Love it or hate it, it’s that time of year again! Slowly but surely (or too fast some may argue), the shops are stocking up with all things red and pink, hearts and flowers and everything sickly sweet for the delight (or nightmare) that is Valentine’s Day! Here, at Hotel Isaacs, we have put together a list of our top five romantic things to do in our favourite city of Cork.
A Romantic Walk Along The North Channel of Cork’s Lovely Lee and Fitzgerald’s Park
Don’t expect an accordion player serenading you with “The Banks of my Own Lovely Lee” but this walk along the North Side is a charming evening stroll passing many quirky curiosity shops and five bridges with countless benches along the way to gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes. Feeling energetic? Why not continue the walk down Cumann na mBan winding up in the picture-perfect surrounds of Fitzgerald’s Park with its many walking trails, sculptures, and duck pond.
A Wander Around The Crawford Art Gallery
“The most intense romantic dates take place in art galleries”, an American friend of mine once told me. Perhaps it has something to do with their quiet stillness, how one must stand close to each other and whisper sweet nothings pretending to actually understand the obscurities of the work. If this sounds like your idea of romance, why not while away a few hours marvelling at the Canova casts in the Crawford Art Gallery, or debating the meaning of a hero in their current exhibition “Myths and Heroes” or venturing up to the top floor to admire the work of the famous stained glass artist Harry Clarke.
A Climb To The Top of The Shandon Bell Tower
If you literally want to show your significant other the world, making them climb the 132 steps to the top of the Shandon Bell Tower for stunning 360 views of Cork City may very well be a good place to start especially when the visit includes an opportunity to ring the bells of Shandon (apparently a key thing to do in Cork before one dies). Complete the experience/replenish your sugar levels with some homemade sweets from local Shandon Sweets, delivering a truly authentic Cork taste since 1928.
A Trip to The Stars at Blackrock Castle
If the world is not enough, perhaps a tour of Blackrock Castle, its planetarium, and watchtower might be more in your line. A 40-minute riverside walk from Hotel Isaacs or a short journey by bus (the 202) the castle boasts stunning views of Cork Harbour and organises regular star/moon gazing evenings.
An Intimate Dinner For Two By Cork City’s Only Waterfall at Greenes Restaurant
Call us biased but is there anywhere more romantic to eat in Cork City than in the intimate surrounds of our very own Greenes Restaurant? Overlooking Cork City’s only waterfall with fantastic service and award-winning food, I think not! Take advantage of the 15% food discount for hotel residents before finishing off your night with a cocktail in Ireland’s number one cocktail bar: Cask. Get ready to treat that special someone with a romantic night away in our city-centre boutique hotel or if you’re not feeling the love, why not grab your besties and make a long weekend out of it? Either way, we have all your loving needs covered! Contact us to book now!
