Ultimate Cork Itinerary: Your Perfect 4-Day Adventure
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Enjoy your 4 day trip in Cork at the Carrigaline Court Hotel!
Book direct through our official website for our exclusive offers and great value hotel deals
Welcome to Cork, Ireland! Staying at the comfortable and welcoming Carrigaline Court Hotel, Situated in the bustling town of Carrigaline, Co. Cork, the 4-star Carrigaline Court Hotel & Leisure Centre offers luxurious facilities of international standard to both business and leisure guests. Just 15 minutes’ drive south of Cork City. Ideal for those who wish to visit the Cork area with plenty of attractions and activities nearby.
This 4-day itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your stay, featuring Spike Island, Fota Wildlife Park, Kinsale Footgolf, and Cork Harbour Cruises.
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The Carrigaline Court Hotel for the best Summer weekend breaks in Ireland
Situated in the bustling town of Carrigaline, Co. Cork, the 4-star Carrigaline Court Hotel & Leisure Centre offers luxurious facilities of international standard to both business and leisure guests. Just 15 minutes’ drive south of Cork City. Ideal for those who wish to visit the Cork area with plenty of attractions and activities nearby.
Warm and inviting, offering many excellent facilities including 91 spacious bedrooms, an elegant Bistro Restaurant and the contemporary Collins Bar. The hotel also offers an extensive Leisure Centre including 20 metre Swimming Pool.
Are you looking for things to do while on your visit to Cork? Please visit our breaks section for inspiration and ideas!
Day 1: Discovering Cork City
Morning:
- English Market: Begin your Cork adventure at the English Market, a historic covered market brimming with local produce, artisan foods, and crafts. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast.
- St. Patrick’s Street: Take a leisurely stroll down St. Patrick’s Street, Cork’s main shopping area. Soak in the lively atmosphere and explore the unique local shops.
Afternoon:
- Cork Harbour Cruises: Experience the city from the water with a scenic Cork Harbour Cruise.
Cork Harbour Cruises operates boat trips, day & evening tours, guided tours and private hire from Cork City & Crosshaven. The orange vessel, Cailín Óir with a capacity of 100, upper deck seating – for panoramic 360° views of the spectacular Harbour, indoor heated saloon and onboard refreshments. Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular view that Cork Harbour has to offer.
For more information and to book visit www.corkharbourcruises.com - Shandon Bells & Tower: Climb the iconic Shandon Bells at St. Anne’s Church for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the chance to ring the famous bells yourself!
Evening:
- Dinner at Carrigaline Court Hotel Bar: Head to the Carrigaline Court Hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel bar. Indulge in our elegant Bistro Restaurant or the contemporary Collins Bar.
Day 2: Exploring Cobh, Spike Island, and Fota Wildlife Park
Morning:
- Cobh: Start your day in the picturesque seaside town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to delve into the history of Irish emigration and the town’s connection to the Titanic.
- St. Colman’s Cathedral: Explore this stunning cathedral, which offers breathtaking views over the harbour.
Afternoon:
- Spike Island: Take a ferry to Spike Island, often referred to as “Ireland’s Alcatraz.” Explore the island’s rich history, including its time as a monastic settlement, fortress, and prison. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into its past.
Located just off the coast of the picturesque town of Cobh, Spike Island has a long history, as a Monastry, an 18th Century Fortress, and at the time, the world’s largest prison.
You can visit Cobh by car or take the train from Cork City, and enjoy one of Ireland’s most famous towns, before taking the short boat trip over to Spike Island.
This is a must-do for any history buff couple! Visit our Spike Island page for more information on the Island and how to book your tickets
Evening:
- Carrigaline Court Hotel: Unwind at Carrigaline Court Hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening using the Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
Day 3: Exploring Kinsale and Footgolf
Morning:
- Drive to Kinsale: Head to the charming town of Kinsale, known for its colourful buildings and rich maritime history.
Charles Fort: Explore this historic star-shaped fort for incredible views of the coastline and a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s military past.
Afternoon:
- Kinsale Footgolf: Enjoy a fun and unique experience at Kinsale Footgolf. Combine your love for football and golf in this engaging outdoor activity that’s perfect for all ages.
Simply take two great sports – football and golf – and combine them into one great activity. You play by kicking a football into specially designed holes and trying to take the least amount of shots as possible. FootGolf Cork features 18 specially designed holes – with distances ranging from 39 to 90 yards.
Each round takes between approximately 1.5 and 2 hours.
The distance between the Carrigaline Court Hotel and Footgolf Cork is 17.4km!
For more information, visit their website
Evening:
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Kinsale’s renowned eateries. The town is famous for its vibrant culinary scene, especially its delicious and locally-sourced seafood dishes, making it a perfect place for a memorable meal.
Day 4: Final Day in Cork City
Morning:
- Blarney Castle: Visit the legendary Blarney Castle, just a short drive from Cork. Kiss the Blarney Stone to receive the “gift of the gab” and explore the stunning gardens.
Afternoon:
- Fota Wildlife Park: Head to Fota Wildlife Park, where you can see a variety of animals in naturalistic settings. It’s a great place for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk among free-roaming animals in certain areas of the park.
With a number of coffee stations, cafés, and restaurants, Fota makes for an excellent day out for animal lovers, picnickers, and walkers alike.
Visit our Fota Wildllife Park page for more information and family package deals
Evening:
- Return to Cork: Head back to Douglas for a relaxed evening. Barry’s serves excellent food and drink with a smile and is renowned as one of Cork’s top choices for a celebratory meal, a few pints, or a night out-out. Barry’s is the perfect place to socialise no matter what your style, whether you prefer an intimate meal in a cosy corner or partying with your friends in the bustling bar and restaurant.
Additional Kids Attractions
Camp Rock Kids Club
We operate a complimentary Camp Rock Kid’s Club during Summer holidays for children aged 5 to 12 years*.
CAMP ROCK includes an array of games, arts and crafts and much more. We host a supervised Movie Night each evening and children can enjoy freshly cooked party food while parents escape to the restaurant and dine in peace and tranquility. We offer a kids menu and coloring packs to keep all the family entertained. Click here for details and menu sample.
*PLEASE NOTE CAMP ROCK IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY, MINIMUM NUMBERS, AND GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS; PLEASE CHECK WITH OUR RECEPTION TEAM ON 021 4852100 PRIOR TO MAKING A ROOM RESERVATION
*Attraction tickets subject to availability and prices subject to change; prices correct as of 15 March 2024. For package T&Cs visit www.carrigalinecourt.com/tcs*
Customize your Own Trip by adding our wide range of Attractions while booking your stay.
Fota Wildlife Park: 15.80 per adult/ €43.30 2 adult+1 child / €55 2 adult+2 children
Spike Island: €22 per adult/€54 2 adult+1 child/ €59 2 adult+2 children
Cork Harbour Cruises: €27 per adult/€61 2 adult +up to 2 children
Footgolf/Hurlgolf: €10 per adult/€40 2 adult + 2 children
