June is here and could there really be a better time for us to be back open and for life to be slowly but surely returning to some degree of normality? It’s hard not to feel optimistic and upbeat these days. Our residents are back. Our beautiful building has life and soul again. Ireland’s number one cocktail bar, Cask has a sparkling new menu, and Greenes Restaurant has launched their outdoor dining. Life is good at Hotel Isaacs. We are even feeling hopeful for some good weather!
Of course, one of the huge perks of Cork City is that you really have it all: the city on your doorstep but just a short walk/drive/bus/train away to some spectacular natural beauty spots. After a winter cooped up indoors, we can’t wait for a summer of outdoor adventures, and to celebrate, we are thrilled to announce that we now offer picnic boxes full of tasty treats and decadent delights to accompany you wherever the day may take you.
Here are just a small selection of our top picks for the perfect picnic destination in and around Cork City.
Picnic in Fitzgerald’s Park
A leisurely 20-minute walk from our boutique hotel, there really is no better place for a picnic than the picturesque perfection of Fitzgerald’s Park. There’s lots of green space, an award-winning sky-garden to check out and a brand new playground. It also boasts some of the best riverside views in the city and you even get a chance to jump on Cork’s Shaky Bridge. Did we mention it’s also home to a free history museum?
Picnic in the Lee Fields
For those that don’t mind stretching their legs that little bit farther and want something a bit more off-the-beaten track, why not extend your walk a few more minutes beyond Fitzgerald’s Park and you will be amply rewarded with one of the best riverside walks in the city and vast amounts of green space (hence fields) with the Lee Fields.
Picnic at The Lough, Cork
If thoughts of a picnic in front of a swan lake sound more your thing, we would highly recommend a trip to the Lough. It’s particularly stunning at sunset.
Picnic in Bell’s Fields
Heard of “The Young Offenders“? We thought so! Well, if so, you’ll definitely recognise this green space overlooking Cork City. Best of all, it’s less than 10 minute walk from our city-centre hotel and a great spot for a picnic – Bell’s Fields.
Picnic on the Blackrock Marina Walk
If you want to work up an appetite before your picnic, why not hire out one of the city’s bikes and cycle along the newly pedestrianised marina to Blackrock Castle. There are countless places to picnic along the way, be it alongside the river, at the castle itself, or in the charming village of Blackrock.
Picnic at Blarney Castle
You don’t need to kiss the stone to take advantage of the 60 acres of sprawling parkland including gardens, arboretums, and waterways across this majestic estate. Your hardest decision will be trying to decide where to set up camp and enjoy your picnic at Blarney Castle.
Picnic in the Farran Woods
We are so lucky in Cork City to have such a great selection of wonderful woodlands to choose from all within a short drive of the city centre. Farran Woods, just a 20 minute drive away, is one such place. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of Inniscarra Lake before taking to the skies….literally. Farran Woods is after all the home of Cork’s coolest ziplining experience.
Picnic in Kinsale
Arguably one of the most colourful towns in Ireland and the gastronomical capital of Ireland, is there anywhere better to get into the foodie-spirit with a delicious picnic? With two forts to explore and lots of green space overlooking the town as well as Dock Beach, you will be spoiled for choice in Kinsale.
So there you have it, eight wonderful spots to enjoy a picnic in and around Cork City. Purchase one of our picnic boxes curated by the Greenes team directly from their website or ask at reception during your stay at Hotel Isaacs for more information. Our picnic boxes serve 2 people sharing and start at €39. They contain charcuterie, cheeses, olives, hummus, pana bread & dips & accompaniments. Don’t forget to add your wine or pop into Cask cocktail bar right across the courtyard of Hotel Isaacs and sample their newest venture, ‘Casktails‘, a boutique range of seasonal ready-to-pour cocktails! Did someone say Summer?!
