Best Hotels in Cork
Are you searching for a hotel in Cork, Ireland? Read our guide to the best places to stay in Cork for all budgets.
Cork was one of the most amazing cities we visited on our Ireland road trip.
It was a perfect stop on our journey from Ireland's Ancient East to the island's southwest corner.
The city offers a perfect mix of vibrant culture, history, sights, and food.
There were so many things to see and do in Cork that we wished we could have spent more time there.
If you decide to include this city in your Ireland itinerary, you will most likely want to stay here overnight.
In this case, you've come to the right place.
Here is our choice of the best hotels in Cork for every budget.
Our Favorite Hotels in Cork
If you're in a rush and don't have much time to read, here is a quick summary of the best hotels in Cork in each category.
These are our favorite hotels in Cork.
Best Hotel - Imperial Hotel Cork City
Best for Backpackers - Sheilas Tourist Hostel
Best for Families - Clayton Hotel Cork City
Best for Couples - The Montenotte Hotel
Best for Business - The Kingsley Hotel
Budget Hotel - Hotel Isaacs Cork City
Mid-range Hotel - The River Lee Hotel
Boutique Hotel - Dean Cork
Luxury Hotel - Hayfield Manor
Airport Hotel - Cork International Hotel
If you want to know more, keep on reading. We've compiled a list of the best hotels in Cork for all budgets and preferences.
Why Visit Cork
If you're visiting Ireland for the first time, we feel a need to briefly introduce you to this city before we continue.
The second largest city in the Republic of Ireland is located in County Cork, historically known as the Rebel County.
The city's rich history, historical landmarks, amazing cuisine, lively nightlife, and nearby rugged coastline. Cork has it all.
Why Stay in Cork
As the city is situated in the south of Ireland, it offers convenient access to the coast.
So you can easily explore several amazing places from Cork on a day trip.
Some of the most popular nearby attractions are the Blarney Castle with a stone of Eloquence, the port town of Cobh, the picturesque village of Kinsale, or the traditional seat of the kings of Munster, the iconic Rock of Cashel.
These are some of our favorite places, but there is much more to see and do.
By the way, some travelers use Cork as a base for touring sites such as the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, or Beara Peninsula.
Some even visit the Cliffs of Moher and Limerick, but that's going to be a long day on the road.
Where to Stay in Cork
By now, you're probably wondering what is the best hotel location for staying in Cork.
Hands down, the best place to stay in Cork is the City Center.
The city is compact and walkable, and you will find all the main attractions within this area (or still within walking distance from here).
Another major upside of the central location is that both the main train (Kent Station) and bus station (Parnell Place) are located here.
So there's really no point somewhere in the suburbs unless you want to escape the crowds or stay as close as possible to the airport, for instance.
Obviously, you can also consider staying outside the city if you prefer the quiet, charming bed and breakfasts that dot County Cork's countryside.
Several popular towns and villages in the area, such as Blarney, Cobh, or Kinsale, are great alternatives if you prefer quieter locations.
Best Budget Hotels
Unlike Belfast or Dublin, Cork doesn't have many well-rated hotels with a budget price tag.
Frankly, we didn't find cheap hotels in Cork that offered good value, so we searched in the mid-range category to get a good night's sleep.
If you travel on a shoestring, there are a few solid choices for those who want to reduce their accommodation expenses.
Hotel Isaacs Cork City | This 3-star hotel is located halfway between the train station and the city center (about a 5-minute walk). It has cozy rooms and apartments with a kitchen, a charming courtyard, and a lovely restaurant. In conclusion, Hotel Isaacs is one of the most popular budget hotels in Cork.
REZz Cork | Another popular economy hotel is REZz Cork. This reasonably priced hotel has small rooms with comfortable beds, a central location, and helpful staff. If you're looking for a value hotel with an excellent location, this hotel may check all your boxes.
Best Mid-range Hotels
Cork has several great mid-range hotels if you don't want to compromise on comfort.
You pay a bit more but can be confident you will get a much better experience.
Again, you can easily stay in the city center if you're looking for a hotel in this price category.
Imperial Hotel Cork City | This is, without a doubt, one of the best hotels in Cork. It's situated a stone's throw from the main shopping district, so everything is nearby. The Imperial Hotel boasts stylish rooms, great spa facilities, immaculate service, and a fantastic restaurant.
Clayton Hotel Cork City | Overlooking the River Lee, this modern hotel with central locations boasts air-conditioned, bright rooms, a fine restaurant, and a spa center with a pool. This is a great place for a family stay.
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City | Located in Cork's center, Maldron is another popular mid-range hotel choice. This modern hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds, helpful staff, and discounted parking nearby.
The River Lee Hotel | Located by the river, this luxurious 4-star hotel boasts spacious rooms, glamorous decor, great food, and on-site parking. The city center is less than a 10-minute walk from here. River Lee Hotel is an excellent choice if you're seeking a mid-range option.
Boutique Hotels
If you're looking for a more personalized and intimate experience, there are several great boutique hotels in Cork.
The hotels we included on the list are located a bit outside the city center (about a 20-30-minute walk).
Dean Cork | This hotel has everything, from beautiful decor and comfortable rooms to an indoor sauna and pool. If the budget allows it, Dean Cork offers great value for money.
The Montenotte Hotel | This stunning hotel boasts spacious rooms, a 20-meter pool, superb leisure facilities, free parking, and a great restaurant. The main highlight of Montenotte is the panoramic views of Cork, which are nothing short of spectacular.
The Kingsley Hotel | With individually decorated and air-conditioned rooms, two unique restaurants, an organic spa, and an indoor pool. If you're looking for something different, the Kingsley Hotel is a great place to stay.
Best Luxury Hotels
Even though the city offers several beautiful boutique hotels, Cork currently has a very limited number of 5-star hotels. Don't worry.
You can find some additional luxury properties just outside the city.
Hayfield Manor | If you're seeking luxury in Cork, Hayfield Manor is the place to go. This 5-star hotel boasts luxurious rooms, impeccable service, a fine-dining restaurant, and relaxing gardens. This hotel is located about a 20-minute walk from the city center. There is no doubt Hayfield Manor is one of the best places to stay in Cork.
Castlemartyr Resort | A 30-minute drive east of Cork is Castlemartyr Resort. Set on 220 acres of parkland, this 17th-century manor house is one of the best resorts in Ireland. The property boasts gorgeous rooms, recreational amenities (golf, tennis, etc.), and the ultimate wellness experience.
Fota Island Hotel and Spa | Situated about 15 kilometers east of Cork, Fota Island Hotel and Spa is a true sanctuary. This 5-star hotel boasts a peaceful location, gorgeous rooms, fine cuisine, a swimming pool, an 18-hole championship golf course, and professional service. If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind within a driving distance from Cork, this resort is a fantastic choice.
Best Hostels
Finding cheap accommodation in Cork can be a challenge.
Still, there are a few hostels that may suit your budget and preferences.
Both hostels on our list are located within a short walk from the bus and train stations.
Bru Bar and Hostel | Situated in the Victorian Quarter, this hostel offers both dormitories and private rooms, clean facilities, a self-catering kitchen, evening entertainment, and hospitable staff.
Sheilas Tourist Hostel | If you're looking for affordable accommodation in Cork, this hostel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With an excellent location, dormitories, private rooms, a shared kitchen, and a sauna, Sheilas Tourist Hostel is a solid choice.
Best Hotel in Blarney
This small village, home to Blarney Castle, is approximately 10 kilometers from Cork's city center.
It's an ideal place to stay overnight for those who want to stay as close to Cork as possible.
Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel | Situated only a 5-minute walk from Blarney Castle, this beautiful hotel offers great accommodation. It has comfortable rooms with elegant furnishings, an excellent restaurant, a modern gym with on-site squash courts, and free parking.
Best Airport Hotel
Cork Airport is located about 8 kilometers south of the city center.
Some of the main airlines operating at the Cork Airport are Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and KLM.
Cork International Hotel | This hotel is conveniently located just a short walk from the airport. Besides its hard-to-beat location, it has spacious and modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a free shuttle service.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
