A Winter Family Getaway to the Luxury 4 Star, Cork International Hotel

A Winter Family Getaway to Cork International Hotel

As a family, we don’t need an excuse to get in the car and take ourselves to Cork. But an invite to get away in December to Cork International Hotel was the perfect reason to. A two night break following a hectic couple of months, in the lead up to a hectic time of year. Sure who wouldn’t want to get away?

Our family city break included two nights in a family room with breakfast and dinner. Kids under 12 actually stay for free at Cork International Hotel. And with its close proximity to Cork International Airport, there’s no wonder it’s a popular choice for families who are catching early flights, or those arriving to Ireland in the wee hours.

Our Family Room at Cork International Hotel

 

Our room was on the third floor, a good choice for families during the party season as it’s the furthest from nightly events that could be taking place on the ground floor of the hotel.

The Bedroom

The bedroom was spacious with ample room for two cot beds. (Smith our three year old just about fits comfortably in the larger type).

There was an ensuite with a shower – stocked with light and refreshing toiletries by Irish Designer Paul Costelloe. And the usual features you’d expect from a luxury four star hotel – fluffy pillows, crisp bed linen, alarm clock, cable T.V., robes and slippers.

 

The bedroom opened out into the lounge part of the room, where the entrance to the room was. It was a great size with plenty of floor space for two playful boys. Cassidy in his element, clearly calling out some of his first spoken words ‘ready steady go’ to his big brother as they raced from one end of the room to the other.

 

There was a coffee machine, which was music to my ears. There was also a full bathroom, double wardrobe, and a good sized table with two chairs. I loved the furniture design throughout the room. However more seating or a sofa would have provided a lot more comfort for a family room, in my opinion.

 

Especially when the boys called the shots on who got the chairs when it was time to watch the rerun of the Late Late Toy Show.

 

The room had its own large balcony. And as the hotel is located in the Cork Airport Business Park, I didn’t expect the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, with “herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically” through it. However I did in fact enjoy looking around the business park, and past it over to the Cork countryside and across to the twinkly city lights.

Cork International Hotel Design

 

With our room explored, it was time to discover the rest of the hotel. Throughout the hotel, the interior decor along with its featured art installations are quirky and artistic, everything I love.

 

Gorgeous Interior Design

The foyer is large and adorned with art, mirrors and a glorious ceiling light. The luxurious and multi-coloured chesterfield sofas and extra large ottomans made for plenty of seating options.

 

A mix of old world charm with hints of asian influences sprung to my mind. And speaking of Asian influences, the fantastic toilets with their neon and mood changing colours wouldn’t look out of place in Tokyo.

The boys enjoyed playing about in the playroom – ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. There’s also a cinema on site that plays daily movies for kids at 6pm (and adults at 9pm).

Food at Cork International Hotel

Dinner

Dinner on both evenings were enjoyed in The New Yorker bar and restaurant. The winter menu had a fine selection to choose from, including a separate Vegetarian Menu, and a Children’s Menu. It was also clear to see that local producers were supported.

Appetisers included ‘McCarthy’s Seasonal Spiced Beef’, ‘Scallop, Kanturk Black Pudding’ and Chicken wings served with ‘Tipperary Crozier Blue Cheese Dip’. Entrees included burgers and steaks again from McCarthy Meats in Bishopstown, West Cork Chorizo and fish and seafood from Atlantis Seafood and Matt O’Connell Seafood’s Cork.

 

During our stay, Patrick enjoyed the ‘Chicken Liver and Port Pate’ dish from the Appetisers Menu – the pate had a creamy texture just the way he likes it. He also enjoyed a ‘Chicken Caesar Salad’ and a ‘Brie and Spiced Beef Flatbread’ dish, both from the Light Bites Menu.

I enjoyed a ‘Prawn Caesar Salad’ minus the bacon from the Appetisers Menu, and a ‘Tomato Arribiata’ dish from the Vegetarian Menu. The boys had fish and chips, and a carvery dinner from the Kids Menu. Funnily enough we didn’t indulge in any sweet dessert treats. Very unlike us all. We will just have to make up for it the next time we pay a visit.

Our meals were enjoyable, the service was pleasant, albeit quite slow on the second evening of our stay – being proactive Patrick and I got our main courses sent to our room because the boys had had their fill and time was ticking on their patience.

Breakfast

 

Breakfast was super. With a dedicated Chef awaiting my order at the Egg Station – how could I not be impressed. There was a fine selection of cold and hot foods, a special Kiddie Counter and Gluten-free Table. It appears the public spoke and Cork International Hotel listened.

 

We Enjoyed Our Stay

We enjoyed our short stay at Cork International Hotel. There were a few hiccups throughout – but staff were friendly and polite so it didn’t dampen our weekend any more than the lashing rain outside.

It took us less than a 20 minute drive to get to the centre of Cork City. There we grabbed lunch at Miyazaki, and later delighted in the festive lights. Especially those of the Christmas Market and the Cork Glow wonderland in Bishop Lucey Park.

 

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A post shared by Edwina O’Connor (@thelifeofstuff) on Dec 2, 2018 at 12:50pm PST

Staying at Cork International Hotel

Situated next to the airport, the hotel makes for a great option if flying from Cork. If exploring on home soil, the likes of Blackrock Castle is only 17 minutes away. With Cobh only 29 minutes away. And of course there’s plenty of reasons to visit Cork City too.

Wintery months are a great time of year for a romantic getaway or a family breakaway. Events to consider when planning a stay at Cork International Hotel include:

November – Cork Chocolate & Baking Weekend at Cork International Hotel.

December – Glow Cork Christmas Festival in Cork City | New Years Eve Gala at Cork International Hotel.

January – Cork International Hotel January Room Sale.

February – The Cork International Travel Fair at Cork International Hotel.

You’ll find the full event listing here – corkinternationalairporthotel.com/events

Thank you to Raymond who organised our stay and the Cork International Hotel staff who looked after us while we were under their roof.

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