The second biggest city in Ireland, Cork has the friendliness of a much smaller town. Awash with attractions from the 17th-century Elizabeth Fort to Murphy’s Brewery, there’s plenty of reason to need hotels in Cork. Unsure of the best Cork hotels for your stay? Let us guide you through some of the top options!
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Where To Stay In Cork
Because of the city’s popularity with domestic and international visitors, hotels in Cork aren’t thin on the ground. There’s also something to suit all budgets, whether that’s mid-range options or 5-star hotel accommodation.
When it comes to knowing where to stay within Cork, the Lee Riverside is a good option. The mile-long island which splits the river into two channels is home to the historic heart of the city. This is where you’ll find the famed English Market. It also puts visitors just a stroll away from Elizabeth Fort and other attractions including Nano Nagle Place heritage museum. As a result, many luxury hotels in Cork are located in this area of the city.
Rich in culture, County Cork also has a wealth of beautiful landscapes and some of the best small towns in Ireland. They extend around one of the largest natural harbors in the world. This provides access to the city from the Irish Sea via a number of sea loughs.
Head a little further out from the hotels in Cork city center, and you’ll be able to take full advantage of destinations including Cobh and Castlemartyr.
Our Recommendations For The Top Cork Hotels
| Cork Hotel | Best For | Rates From | Where To Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏨 Imperial Hotel Cork | 🏙 Best City Center Hotel | €135 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 The Dean Cork | 🏢 Best Contemporary Hotel | €210 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Hayfield Manor | 🇮🇪 Best For A Historic Stay | €280 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Clayton Hotel Cork | 👨👩👧👦 Best For Families | €150 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Castlemartyr Resort Hotel | 🏅Best Five Star Hotel | €300 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Dunmore House Hotel | 🌊 Best Water View Hotel | €200 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 The Montenotte Hotel | 🏙️ Best City View Hotel | €245 | 💶Check Rates |
Best Hotels In Cork
Don’t ruin the picturesque beauty of a trip to Cork by choosing a second-rate place to stay. In our experience, any budgetary saving you make is lost. To fully enjoy your stay, instead take advantage of the facilities and amenities better hotels in Cork Ireland have. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite hotels in Cork.
Imperial Hotel Cork
You really couldn’t get any closer to the center of Cork than the 4-star Imperial Hotel. Stay here and you’ll be only five minutes’ walk from the producers of the famous English Market. And that’s if you decide not to eat at Thyme, one of the hotel’s several restaurants. Thyme uses its proximity to the English Market to great effect. Its ever-changing menu incorporates the freshest produce and Irish seafood in traditional Irish dishes.
Looking to pamper yourself after a long day of sightseeing? You won’t want to miss out on the Imperial’s boutique Escape Spa. Here guests are able to immerse themselves in mist showers and an aroma and salt grotto. There’s also a wide range of massages and treatments available.
With a central location, a world-class spa, and delicious food and drink, the Imperial Hotel is a must for any trip to Cork.
Check out pricing and availability here.
The Dean Cork
Ideal for travelers without their own transport, The Dean Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Cork city. Situated alongside Corcaigh Kent railway station on the north bank of the River Lee, you’re only minutes from the action. Whether you’ve come to Cork for its history, its food, or the Cork Craft Beer Trail, the Dean Hotel is the ideal location.
The eye-catching modern design of its exterior continues inside. The bespoke rooms have been given an up-to-the-minute feel with splashes of bright color alongside high-quality linens. For the hungry traveler, the Dean’s full Irish breakfast comes highly recommended. The hotel’s Sophie’s Restaurant is one of the top places to dine in Cork. With rooftop views across the city and a menu featuring traditional Irish cuisine, a stop at Sophie’s is a must.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Castlemartyr Resort Hotel
The 5-star Castlemartyr Resort will please anyone who enjoys being surrounded by the sounds of nature. Castlemartyr is located approximately 40 minutes east of central Cork. Its location near a ruined 800-year-old Templar castle is difficult to miss.
While not as old as the Templar castle, parts of Castlemartyr date from a 17th-century manor house. Other parts of the hotel are strikingly modern, with a hint of traditional design.
The hotel’s 220-acre gardens include an authentic recreation of a Stuart knot garden. What to play a round of golf? Castlemartyr has its own 18-hole links-style golf course. Not a golfer? No problem. The hotel features one of the best spas for a 5-star Cork hotel. Other activities available for guests include estate carriage tours, archery, and afternoon tea.
Speaking of food and drink. Castlemartyr’s Bell Tower Restaurant serves guests award-winning gourmet Irish cuisine. Everything from traditional brown bread to classic dishes like roast Irish lamb is sourced locally. If you are looking for a taste of Irish whiskey, Irish gin, or perhaps an Irish craft beer, head over to the elegant Knight’s Bar for an evening by the fire.
In 2023, Castlemartry’s signature restaurant Terre became the latest Michelin Star restaurant in Ireland. Led by head chef Vincent Crepel, Terre features an innovative blend of French and Asian cuisines. Terre is set inside Castlemartry’s stunning Manor House with gorgeous views of the grounds.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Hayfield Manor
Situated in the inner suburbs around a mile from central Cork lies the 5-star Hayfield Manor. The exterior boasts the famous Irish manor house climbing ivy over red brick. Inside, guests are greeted with traditional decor and spacious guest bedrooms. The hotel gardens provide a space to unwind in peace and tranquility. If you are looking for more peace and tranquility Hayfield Manor is one of our favorite Cork spa hotels.
The Beautique Spa at the Hayfield Manor features some of the most luxurious spa features in Ireland. Seven individual treatment rooms provide relief after a long day of sightseeing. Other features include a heated indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna.
The Manor’s Hayfield’s Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a typical Irish drink. Should you prefer to dine in the hotel, there are two award-winning restaurants to choose from. Orchids Restaurant dedicates much of its menu to Irish classics such as fillet steak and Skeaghanore roasted duck breast. Perrotts Garden Bistro features a lighter Mediterranean-inspired menu. Both restaurants pride themselves on using ingredients sourced locally in Co. Cork.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Clayton Hotel Cork
Should you still be wondering about accommodations in Cork, how about the Clayton Hotel? Another central choice, this 4-star hotel is located at the eastern end of the River Lee’s island. It faces out across the river’s narrower southern channel, providing fine views across this part of the city. Many of its rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows so that the views can be admired all the better.
A grand multilevel atrium welcomes guests to the hotel’s modern style, incorporating wood, glass, and metalwork without it feeling soulless. The Essence Spa stands ready for any treatments you might treat yourself to. There’s also an 18-meter indoor swimming pool for guests to make full use of.
Finally, the Globe Restaurant & Bar does many hotels in Cork to shame with its menu. Put together by head chef Greg Iwanski, the dinner menu includes plant-based zero-waste dishes as well as signature classics.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Dunmore House Hotel Clonakilty Co. Cork
Located on the shores of the stunning Clonakilty Bay, Dunmore House Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1940s. What started out as a place to enjoy tea and scones with a view has turned into one of Ireland’s top seaside hotels. Dunmore House Hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking southern coastline of Ireland.
Dunmore House Hotel is located 5KM (3 miles) from the center of Clonakilty. If you are a food traveler like Amber and me, Dunmore House Hotel is a great place to explore the locally produced food and drink. In the heart of Clonakilty are the famous Clonakilty BlackPudding and Sausage Factory, Clonakilty Distillery, and Clonakilty Brewery.
In addition to being an ideal location to explore Co. Cork, Dunmore House Hotel provides a wide range of activities for families, couples, and individuals. From horseback riding to golf and even beach yoga, there’s something for everyone. Personally, my favorite activity at Dunmore House Hotel was sitting back taking in the stunning views from their Sea Terrace.
Dunmore House Hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from Cork City Center. Public transport via Bus Éireann is available from Cork to Clonakilty. I’d recommend hiring your own car if you are planning on staying at Dunmore House Hotel.
Check out pricing and availability here.
The Montenotte Hotel Cork City
With the best views of Cork City, the Montenotte Hotel literarily stands above all other hotels in Cork City. This 4-star boutique hotel is only a few minutes walk from the heart of Cork City. That is if you actually want to leave the hotel.
The Montenotte Hotel features the award-winning Bellevue Spa, the Glasshouse Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of Cork, and its very own luxury cinema, the Cameo Cinema. For food lovers like us, the Montenotte Hotel has several dining options. The Panorama Bistro not only serves up delicious dishes using locally sourced ingredients, but unmatched views of Cork. If you are looking for something special, the Montenotte Hotel’s Afternoon Tea is a great way to unwind from a day of sightseeing. Finally, enjoy a gin and tonic made with the hotel’s very own Montenotte Gin on the Panorama Terrace.
Rooms at the Montenotte Hotel are impeccably decorated and feature all the amenities you’d need. The hotel features twin rooms, suites, and self-catering rooms dubbed the Residences.
Check out pricing and availability here.
FAQs – Best Cork Hotels
Cork is packed with great hotels. One of the best, thanks to its unmatched views of the city is the Montenotte Hotel. Add in stunning rooms and delicious views and the Montenotte Hotel is easily one of the best hotels in Cork.
Never a fan of the words, “best cheap hotel”. So, in this case, two of the best affordable hotels in Cork, are the Clayton Hotel and Maldron Hotel. They both offer good, clean, solid hotel rooms at great pricing.
Yes. Feel free to bring your four-legged friend to the Dean Hotel. Dogs 20 lbs and under are more than welcome to stay at no additional cost.
Great post, very informative!
Thanks for sharing this helpful info.