The Best Hotels to Book in Cork, Ireland
![Pull up a squishy seat in the River Lee Hotel bar for a relaxing afternoon](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0ea2afe0.webp)
There’s lots to love about Cork, the second-largest city in Ireland. History lovers can explore the 16th-century Camden Fort Meagher; shoppers can peruse the stalls at the ancient English Market; while outdoor enthusiasts can tackle the nearby Ballycotton Cliff Walk. The hotels here are pretty nifty too, ranging from Irish institutions to grand country estates. Here’s our selection of the top places to stay in Cork – all bookable on Culture Trip.
1. The River Lee Hotel, for a relaxing break
Hotel
![A hidden-away outside seating area surrounded by greenery at The River Lee Hotel](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/243b1daa.webp)
2. The Imperial, for a historic hotel in central Cork
Hotel
![A barman pours drinks at the classical bar at The Imperial hotel](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/f6a23255.webp)
3. Hayfield Manor, for an elegant escape near University College Cork
Hotel
![A hotel staff member clears the tables at the well-lit restaurant at Hayfield Manor](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/c5e9efd1.webp)
4. Ballymaloe House, for a foodie-friendly stay
Hotel
![A traditional double bedroom with pink-and-white stripes on the walls at Ballymaloe House](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/8453e98e-jpg.webp)
A true family-run business – owner Myrtle Allen raised her six children at Ballymaloe before converting it into a 30-bedroom hotel – this country retreat, known as the birthplace of modern Irish cuisine, is one for foodies, serving a six-course dinner, including cheese, dessert and coffee. Vegetables are grown in the grounds, while the beef, lamb, pork and fish are all locally sourced. Myrtle’s daughter-in-law founded the Ballymaloe Cookery School, too, if you want to get your hands dirty.
5. Castlemartyr Resort, for Irish history and tradition
Lodge
![The manicured gardens and grand estate of Castlemartyr Resort](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/a36b64b6.webp)
6. The Montenotte Hotel, for modern delights near Cork harbour
Hotel
![A mixologist creates a cocktail at the vibrant and funky bar at The Montenotte Hotel](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/990da0fd.webp)
If you’ve had your fair share of grand manor houses and are looking for something a little more modern, look no further than the Montenotte Hotel. This eclectic enclave is one of the most popular places to stay in the city and features a cinema that screens free nightly movies; a heated terrace, for al fresco dining; and a health club with a gym, jacuzzi and 20m (65ft) pool. The best views of Cork harbour can be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace, martini in hand.
7. Garryvoe Hotel, for vistas of beautiful Ballycotton Bay
Hotel
![A traditional seating area with a chesterfield sofa at Garryvoe Hotel](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/a962489b.webp)
Owned and run by the same family for more than 50 years, the Garryvoe Hotel is characterised by exquisite service and attention to detail. Wellness also plays a big part of the offerings here: there’s a 25m (80ft) pool with designated lane swimming, a hot tub and exercise classes. There’s also a mixed pebble-sand beach right by the hotel. Food consists of adventurous menus that rotate with the seasons to ensure the locally sourced produce is fresh.
8. Fota Island Resort, for five-star group getaways
Spa Hotel
![Guests enjoy the sun on a covered patio at Fota Island Resort](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/a80af326.webp)
A five-star escape ideal for families and bigger get-togethers, Fota Island Resort has tennis courts, a golf course, a spa and gym, plus nature walks nearby. While impressive in size, the hotel maintains an exclusive atmosphere, with homely two-, three- and four-bedroom self-catering lodges alongside standard rooms and suites. It’s ideally located, too, just 15 minutes from Cork city centre.
9. Hotel Isaacs Cork, for easy access to the theatre district
Hotel
![Wood tables and chairs sit on a stone patio outside Greenes Restaurant at Hotel Isaacs Cork](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/b3bb653d-jpg.webp)
What once was an Edwardian tobacco warehouse is now a stylish boutique hotel, bang in the middle of Cork’s theatre district. Book a room on the ground floor for access to an enclosed courtyard with tables and chairs. The award-winning Greenes Restaurant draws visitors time after time – the focus is on local, organic ingredients including seared scallops and Skeaghanore duck breast. It’s also a classy setting, with white-linen tablecloths, a heated terrace and a natural waterfall coming down the cliff-face outside.
Travelling on a budget? Read our guide to the best cheap hotels in Cork and the best hostels in Cork, then book your stay on Culture Trip.