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The River Lee, Cork

The River Lee

Cork, Ireland

A stylish, modern waterfront hotel, The River Lee's contemporary glass exterior opens up to a spacious, light-filled lobby complete with a library and stone fireplace surrounded by comfortable purple sofas.

The lively atmosphere continues in the riverfront Weir Rooms restaurant and the relaxed Terrace on the Weir, the perfect place to soak up the sunshine or enjoy a warm drink while wrapped in one of the hotel’s Donegal tweed blankets. Menus feature fresh dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and the service is very friendly.

Other places to unwind include the property’s large gym and spa while the many city cafés and shops are only 10 to 15 minutes away on foot.

OUR OPINION:

A cheerful and great value option in the heart of the city, The River Lee may look quite simple and modern on the outside but has plenty of warmth and character inside.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Rooms

Simple and understated, the spacious guest rooms come with a comfortable seating area and practical workspace. These bright, airy rooms are decorated in a warm, contemporary style with calm, neutral tones and designer furnishings. All rooms include a chic bathroom with underfloor heating and a separate shower and bath.

The upgraded deluxe rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows which flood the rooms with natural light and provide views of the river or city. Additional amenities include an in-room Nespresso coffee machine and access to the exclusive Executive Lounge which offers complimentary refreshments. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV.

Location

Named for its prime position on the River Lee, the property is perfectly located for exploring the city’s numerous cafés and attractions. The heart of the city with its bustling covered English Market and shop-lined St. Patrick’s Street can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.

Food and drink

The Weir Rooms is an intimate, contemporary dining space serving seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. There's an extensive wine list which is also available in The Terrace On The Weir, a relaxed, all-day dining area at the edge of the river. Strung with cheery lights and covered by a retractable roof that allows guests to enjoy the outdoor space in any weather, this beautiful terrace offers casual light meals and late-night cocktails in an upbeat atmosphere. The hotel also serves a classic afternoon tea featuring homemade macaroons and healthy fruit smoothies from The Juicery.

Facilities and activities

Guests have complimentary access to the huge, onsite NRG fitness club that features state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, weight machines and an array of complimentary fitness classes ranging from spin sessions to boot camps. There is also a large swimming pool with a relaxing Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. As one of Cork’s premium fitness clubs the gym is open to non-hotel guests and can be a bit busy at times. For those looking to escape the crowds, the calming Vanilla Browns Spa offers an array of luxury beauty treatments.

Tour ideas in Cork

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The River Lee as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

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      Jameson Old Midleton Distillery

      Behind-the-scenes tour at the Jameson Distillery

      Behind-the-scenes tour at the Jameson Distillery

      In use for over 150 years and full of character, the Old Jameson Distillery is an ideal place to learn about the history of whiskey distilling in Ireland. This engaging tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the whole process.

      View details
    • Walking tour of Cork
      Cork

      Walking tour of Cork

      Walking tour of Cork

      Explore Cork's history on a walking tour of the city, learning about its links with ancient saints and fleeing French Protestants. You'll also learn how it came to be an international maritime hub and the impact all these influences had on the city.

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