Forget Dublin, and instead, head to Ireland’s southern coastline, where you can enjoy the cultural and historical delights of Cork.

Situated on the scenic banks of the River Lee, close to the Atlantic Ocean, Cork is traditionally considered to be Ireland‘s second city. Ask the locals, though, and they’ll tell you that Cork is the “real capital” of Ireland.

Cork takes pride in its rebellious past, and the city was long associated with the republican ideals that led to an independent Ireland in the 1920s. In fact, the city has played a prominent role in Irish history and politics, and it’s also known as “The Rebel City.” 

Visit Cork City Gaol, Spike Island, and Elizabeth Fort to learn more about the city’s rebellious past, or head to the Crawford Art Gallery or Cork Public Museum to take in the city’s best Irish culture and history. 

The city is renowned for its foodie scene, too, so after a sightseeing stint across Cork, head straight for The English Market. Here, under vaulted Victorian-era ceilings, you’ll find the best local produce and dishes prepared fresh by independent traders. 

Cork is home to all sorts of historic hotels, luxury manors, and forward-thinking boutique hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Cork to help you plan your perfect getaway! 

If you’re planning a trip to County Cork, then keep reading as we explain exactly where to stay in Cork.

Where to stay in Cork

As the capital of County Cork and the second-largest city in Ireland, rest assured that there’s an excellent range of accommodation available to book in Cork. You’ll find Cork’s best hotels are spread across the city, although you’re never too far from the major sights, wherever you choose to stay.

In the city center, there’s a choice of five-star luxury hotels close to St Patrick’s Street (the main thoroughfare and a major shopping street in Cork), with the best offering views of the River Lee from stunning riverfront locations (try the elevated north bank for the best views!). 

There are cozy guesthouses and quirky boutiques in quieter districts like Shandon (where you’ll find the famous Bells of Shandon) and the areas around Fitzgerald Park and University College Cork.

If you’d rather explore further afield, then County Cork is packed full of fantastic hotel options. Nearby, you’ll find a unique hotel and spa on Fota Island, while in the nearby countryside there are renovated country manors and historic estates that have been transformed into world-class luxury spa hotels.

From beautiful boutique retreats to historic hotels, here’s our countdown of the 12 best places to stay in Cork!

The 12 Best Hotels in Cork

1. Imperial Hotel Cork City

You’ll find the Imperial Hotel Cork City just a four-minute walk away from St Patrick’s Street, so you couldn’t ask for a more conveniently located hotel during your stay in Cork. This four-star boutique stay really is one of the best hotels in Cork, too, and you’re going to love the luxury rooms, the gourmet dining, and the fabulous spa. 

The Imperial Hotel Cork City has been a stalwart landmark since it first opened in 1816. For two centuries, this historic hotel has been welcoming tourists, travelers, celebrities, and politicians to Cork, and there’s a fascinating history behind every room. 

Room 115 (the Michael Collins Suite), for example, was where Michael Collins, a leading revolutionary in the Irish War of Independence, spent his last night before he was killed in an ambush in 1922. 

Book a boutique room here, and you’ll be staying in Cork’s most historic hotel. The luxury rooms are outfitted with timeless antiques and retro features (like wind-up telephones) that add to the sense of nostalgia. The rooms are also very much up to date, with King Koil mattresses, Netflix and Disney+, and J.J. Darboven coffee capsule machines (it’s like a fancier Nespresso machine!).

Once you’ve settled in, head to the Escape Spa, where you can enjoy Aveda and Voya massages alongside an aqua body polish and a signature facial. There are showers and grottos galore at this spa, and you’ll appreciate the aroma and salt grottos, as well as the tropical, mist, and rain showers. 

You’ll find a comprehensive selection of dining options to choose from. At Sketch, there’s a classic afternoon tea on the menu, followed by evening cocktails and late-night charcuterie boards. Thyme at 76 on the Mall has a sustainable ethos, and they serve up a fine dining menu prepared using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.

2. Hayfield Manor

A leafy green facade of natural vines and trellis brighten up the classic red-brick exterior of Hayfield Manor. This five-star hotel is one of the finest boutique hotels in Cork, and you’re guaranteed to feel like a country lady or gentleman after a stay in one of the hotel’s super-luxurious rooms.

This country estate is quite unique, given it’s located just a short stroll away from the city center in the University College Cork area. It was originally the family home of the Musgraves, an elite mercantile Corkonian family who acquired the property in the 1800s. It was then sold to the Scally family, who proceeded to turn it into Cork’s first five-star hotel in 1996. 

The “Manor Rooms” at Hayfield Manor are the height of luxury. The decor is bright and modern but with undertones of 19th-century elegance that you won’t find elsewhere. The king-size beds are orthopedic in design, while the marbled bathrooms are simply to die for. Upgrade to a “Historic Collections Suite,” and you’ll have added space and luxuries as you stay in a glamorous room inspired by local history. 

Hayfield Manor is home to one of Cork’s best spas. The Boutique Spa is often booked up weeks in advance, and you’ll understand why when you enjoy the therapeutic delights of an Elemis deep tissue massage or a Restorative Ritual by Ground Wellbeing. Enjoy a massage or a facial, take a dip in the spa pool, then savor the grand taste of a Hayfield Manor Afternoon Tea.

For a casual lunch or dinner, reserve a seat at Perrotts Garden Bistro, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant that’s located in the hotel’s conservatory. For a more formal dining experience, book a table in Orchid’s Restaurant overlooking the hotel’s private gardens.

3. The Metropole Hotel

Located in Cork’s Victorian Quarter, on the northern bank of the River Lee, The Metropole Hotel is one of the quirkiest boutique hotels in Cork. This four-star hotel is both colorful and historic, and you’ll love how they’re currently celebrating over 125 years of world-class service!

The hotel first opened in 1897, and over the years, they’ve become the go-to hotel for celebrities and even royalty. The likes of Walt Disney and John Steinbeck stayed here in the early 20th century, and it’s even said that King Edward VII had tea on the rooftop. 

You can follow in regal footsteps when you enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in the hotel’s dedicated Tea Room, where you can substitute the tea for prosecco if you’re also feeling celebratory. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served at The MET, the hotel’s swanky restaurant, while every October, the hotel’s bar plays host to some of the best jazz acts during Cork’s renowned Jazz Festival. 

The rooms are great, too, with a cozy but modern design that promotes comfort and well-being during your stay. Upgrade to a suite for the ultimate metropole experience, where you’ll enjoy antique furnishings and unique artwork in the hotel’s most historic rooms.

4. The Kingsley Hotel

The Kingsley Hotel is a four-star boutique hotel that’s found in a quiet western district of the city, close to University College Cork. The riverside location is supreme, and they even offer a unique “Pedals and Picnic Package” that inspires guests to explore the leafy suburbs on the hotel’s bicycles.

The best rooms at The Kingsley Hotel offer wonderful views of the River Lee, while all are masterfully decorated with comforting caramel-chocolate colors and outfitted with king-size beds and luxury bath amenities by Happy Buddha Rituals. The hotel also has a limited number of luxury apartments featuring two or three bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. 

You can join fitness classes at the Health Club or just hit the gym or swimming pool in your own time. The spa is home to a luxury thermal suite, while you can also enjoy a range of soothing spa treatments, such as massages and facials. 

Enjoy afternoon tea with a view of the river in the K Lounge, or book a table at Fairbanks Restaurant for an eclectic breakfast, lunch, or dinner prepared by Head Chef Tim Daly and his team.

5. The Montenotte Hotel

You’ll love the views from The Montenotte Hotel‘s spectacular Panorama Bistro and Terrace, where you can wine and dine on a lofty perch overlooking the northern bank of the River Lee. 

This heated outdoor terrace overlooks the Victorian Gardens, and you can enjoy afternoon tea, cocktails, breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with one of the best views in Cork.

But the dining experience is just one reason to book a stay at one of Cork’s best hotels. This four-star boutique hotel is located within the historic stone walls of an 18th-century merchant’s house, where you can experience luxury film screenings at the Cameo Cinema and the ultimate pampering experience at the Bellevue Spa. 

The bright and colorful rooms draw on the Georgian-era origins of the building, but they’re firmly up-to-date with all the modern comforts you’ll need. All boutique rooms feature king-size beds, bespoke Mark Buxton toiletries, and premium linen and silky bedclothes. The best rooms offer outstanding views of Cork, luxury bathtubs, and a welcome plate full of goodies!

6. Maryborough Hotel & Spa

If you’d love to live the life of the Georgian elite, then a stay at the Maryborough Hotel & Spa is long overdue. This is one of Cork’s most historic properties, and this extravagant manor house dates back to 1710.

Heritage is rife throughout this hotel, and you’ll love the period features and furnishings, not to mention the 300-year-old listed gardens you’re free to peruse at your leisure. In fact, there are 18 acres of grounds for you to explore in the secluded suburb of Douglas, just to the south of Cork’s city center.

Rooms feature bright views from the terrace or balcony, plush king beds, hypoallergenic bedding, and silky soft bathrobes and slippers. The luxury bathrooms are stocked with high-end ESPA products, but what else would you expect of a four-star boutique hotel?

If you love ESPA products, you’re in for a treat at the spa. ESPA products and treatments are top of the spa menu, alongside an incredible thermal suite and spa pool. After a relaxing stint in the pool, enjoy afternoon tea (served in bone china crockery) in the Garden Room overlooking the manor house. 

Don’t eat too many cucumber sandwiches, though, because you’ll want to save space for dinner at Bellini’s, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant with an art deco theme. On the dinner menu, you’ll find Irish beef, Slaney lamb, and Dover sole, while in the mornings, this is where you can fuel up with a full Irish breakfast.

7. Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel & Villas

Escape the city by staying at Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel & Villas, a four-star boutique hotel that’s wonderfully situated on the banks of the River Glashaboy, just a 15-minute drive from the city.

This luxury hotel is located within an 18th-century country home, but you’ll love how the property has been masterfully updated while preserving its original Georgian character. Rooms are bright and colorful, with large windows and vaulted ceilings adding to the sense of spaciousness. Upgrade to a self-catering villa, though, if you need space for up to eight adults, warm underfloor heating, and a fully equipped kitchen!

The grounds of this family-run boutique stay are extensive, with 22 acres of private gardens and woodlands for you to explore, as well as easy access to surrounding golf courses (there are many) and walking trails. 

You can enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in the gardens while Mabel Crawfords Bistro serves up delectable local cuisine in a historic setting. The bistro has retained many original features from the 150-year-old kitchen where it continues to cook, including exposed brickwork and a traditional open fire and hearth.

8. The Dean Cork

The Dean Cork is one of the newest and most fun places to stay in Cork. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that this is the coolest hotel in Cork, given there’s a rooftop bar and restaurant, workspaces for digital nomads, and a contemporary style and design that few other boutique hotels can match!

Oh, and there’s a seriously cool relaxation pool that has the air of a Roman-style bath about it, not to mention the sauna, steam room, and power gym where you can work up a serious sweat. 

But you’ll want to check in before you make use of the excellent facilities, although you might be distracted by the Marshall amplifiers, Samsung smart televisions (with Netflix, of course), and the SMEG fridge (fully stocked with lots of treats, obviously) that every room has as standard. Throw in super-crisp bed linens, a powerful rainforest shower, a Nespresso machine, and more, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

On the ground floor, you’ll find The Dean Bar, a chic cafe and bar that serves coffee in the morning and cocktails in the evening. Head up top to the fifth floor for stunning views over Cork, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks on the rooftop terrace at Sophie’s Restaurant.

9. The Address Cork

One of the best hotels in Cork is The Address Cork, where you’ll quickly fall for the Victorian nostalgia that’s found throughout this four-star property. 

The Address Cork started life as a hospital in the 1870s and was converted into a luxury boutique hotel many decades later in 2013. It became The Address Cork in 2020, but the hotel has very much preserved its 19th-century heritage. The exterior is styled in the classic red-brick design of the era, while the wrought iron verandas and bay and bow windows all add to the sense of timelessness.

Step inside your boutique room, and you’ll love the high vaulted ceilings, but you’ll also appreciate the modern comforts, like plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and luxury toiletries. The hotel is perfectly situated on the slopes above the northern bank of the River Lee, and the best rooms at The Address Cork offer supreme views of the city from private balconies.

10. The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee is Cork’s most iconic natural feature, and there’s no better place to stay than along its famous banks. One of the best riverside hotels in Cork is the aptly named The River Lee, a luxurious four-star boutique stay offering supreme views of the water through grand floor-to-ceiling windows.

Every luxury room at The River Lee Hotel is equipped with these panoramic windows, while you’ll also love the views from the outdoor (but undercover) terrace at the hotel’s waterfront restaurant and bar. The River Club serves up brunch and lunch during the day and small plates and cocktails in the evening. Head inside to the Grill Room for a more substantial meal of steak or seafood in a very chic setting. 

Rooms at The River Lee are equally chic, with bright decor and plush furnishings (did we mention the views?). Leisure facilities are top quality, too, with a 20-meter indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and fully-equipped gym at the service of all guests.

11. Gabriel House Guesthouse

If you’re looking for a cozy stay in the city, then why not book a boutique room at Gabriel House Guesthouse? This charming, luxury hotel has been welcoming guests to Cork since 1926, so rest assured, they know a thing or two about good service!

The building dates back to the early 20th century, and you’ll appreciate period features like vaulted ceilings and antique furnishings during your stay. You’ll love the hotel’s wonderful, elevated location on the north bank of the River Lee. 

Rooms have excellent views of the hotel’s private gardens, where you can enjoy blissful relaxation after a day of sightseeing in the city. The garden is also very much in practical use (it’s home to herbs, vegetables, and animals), and you’ll see the hotel’s hens laying the very eggs you’ll be dining on at breakfast in the morning. 

Homegrown eggs and veggies are all part of the hotel’s sustainability ethos. They also provide electric chargers for vehicles, while their energy is sourced almost exclusively through solar power. 

If you’re looking for unique hotels in Cork, the Gabriel House Guesthouse might just be your best bet!

12. Fota Island Hotel and Spa

Just 15 minutes from Cork, you can enjoy the lavish luxuries of a private island when you book a stay at the Fota Island Hotel and Spa.

This unique five-star hotel and spa is located among 780 acres of outdoor beauty on Fota Island, where you can find landscaped gardens, woodland walks, a wildlife park, and an 18-hole championship golf course. 

This is the height of exclusivity in Cork, and the hotel’s 131 luxury rooms are guaranteed to keep you in supreme comfort. You’ll love the soft carpets underfoot, the crisp linens, the six-foot-long king-size Respa Beds, and the Prija Toiletries in the luxury en-suite bathrooms. The best rooms offer beautiful views from private balconies, while if you’re looking for true seclusion, we recommend booking one of the hotel’s self-catering island lodges. 

Guests can make use of the facilities at the fully-equipped Fota fitness center while they can also revel in the pampering delights of the spa’s hydrotherapy pool and heated mosaic loungers. There’s a huge indoor swimming pool (heated, of course) and opportunities for massages, facials, a hammam session, and other revitalizing spa treatments.

Executive Head Chef Cedric Bottarlini oversees three restaurants at the Fota Island Hotel and Spa. The Amber Lounge serves afternoon tea, cocktails, and a serious selection of 75 whiskeys. The relaxed Clubhouse offers artisan pizzas, grilled meats, and seafood in a chilled-out setting, while the 10 Serving Tasting Menu at The Cove is a fine dining odyssey of foraged ingredients and seasonal produce.

That completes our list of the 12 best Cork hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Cork? Comment below so we can add them to the list!