Where has the time gone? Does anyone else feel like January is flying by? Wasn’t it only yesterday we were in twinkly Christmas spirit mode? Well, if the January blues have got you down and you’re looking for something to put a fresh twinkle back into your eyes, the season of love is fast approaching. Yes, love it or hate it, there’s no real avoiding the hearts, flowers and love-filled fest that is St Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re loved up, engaging in some self-love or feeling your relationship is getting a bit stale, we have something for everyone here in our boutique city-centre Cork hotel.
Need some help with finding Cork City’s most romantic spots? Well, look no further than this blog for some inspiration:
1) ROMANTIC STROLLS
Cork City is a walkers’ paradise with trails to suit all levels of fitness. Even if you aren’t quite in the mood to hike up St Patrick’s Hill (although the views are incredible up there, especially at night), you’ll find plenty of charming walks around the city to admire the sights. Our personal favourites are the walk along the North Mall through the Otter Trail (yes, we have a resident otter) and into the superbly pretty grounds of Fitzgerald Park. Cork’s famous Shaky Bridge is right behind the park too. We would also recommend a turn around the Lough-possibly one of the best places to watch the sunrise – if you can pull yourself out of our cosy beds that is.
2) CRAWFORD ART GALLERY
What is it about the hushed tones of a gallery that make such a great date even for those not normally into art? Perhaps it’s because it’s something outside the normal dinner/drinks/cinema date range? Eitherway, a wander around the peaceful surrounds of the Crawford’s many exhibitions will be sure to start you having some new conversations.
3) SHANDON BELL TOWER
For those that want to take their love to new heights, consider climbing the 132 steps for a panoramic view of the city and of course, a chance to ring the famous Shandon Bells – see it almost as a proclamation of love from above.
4) FOTA WILDLIFE PARK
For couples that want to get a bit wilder, Fota Wildlife Park, just 10 minutes on the train from Cork City is a wonderful spot to while away a couple of hours. There’s also Fota House and Gardens to explore later with cosy tea-rooms and an exotic arboretum.
5) AXE-THROWING
Feeling you both could do with letting off some steam? Consider signing up to Cork’s newest experience-Axe-throwing. Bang in the city-centre, this new experience will allow you to unleash some of that pent up frustration in a completely safe and adrenaline-fuelled way.
6) INDOOR CLIMBING
Feel like trust issues getting in the way of your relationship? Is there any better way to overcome that than trusting your partner to not let you fall when you climb up an indoor climbing wall? With over 800m2 of dedicated climbing surface and a bouldering area-this activity is bound to push your relationship outside of the comfort zone.
7) ZERO GRAVITY FLOAT
From high-intensity activities to the joy of simply doing nothing as you float in a zero gravity floatation tank. Just you and your special person cocooned away from the world….Need I say more…
8) COASTAL COUPLES
If you’re someone that prefers to be in or near the water outside, Cork City is perfectly located for an abundance of fantastic coastal explorations with a wide variety of beaches and cliff-walks nearby. We would highly recommend Ballycotton Cliff Walk.
9) PITCH AND PUTT
Relationships should always make you a better person. Why not challenge your hand-eye coordination together with a game of pitch and putt? Blarney is our favourite place for this and sure why not pop into the gorgeous castle grounds whilst you’re there?
10) MOVIES AND MUSIC
If all else fails, nothing can really beat a good movie or gig. You will be spoiled for choice with options in Cork from the Cork Opera House, Everyman Palace Theatre, City Limits Comedy Club and the Triskel Arts Centre (music and arthouse cinema). Your biggest argument will be deciding what to do first.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a travel-savvy writer for Hotel Isaacs Cork, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Cork City’s Victorian Quarter. This frugal young lady loves writing articles about lodging, traveling, and dining.
