“Great Location, Clean and Comfy rooms”
First of all, I am an American woman and I travel all over Ireland for work. Central Cork is a dense area and the Hotel is located within walking distance to all the main sites. It is located one block in from the River Lee on a typical Irish street. There are about 5 good pubs on the same street as the hotel and many more good ones off of St. Patricks (5-10 min walk). I recommend the ones about 5 min walk if you turn right as you exit the hotel. The shopping area is very modern and lacks the Irish flavor. Food is expensive at hotel, but Cafeexpresso and Rick's Diner have full breakfast for about 8Euro and they are both about a 2 min walk. The restraunt at hotel is very good, just also very expensive. Room was clean and comfy with a REAL Bathroom! Elevator is typical for ireland (holds 2 people and luggage). major bus station is 5 min walk. I am a woman alone and I felt safe in the area at night. Loved the Waterfall patio area! Comfy bedding. Would stay there again!
Cab rates were about 13E from airport to hotel, 15E to Blarney castle from hotel, and 30E to Kinsale but I also got a wonderful driver who showed me all the sites along the way. Kinsale is a romantic fishing village with great food. You must try to muscles if you make it to the coast. I recommend Fishy Fishy in Kinsale. Hotel staff was nice but young. They tried to help but did not know everything a tourist would want to know. they have maps and will gladly call cabs for you to anywhere.
Area recommendations
the central part of Cork (around St. Patricks Street and the River Lee) is lively and full of things to do. Cab drivers are everywhere. Streets are in good shape. Sidewalks are mostly new or at least mostly flat. Lots of places to eat and drink. Safe are at night due to the good lighting on St. Patrick's near all the popular pubs.
Getting around
You can take a bus anywhere but I prefer cabs. Teh bus station is located on the River Lee about a 5 min walk from St. Patricks. Bus Station is clean and you can go almost anywhere for less than 10 euro.
However, cabs are faster and not as expensive as London or other big cities. From central Cork to airport about 13 euro, to Blarney castle about 15 euro, to Kinsale about 30 euro. Cabs can be hailed in front of most hotels and at many intersections. You can also have the hotel call in advance and the meter starts when they show up...not when you call like in Paris.
Beware of people selling day trips by cab. My driver from the airport quoted me 250 euro for an 6 hour tour.
But i found a wonderful older Irish cab driver (at the bus station in que) who drove me through the countryside to Kinsale (beautiful fishing village! very romantic!) for 30 euro and was kind enough to stop along the way so i could take photos. I found him by asking the drivers for prices and if they minded stopping for me to take pics. They all gave the same price range, but he smiled big and seemed excited to show me the countryside. My point is, if you feel a little daring, you can put together your own day trip around Ireland for a lot less. Just be sure to pick friendly drivers who will give you tips on places to eat and what to see. By the way, the bus would have been 10euro
If you want to go to Waterford or Dublin, you should check the flights because it is about a 4 hr bus ride to Waterford
What to pack
Always bring a jacket and an umbrella to Ireland. No matter what season!!!!!
Nightlife
Pubs close at 11, nightclubs close at 2. but they all look like pubs. you need to ask around and have a plan. best late night is around St. Patricks street on Oliver Plunkett street! live music, mixed age crowds depending on the place.
