With only two weeks to go until Christmas, the countdown is well and truly on at Hotel Isaacs. We’ve been busy welcoming back some of our regulars who make a trip to us every year at this time, making sure our Christmas diners in our newly revamped Greenes Restaurant are getting a festive night to remember and of course, our mixologists in our multi award-winning Cask Bar have been stirring up a storm with their new cocktail menu. We are still in a state of endless wonder when we walk into our courtyard- transformed into a glowing Winter Wonderland with its huge Christmas tree standing proudly in the middle of our waterfall (yes, has to be seen to be believed). Forgive us for thinking Hotel Isaacs could possibly be the most Christmasy place in Cork City.
Of course, there’s no denying Christmas can be a stressful and overwhelming time especially when it comes to the pressure of finding the perfect gift for someone, of getting that delicate balance of something useful and practical but equally fun and exciting. Can you really go wrong with a voucher though? They offer freedom and flexibility, allowing the recipient to tailor the gift to their own schedule. Needless to say, we believe a gift voucher from Hotel Isaacs is the perfect Christmas gift. Valid for five years, our vouchers can be redeemed for hotel stays as well as food and drink in our bar and restaurant. Newly refurbished rooms, self-catering apartments, mouth-watering cuisine, decadent cocktails, a friendly team ready to help with all of the details to guarantee a perfect stay- a Hotel Isaacs gift voucher is not just a gift but an experience! And isn’t that what life is really all about?
Still in need of some convincing? Here are just some of the other reasons why Hotel Isaacs is a fantastic place to stay:
Shopping Mecca:
Less than 5 minutes’ walk from the city’s main thoroughfare- St Patrick’s Street, shopping is a breeze when you stay at our boutique hotel. Whether it’s a last-minute Christmas gift or blitzing the January sales, we have you covered with a wonderful mix of both high street and independent stores. Best of all, you’re never too far from your comfortable hotel room when you want to take the weight off of your feet.
English Market:
Worthy of a visit to Cork in its own right, the internationally renowned English Market dating back to 1788 has survived literally everything the last few centuries has thrown at it, continuing to offer one of the country’s largest food emporiums. From organic produce to fresh fish to the famous bustling Farmgate Café upstairs- prepare for an assault on the senses!
Cathedrals and Churches:
The neo-Gothic three spire St Finbarr’s Cathedral is one of Cork’s most famous landmarks and favourite selfie spots. However, if architectural masterpieces are your thing, you’ll be in for a treat as the Rebel City boasts the highest number of churches per capita in the country actually. We particularly recommend Saint Peter and Paul’s Church, conveniently located just off St Patrick’s Street.
Christmas Lights and Shenanigans:
Cork loves Christmas. In fact, we like to call Christmas in Cork, ‘Corkmas’. From stunning light displays to Christmas markets to a trip on the ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view of our city to soaking up the atmosphere on the bustling streets with its many choirs and buskers performing-there is no better time to visit Cork than during the festive holiday period.
Walks:
We all need a breather from time to time and Christmas is no different. Regardless of your age or fitness level, Cork has a walk with your name on it. For those that really want to let off some steam, a climb up the famous Patrick’s Hill at the bottom of our street is well worth the effort for the beautiful city vista awaiting you at the top. For those that prefer something more leisurely, a walk along the banks of the Lee is a more relaxed way to engage in some downtime. Watch out for the resident seal and try not to be tempted into the Franciscan Well microbrewery for a tipple along the way.
Music:
Cork is a city with music at its core. Our world famous Jazz Festival takes over the streets the October Bank Holiday, the International Choral Festival heralds the start of summer over the May Bank Holiday and that’s before we even look at the extensive gig guide of the city with something happening every single night of the week. From blues to rock to country to everything in between, expect an eclectic and ever-changing offering in our favourite city.
Comedy:
Of course, we love to have a laugh too. Our boutique hotel is less than 4 minutes’ walk from one of Ireland’s top comedy clubs- City Limits and one of Tommy Tiernan’s favourite places to gig. There are also lots of pop-up comedy improv nights happening around the city in the Roundy and An Spáilpín Fánach- check out their Adult Panto this year. Strictly not for kids!
Theatre:
From opera to drama to musicals to pantos- we love live performances. Across the street from our boutique hotel is the Everyman Palace Theatre whilst just a five minute walk will get you to the Cork Opera House. Keep an eye on their upcoming programme of events. The Christmas season is of course dominated by their pantos. For those in search of something a little naughty, the Improvised Panto at the Opera House is sure to push you to the edge of your limits. Just be careful who you take along!
Further Afield Adventures:
Who says you need to spend all of your time in the city? Craving some fresh sea air or perhaps just want to embrace the countryside? Cork City has it all being less than 30 minutes from the famous Blarney Castle and its stunning gardens. Alternatively, how about a trip to the picturesque coastal town of Kinsale and its gourmet excellence? Or, why not delve into the history of the doomed Titanic out in Cobh? The list is endless.
Oasis of Calm:
We may be located in the heart of Cork City but one of the truly unique aspects of a stay at Hotel Isaacs is that you really feel like you are in your own little oasis of calm away from the world. Tucked off MacCurtain Street in a beautiful courtyard with Cork City’s only waterfall, a restful and rejuvenating sleep is guaranteed in our mix of deluxe and superior rooms. And best of all, we are home to two of Cork’s premium dining experiences so no need to go hunting for places to eat either.
