It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And, with the recent bout of cold weather, there is no denying that winter and the Christmas season is well and truly upon us. Christmas lists are being compiled, the organised amongst us are already wrapping their gifts, tempting festive aromas are drifting from the kitchen, our world-class mixologists are stirring up some cocktail magic and best of all, our city-centre boutique hotel has had its annual Christmas makeover, being bedecked and bedazzled with glittering fairy-lights and Christmas trees.
Have you come to visit us yet?
Why not? Christmas is all about creating those magical moments, those memories that will last forever.
Our hotel is centrally located and the perfect base for gathering together with family, friends, colleagues and creating some precious memories.
Here are just ten reasons why Cork City (and Hotel Isaacs) should be top of your Christmas get-together list:
1. Winter Wonderland on your doorstep
As we said above, Hotel Isaacs transforms into its very own Winter Wonderland at Christmas. Stay in the heart of the action and be enchanted by our festive Christmas courtyard with its huge Christmas tree standing proudly in our waterfall! A restful sleep is key for enjoying the festivities. Choose from our deluxe and superior rooms or for those travelling as a family or a larger group- why not check out our self-catering apartments- you’re very own home away from home equipped for your every need.
2. Greenes Restaurant
Christmas time is all about spending time with the people we love and what better way to do this than over a delicious meal in one of Cork’s newest restaurants. Our newly revamped and transformed
Greenes Restaurant offers plush interiors, contemporary design and a mouth-watering Christmas menu overlooking the city’s only waterfall.
3. Cask Bar
Whether it’s a night-cap before bed or some drinks with the girls before hitting the dance floor, our multi award-winning
cocktail bar has you covered! Our expert mixologists know their stuff and will guide you through their extensive cocktail menu. With resident djs at the weekend, an eclectic food menu and quirky interiors- this is one spot you can’t miss on a trip to Cork.
4. Christmas Markets at Emmett Place
Just 10 minutes from Hotel Isaacs opposite the Opera House are the newest
Christmas markets in town kicking off from November 22nd running right up until December 22nd (Thursday-Sunday only). Expect the glittering square to be adorned with cute wooden chalets offering gifts, snacks, artisan arts and crafts and much more.
Some key features to watch out for include the Gingerbread House and giant Candy Land displays. Make sure you step inside the giant snob globe for the perfect Christmas photo. Of course, expect lots of pop up performances and a visit from Santa himself.
5. Christmas Shopping
Whether you’re just starting on your Christmas gift list or picking up those last-minute bits, you can be guaranteed to find what you need and a little bit more on the pulsing streets of our Rebel City.
Stop and listen to some of the city’s finest buskers, marvel at the extravagant Christmas window displays (Brown Thomas’ as always blows us away), explore the high street brands or discover something truly unique in one of the city’s many independent stores. Feeling tired? Rest assured our boutique hotel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from St Patrick’s Street if you want to offload your wares.
6. Ferris Wheel
Of course, there’s another way of taking the weight off of your feet atop the 32metre panoramic ferris wheel taking up residence on Grand Parade. Conveniently located just opposite the renowned English Market, sit back and relax as you take in the city from new heights. Or, for our younger guests, take a ride on the traditional carousel at the foot of the wheel.
7. Solas: 29th November-22nd December
Whilst you’re in the city, why not check out
Solas, an immersive, interactive Christmas lightscape brightening up Grand Parade with 360degree light shows taking place through the backdrop of music? A chance to pause and take a breath from the busyness of the approaching season!
8. Winterlee and the Alpine Skate Trail: 8th November-19th January
Of course, here, in the Rebel City, we don’t believe in doing things by halves and we like to give people lots of options to embrace the festive season. For those in search of more
Christmas fun and escapade, venture down to our famous Páirc Uí Chaoimh for another winter wonderland to explore.
One of the star attractions is the Alpine Skate Trail allowing you to literally glide through their winter wonderland. Warm up afterwards with some hot chocolate or mulled wine (or both) from one of the charming chalet stalls.
9. Panto time
Oh yes it is! Whether you’re a family, couple, work group or going solo, an outing to one of the city’s pantos is always guaranteed to give you a laugh and get you into the festive mood.
We’re spoiled for choice in Cork with the Everyman Palace Theatre across the road performing ‘Little Red Riding Hood (30th November-12th January) while over at the Cork Opera House Cinderella is getting ready to go to the ball (November 27th-January 19th). And for those that like their panto to be a little bit naughty- check out the Improvised Panto- if you dare!
10. Christmas music
Whether its carollers a carolling, buskers a busking or some top notch local performers treading the boards of some of the city’s top venues, expect the city to be alive to the sound of all things festive and fun over the next few weeks.
