24 HOURS IN CORK
Staying for one night? Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Cork
There’s no way you can see everything that Cork has to offer in just one day, but our team have put together this handy travel guide with everything you need for a whistle-stop tour of the self proclaimed ‘Real Irish Capital’. With highlights including Blarney this is quintessential Cork in 24 hours with kids (social distancing applied).
Your Family Concierge
When you book direct with us, we will put you in touch with our Family Concierge Edel Kavanagh. Edel is in the know with all things for families in Cork. She can answer any questions you have about attractions that are open/available for booking sand she can assist you with an reservations or ticket bookings to make sure you are making the most of your holiday!
-MORNING-
Going Wild at Leahy’s
Just 10-15 minutes drive from our hotel is Leahy’s is one of Cork’s great kids attractions, home to a selection of many exotic and domestic animals and birds. After befriending the exotic species of animals to be found at Rumley’s, why not relax and enjoy some baked goods in the Farm Café or opt for a picnic while the kids enjoy all the activities up for offer. With Zip Wire, Go Kart Tracks and Mini Golf to name a few of their Outdoor Activities, they also have an array of indoor activities so that no matter the weather, your family can have fun together!
Mid-Morning Along the Lee
Just 15 minute drive from Rumley’s is the famous Ballincollig Regional Park! Perfect for families and groups the Park is an outdoor amenity filled with walks, nature trails, pitches, playground, fairy doors, canals, allotment gardens, cycle paths, and even a historic gunpowder complex, a national monument! There are many ways to pass the time here, plenty photo opps for your next family portrait and plenty to see and do, you could even bring a frisbee or football!
-LUNCH-
Lunch with a side of Aran Jumpers
Next up, we’re off to the Blarney Woolen Mills Café for a spot of lunch (15 mins from the park)! The cafe has re-opened (with care!) and they offer an amazing selection of scrumptuous salads, sandwiches made-to-order, Irish stews and home-baked cakes all made freshly every day by in-house chefs. The restaurant is housed in the spacious environs of a converted warehouse. It’s perfect for families. Then pop next door to the Woollen Mills, a family run Irish business since it’s beginnings nearly 200 years ago, with a truly unique selection of the best of Irish design, including; Fisherman Out Of Ireland, Waterford Crystal, Avoca, Branigan Weavers, Ireland’s Eye Knitwear, Belleek and Galway Crystal. You can also visit the Meadows & Byrne homestore, on the second floor, where you’ll find the best of Irish interior design. There is also free parking onsite.
-AFTERNOON-
Afternoon Magic and Mystery
Across the village, you can spend the afternoon traversing over 60 acres of parklands at the Blarney Castle and Gardens – whether you are visiting Cork as a couple of with kids, this is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! (Though it is ideal to burn off the kids energy before a drive home). Even though the Blarney Stone is not currently open to visitors, there are 12 individual garden walks to choose from including the Poison Garden, The Himalayan Walk and “The Jungle”. Blarney Castle is a mystical and magical place just waiting to be discovered!
-EVENING-
Time for tea
After your day’s adventures, head back to the hotel, where we will be waiting to welcome you. We can imagine you’ll have worked up an appetite, so we can arrange dinner reservations for you in the New Yorker restaurant (service may be in the Atlantic room next door for guests comfort and extra space). Our family dinner options are €50 for 2 courses for 2 adults and 2 children. We offer ‘phone jails’ so you can lock away the devices during you meal and enjoy recounting the favourite parts of your day.
Movie Treats
If you’re not ready to wind down just yet, you can private hire our Cinema Room for you and your family for just €20! The room is yours for 2 hours and you can choose from our broad selection of movies, we’ll provide the treats!
-NEXT DAY-
Fuel up for your next adventure
After yesterday’s hectic schedule you’re more than likely wanting to sleep in for a bit! Wake up to a fantastic full Irish breakfast at our hotel, with your choice of eggs and pancakes cooked to order by our chef before jetting off to your next destination on the way home.
We recommend one of our favourite adventures:
Leahy’s Open Farm
Just 40 minutes drive from our hotel is Leahy’s Open Farm, one of Cork’s great kids attractions, home to a selection of many varieties of animals and farmyard creatures. After befriending, feeding and petting the animals, why not relax and enjoy some home-baked goods in the Old Lantern Café or opt for a picnic while the kids enjoy all the activities up for offer. With Crannog’s, Crazy Golf, Go Karting, digger parks and more, you can wile the day away. They also have an array of indoor activities so that no matter the weather, your family can have fun together!
