart of the city, then choose hotels close to Patrick's Street. This is the main thoroughfare in the city and is lined with shops, restaurants and bars. The narrow streets that lead from it are also shopping streets. Other good city centre locations to base yourself are South Mall, Merchant's Quay and MacCurtain Street. If you book a hotel near or on these streets, then you're just a hop, skip and a jump from all the shops, sights and sounds of the vibrant and colourful city centre!

Hotels in the outskirts of the city are located in areas like Western Road (close to the University and the hospital), in Douglas (close to Mahon Point Shopping Centre and Douglas Golf Course) and in Glanmire (Dublin side of the city).

Cork Airport Hotels

Cork city also boasts an international airport. Cork International Airport is the 3rd largest airport in Ireland (after Dublin and Shannon). The airport has connections with Dublin, Belfast, the UK and most European cities.

The airport is located just 8km south of the city centre. It is well connected to the city centre by bus, but there's also some airport hotels for you to stay at. These hotels are handy if you have an early flight or late arrival and being just 8km from the city, they are a great base for exploring both the city and the countryside of west Cork.

Outside Cork city

If you want to stay within easy driving distance of Cork city, then choose Cork hotels in Blarney, Cobh or Midleton. Blarney is a picturesque village located just 8km north of Cork city and is home to the world famous Blarney Stone and Castle. You cannot come to Cork and not kiss the Blarney Stone! They say if you kiss it you will receive the gift of eloquence!

Cobh (see pic above) is a beautiful seaport town located approx 24km south of Cork city. This town was once known as 'the saddest town in Ireland' as it was here millions of people immigrated from during the 19th century. Cobh was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic as it set off on its maiden voyage across the ocean to America.

Midleton is a pretty satellite town located 20km east of Cork city. This is a popular base for visitors who want to explore the famous Midleton Whiskey Distillery. You'll also be within easy reach of Cork city and other east Cork attractions like Trabolgan, Fota Wildlife Park and Lismore Castle & Gardens.

West Cork

West Cork is without doubt one of the most scenic parts of Ireland, so it's no wonder that Cork hotels are in high demand here. The little towns and villages of West Cork are sure to give visitors a glimpse of real Irish culture, tradition, heritage and way of life. The distinct beauty of this region can be seen everywhere - rugged peninsulas, jutting coastline with sandy beaches and a green lush countryside dotted with traditional villages and towns.

You'll find Cork hotels in towns like Kinsale, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Baltimore, Bantry and Glengarriff. All these Cork towns are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and have spectacular locations on the south coast of Cork overlooking the sea. Town such as Clonakility, Skibbereen, Bantry and Glengarriff are located on the main national primary route N71 which is a popular tourist route in the south of Cork.

Cork hotels can also be selected by star rating 2 star –5 star. You can book cheap hotels in Cork and these are usually the 2 star budget hotels as the lower the star rating the lower the price. If you want to splash out on some luxury then choose 4 or 5 star hotels in Cork. 5 star Cork hotels are usually equipped with all the 5 star facilities you would expect – gym, spa, fine dining etc

No matter what you're in Cork for, be it shopping, nightlife, sightseeing, business, relaxation, golfing or hen and stag party, there's sure to be a Cork hotel that's right for you!

Now that you have decided on what part of Cork you want to stay in, visit our Cork hotels page and browse the hotels for yourself. View property descriptions, photos and maps to help you select your hotel.

If you have any questions or queries on booking Cork hotels, please do get in touch with us via the comment box below. Just leave us a comment and we will get back to you right away.