Victoria Lupascu 
Welcome to Cork County (and Cork City – the second-largest city in Ireland). The region is a haven for food lovers and castle enthusiasts. And if you are wondering where to stay in Cork – you came to the right place!
I manually compared all the Cork areas and accommodation options and handpicked the very best ones – they are sorted by price too – I am going to cover all options from luxury to budget. This way any kind of traveler will be able to choose their ideal place in no time!
Cork’s city center is the ultimate place for your first visit – it boasts beautiful architecture and houses the main attractions in County Cork. Besides Cork’s city center, I am going to talk about 5 other areas in the County Cork area, and will explain the general vibe each of them has.
Regardless of what you decide on, you have to book your hotel in advance, not only to secure your spot but also to get better deals on hotel rates.
Let’s dive into it!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, here’s a list of the top hotels in Cork city centre:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Cork City Centre – where to stay in Cork for the first time
- 2. Victorian Quarter – where to stay in Cork on a budget
- 3. St Luke’s Cross – best spot in Cork for a relaxing vacation
- 4. Tivoli Estate – where to stay in Cork for families
- 5. Blarney – best place for the local atmosphere
- 6. Maryborough Estate – where to stay in Cork for shopping
- FAQs about where to stay in Cork
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map to help you visualize all the areas I recommend for your stay in Cork:
- Cork city centre: for first-timers
- Victorian Quarter: for budget
- ST. LUKE’S CROSS : for a relaxing stay
- Tivoli Estate: for families
- Blarney: a local atmosphere
- MARYBOROUGH ESTATE : for shopping
1. Cork City Centre – where to stay in Cork for the first time
Cork’s city centre is such an interesting place to stay because it allows you to experience city life to the fullest and experience Irish hospitality first-hand. Here, you’ll also find all the best nightlife spots and all major tourist attractions.
One of the best aspects of staying in the center of Cork – the top sights are within walking distance! Your first stop should be The English Market (map), an 18th-century covered food market where you can taste samples and buy fresh, local food.
When visiting Cork in 2011, the Queen and her husband, Prince Phillip, made a stop at The English Market and engaged in conversation with the vendors!
Other important landmarks in and around the center are the Cork City Gaol, the Cork City Hall, and the Cork Opera House. Check out the schedule at the Cork Opera and attend one of the shows.
Another must-visit is the Crawford Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary Irish art. Entrance to the Crawford Art Gallery is free, and you don’t even need a reservation!
Next on your itinerary should be the Blackrock Castle Observatory, Elizabeth Fort, Nano Nagle Place, and the historic Clarke’s Bridge. To see more of Cork, I suggest venturing out to the University College area in West Cork – pay a visit to the University College Cork (UCC) campus and Fitzgerald Park (map). Looking for more Irish fun and amazing castles? Check this post with the best places to stay in Killarney, Ireland!
Enjoy the royal treatment at this luxurious hotel located in the heart of Cork! You can relax in the indoor pool or get one of the spa treatments offered by the hotel, and don’t skip a meal at one of the 2 on-site restaurants that serve modern Irish cuisine.
Other accommodation options in Cork city center
A four-star hotel with spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, offering amazing city views and a delicious breakfast
One of the best cheap hotels in the city centre, featuring rooms with private bathrooms, double beds, and storage space
A private room with a queen-sized bed in an 18th-century building and in a great location in Cork City
Cork’s city centre is the most popular place to stay in Ireland’s second-largest city, so hotels tend to sell out super-quickly. If you don’t manage to make a reservation in time, I picked out a few more 5 and 4-star hotels in the city centre.
- Hayfield Manor Hotel (5*) – The guests at the Hayfield Manor Hotel can indulge in beauty makeovers in the hotel’s spa treatment rooms and have a nice dinner at the upscale restaurant.
- Clayton Hotel Cork City (4*) – During your stay in the Clayton Hotel Cork City, you can have a relaxing session in the swimming pool, order room service, and grab a drink at the bar.
- The Kingsley Hotel (4*) – All rooms at The Kingsley Hotel are individually decorated and air-conditioned. You can dine at one of the 2 on-site restaurants and use the hotel’s indoor pool.
- The River Lee Hotel (4*) – As you can probably guess, The River Lee Hotel is situated on the riverbank, features spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and has a health club offering regular fitness classes.
- Leonardo Hotel Cork (4*) – This hotel, formerly known as the Jurys Inn Cork, offers clean and comfortable rooms, a buffet breakfast, and dry cleaning/ laundry services.
Things to do in Cork city centre
- Stop by Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral (map) to admire the architecture
- Go shopping at the Marina Market (map)
- Grab dinner at one of the restaurants along St. Patrick’s Street
- Go on a culinary tour of Cork
2. Victorian Quarter – where to stay in Cork on a budget
Cork’s Victorian Quarter is located just 1 km (0.6 miles) north of the city centre, nestled along the bank of the River Lee. This charming area of Cork is famous for its historic Victorian buildings, after which the neighborhood was named and which give the area its old-timey feel!
In the Victorian Quarter, there’s a good selection of affordable hotels and hostels, and the neighborhood is super close to Kent Train Station – very convenient if you’re planning a day trip!
When in the Victorian Quarter, you have to explore the lively MacCurtain Street – go for a traditional Irish whiskey at The Shelbourne Bar or grab a tasty burger from Son of a Bun.
Another cool street you should check out is Shandon Street, lined with great local shops and cafes. From here, head to The Butter Museum, which celebrates Ireland’s successful butter trade. I personally recommend hiking up to Patrick’s Hill (map) for the most amazing views of Cork. It’s also a good idea to visit the Collins Barracks Military Museum and get tickets for one of the cool shows that are on at The Everyman, Cork.
Guests at The Metropole Hotel Cork can enjoy comforts such as room service, access to a fitness center, and a la carte breakfast. All of the rooms at this elegant hotel are tastefully decorated, and each has a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and Wi-Fi access.
Other accommodation options in Victorian Quarter
This boutique hotel is a short walk from the center and offers spacious rooms, cable TV, and 2 on-site restaurants
A hostel offering accommodation in shared dormitories, with an on-site bar and complimentary breakfast
A 2-bedroom apartment that can host up to 4 people, with 1 bath, a living area, and a full kitchen
Things to do in Victorian Quarter
- Go bowling at the Leisureplex Cork
- See a show at the Cork Arts Theatre
- Embark on a guided day trip to Ring of Kerry
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3. St Luke’s Cross – best spot in Cork for a relaxing vacation
St. Luke’s Cross is a small neighborhood situated Northeast of the Victorian Quarter and just 1.5 km (1 mile) from the Cork center. This area is not your typical tourist hotspot; it’s a more residential area with a more laid-back vibe, perfect for a relaxing stay in Cork.
If you’re the type of traveler who wants to stay away from the hustle and bustle of city life, I’d highly recommend staying in St. Luke’s Cross.
The main point of interest in the area is the event venue, Live at St Luke’s, where you can catch a live music show, concert, or comedy performance, but the coolest thing about this place is that it’s situated in a former church.
If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, there’s no better place for it than St. Luke’s Community Garden (map), a lovely park at the heart of the neighborhood. Finally, my last recommendation for people staying in St. Luke’s Cross is a visit to O’Keeffe’s Shop (map), a gourmet grocery store with a deli serving delicious breakfast food.
The Montenotte Hotel provides luxurious accommodations in a tranquil location and access to an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, and a hot tub. Guests can catch a movie at the in-house cinema or enjoy an afternoon tea with a view at the hotel restaurant.
Other options around St. Luke’s Cross
During your stay at Gabriel House Guesthouse, you’ll enjoy views of the private gardens and have a traditional Irish breakfast
This B&B is in a convenient location and provides complimentary breakfast, as well as laundry and babysitting services
A room in a shared house with a private bathroom, a double bed, a TV, and a fast Internet connection
Things to do Around St. Luke’s Cross
- Get a Guinness at John Henchy & Sons (map)
- Grab a cup of coffee at Lab 82 Coffee
- Venture out to The Glen River Park (map) and spend the day in nature
4. Tivoli Estate – where to stay in Cork for families
Located in East Cork, 4 km (2.5 miles) away from Cork city center, this hillside area is perfect for a fun family holiday! The original Tivoli House was once a merchant manor; today, around this house, you’ll find a quaint and quiet area and some of the most unique places to stay in Cork, Ireland.
Filled with beautiful old residential houses that boast incredible views of the River Lee, Tivoli Estate is definitely Cork’s hidden gem.
As you can expect from a small neighborhood on the outskirts of a city, there’s not too much to see and do in the area – but you can still have a good time!
My first recommendation is the Port of Cork 2000 Garden (map), the perfect spot for a relaxing family walk along the river. If you feel like doing some shopping, venture out to Mayfield and spend a few hours at the Mayfield Shopping Centre.
If you’re traveling with younger kids, venture out to Fota Wildlife Park, a sanctuary/Zoo for endangered animals. The Fota Wildlife Park is 14.5 km (9 miles) away from Tivoli Estate – the perfect destination for a family day trip! The park is part of Fota Island Resort, which includes the Fota Island Hotel and the Fota Tower, so you’ll have plenty of other things to see and do.
NOTE: There are no well-rated budget hotels in Tivoli Estate, so instead, I included 2 mid-range hotels that are a great choice for your family stay.
Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel & Villas
Set in an 18th-century country house, this luxurious hotel boasts amazing décor and spacious, elegant rooms. You can have your drinks on the patio of Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel and enjoy a daily buffet breakfast. Best of all, this is a pet-friendly hotel, so you can travel with a dog!
Other accommodation options in Tivoli Estate
A 4-star hotel that has family rooms, a beautiful garden, private parking, a library, and a full breakfast
This family-friendly, contemporary hotel has an on-site coffee shop, a garden, a terrace and offers 24/7 room service
A 3-bedroom bungalow that can accommodate up to 5 people and has an indoor fireplace, a backyard, and a patio
Things to do in Tivoli Estate
- Stop by the historical Kilcrea Friary (map)
- Take the kids out to eat at Supermac’s & Papa John’s
- Catch a game at the Páirc Uí Chaoimh
- Go out to Glanmire and take the kids to Monkey Maze
5. Blarney – best place for the local atmosphere
Located 8 km (5 miles) Northwest of Cork city center, the town of Blarney is famous for the Blarney Castle, a 15th-century building that’s home to the legendary Blarney Stone. So, if you’re a castle aficionado or a history buff, this is the place for you – and you’ll certainly enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this Irish town.
Legend says that people who kiss the Blarney Stone receive the ‘gift of the gab’, i.e., they become eloquent and good at flattery!
The Blarney Castle is the main attraction in the area, but you can spend the rest of your stay roaming around town, taking in the beautiful countryside and admiring nature!
Besides the castle, another must for your visit to this lovely town is the Blarney Woollen Mills, a retail store that’s situated in an authentic Irish mill. Here, you can get clothes and jewelry or visit just to see what a mill is supposed to look like.
This lovely hotel is within walking distance of Blarney Castle and offers its guests access to a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant that serves modern Irish cuisine. During your stay here, you can have a classic afternoon tea in the hotel foyer or sign up for a game at one of the squash courts on the property.
Other accommodation options in Blarney
One of the best castle hotels in Cork that has traditionally decorated rooms and a bar with live music
Enjoy your stay in these bright, comfortably furnished rooms and make use of the fast Wi-Fi and free parking
An entire suite with a private entrance, an en suite bathroom, a kitchenette, 2 bedrooms, and access to private parking
Things to do in Blarney
- Take the kids to the Children’s Woodland Park in Blarney (map)
- Go up to the Waterloo Round Tower
- Visit the Church Of The Immaculate Conception (map)
6. Maryborough Estate – where to stay in Cork for shopping
My last recommendation goes out to Maryborough Estate, another lovely neighborhood in West Cork, 5 km (3 miles) from the Cork city centre. This is a predominantly green area, but there are plenty of shopping spots nearby, and it’s near the airport – just 10 km (6 miles) away!
As I already mentioned, the Maryborough estate is quite the shopping hub, with Douglas Village Shopping Centre, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, and the Dunnes Stores being the most-visited destinations among shoppers.
If you want to spend some time out in the open, Tramore Valley Park (map) is an amazing place to clear your thoughts. You can also spend the day at Douglas Village Community Park (map) or book a tee time at the Douglas Golf Club.
Staying in Maryborough Estate is a good idea in and of itself, but it’s even better if you want to be close to Cork International Airport while visiting Cork.
This Cork hotel is situated in an 18th-century house and features elegant rooms, a luxury spa and wellness center, a gym, a sauna, a swimming pool, and a relaxing jacuzzi tub. Guests can also have a gourmet meal at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Bellini’s.
Other accommodation options in Maryborough Estate
All rooms at this B&B are non-smoking and have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV
This B&B provides lodging in rooms that have private bathrooms, a TV with cable channels, and a desk
This room in a shared home has an attached private bathroom, and guests get access to free private parking
Things to do in Maryborough Estate
- Spend the day exploring the Ballybrack Woods (map)
- Pay a visit to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rochestown (map)
- Have a meal at KC & Son & Sons or Barry’s of Douglas Restaurant & Bar
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$270 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | US$200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$150 |
| 📍 Best area: | Cork City Centre |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Imperial Hotel Cork City |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Maldron Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Yugo Explore – Lee Point |
FAQs about where to stay in Cork
🏰 Is Cork worth visiting?
Yes! This beautiful city in Ireland doesn’t get enough praise! With its unique castles, laid-back atmosphere, and fun pubs with live music shows, this town is a great place to visit.
🇮🇪 What is the best area to stay in Cork, Ireland?
Cork city center is the BEST place to stay in this Irish city, as it has all the tourist attractions, and they’re all a short walk away from each other – I recommend staying in the Imperial Hotel Cork City or Maldron Hotel.
💰 Is Cork cheaper than Dublin?
Yes, everything from hotels to bars and restaurants is much cheaper in Cork than it is in Dublin, which is understandable, seeing as Dublin is the largest city and the capital of Ireland.
💸 What is the best budget hotel in Cork?
The best budget hotel in Cork has to be Yugo Explore – Lee Point in Cork city center, a very affordable aparthotel with free Wi-Fi access and a front desk that’s available 24/7.
🏨 What is the best hotel in Cork?
The Imperial Hotel Cork City is the best hotel to stay in Cork. It’s perfect for your luxurious getaway to Ireland – it has a spa and the best views over the city!
❌ Which areas to avoid in Cork?
Cork is a generally safe city, but you should venture into suburbs like Gurranabraher and Knocknaheeny, both situated North of Cork city.
📅 How many days in Cork is enough?
To get the full Cork experience, I recommend staying at least 3 days. This should be enough time to visit all the main attractions in the center, as well as the famous Blarney Castle.
🤩 What is Cork famous for?
Cork is famous for a variety of reasons, most notably as the ‘food capital of Ireland’, meaning you’ll have to try as many traditional Irish dishes as possible during your stay in Cork.
Conclusion
hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Cork, Ireland, and encouraged you to book your trip sooner rather than later.
I know I’ve given you many hotel choices, but these 2 are my absolute favorite ones:
- Imperial Hotel Cork City – An upscale hotel with great views and an amazing spa
- Maldron Hotel – An eco-certified hotel with a bar and great breakfast offer
Remember – book your hotel in advance before you start adding activities to your Cork itinerary!
Do leave a comment if you have any questions about Cork or if you have any suggestions for our readers!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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