Ah there’s a grand old stretch in the evenings!
Yes, the clocks have sprung forward, the birds are singing, the lambs are leaping, and suddenly, the world is awaking from its winter slumber. Here at Hotel Isaacs, we love this time of year as we excitedly celebrate the delights of spring and being able to fit that little bit more into our days as we embrace the long-awaited seasonal changes.
Of course, spring is a great time to shake things up and across our boutique hotel, we’re doing just that-out with the old-in with the new. Our chefs in Greenes Restaurant are adding some exciting new seasonal additions to their offering and the team in Cask Bar have just launched their new spring menu with some sizzling cocktail delights. Our biggest dilemma is trying to decide what to try first.
Of course, it’s at this time of the year where people start thinking about travel again. After all, longer days and better weather can only mean one thing- time to roam and adventure somewhere new. We may be a tad biased but we believe there is nowhere better than the Rebel City for your next break away. Here are just some of the exciting things happening in our locality this spring:
1.Cork International Choral Festival: April 26th-30th:
What better way to ring in the May Bank holiday weekend than in song with the return of
Cork’s oldest festival. Attracting singers from all over the world, expect lots of gala performances, competitions, fringe concerts, workshops and best of all, free public events in more than 90 venues across the city and county. The programme is bursting with choice. Our personal favourite is the Annual Big Sing, taking place in Cork’s majestic City Hall on the Saturday. A chance to warm up your vocal chords ahead of a night on the town!
2.Céilí by the Lee: Crane Lane Theatre: Thursdays: 7:30pm
For those that prefer to express themselves through movement but still want to feel part of the local culture, make your way to the
Crane Lane Theatre every Thursday at 7:30pm for a crash course in Irish céilí dancing. No partner is required and they keep the steps basic so what’s the worst that can happen? You’re guaranteed to meet some interesting local characters too.
3.The Bold Ensemble Comedy Troupe: Wednesday, 19th April & Wednesday, 17th May
Want something to do after dinner but fancy a change from the pub scene or something in between? Head over to the quaint theatre in
Coughlans Bar for a free comedy gig from this local comedy troupe. Suggestions all come from the audience so each show is improvised. Prepare for all sorts of everything!
4.Cork World Book Festival: 18th-23rd April:
Taking place in the City Library and Triskel Arts Centre, a series of visiting authors including Paul Muldoon take to the stage for an eclectic variety of
workshops, talks and discussions. Best of all, it’s free.
5.New Exhibition at the Crawford Art Gallery:
One of Cork City’s top visitor attractions, the serene environs of the
Crawford Art Gallery provides the perfect respite from an active day on our bustling streets. With Canova Casts from the Vatican, Harry Clarke stained glass windows and an ever-changing exhibition programme as well as free Thursday evening tours at 6:30 and Sunday at 2pm-there is always something new to discover. We are especially looking forward to checking out the latest exhibition: Radharc Perspectives in Print, a cross-section of printmaking practice over the past century.
6.Cobh Summer Swing: May 1st:
Hop on the 25 minute train out to nearby Cobh, the last port of call for the doomed Titanic liner. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom though. This lively coastal town has much to offer including the awe-inspiring sight of its many visiting cruise-liners as we well as some unbeatable views of Cork harbour and Spike Island (also worth a visit). The town hosts its first Cobh Summer Swing
festival on May 1st with live music on the bandstand as well as some markets and arts and crafts stalls.
7.Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons at St Finbarr’s Cathedral: Sunday, May 14th:
The neo-Gothic masterpiece with its majestic spires is top of most visitors’ bucket-lists but why not add enhance your visit by adding some Mozart and Vivaldi to your trip at this stunning night-time concert.
8.Springtime Walks:
Yes, if ever there was a time to get out in the fresh air- it’s spring time. The world is awash with colour again. Cork City is a perfect walker’s paradise with so many pretty paths to explore from the serene surroundings of
Fitzgerald’s Park to the popular wild foul reserve at the Lough or how about hopping on a bike and cycling to Blackrock (almost the entire route is pedestrianised too)? Our friendly receptionists will be happy to advise you of their favourite routes.
9.Coastal Exploration:
Prefer to feel the wind on your face and breathe in the sea-air? Fear not! We are less than half an hour from the coast. Choose from the colourful fishing town of
Kinsale and its historic forts, the popular
Ballycotton Cliff Walk or the surfer’s paradise that is Garretstown.
You’ve probably heard of the castle and the stone that bestows the gift of eloquent speech but did you know, there are also 60 acres of gardens to explore including a gorgeous lake walk, fernery and poison garden.
