If there was a word to describe the time of year right now- it would have to be High Summer. The atmosphere is mighty in the city and our boutique hotel is sizzling in the summer temperatures (some days, at least). The tunes are a-hopping in our eclectic cocktail bar with its sparkly summer menu, the water is a-flowing in our swanky fine-dining waterfall restaurant, Greenes, and the eagerly awaited refurbishment of our self-catering apartments is finally coming to an end. What’s not to smile and be glad about?
August is nearly upon us. Have you planned your summer trip to us yet? Still in need of some persuasion? Allow us to present just a tiny variety of the things happening this month in the place we love to call home.
Crawford Art Gallery Date Nights: Thursdays 6:30pm
The Crawford Art Gallery, Glucksman Art Gallery, Lavit Gallery- we all know we are spoiled for choice when it comes to art galleries to choose from in Cork City. Not only do they all offer free entry and an ever-changing programme of events to suit all ages (special mention to the Glucksman’s family-friendly creative Sunday workshops) but they are all within leisurely walking distance of our city-centre hotel. Of course, one would be forgiven for finding it difficult to squeeze everything into the daytime hours. For that reason, we are thrilled to hear that the Crawford Art Gallery have launched free gallery tours every Thursday at 6:30. No pre-booking required. Just saunter in to get your Thursday evening off to a cultural note.
Cork Craft Month: Throughout August
Planning a trip to Rebel County in August just got even better. Prepare to throw yourself into the excitement of Cork Craft Month, running the entire month of August, showcasing the works of the many creative craft heroes of Cork. Think exhibitions, studio trails, demonstrations, Meet the Maker sessions, family fun days and of course, markets to take some of the finished products home with you. Fancy making your very own willow basket or ceramic bird feeder? Or, how about some vinyl and crafting over a drink upstairs in the Roundy? There really is something for everyone to get stuck into this month.
The Lee Sessions Trad Trail: Ongoing
For those who prefer their entertainment to be a little less hands-on but still traditional, why not check out some free traditional Irish music sessions performed in a variety of pubs across the city? Sin É and the Cornerhouse, two of Cork’s most popular traditional pubs are just at the bottom of our street.
The Everyman-Letters of a Country Postman: 10th-27th August
Culture comes in all shapes and forms and what better way to soak up some Irish culture than with a trip to the theatre to view one of Ireland’s best playwrights, John B. Keane and one of his masterpieces: “Letters of a Country Postman”. Running right across the street from Hotel Isaacs in the Everyman Palace Theatre, enjoy an early-bird menu at our award-winning Greenes Restaurant beside Cork City’s only waterfall. Post-theatre cocktails in Ireland’s number one cocktail bar, Cask is a must afterwards too.
Hooley at the Oliver Plunkett: Wednesdays 8 pm
Throw yourself into the fun and mayhem of a traditional Irish hooley (party) at the Oliver Plunkett Bar. Expect traditional Irish music and dance. Who knows? You might even learn a step or two.
Hysterical Histories: 7pm-Wednesday and Thursday nights. 5pm on Fridays until Aug 26th
History doesn’t have to be boring and this local drama troupe certainly knows how to deliver a lesson you won’t forget with this hilarious dinner theatrical experience set in an 18th century tavern. Expect song and storytelling as they bring the true (and sometimes gruesome) stories of Cork’s heroes and villains to life.
Westlife-12th and 13th August:
Love them or hate, there’s no denying that Westlife is one of Ireland’s top bands. Seemingly forever going into retirement only to resurface at a venue close to you when you least expect it-expect an electric atmosphere in the city on a concert night. Concert attendance is optional.
Soul Fest: 26th-28th August:
Laoise Leahy and Karen Underwood headline this weekend festival at the Cork City Hall. Always a popular event, book early to avoid disappointment.
