Accommodations
Depending upon what tops your list of sights to see or activities to do, Cork has a plenteous array of quality B&Bs, luxury hotels, self-catering cottages, and guesthouses. Because there is so much to see and do, it might be best to choose the top locations you would like to visit, and then choose a guesthouse, manor, B&B, or hotel to fit.
Glencairn Bed & Breakfast
Underwood, Rochestown, Co. Cork 021 489 2951 or 086 826 818
Located outside of Cork City, this is one of the most homey B&Bs you might stay in around all of Ireland. The owners will make sure all your needs are met. In the early spring or late fall, expect a blazing turf fire to welcome you into their humble abode. The smallish rooms might be considered cramped by the pessimistic, but they are full of charm and well maintained. The B&B is situated for easy access into Cork City and the charming Kinsale Village, which is about thirty minutes away. Enjoy a full Irish breakfast in the B&B's newly added glass foyer.
South Reen Farm (Eco-Lodging)
Union Hall, Co. Cork (near Skibbereen) 028 33 258
The epitome of eco-friendly, self-catered lodging, the South Reen Farm retreat is a soothing escape set in a pastoral haven and organic farm. A small ramble through the garden and one encounters the Atlantic's heaving waves in the distance; the inlet protects swimmers. If halcyon moments top your list, the South Reen Farm should also.
Farran House
Farran, Co. Cork 021 733 1215 or 086 811 1244
Built in the 1700s, this flawlessly restored Italianate home sits in the Lee Valley, a short jaunt from the Kilcrea Abbey and medieval castle. The house is near several golf courses, and equestrian facilities and fishing venues are nearby as well. With its location, it makes an excellent middle ground from which to explore the interior of County Cork. The establishment has four rooms available; group bookings and families welcome. To get there, go 17km (11 miles) west of Cork City on the N22. It is just after Ballincollig.
Hagal Farm (Eco-Lodging)
Coomleigh West, Bantry Bay, Co. Cork 027 66 179
Choosing between staying at the quaint B&B or the self-catering garden lodge will be the most stress you will experience at the Hagal Farm. The Hagal Farm offers topnotch service with a smile. Enjoy a wonderful breakfast and the choice of full board if reserved ahead. Enjoy a healing massage, reflexology treatment, or other types of therapy should you want to de-stress and get away from it all.
Hayfield Manor Hotel
Perrott Avenue, College Road, Cork City 021 484 5900
This five-star establishment is perfect for those who really want to live it up while in southwestern Ireland. With marble bathrooms and spacious rooms, the Hayfield Manor Hotel is home to a premier spa, two topnotch restaurants, and has won too many awards to list. It is a great location for a variety of activities, including golf.
Other Accommodations
Here are some other accommodations you might consider. (In the listings that follow, = around 25 euros per person.)
Gougane Barra Hotel. Ballingeary.026 47 069
Sheraton Fota Island Hotel. Fota Island.021 467 3000
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Rolf's Holiday Cottages. Baltimore.028 20 289
Glengarriff Park Hotel. The Village, Glengarriff.027 63 000
Lancaster Lodge. Lancaster Quay, Cork City.021 425 1125
Jury's Cork Inn. Anderson's Quay, Cork City.021 494 3000
Crawford House. Western Rd., Cork City.021 427 9000
Blindgate House. Kinsale.021 477 7858
Ballylickey Manor House. Bantry Bay.027 50 071
Blarney Caravan & Camping Park. Stone View, Blarney.021 451 6519
