cork city
activities
The Kingsley Hotel is ideally located to explore the cosmopolitan city of Cork, acknowledged as a top city destination in the Lonely Planet's “Best of Travel 2010” guide. Since the city was founded by St. Finbarr over 1,000 years ago it has grown from a trading merchant hub into the cosmopolitan and vibrant 21st century city of today.
The city is a thriving cultural, culinary, sporting and economic centre boasting a wide range of activities and amenities to engage the interests and senses of visitors. Some of the city's key attractions include the Cork Opera House, Blackrock Castle Observatory, Lifetime Lab and Glucksman Gallery, the Everyman Theatre, Cork City Gaol, Cork Museum, Crawford Gallery, St Finbarr’s Cathedral and English Market to name but a few.
Just like The Kingsley Hotel, Cork City is situated on the banks of the River Lee and is home to approximately 120,000 people (or Corkonians as they are known locally). The city is located on the southwest coast of Ireland and is the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland.
The Kingsley Hotel is located on the western edge of the city's central district and is one of the few hotels near University College Cork (UCC), allowing visitors to sample both the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the city centre while also experiencing the tranquillity and scenic landscapes of the Lee Valley and beyond. The city's heartbeat is just a 20-minute walk with bus services freely available in close proximity to the four-star hotel in Cork.
Cork's history is rich and multifaceted, with landmarks like Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone offering a glimpse into the past. The castle stands as a magical piece of history, with the famous stone promising the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. Meanwhile, Cork City Gaol and its haunting wax figures provide a deeper understanding of the city's darker history, with audio tours that delve into Ireland's past.
The architecture of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and St. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church showcases Ireland's complex religious history. Both built in the mid-1800s, they present contrasting architectural styles that are both breathtaking and thought-provoking. A guided tour of these landmarks is highly recommended for a deeper appreciation of Ireland's rich history.
Nano Nagle Place honours a local hero with a legacy of education, while the Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills and Glenview Gardens and Fairy Trail blend history with natural beauty. For those seeking culture, the Crawford Art Gallery offers an impressive collection, including ancient statues and modern art.
For adventure-seekers, Cork serves as the perfect base for exploring the Ring of Kerry. This scenic drive offers stunning views of the Irish countryside, with stops at Killarney National Park, Skellig Michael, and various historical stone forts. The journey is as much about the destinations as it is about the spontaneous discoveries along the way.
