There’s still time to plan a visit: here’s where to book …
The details: Cork’s grande dame hotel, which has welcomed everyone from royalty to revolutionaries. Snap a selfie with the “stars” on the hotel’s wall of history, try out the Escape Spa which offers treatments by Voya and Aveda, sip a cocktail in the stylish Sketch bar, or ask the Special Occasion Butler James to arrange some special romantic treats and trips.
Best for: Irish history buffs. Stay in room 115, the Michael Collins suite that underwent a significant renovation, featuring an impressive mahogany four poster bed and antiques, as well as a bust of Collins on a writing desk and a portrait by Irish artist Mick O’Dea. An overnight stay in the Michael Collins Suite includes complimentary use of the vitality suite at Escape Spa, complimentary soft drink mini bar and a “bubbly birdcage” on arrival (think prosecco and sweet treats).
Ballymaloe Hotel and Restaurant, Shanagarry
The details: The family-run country house hotel owned by the Allen family has welcomed guests since 1964. The 17th-century house is built onto a 12th-century Norman Castle and is surrounded by a 300-acre farm. There’s an outdoor heated pool for summer, a craft and kitchenware shop, café and events centre at Ballymaloe Grainstore.
Best for: Gourmets, who will particularly enjoy the spectacular breakfasts and dinner (the dessert trolley is a highlight!). I love the Jameson Whiskey Ballymaloe Experience – a one night stay which includes dinner, a Jameson Irish coffee, breakfast the following morning and a trip to the Jameson Distillery in Middleton.
The details: An elegant, listed Glebe Heritage House of Ireland, Kilmahon is only a short walk to Ballycotton Bay and Ballymaloe Cookery School. On site, there’s a beautiful walled rose garden with expansive lawns and ocean views – the backdrop for languorous afternoons and al fresco breakfasts. Inside, log fires and tastefully furnished airy rooms prioritise comfort.
Best for: An exclusive rental with six en-suite bedrooms. Owners Julia and Mike Behringer-Philips can arrange additional catering if required.
The details: This 17th-century manor house, adjacent to an 800-year-old castle, has an interesting history which includes Strongbow, Walter Raleigh and the Knights Templar. Now comprising over 100 rooms and suites, as well as 47 luxe self-catering lodges, a spa and a golf course, it’s entirely possible to check in and not leave the grounds as everything is on site for a relaxing staycation.
Best for: An easy golf and spa weekend. Discover the Ron Kirby-designed inland links golf experience with breakfast served in the Canopy Restaurant and a round of golf on the 18-hole course. Guests also have use of the resort’s impressive spa and leisure centre where you can now enjoy a Ground Wellbeing treatment.
The details: This 17th-century castellated house overlooks the harbour of Castlehaven. Built by the Townshend family, the house has gradually expanded, with towers dded in the 1800s. Eleven generations on, The Castle offers both an authentic historic home with its wood-panelled walls, family portraits and ornaments, and all the expected modern amenities.
Best for: A nostalgic village experience. Castletownshend is an unspoilt village set on a hill running down to The Castle. Mary Ann’s Bar & Restaurant is just minutes away, while Lil McCarthy’s pub at the top of the village is open for late drinks and hosts music throughout the summer.
The details: Given its picturesque setting overlooking Clonakilty Bay, a trip to Dunmore House is ideal for anyone looking for breezy Atlantic walks along great beaches and beautiful gardens.
Best for: Garden enthusiasts. Part of the West Cork Garden Trail, a collection of 23 gardens open to the public, Dunmore’s garden comprises the Cliff Garden and Ocean Garden, an organic kitchen garden. The horticulturist team use permaculture principles using seaweed and other natural manures to assist biodiversity. The best thing is seeing how the hotel’s Michelin-recommended Adrift restaurant incorporates the produce into its menus.
The Kingsley Hotel, Carrigrohane Road
The details: Polished and sophisticated, with a bistro-style restaurant, luxury spa and an extensive Health Club, The Kingsley is a member of the Fota Collection and has a distinctive riverside location on the banks of the River Lee.
Best for: Families and pets! The hotel is a short distance from local attractions including Fitzgerald’s Park, and Blarney Castle and Gardens, as well as a short drive to Kinsale and Crosshaven.
Fota Island Resort, Fota Island
The details: Magnificent grounds, cosy and comfortable residential Lodges, championship golf courses, Blue Flag beaches and numerous walking routes and trails all ensure that Fota Island Resort is consistently voted a family favourite, with five-star status from Fáilte Ireland.
Best for: Activity holidays; the resort is all about choice. For families who love a challenge, Fota Adventure’s two hour course includes activities like archery and an obstacle course. Families can take to the water and enjoy kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. We recommend a visit to Fota Wildlife, Fota House and Gardens, Spike Island, the Titanic Experience in Cobh, or the markets at Midleton.
The details: A classic Georgian manor with lush gardens, private lake and trails, a lakeside wellness centre and refurbished rooms.
Best for: Reconnecting with nature. With 163 acres to enjoy, offers incorporate special experiences, including the “Believe in Light” overnight getaway. This includes private access to James Turrell’s impressive Sky Garden, designed to be an observatory on a dramatic scale. There’s also a serene night kayak on Lough Hyne led by professionals from Atlantic Sea Kayaking and dinner.
Ballyvolane House, Castlelyons
The details: Originally built in 1728, this private property has been owned by three generations of the Green family, and is most famous for hosting HRH The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2018. No doubt the royals were wowed by its magical setting and gardens, delicious home cooking and small batch distillery – home of Bertha’s Revenge gin.
Best for: A romantic break or glamping trip. Activities such as croquet, clay pigeon shooting, fishing and pheasant shoots can be arranged.
The Montenotte Hotel, Middle Glanmire Road
The details: A boutique bolthole minutes from Cork city centre with a bijou spa, well-equipped gym, delicious dining options, a cinema, stunning Victorian gardens and amazing views from the Panorama Terrace.
Best for: The Woodland Suite Experience, historical and cultural excursions from whiskey tasting to wellbeing, part of bespoke experience packages. These include a picnic excursion to Blarney Castle and Gardens, a premium whiskey-tasting experience at Jameson Distillery, or a 60-minute treatment in Bellevue Spa and holistic Reiki session.
