Where to Stay in Cork, Ireland

Welcome to County Cork! The largest county in the whole of Ireland and the place where the first potato in Ireland was planted! A heaven for any pub or castle lover, this city has impressed a lot of travelers who have stopped on their way to other places in Ireland as well as those who’ve made this their top destination. 

It’s hard not to fall in love with its Irish charm and beautiful gardens and medieval architecture. Cork has definitely won my heart a long time ago and I’m sure it will do so with yours as well!

Enough small talk, let’s get to serious business! You’re probably wondering by now where to stay in Cork, Ireland, well don’t worry I’ve looked through hundreds of lists with the best places to stay in Cork to find the absolute top one for each price range, and I only recommend the best-rated hotels that I would choose for myself! 

But as I always say, better safe than sorry. That means that you have to book these hotels in Cork in advance, they really are the very best and go so fast! So buckle up and start looking, because I’ve made a list that will blow your mind!

Let’s go!

If you are in a hurry

If you want to book now here’s a list of the best hotels to stay in Cork, all located in the city center

Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas to stay in Cork, that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Cork city centre – best place to stay in Cork for the first time

A place where the old meets the new! The center of Cork is such an interesting place to stay not only because every major tourist attraction and all the bars and restaurants are located within a minute’s walk from one another, but also because you’re basically staying on an “almost island”! That’s because the beautiful area is surrounded by the River Lee and is accessible from any of the 27 bridges! 

If you’re coming to stay in Cork for the first time then the bustling city center is perfect for you. Even if it has a lot of modern buildings and shopping stores you’ll still get that charming Irish atmosphere! If you’re looking for more Irish fun and crave to discover all the amazing castles then check this post with the best hotels and areas to stay in Killarney Ireland!

The best way to enjoy Cork’s city centre is to walk around, that way you can discover all the good restaurants where you can eat some traditional Irish food and let’s not forget about the pubs! Plus you get to admire the amazing architecture of the city so keep an eye on all the historic fountains and stone monuments, they’ll tell you a lot about the town’s past! 

Cork’s city centre is also known as the shopping district as it’s full of boutique shops and department stores but the most important one is the Cork English Market, an 18th century covered food market! 

When visiting Cork, the Queen made a stop at this market so you get how cool and unmissable this place is. It is quite unique and I’m sure the foodie in you will love it! 

Other accommodation options in Cork city center

Things to do in Cork city centre

2. Victorian Quarter – where to stay in Cork on a budget

Located across from the River Lee just north of the city centre, this historic and charming area of Cork is famous for its historic Victorian buildings after which the neighborhood was named, and a multitude of stylish independent shops! 

But the one thing that attracts tons of backpackers and travelers is the budget hotels and hostels in Cork which are some of the best places to stay. Make sure you book the accommodations in advance, their price alone will make everyone jump in front of the computer to book the best deals! Plus, the Victorian Quarter is super close to Kent Station!

Walking along the lovely streets filled with Victorian houses and friendly specialty shops will make you feel like you’re living in a small village somewhere in the 18th century where everyone knows everyone and they all help each other! 

So you’re in the loop for your stay in Cork, all the restaurants and pubs are located right on the lively MacCurtain Street. This trendy district is all about keeping the Irish legacy alive, so make sure you enjoy its nightlife because that’s when the live music shows and theatre start and they are sure to keep one entertained! 

And for our readers who love their historical places, don’t worry the Victorian Quarter and its surroundings are home to the famous St Patrick’s Church and other big landmarks too of course! 

Other accommodation options in Victorian Quarter

Things to do in Victorian Quarter

• Enjoy an Irish live music show at the friendly Sin E bar
• Go bowling at Leisureplex Cork in the Victorian Quarter
• Watch the sunset as you cross St Patrick’s Bridge in Ireland
• Go shopping in all the independent shops in the Victorian Quarter
• Check the bars and restaurants MacCurtain Street in Ireland
• Admire the architecture of St Patrick’s Church in the Victorian Quarter
• Go to the city center to shop in the English Market

3. University College Area – where to stay for nature

Located just a 20 minutes walk southwest of the Cork city centre, this area is perfect if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet in nature, despite the fact that it’s filled with students it’s unusually tranquil! 

This is also the best area to stay in the city if you’re all about food and trying the traditional dishes during your holiday to Cork, Ireland. The food scene is very famous and all the restaurants have amazing reviews. Once you’ve had a taste, If you decide that Irish food is your thing then I advise you to explore the bustling capital. Check out this post on where to stay in Dublin, it has the best areas and hotels and even more delicious cuisine!

The University College Cork was founded in 1845 and its campus lies on the bank of the River Lee. Everyone is welcomed to walk around the beautiful green lawns and admire the unique architecture of the historical buildings. It can be a great place to bring a blanket, something to eat, and just lay here all day enjoying the atmosphere! (If the weather will allow it, of course! – Ireland can get moody at times!) 

There’s also the tranquil Cork Lough where you can stroll along the path leading to the lake and spend a moment here in complete silence with only the sound of the birds in the background. Once you’re done having your “me time” you can head to all the friendly pubs which are probably filled with students looking to mingle all night long!

Forget about your problems and drink some Irish beer and listen to a fiddle! That’s the holiday spirit!

Here are the best hotels in Cork near the University College Cork:

Other Options Around University College Cork

Things to do Around University College Cork

4. Blarney – best place for the local atmosphere

Located 5 miles (8 km) north-west of Cork city centre, this area is famous for the Blarney Castle, a 15th-century building home to the legendary Blarney Stone, of which is said that it will give those who kiss it the “gift of the gab” (this gives a person the ability to speak easily and confidently). So if we have any future lawyers among us or just people who would love to have their way with words, you know where to go for your next holiday! 

With the small village located just outside the castle, this is where everyone who wants to experience that local Irish atmosphere comes! It’s like turning the wheel of time and arriving in a place where of course you won’t find high-end luxurious hotels but rather a handful of hostels and accommodations ready to treat their guests just like they used to do in the olden days! 

You’ll find tons of green areas and the streets are filled with colorful houses designed in the Tudor style. This is the best area to stay in near Cork and fear not, there’s a direct bus route to the city in case you’re craving the urban vibes!

As I said there aren’t any luxury hotels or Airbnbs in the Blarney area and I only want to recommend the very best Cork hotels. So instead, here are two mid-range options and a budget spot that look amazing. Your wallet will definitely thank me later! Just make sure you book them in advance because everyone wants to get a taste of the local life in Cork, Ireland and Blarney is definitely the place for that!

Other accommodation options in Blarney

Things to do in Blarney

• Visit the beautiful Blarney Castle near Cork
• Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone at the Blarney Castle
• Hike the Martin Valley Trail to Waterloo in Blarney
• Make a picnic in the gardens of Blarney Castle
• Eat traditional Irish food in one of the Blarney restaurants
• Take a trip to the Victorian Quarter to see St Patrick’s Church
• Go shopping for souvenirs at Blarney Woollen Mills to remember your stay in Cork

5. Tivoli Estate – where to stay in Cork for families

Located east of the city centre just 2 miles (4 km) away, this hillside area is perfect for a fun family holiday with the kids! This quiet neighborhood was once a merchant manor and is a great place to stay as you’ll find a wide range of hotels in Cork with prices from budget to luxury! 

Filled with beautiful old residential houses that boast incredible views of the River Lee, Tivoli Estate is definitely Cork’s hidden gem.

Kids, get excited because in this neighborhood you’ll get to visit Ireland’s only full-time planetarium which is located in a 16th-century castle! How cool is that? The Blackrock Castle Observatory is located on the banks of the River Lee and a long time ago it was used as a defense fort. 

Now it’s a place where all science enthusiasts and families who visit Cork, Ireland come to have a good time! Not only will you enjoy the views of the entire UNIVERSE but also the beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area! 
Here are the best places to stay in Cork near Tivoli Estate: 

Other accommodation options in Tivoli Estate

Things to do in Tivoli Estate

Frequently asked questions about Cork

Conclusion

This is where I leave you! I’ve had so much fun telling you all about this magical place in Ireland! I hope this post will help you decide where to stay in Cork, which are the best places to stay near Cork and which beautiful Castle to visit at least once!

I know I’ve given you so many choices but the more the merrier that’s what I always say! Here are my top two favorite ones, both hotels in Cork located in the city center. Make sure you book these and everything else I’ve recommended in advance, that’s if you want to get the best deals! And who doesn’t? 

Enjoy your stay in Cork, it’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Ireland, visit the Blarney Castle, do some bar hopping and sing your heart out during the live shows! You will have the time of your life!

Do leave a comment if you have any questions about the Cork hotels or if you have any suggestions for our readers!

Safe Travels, 

Victoria