Cork

A home away from home: B&Bs in Cork

Experience traditional Irish hospitality at its finest when you stay at one of these B&Bs in Cork, where you’ll discover a charming home-away-from-home ambience, with touches like cosy woodburning stoves and leafy gardens to stroll through on lazy afternoons.

These B&Bs are scattered throughout Cork city and the surrounding countryside. Choose a central getaway to discover the main urban attractions, such as the dramatic and historic Blackrock Castle or 18th-century English Market. If you’d like to take your holiday at a slower pace, escape to a countryside B&B to find rest and relaxation in a rural idyll.

A family-run B&B in Cork

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An elegant, multi-tonal facade and pointed roof give away the Victorian roots of Killarney House. It sits on Western Road, just 15 minutes’ walk from the imposing and intricately carved St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic revival architecture. A stay here also puts you close to the stately Bantry House and Gardens, which overlook one of southwest Ireland’s most scenic bays.

Once you’ve finished exploring, retire to your spacious and warm-toned double, single, twin or family room. Pops of deep purple and cherry red stand out against a palette of soft, neutral tones, creating a sanctuary in which to relax and unwind. Touches of gold add a hint of luxury, while textured throws and cushions contribute to the calm and cosy atmosphere. Lined curtains keep outside light to a minimum when you’re ready to turn in for the night.

After a restful night’s sleep, enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast accompanied by a cup of creamy coffee in the B&B’s distinguished dining room. Sample favourites such as freshly toasted teacakes slathered in lightly salted butter or hearty bacon, sausages and toast – you can also order indulgent French toast doused in maple syrup. As this B&B is positioned in Cork city centre, you’ll find a wealth of restaurants and bars for dinner, offering everything from modern Irish cuisine made with foraged ingredients to zingy Asian-fusion dishes.

Killarney House

Cork
7.8 Good (122 reviews)

A B&B in Cork with a focus on well-being

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There’s a reason this B&B has the word ‘sanctuary’ in its name: Robin Hill is a rural oasis that feels far away from everyday life. That may have something to do with the diverse and indulgent range of health and beauty treatments on offer. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be enveloped in soothing scents with a deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage, or find out more about how your feet can provide insight into your overall health with a reflexology session.

All this while you sip herbal tea in the middle of Ireland’s glorious green countryside. A former rectory dating back to the 19th century, Robin Hill Sanctuary also overlooks the peaceful Cork Harbour. Spend a morning strolling around the leafy gardens scattered with multi-coloured blooms, or take a walk to nearby 17th-century St Colman’s Cathedral.

Choose between a cosy B&B room in the rectory itself and a rustic cabin. Interiors reflect the majesty of the countryside, with a spectrum of green tones, from olive to emerald, as well as soft lighting and plush furnishings. En suites are equipped with fluffy towels and bathrobes to help you feel utterly at home. Choose a Scandinavian-style cabin tucked away between the trees for enhanced seclusion. Expect plenty of exposed wood, irresistibly soft bedding and an outside terrace on which to sip your morning cup of tea.

Robin Hill Sanctuary

Top rated
Cork
9.0 Excellent (300 reviews)

A Georgian B&B in Cork

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The elegant Cannaway House occupies a Georgian building nestled between rolling hills in an inviting pastoral setting. A laid-back walk around the grounds reveals an impressive water fountain in the forecourt, soaring mature trees and endless fields bordered by wooden fencing. In the rooms, you’ll find traditional patterned wallpaper in deep scarlets and luxuriant golds, large beds with heritage-inspired wooden headboards and antique furniture made from dramatic, rich-coloured wood. Period art on the walls is an atmospheric finishing touch.

Cannaway House is situated in the quaint market town of Macroom. In terms of activities, the town balances historical appeal with the great outdoors. Start your day at the Gearagh, a vast nature reserve and a designated World Heritage Site. The glacial woodland here is submerged, creating an unusual ecosystem where you can meander among leafy groves of oak, ash and hazel trees.

After a day of exploring Macroom, head back to Cannaway House’s bar. An authentic wood-burning stove lends this space an intimate feel, enhanced by exposed beams across the ceilings and retro framed art on the walls. Get competitive with a game of pool, catch up with the latest sports matches on the flatscreen TV, or simply try a pint of local Irish ale. The next morning, order a breakfast of hearty favourites like buttered toast, fluffy scrambled eggs and succulent grilled tomatoes.

Cannaway House

Macroom
9.4 Excellent (200 reviews)

A 5-star B&B in Cork

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Welcome to the decadent Abbeyville House with its six sophisticated en-suite bedrooms. You’ll be greeted with a restorative cup of tea or coffee on arrival, then invited to relax in your room, with sumptuous beds featuring ornately carved headboards. Soft lighting from decorative bedside lamps casts a warm and welcoming glow onto the palette of buttery taupes and the plush soft furnishings. If you’re bringing along your pet, they’ll sleep soundly in the B&B’s purpose-built and secure on-site kennels.

Begin your day in the distinguished dining room, which is given an opulent feel by a cascading crystal chandelier, deep mahogany wood and oversized windows complete with dramatic drapes. Discover an extensive menu of breakfast classics, like fresh Araglen Valley trout served with juicy grilled tomatoes, or hearty black pudding alongside local sausages and bacon. There’s no better accompaniment than a hot black coffee or zingy glass of orange juice.

Now you’re ready to explore Fermoy. Stretch your legs on the Avondhu Way, which is part of the longer Munster Walking Trail. Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, you’ll pass through serene forests and skirt mountainsides. Cork is only a 40-minute drive away from the hotel – spend the day at the Jameson Distillery Midleton, established in 1975. Learn the history of the brand, discover how the famous whiskey is made, and of course, partake in sampling a little of this amber tipple.

Abbeyville House

Fermoy

A traditional Irish B&B in Cork

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The Muskerry Arms isn’t only a B&B, but a pub and restaurant, too. After a long day of travelling, make your first stop the bar. With its glass-fronted cabinets of books, wood panelling and leather upholstered bar stools, it has a comfortable and intimate feel. This is the place to listen to live music, catch up with the latest sport or try a typical Irish ale, like Guinness or Smithwick’s. As the evening continues, tempt your taste-buds with the vast menu of whiskeys, from Jameson varieties aged for 18 years to single pot stills from the Powers Distillery.

When dinner rolls around, try hearty and satisfying classics in Nell’s restaurant. This warm and comforting space, with its soft leather sofas, roaring fire and exposed brick, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with comforting staples such as pancakes served with maple syrup and bacon, or a full Irish breakfast, with black and white pudding, sausages and mushrooms. Sample international favourites in the evening, like a fresh vegetable stir-fry or herb-infused chicken curry.

Every room at The Muskerry Arms is en suite and designed to encapsulate classic Irish hospitality. Hardwood floors, crushed velvet throws in rich coffee shades and vintage-inspired furniture create a luxurious, boutique feel. Large windows offer views of the village of Blarney. Begin your morning with a fresh cup of tea in hand, looking out over the bustling main square.

The Muskerry Arms

Blarney
8.4 Very good (35 reviews)

A countryside B&B in Cork

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Rest and rejuvenate in a rural setting at the Lake House B&B. It’s located just off the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal route that takes in dramatic cliffs, bustling towns and secluded beaches untouched by time. This B&B makes the most of its natural surroundings, nestled within soaring woodlands and offering panoramic views over a private lake. Take in the crisp country air with a walk across West Cork’s unspoilt hills or try your hand at a spot of fishing.

Rooms are designed to be a luxurious haven in which to relax. In a Double Comfort En-suite room, you’ll find ultra-soft bedding, traditional wooden furnishings and soft bathrobes, all of which help to create a cocoon of relaxation. Brew yourself some fresh tea and tuck into a home-made biscuit as you watch the changing light over the lake or settle down with a movie. The next morning, prepare for the day ahead in the dining room over fresh poached eggs atop home-baked bread, earthy mushrooms and crispy bacon. As you sip on the last of your orange juice, watch the birds soaring over the rural landscape outside.

Lake House B&B is an ideal choice for golf lovers, as you’ll be within easy reach of some of the region’s finest courses. Bantry Bay is a 30 minute drive away and features 14 holes overlooking the deep blue waters next to the rocky coastline.

Lake House B&B

Dunmanway
9.9 Excellent (80 reviews)