14 BEST HOTELS in County Cork [February 2025]

Home to the fabled Blarney Castle, the bustling, heritage filled streets of Cork City, colourful fishing towns and harbours, and mile upon mile of spectacular coastline, County Cork is one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations.

But this is also Ireland’s largest county, and with so many places to visit, it can be a challenge finding the best accommodation. Don’t worry though, because we decided to search out the best hotels in County Cork and dedicate an entire article to them!

If you’re looking for a luxury retreat in the Irish countryside, then County Cork has great options. If you’d rather be in the centre of the city, there are plenty of great hotels in Cork City too. You can head to the coast, or hideaway on an island in the Atlantic Ocean; County Cork has a lot to offer!

To inspire your trip to Ireland, here are the best hotels in County Cork!

Quick answers – Best Hotels in County Cork

At A Glance: Best Hotels in County Cork

BEST HOTELS IN COUNTY CORK
htjltbl-table__image Best Overall HotelBest Overall HotelCastlemartyr Resort Hotel
  • A retreat in the Irish countryside
  • Fitness and beauty facilities
  • On-site restaurant
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htjltbl-table__image Best Hotel Near the AirportBest Hotel Near the AirportCork Airport Hotel
  • Located opposite Cork Airport
  • Free Airport shuttle
  • 24-hour reception and business centre
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htjltbl-table__image Best Hotel Near DowntownBest Hotel Near DowntownMetropole Hotel Cork
  • Ten minute walk from Cork train station
  • Sauna, swimming pool and gym
  • On-site restaurant
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htjltbl-table__image Best Hotel for FamiliesBest Hotel for FamiliesClonakilty Park Hotel
  • Kids Club
  • Heated swimming pools
  • Countryside location
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htjltbl-table__image Best Pet-Friendly HotelBest Pet-Friendly HotelVienna Woods
  • Lovely gardens
  • Great value
  • Excellent amenities
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htjltbl-table__image Best Cheap HotelBest Cheap HotelJurys Inn Cork
  • In the centre of Cork City
  • 3 Star value
  • Great restaurant and bar
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htjltbl-table__image Best Hotel Near Inchydoney IslandBest Hotel Near Inchydoney IslandInchydoney Island Lodge and Spa
  • Located on Inchydoney Island
  • Award winning spa facilities
  • Ocean views
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htjltbl-table__image Best Hotel Near Blarney CastleBest Hotel Near Blarney CastleBlarney Castle Hotel
  • A short drive from Blarney Castle
  • Family run
  • In-House restaurant and bar
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htjltbl-table__image Best Hotel Near CobhBest Hotel Near CobhWaters Edge Hotel
  • Overlooking the water
  • Located in Central Cobh
  • 24 hour reception
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htjltbl-table__image Best Hotel Near the English MarketBest Hotel Near the English MarketImperial Hotel Cork City
  • Close to the English Market
  • Jacuzzi, sauna and spa
  • 4 star service and amenities
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#1 – Castlemartyr Resort Hotel

Best Overall Hotel in County Cork

Castlemartyr Resort Hotel

Castlemartyr Resort Hotel is our pick for the best overall hotel in County Cork

  • A retreat in the Irish countryside
  • Fitness and beauty facilities
  • On-site restaurant

Located in the Irish countryside, the Castle martyr Resort Hotel is the best overall hotel in County Cork.

The Castlemartyr Resort Hotel has an excellent array of amenities, including a fitness centre, beauty parlour, and even an 18 hole golf course.

The on-site restaurant serves up traditional Irish food, which is perfect after those long walks in the surrounding parkland.

 

#2 – Cork Airport Hotel

Best Hotel in County Cork Near the Airport

Cork Airport Hotel

Cork Airport Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in County Cork near the Airport

  • Located opposite Cork Airport
  • Free Airport shuttle
  • 24-hour reception and business centre

The best hotel in County Cork near the Airport is undoubtedly Cork Airport Hotel!

The hotel is literally opposite the airport but if that’s too far to walk then they even have a complimentary shuttle service.

Cork Airport Hotel has a 24-hour reception and a 24-hour business centre, making this an ideal place to stay if you’re visiting County Cork on business.

 

#3 – Metropole Hotel Cork

Best Hotel in Cork Near Downtown

Metropole Hotel Cork

Metropole Hotel Cork is our pick for the best hotel in Cork near Downtown

  • Ten minute walk from Cork train station
  • Sauna, swimming pool and gym
  • On-site restaurant

The grand Metropole Hotel Cork is a firm favourite amongst travellers looking for an excellent place to stay in the city.

The Metropole Hotel Cork is the best hotel in Cork near Downtown because it’s located in the heart of the county’s largest city and is just a short walk away from the train station and the best tourist attractions.

 

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#4 – Clonakilty Park Hotel

Best Hotel in County Cork for Families

Clonakilty Park Hotel

Clonakilty Park Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in County Cork for Families

  • Kids Club
  • Heated swimming pool
  • Countryside location

Found in the countryside, Clonakilty Park Hotel is our top pick for the best hotel in County Cork for families.

With a great countryside location, there are so many nearby activities for all the family. On the hotel grounds, you can also find a dedicated Kids Club as well as a heated swimming pool that’s perfect no matter how bad the Irish weather might get!

 

#5 – Vienna Woods

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in County Cork

Vienna Woods

Vienna Woods is our pick for the best Pet-Friendly hotel in County Cork

  • Lovely gardens
  • Great value
  • Excellent amenities

Vienna Woods is the best pet-friendly hotel in County Cork because it’s located outside of the city of Cork and in wonderful surroundings.

You can find lovely pleasant gardens that surround this 3 Star hotel, offering you plenty of space to take the dog for a walk. Nearby, there are plenty more walking routes through the countryside too.

On top of the dog walking opportunities, there are a great array of amenities too, including a 24-hour reception.

 

#6 – Jurys Inn Cork

Best Cheap Hotel in County Cork

Jurys Inn Cork

Jurys Inn Cork is our pick for the best cheap hotel in County Cork

  • In the centre of Cork City
  • 3 Star value
  • Great restaurant and bar

If you’re looking for a budget place to stay then look no further than Jurys Inn Cork!

Located right in the centre of Cork City, this is a great place to stay if you want to be close to all the action and all the tourist sights.

It’s 3 Star, but it offers great value and for that reason, it’s our top choice for the best cheap hotel in County Cork.

 

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#7 – Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa

Best Hotel in County Cork Near Inchydoney Island

Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa

Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa is our pick for the best hotel in County Cork near Inchydoney Island

  • Located on Inchydoney Island
  • Award winning spa facilities
  • Ocean views

The Best hotel in County Cork near Inchydoney Island is the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, which offers guests an awarding winning spa.

This secluded hotel is perfect for escaping it all, as it’s found on the shores of this beautiful island. Rooms all have ocean views and it’s easily one of the best hotels in the entire county.

 

#8 – Blarney Castle Hotel 

Best Hotel in County Cork Near Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle Hotel 

Blarney Castle Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in County Cork near Blarney Castle

  • A short drive from Blarney Castle
  • Family run
  • In-House restaurant and bar

The best hotel in County Cork near Blarney Castle is the excellent Blarney Castle Hotel!

This family run hotel offers a friendly and warm welcome to visitors, and as well as being close to Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction, Blarney Castle Hotel also offers traditional Irish food and drink in their acclaimed restaurant.

 

#9 – Waters Edge Hotel

Best Hotel in County Cork Near Cobh

Waters Edge Hotel 

Waters Edge Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in County Cork near Cobh

  • Overlooking the water
  • Located in Central Cobh
  • 24 hour reception

If you’re looking for the best hotel in County Cork Close near Cobh, then book into the Waters Edge Hotel!

This excellent hotel overlooks the colourful harbour of Cobh and is in the best location to explore the town.

 

#10 – Imperial Hotel Cork City

Best Hotel in County Cork Near the English Market

Imperial Hotel Cork City

Imperial Hotel Cork City is our pick for the best hotel in County Cork near the English Market

  • Close to the English Market
  • Jacuzzi, sauna and spa
  • 4 star service and amenities

The best hotel in County Cork near the English Market is the Imperial Hotel Cork City!

This is a classic choice if you’re in need of accommodation in the centre of Cork City Close to all the best attractions.

You can enjoy 4 star service and amenities at a great price, and make the most of the jacuzzi, sauna and spa after a long day of sightseeing in the city.

 

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More of the Best Hotels in County Cork

If that’s not enough, then there are plenty more hotels in County Cork too. Here are a few more of the best!

#11 – The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

  • Riverside views
  • Terrace and bar
  • Swimming pool and fitness facilities

One of the best hotels in County Cork is the River Lee Hotel!

Located on the banks of the River Lee, there are excellent views from both the terrace and the hotel rooms of the river and of Cork City.

The four star hotel is not only well located in the centre of Cork, but it has excellent amenities, including a bar and restaurant, and a swimming pool and fitness facilities.

 

#12 – The Montenotte Hotel

The Montenotte Hotel

The Montenotte Hotel

  • Located in central Cork
  • Sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool
  • Excellent facilities

The Montenotte Hotel is a lovely choice that’s located right in the centre of Cork City. It’s just a short walk away from the train station and from the city’s most famous tourist attractions.

You’re right in the heart of Cork, with restaurants, bars and clubs all around you too. The hotel has a modern, indoor swimming pool too, as well as a sauna and jacuzzi.

 

#13 – Rochestown Park Hotel

Rochestown Park Hotel

Rochestown Park Hotel

  • Excellent spa facilities
  • Swimming pool and fitness centre
  • In-house restaurants and room service

The Rochestown Park Hotel is one of the best hotels in County Cork, offering excellent Spa facilities and an indoor swimming pool.

The hotel has great restaurants for in-house dining, and they provide 24 hour room service too.

 

#14 – Ballymaloe House

Ballymaloe House

Ballymaloe House

  • Historic country estate
  • Countryside location
  • 18 hole golf course

If you’re looking to escape the city though, then book into the Ballymaloe House!

This historic country estate is found in the heart of County Cork’s countryside, offering lovely rooms and pleasant views.

There are some great activities and sights to be found nearby, while on the site you can make use of the 18 hole golf course during your stay.

 

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Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in County Cork…

County Cork is a great destination for tourists, but being such a large county, there are a lot of hotels to choose from when you’re planning your trip!

Our overall best hotel in County Cork is the Castlemartyr Resort Hotel, which offers not only luxury, but a beautiful countryside escape.

But if this isn’t what you’re looking for, then County Cork has so many other gray options too.

We’ve picked our favourites, but let us know in the comments below if we missed any of the best hotels in County Cork!

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About the Author Nicola Smart

Gin lover. Coffee addict. Nicola has traveled the world for 7 years and is a staff writer for Hotel Jules. Born in London, Nicola first got the taste of travel studying abroad in Barcelona. Since then she's been hooked - traveling the world non-stop. Passionate about green travel and vegan lifestyle, Nicola spends more of her free time staring at maps wondering where she will head to next!