If you walk around the supermarket, you’ve probably noticed the shelves are filled to the brim with Easter eggs. Traditionally, Easter is a religious celebration but commercially, it’s really all about stuffing your face with chocolate. Of course, in the hospitality industry, Easter along with St Patrick’s Day typically marks the start of our busy tourism season and there is definitely a nice hustle and bustle about the place these days as we eagerly await the start of a fun-filled season and welcoming our guests from all around the world.
Personally, we believe Easter is a great time to travel. The weather is getting better, the days are getting longer, everything is coming back to life, more things are happening yet, it’s still not quite high season so you can enjoy the delights of feeling like the city is truly your own. Plus, isn’t it nice to have a rejuvenating spring break to lift the spirits after the winter? Oh, and did we mention, our multi-award-winning cocktail bar-Cask is launching its spring menu right in time for the extravaganza that is the St Patrick’s Day Festival weekend?
Still in need of some inspiration for your Easter break and why Cork City should feature? Allow us to enlighten you on some of the wonderful attractions awaiting you:
1. Easter Bunny Trail at Cork City Gaol:
Tucked away in the Sunday’s Well area of the city (a nice walk in its own right), gain an insight into what life was like in a 19th century prison. Wander the corridors, explore the cells and learn the stories of some of the prisoners and staff who resided there in this fun and interactive exhibition for both young and old. Admission also includes entry to the cute little radio museum upstairs. Watch out for their annual Easter Bunny Trail too.
2. Fota Wildlife Park:
Easter is synonymous with new life. Be it baby lambs, blooming buds or the uplifting colours of the masses of daffodils on display, there is nothing quite like getting out in nature at this time of year. Get up close and personal with the natural world at Fota Wildlife Park, a mere 10 minutes on the regular commuter train or a leisurely 20 minute drive from our boutique hotel. Don’t forget to explore Fota Gardens and Arboretum too, a nice add-on to your day.
3. Cobh:
The last port of call for the doomed Titanic, located 23kms from Cork, Cobh is a pretty port town that boasts the second largest natural harbour in the world along with a rich maritime history. Families will love the Titanic Experience whereas those looking for a more comprehensive history of the town will appreciate “The Queenstown Story”, which not only provides a history of the town as a centre of mass immigration but an interesting exhibition with real artefacts found on board the Titanic. Stroll along the promenade, dine in one of the promenade’s many fine eateries, visit the impressive St Colman’s Cathedral for spectacular views of the harbour (you might even be lucky to hear the famous Carillion being played after service) or take the short boat journey out to nearby Spike Island.
4. Kinsale:
Known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, the colourful town of Kinsale has an abundance of top-quality bars, restaurants and pubs. It is the perfect place to spend a leisurely evening. Admire the countless yachts on Ireland’s “Riviera”, delve into the local museum, partake in one of the town’s many walking tours or take the more challenging pathway to one of the town’s old forts: Charlesfort and James Fort. Breathtaking coastal views are guaranteed. The Old Head of Kinsale and its world-famous golf course is a short drive away too.
5. Spike Island:
Conveniently located off the coast of Cobh harbour, Spike Island has over 1300 years of Irish history being once an island monastery, fortress and the world’s largest prison in the 1850s. Attractions include the 1850s Punishment block with its dark cells, the 1980s prison cells and riot exhibition, Ireland’s largest artillery gun park and several penal, military and social history museums as well as coastal trails. Pre-booking is essential.
6. Blackrock Castle:
A 2km picturesque riverside walk (pedestrianised too) from Hotel Isaacs, history and science blend perfectly in this iconic Cork landmark dating back to 1582. Take a guided tour of the tower overlooking Cork Harbour, explore a historical exhibit in the castle basement or lose yourself in the wonders of the cosmos with a trip inside the planetarium or one of the many science exhibits on offer. The castle regularly host moon and star-gazing evenings- bound to enchant both young and old. Cork City’s bike rental scheme are carefully dotted across the city making bike accessibility easier than ever for those that fancy shaking up their journey a bit.
7. City Strolls:
With the days growing longer and the clocks due to spring forward soon, there’s never been a better time to emerge from hibernation and blow the cobwebs off with some refreshing Easter strolls around our Rebel City. Whether your idea of a walk is just the 5 minute stroll into town to engage in some retail therapy or something more scenic along the banks of our lovely Lee up to Fitzgerald’s Park and the luscious grounds of University College Cork, you can be guaranteed Cork City has a trail to suit your mood.
8. Nano Nagle Place:
Cork’s newest visitor attraction commemorates the life of the pioneering “Lady of the Lamp”, Nano Nagle who established a network of schools in Cork during the Penal Laws as well as founding the Presentation Sisters. This fun and interactive exhibition takes the visitor on an evocative journey through 18th century Cork City. The centre also contains peaceful gardens for visitors to relax in- a true oasis of calm in the heart of Cork City.
9. Shandon Bell Tower:
Less than five minutes from our hotel at the bottom of MacCurtain St is the famous Shandon Bell Tower. Climb 132 steps and see spectacular 360 degree views of the city at 36.65m/120ft.
View the internal workings of the clocks, the ‘Four Faced Liar’ and ring the famous Shandon Bells. Unwind in the beautiful surrounds of St. Anne’s Church – one of the oldest churches in the city.
10. Easter Services:
Rest assured, the city boasts some of the country’s most beautiful churches including the famous Saint Finbarr’s Cathedral with of course, Easter services catering to all faith groups.
