Did you know “The Rebel County” is the biggest county in Ireland? Bigger than Dublin! So, pencil the city into your travel plans and check out the best luxury hotels in Cork.
Pro Tip: Planning your trip to Ireland? It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our Cork Guide with more planning resources, our top tours and day trips in Ireland for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in Cork.
Where To Stay and Best Luxury Hotels In Cork
If you’re thinking about visiting Cork – better yet – if you’re thinking about indulging yourself in Cork, then this guide will help you learn about the fanciest and swankiest hotels in the vicinity. You have the option of staying in Cork city, or else traveling further out west for some rugged landscape with your palatial lifestyle. Whether going the scenic route or else staying in the city, you won’t have to skimp out on the finer things in life.
As a side note, my recommendation for making your stay as luxurious as possible, would be to pick up some handcrafted chocolates from The English Market for nibbling in your presidential suite. At that point, be sure to book private tours wherever you go. Cork City Gaol, The Blarney Stone, any walking tours. You name it. Nothing screams “I’m worth it” more than having your own local chaperone. Before we do that though, we first need to figure out where to stay…
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Fota Island Resort and Spa
€€€ | 5 Star | Hotel, Resort, and Spa | Contemporary | Golf Course | Swimming Pool
There is much to do at Fota Island Resort and Spa. First of all, it’s right by Fota Island Wildlife Park, which is one of Cork’s main attractions. The hotel itself has three different golf courses, a luxury spa, indoor pool, and fine dining restaurant. The whole premise of the resort is to focus on “personal energy, vitality, holistic relaxation and pampering.” So, basically, sign us up immediately.
In terms of accommodation, guests can choose to stay in either the self catering lodges or the hotel suites. The decor is paired back throughout, so think all things contemporary and minimal: plush carpeting, non-patterned textiles, a muted, grey color scheme. Personally, I’d try to get a bigger suite on the upper floors, so I can have a decent view of the rolling countryside from my massive, floor to ceiling windows.
Hayfield Manor
€€€ | 5 Star Boutique Hotel | Historic Manor House | Beside University College Cork
Hayfield Manor is a luxury, five-star, boutique hotel in Cork city. It’s run by the Scally family, and rooms range from “superior rooms” and “grand suites,” to the even more luxurious, “master suite”. No bedsits round here. Talking about how chic and warm the place is, the en suite bathrooms are marbled with gold fixtures, the lobby has a roaring fire with deep-set couches, and there’s also a terrace where you can dine al fresco.
Speaking of, there’s actually a lot of eateries at Hayfield Manor. You have the casual Manor Bar, Perrot’s Garden Bistro, upscale dining at Orchid restaurant, their private dining room, a Vine Wine Cellar, and Boole Suite. There’s also a well-kitted-out health spa with Elemis treatments, as well as an indoor pool. Seriously, what a place! You best don your finest jewels and head down here for a couple of nights.
Castlemartyr Resort Hotel
€€€ | 5 Star Hotel | Georgian Townhouse | Afternoon Tea | Swimming Pool & Gym | Castlemartyr
Castlemartyr is a sleepy town of 500 inhabitants in south Cork, which was built by The Knights Templar in 1210. For those unacquainted, The Knights Templar was a Christian military group from the crusades era. By the time the 17th Century rolled around, Castlemartyr had then built upon it a magnificent manor house – which, today, operates as this ritzy, five-star hotel.
In terms of accommodation, you have family-friendly rooms, presidential suites, manor staterooms, and so on. Of course, you’ll have nothing less than grandeur where you are, with four-poster beds, sitting rooms, objet d’art, and an abundance of plush textiles. Moreover, guests have access to an indoor pool, a crazy good spa, gym, and golf course. The resort is also just a 30-minute drive from Cork airport. So, if you’re someone who needs repose from your demanding job – in the most splendid way – take this blurb as your sign!
Vienna Woods Hotel
€€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Country Manor House | Boho luxe | Glanmire
Vienna Woods sits atop the Glashaboy river, on the outskirts of Cork city. The country house was first built in 1756, though now it has a vibrant mustard-toned exterior (hard to miss, even though it’s tucked away in the woods of Glanmire). Relating to the “Vienna” name, in 1964, the previous owner Joan Shubuek coined it because the area reminded her of her native Austria.
As a guest of luxury, you’ll love the decor, if you love “bohemian luxe” interiors. As such, lots of yellow, purple, and teal pops of color, with unique patterned wallpaper, Chinoiserie vases, and chandeliers. Overall, it’s a very light and airy space thanks to the glass atrium and liberal amount of metal fixtures. Meanwhile, the dining room is very Art Nouveau. Faultless design! Vienna Woods is therefore fabulous for well-established creatives who like an eclectic luxury.
Maryborough Hotel & Spa
€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Georgian Manor House | Spa | Douglas, Cork
Maryborough is another regency manor house near central Cork. It’s over 300 years old and brimming with character! To get the most out of a stay here, I would suggest booking the Master Suite, as it’s the most glamorous and impressive room, with veranda views over the garden. I also want to paint the picture of being in this suite in a fluffy robe and slippers, ordering room service, with an air of top 1% about you.
There are also amazing package deals for couples (a great option for upcoming anniversaries or honeymoons). One of these packages will give you a bottle of champagne delivered to your room on arrival. It also includes a four-course dinner with a bottle of house wine at Bellini’s Restaurant, as well as a 50-minute spa treatment at their health club. Winner!
Liss Ard Estate
€€ | Award-Winning | Country Manor Hotel | West Cork
The Liss Ard Estate is an AA awarded, Georgian country manor house. It resides in the ever-popular town of Skibbereen in West Cork. Even though it’s a historic venue, the interiors are a contrast – contemporary, cozy, and bright – with a touch of Scandinavian design.
Departing from the ordinary, the hotel also offers a picnic service, with a basket full of afternoon delights to have on the grounds. You can take this and sit under one of their oak trees, pondering gravity like Isaac Newton. Failing that, you can eat seasonally in their upscale restaurant, or else take an afternoon tea in the sitting room with the papers. Definitely somewhere to take your honey, if you want to spoil them.
The Castle Townshend
€€€ | Boutique B&B | Historic Castle | Family Run | Sea Views | Castletownshend
The Castle Hotel is a little hard to come by, probably given its generic name… But once you get the details, you’ll be glad you heard about it. First off, this boutique hotel has marvelous views over the local harbor. The castle sits right at the edge of the water, so you’ll almost be able to hear the ripples from your window every morning.
Historically, the home has been in the family since the 1650s, and they’ve been hosting guests for 60 years – so, they don’t mess about. They know what luxury hospitality looks like. The hotel also retains most of its medieval features, such as oak-paneled walls, period furniture, family portraits in gilded frames, and wall tapestries. Each room has a different theme, such as “The Gun Room” and “The Archbishop’s Room” (two rooms with the most character). If you’re someone who defines luxury as “castles, deep colors, and regalia,” then The Castle hotel in Castletownshend is your dream spot.
The Montenotte Hotel
€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Modern Interiors in Classic Building | Indoor Swimming Pool | Cork City
The Montenotte is an 18th Century building that was once the home of a merchant prince. Today, it has been renovated into a chic and contemporary hotel that overlooks Cork city. It’s a more contemporary choice than the others, it’s modern and it’s sleek, but this will probably appeal to many.
The hotel boasts an indoor pool, a fancy elevated terrace, and a stellar bar and restaurant. They even have a private cinema on the grounds! Highly advised to book if you are looking to live a high life.
Oriel House
€€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Contemporary Design in Historic Building | Family Friendly | Ballincollig
Oriel House is probably the least lavish out of all on the list, however, it still has luxury offerings and the prices reflect what it lacks. You have a slap up breakfast in the mornings, a lounge to read the papers, or catch up on news.
Imperial Hotel Cork City
€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Historic Building | Indoor Swimming Pool | Cork City
The Imperial Hotel in Cork is in the city, but also close to popular attractions like Fota Island Wildlife Park, which is one of Cork’s main attractions. The hotel itself is contemporary and has great attention to detail. They also have a fantastic luxury spa, a pool, and a fine dining restaurant.
A stay here would certainly satiate all of your luxury needs! And while you’re doing some research, know that Cork is also great for traditional Irish food. As such, I suggest using looking to this list of foods to try in Ireland, and using the knowledge for when ordering off a menu in Cork.
Where To Stay in Cork
A great hotel at a great price has become the norm in this internet era. Our article explains what areas are the best in Cork so you can get a great deal on the perfect location!
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