County Cork

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County Cork

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About County Cork

County Cork, Ireland’s largest county, blends colorful coastal villages, dramatic Atlantic views, and a lively, culture-rich city scene. Whether you’re after a sea breeze or city buzz, there’s a hotel for every kind of trip. Stylish boutique stays and luxury escapes shine in Cork city, ideal for foodies and culture lovers. For beach breaks or family holidays, head to seaside spots like Clonakilty or Kinsale. Prefer countryside calm? Charming B&Bs and cozy retreats await inland.

Cork is often lovingly referred to by locals as the "real capital of Ireland," and it’s easy to see why — the city bursts with music, culture, and Irish charm. A stroll through its lively Old Town or a visit to the iconic St Fin Barre’s Cathedral offers a taste of its rich heritage, while nearby Cobh, perched on the edge of Cork Harbor, adds a splash of maritime history. Just outside the city, Blarney Castle draws visitors keen to kiss the legendary stone and earn the "gift of the gab" — and its lush gardens make it an ideal picnic spot.

If you're looking to mix culture with coastlines, Kinsale is a perfect base — it’s close to the city but full of charm, with scenic harbors, historic forts, and cozy pubs. For more seaside beauty, the western stretch of County Cork is unbeatable, with towns like Baltimore, Clonakilty, and Skibbereen offering beachy vibes and ferry access to wild offshore islands like Sherkin and Clear. The rugged Beara Peninsula is a must for dramatic drives and mountain views, while food lovers will enjoy East Cork’s thriving culinary scene, shaped by local farms and home to excellent cookery schools. And for peaceful fishing getaways, head north to Mallow, nestled in the green heart of Cork’s countryside.

The Best Places to Stay in County Cork

In cork city

The Montenotte is a chic hotel close to the harbor, with fantastic views from its many panoramic windows. The largest windows are in the rather glamorous Panorama Bistro and Terrace, which is also known for its seafood, but many of the 126 rooms and suites have wonderful views too. The decor is traditional, but not: think patterned carpets and confidently patterned fabrics, in elegant color schemes.
Converted from a tobacco factory built during the Edwardian period, Hotel Isaacs is now an elegant hotel, with a multi-award winning restaurant that serves Modern Irish cuisine. Inside there are a choice of rooms, suites and apartments, which are decorated in a fairly simple, contemporary fashion, and you’re in a fabulous spot for sightseeing in Cork.
The River Lee Hotel is a large, contemporary hotel, right on the river, as the name suggests, with a welcoming feel and 182 spacious and similarly decorated rooms and suites, all with large windows overlooking the water. The facilities are notable, and include a large indoor pool, and a spa and fitness center, and it has the feel of an especially tasteful business hotel. It's pretty good value too.
Hayfield Manor is almost as central, yet feels a world away: a country house hotel in its own secluded grounds, but right by University College Cork. There's gourmet meals available in a choice of two different restaurants, plus a spa and gym, and family suites — making this a great place to treat yourself, or your whole family.

For foodies

Blue Haven Hotel- Award-winning dining, crafted cocktails, and live music make this stylish boutique hotel a foodie's dream. In the heart of Kinsale, it’s your launchpad to flavor, fun, and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Casey's of Baltimore- Stay steps from the sea where fresh seafood lands straight on your plate. Enjoy house-brewed beers by the fire, then savour stunning coastal views—an irresistible base for food lovers exploring West Cork.
Old Bank House is a chic Georgian gem in Kinsale, where bold Indian pop-ups meet gourmet cafe vibes. Every bite and corner delivers culinary surprises—ideal for foodies craving flavor and flair in Ireland’s culinary capital.

For a complete escape

Ballyvolane House has been a country house hotel for a long time, and you can really tell: the service is superlative and warm and there’s a fantastic range of pursuits on offer to tempt you outdoors. The house has only six guest rooms, but quite a number of public spaces, so it feels quite large. It’s also extremely beautiful, if you love a traditional country house. The dining is laid back and delicious and there’s a cooking school onsite.
Ballymaloe House is another country house hotel known for its cooking school and an excellent restaurant. There are 29 rooms and suites, decorated in a traditional manner, but all differently, plus a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts and a golf course. This is the place to learn to make Irish soda bread, if that’s on your bucket list.
The Garryvoe, in a spectacular spot in Ballycotton, just a short walk from the coast and surrounded by green fields and expansive views, is a family-run hotel with 85 rooms and suites. The reception and public rooms are elegant spaces with beautiful antiques and roaring fires, while the rooms and suites are contemporary and comfortable — the best ones have views over the five miles of golden sand of Garryvoe Beach.
Casey’s of Baltimore is a traditional seafood restaurant and pub with 14 rooms and suites, in a fantastic spot with views of the coast. Great for fishermen and sailors too, our Gurus are also calling this one of the best places to stay in County Cork for foodies.
Tucked away in lush County Cork parkland, Glenlohane is a charming country house B&B that feels like your own private retreat. Think crackling log fires, homey kitchen chats by the aga, and endless countryside adventures—perfect for unwinding, exploring, and escaping it all.

For a beach hotel

Dunmore House is a white building in a spectacular spot, right on the edge of a low cliff overlooking the ocean. Almost every room in the hotel has a sea view, and every one of the 30 bedrooms and suites does — just not all the bathrooms. The decor is contemporary and muted, with simple, pale wood furniture and soft hues, and the best rooms have private terraces. Dunmore House has its own golf course, as well as being close to a number of sandy beaches and coves, and the hotel has horses too, and a stable in case you want to bring your own!
Bayview Hotel is an elegant, cliffside hotel that could easily slot into several of our categories, including the best value hotels in County Cork, the most romantic, and the best hotel escapes, but because of its location, on an incredibly picturesque peninsula, we’re including it in the coastal category. There are just 35 rooms and suites, arranged within an elegant, white low-rise building that has the look of a grand house about it. The important thing is that there are lots of windows! Inside are smart rooms decorated in a traditional style, and a formal restaurant that specialises in local produce.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is a sleek coastal escape in West Cork with jaw-dropping Atlantic views. Floor-to-ceiling windows, an indulgent spa, and a standout restaurant make it perfect for unwinding by the sea in style.

The most romantic hotels in county cork

The Castle, near Skibbereen, is an impressive, family-owned castle in a spectacular spot overlooking Castletownshend Harbor. This is an elegant, traditionally decorated hotel, with oak panelling, heavy antique furnishings, four-posters in the best of the 11 rooms and suites, and heavy fabrics. It’s luxurious and a good size, with an elegant breakfast room.
Glenlohane is a traditional, pretty, three room B&B close to Mallow, set on a bucolic country estate. With only three rooms there’s a feeling of peace and seclusion, with log fires to curl up beside and welcoming hosts to help you get the most out of your visit.
The Imperial Hotel in Cork is elegant and central, with 125 contemporary rooms and suites upstairs and a collection of glamorous dining and socialising rooms downstairs. There’s a fine dining restaurant, tea rooms, and a tapas bar, plus a spa that really spoils. This is the sort of hotel that gives you the feeling of really being treated and looked after.
Set by the River Lee, The Dean Cork is a sleek city hotel featuring a rooftop restaurant, chic bar, pool, sauna, and stylish rooms — some with copper baths. A perfect romantic base for exploring Cork, relaxing together, and dining with skyline views.
Eccles Hotel & Spa- Overlooking Glengarriff Bay, this elegant coastal retreat offers a holistic spa, award-winning seafood restaurant, and timeless interiors. Ideal for romantic escapes with sea views, serene walks, and indulgent treatments designed for couples to unwind in pure tranquility.

For families

If it’s a family escape to the country you’re looking for try Castlemartyr Resort, a luxurious estate east of Cork, with 220 acres of sprawling grounds that include an 18 hole golf course. Inside are 103 spacious rooms and suites, with some great family options, plus a spa with ten treatment rooms, and a choice bars and restaurants onsite.
Liss Ard House and Lodge is one of the best places to stay in County Cork if you want a rural hideaway that's both luxurious and family friendly. Here you'll find contemporary rooms, superb, slow-food cuisine and countless activities, including a kids club in the summer, to keep everyone happy. The accommodation is split between three different locations, the Country House, the Gardens Mews or the Lake Lodge, so no-one has to worry about intruding on the peace and tranquilly of others.

County cork’s best b&bs

Perryville House in Kinsale is a charming townhouse B&B, with a wonderful facade, complete with wrought iron balconies and pillars. Inside are 26 rooms, some with mahogany four-poster beds, and all with beautiful antiques, beautiful bathrooms and large windows. But it’s not too fussy for families, and the charming tearooms and gardens are perfect for kids, as is the location, close to the marina, the port and the pretty town center.
For a quirky country escape try the Botanical B&B in Glangarriff, a four bedroom B&B in a secluded spot surrounded by idyllic countryside. The decor gives a feeling of rural chic, with warm, cozy communal areas with beamed ceilings and roaring fires. They serve a superb breakfast of local produce.
Stone Barn is a cozy countryside B&B in Skibbereen with a twist—choose a chic barn room or a quirky Cattle Wagon. Lounge fireside, soak in the hot tub, and unwind in pure rural bliss.

Prefer an apartment or holiday cottage?

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or self-catering option we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel information

Visitors can fly into Cork International Airport, 3 miles south of Cork city center. From the airport, you can reach the city center by bus, arriving at Parnell Place Bus Station. The service runs every half an hour between 5am until midnight.
If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
It's best to visit Cork in the summer months, with July (the hottest month) experiencing an average temperature of 16°C and also being the month of the least rainfall. However, this is peak season and so expect there to be more tourists than if you were visiting at another time of the year. Be sure to book ahead as the best places to stay in Cork will get filled up pretty quickly!

Still not sure?

You could refine your search to just the best places to stay in Cork, or the best places to stay in Kinsale.
Or you could expand your search to include the best places to stay in County Kerry.
Alternatively, you might like to contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.

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The best hotels in County Cork

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Hotel Isaacs

Cork

Originally an Edwardian tobacco factory, now a boutique hotel, set in the heart of Cork. A collection of rooms and apartments mix contemporary and traditional styles resulting in a clean and simple aesthetic. The multi-award-winning restaurant Greene's is the real draw and worthy of a visit alone.

Foodies - The multi-award winning Greene's restaurant is the real draw serving up modern Irish cuisine
Local exploring - A boutique base in the heart of Cork's theatre district
Local markets - Make a stop at the English Market, Ireland's most famous covered food market
Sights nearby - Visit one (or both) of the Gothic cathedrals in the city

from $103 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees