Hotels in Cork, Republic of Ireland
Leonardo Hotel Cork
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Cork
Cork may be Ireland’s second city, but its locals believe it’s first when it comes to getting a glimpse of the real, traditional heart of this ancient country. With the city centre set on an island on the River Lee, and colourful houses lining the waterway, this is a destination that feels as authentic as it does charming, and it’s home to some of the best food in the whole of Ireland, as well as a range of historic and cultural attractions. And of all the hotels in Cork city centre, Leonardo Hotel Cork offers comfort, convenience and a true Irish welcome from its riverside location.
Get your bearings
Located in southwest Ireland, Cork was once a walled medieval city, and remnants of the wall are still visible around the city centre. But history is everywhere in Cork: you can also explore everything from 17th-century alleyways to Georgian avenues, and the wider region of Cork county is home to sites from Ireland’s Ancient East as well as sections of the Wild Atlantic Way – some of the most awe-inspiring coastline in the whole country.
Don’t miss
Visits to Cork are some of Ireland’s most flavoursome, thanks to the city’s thriving foodie scene. Your first stop should be the famous English Market, so called because it was created in 1788 by the ‘English’ corporation that controlled the city at the time. Stroll around the stalls to discover some of the best local produce and then head upstairs to the balcony, where the Farmgate Café serves classic Cork dishes including fish chowder, Irish lamb stew and, for brave diners, tripe and onions with drisheen – a local speciality blood sausage. Still hungry? For a fuller picture of the city’s food scene, join a Cork Tasting Trail tour.
While you’re there
Alongside Cork’s everyday appeal, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. Explore a 16th-century fort at the CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, located on Cork harbour, where alongside history you’ll find a modern research observatory and science centre, or go to see St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, which is home to some 1,260 sculptures and even a 24lb cannonball, a lasting reminder of the Siege of Cork in 1690.
Cork may be Ireland’s second city, but its locals believe it’s first when it comes to getting a glimpse of the real, traditional heart of this ancient country. With the city centre set on an island on the River Lee, and colourful houses lining the waterway, this is a destination that feels as authentic as it does charming, and it’s home to some of the best food in the whole of Ireland, as well as a range of historic and cultural attractions. And of all the hotels in Cork city centre, Leonardo Hotel Cork offers comfort, convenience and a true Irish welcome from its riverside location.
Get your bearings
Located in southwest Ireland, Cork was once a walled medieval city, and remnants of the wall are still visible around the city centre. But history is everywhere in Cork: you can also explore everything from 17th-century alleyways to Georgian avenues, and the wider region of Cork county is home to sites from Ireland’s Ancient East as well as sections of the Wild Atlantic Way – some of the most awe-inspiring coastline in the whole country.
Don’t miss
Visits to Cork are some of Ireland’s most flavoursome, thanks to the city’s thriving foodie scene. Your first stop should be the famous English Market, so called because it was created in 1788 by the ‘English’ corporation that controlled the city at the time. Stroll around the stalls to discover some of the best local produce and then head upstairs to the balcony, where the Farmgate Café serves classic Cork dishes including fish chowder, Irish lamb stew and, for brave diners, tripe and onions with drisheen – a local speciality blood sausage. Still hungry? For a fuller picture of the city’s food scene, join a Cork Tasting Trail tour.
While you’re there
Alongside Cork’s everyday appeal, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. Explore a 16th-century fort at the CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, located on Cork harbour, where alongside history you’ll find a modern research observatory and science centre, or go to see St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, which is home to some 1,260 sculptures and even a 24lb cannonball, a lasting reminder of the Siege of Cork in 1690.
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About the City
Two to three days gives you time to explore the English Market, the city's food scene, key historic sights, and do a day trip to Blarney Castle or Kinsale.
Top sights include the English Market, St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork City Gaol, the Crawford Art Gallery, Blackrock Castle, and the historic alleys and Georgian streets of the city centre.
Yes – Cork is widely regarded as Ireland's food capital. The English Market is one of the country's finest covered markets, and the city has an excellent range of restaurants, cafés, and food tours.
The English Market is a covered food market in the heart of Cork city, dating from 1788. It sells local produce, artisan foods, fresh fish, and Cork specialities including drisheen and spiced beef. The Farmgate Café on its balcony is a popular lunch spot.
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) is ideal, with longer days and the best weather. The Cork Jazz Festival in October is a major annual event worth planning around.
Key events include the Cork Jazz Festival (October), the Cork Film Festival (November), Cork Midsummer Festival (June), and various food and culture events throughout the year.
Yes – Cork city centre is set on an island between two channels of the River Lee, making it very compact and walkable. Most attractions are within easy reach on foot.
Popular day trips include Blarney Castle (8km north of Cork), the historic town of Kinsale (25km south), the Wild Atlantic Way coastline, and the scenic Beara and Mizen Head peninsulas.
Cork has a rich history as a walled medieval city and a key port. Remnants of the old city walls are still visible. Kilmainham-style history can be found at Cork City Gaol. The Siege of Cork in 1690 left marks still visible today, including a cannonball in St Fin Barre's Cathedral.
Cork has a vibrant live music and arts scene, with the Triskel Arts Centre, the Cork Opera House, and numerous music pubs. The city is proud of its independent cultural identity within Ireland.
Cork has a good city bus network, and the city centre is highly walkable. Cork Kent railway station connects the city to Dublin and other Irish cities. Cork Airport is about 6km from the centre.
Try drisheen (blood sausage), spiced beef, Cork-style fish chowder, farmhouse cheeses, local craft beers, and a slice of Urney chocolate cake. The English Market is the best place to start.
Leonardo Hotels in the City
There is one Leonardo Hotels property in Cork: Leonardo Hotel Cork, located on Anderson's Quay, overlooking the River Lee in the heart of the city centre.
Leonardo Hotel Cork is on Anderson's Quay, right on the River Lee, in Cork city centre – within easy walking distance of the English Market, St Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Crawford Art Gallery, and the main shopping streets.
Yes – the English Market is a short walk from the hotel, making it an ideal base for food lovers wanting to explore Cork's famous market scene.
Cork Airport is approximately 6km from the hotel – about 15 minutes by taxi or car.
Yes – Blarney Castle is approximately 8km north of Cork city centre, around 15–20 minutes by car or a short bus ride.
Yes – the hotel has on-site meeting facilities and is centrally located, making it convenient for business meetings and conferences in Cork city.
Yes – Leonardo Hotel Cork is situated on Anderson's Quay with views over the River Lee and the colourful quaysides that Cork is known for.
Hotel Features & Services
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout Leonardo Hotel Cork.
Yes – Leonardo Hotel Cork has an on-site bar and restaurant serving food and drinks throughout the day.
Yes – Leonardo Hotel Cork provides accessibility features and accessible rooms. These should be requested at the time of booking.
Yes – Leonardo Hotel Cork has on-site meeting facilities suitable for business events and private functions.
Yes, room service is available at Leonardo Hotel Cork.
Nearby public car parks are available close to the hotel. It is recommended to contact the hotel directly for the most convenient parking options.
The hotel offers standard double rooms, double and single rooms, and twin rooms, suitable for solo travellers, couples, and families.
