Archive for the ‘Hotel Cork’ Category

Fota Island Resort announces partnership with UCC Mardyke Arena

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

The Fota Island Resort Hotel in Cork is delighted to announce a significant new partnership with the Mardyke Arena University College Cork.

This unique partnership has not been seen before in Cork, and is probably a first in Ireland, because it’s a first in the coming together of two venues with such comparably high quality training facilities.

The combination of access to the facilities at the Mardyke Arena University College Cork and Fota Island Resort is designed to assist sportspeople across all codes with their professional sporting development and enable a flexible and bespoke tailor-made programme to each sporting team, club or individuals.

The facilities offered by the award winning Mardyke Arena University College Cork from the rehab / physiotherapy clinic with its medical Hydrotherapy Pool and 2 alter G Anti Gravity Treadmills, fitness gyms including a dedicated Team Strength & Condition Gym, indoor running track, Performance Analysis Laboratory and Centre of Excellence are on a par with the facilities of the top English Premier League clubs and are internationally recognised across all sports.

And the facilities offered by the luxury golf hotel in Cork – Fota Island Resort, a regular choice of elite national and international sportspeople and teams as a training venue before significant sporting events and for recuperation and relaxation centre afterwards, due to its excellent training and recovery facilities. Not to mention its reputation with leisure and corporate guests is unrivalled due to its 5 star first class accommodation and amenities.

Offering of the exclusive use of the Mardyke Arena University College Cork facilities along with the outstanding quality of Fota’s pitches, access to Fota Island Cork Spa and the luxurious 5 star accommodation allied to relaxed privacy of the Fota Island Resort, is what makes this partnership so special.

A partnership to benefit elite sporting professionals from all over the world, this new venture between Fota Island Resort and the Mardyke Arena University College Cork was launched at our Five star Resort in Ireland, by Gaelic footballer Tomás Ó Sé, the country’s longest-serving inter-county footballer and Hull City midfielder, recently capped for the international side, David Meyler.

Speaking of the partnership, our Fota Island Resort General Manager, Jonathan Woods said “Here at Fota Island Resort we are delighted to partner with University College Cork’s excellent Mardyke Arena and we are looking forward to a fruitful partnership, which will benefit not just each organisation, but also the very many sportspeople from all codes who use both our facilities.”

For further information on the bespoke packages and offerings available, please contact Denis Buckley at Fota Island Resort Tel: 021-4883700, Email: dbuckley@fotaisland.ie or Wayne Falvey at Mardyke Arena University College Cork Tel: 021-4904751 Email: w.falvey@ucc.ie

Big Races on Land and at Sea in Cork this June

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

The beginning of June in Cork looks to be lively and entertaining both on shore and off shore, as the city hosts its annual marathon on Monday 3rd June and its Ocean to City Maritime Festival from 1st -10th June 2013.

The Cork City Marathon on Monday 3rd June includes the main marathon, half marathon, team relay and youth relay events. An official 26 miles and 385 yards marathon course, Cork is a full member of the AIMS – Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and since the revival of the Cork City Marathon in 2007 after a break of some 21 years, there has been a renewed enthusiasm for the event and year on year it attracts even more participants from around the county, country and globe.

The main marathon and team relay start at 9am sharp on St Patrick’s Street, with the wheelchair marathon starting a few minutes before.  The half marathon starts at 10:30 from Skehard Road, Mahon, and due to parking facilities, participants will be taken by buses from city hall to this starting location.

Taking place from the 1st of June through to the 10th of June is one of Ireland’s largest combined rowing races and maritime festival’s – Ocean to City, which celebrates Cork’s unique maritime heritage and natural harbour,

The festival includes The Big Race or An Rás Mór, a 15 nautical mile rowing race that attracts entries from across the world and sees participants compete in one of four races over different distances through Cork Harbour. The longest being the Ocean Course from Crosshaven to Point to Cobh, Monkstown and through Lough Mahon to Lapp’s Quay in the city. This course can be tackled as a relay team, with crews changing at Monkstown. For anyone who has not yet registered – the final closing date is midnight Saturday 25th May.

A fun family friendly festival taking place over the first 10 days of June, it has plenty for everyone including harbour cruises, Inter-firm Dragon Boat Challenge, Treasure Hunt, Navy tours, angling trips, films and talks, food and craft markets, music and lots more free family entertainment.

This June Bank Holiday Weekend and the week that follows, Cork really is the place to be, so if you have not yet booked your accommodation to enjoy and participate within the festivities, be sure to check out what Hotel Deals in Cork are available and discover why the Fota Island Cork Hotel is the ideal location to stay in order to access the city centre and surrounding areas of Cork

Super Summer Deals at Fota Island Resort Cork

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Whatever the reason for escaping this summer, we have the perfect Hotel Deal in Cork for you here at Fota Island Five Star resort Ireland.

Our selection of amazing new deals and offers for Short Breaks in Cork, include super summer offers for couples, friends looking to escape for some relaxation and the ideal family hotel break.

The Summer Family Package is a two nights B&B option in adjoining or interconnecting rooms plus free entry to Fota Wildlife Park, a movie at the nearby Movie Junction drive-in cinema and admissions to Fota House, which includes fun kids trails. Whereas our Summer Package for couples is a one night B&B at our Cork Hotel plus free entry to the beautiful Fota House and Gardens, which offers fantastic romantic walks!

Couples looking for something special we also have a fabulous one night B&B with a round of Golf for him and a relaxing Spa Treatment for her at our Luxury Spa in Cork. A perfect getaway for couples, this deal can be adapted to include either two rounds of golf on our championship golf course in Cork or two spa treatments.

Perhaps looking to get away with a friend and do indulge in some 5 star pampering, we have a wonderful B&B with Afternoon Tea deal. A must experience, Afternoon Tea in Cork does not get more grand than in our Amber Lounge at Fota Island Resort, offering guests a wide selection of gourmet sandwiches, freshly baked scones, delicate pastries and desserts.

We also have a Gathering Package, which is the ideal weekend break in Cork and is a two nights Bed and breakfast family package, including dinner on one night at our hotel restaurant, as well as a private Titanic walking tour in Cobh with local historian Dr Michael Martin, entrance to the Titanic Experience in Cobh and to the Jameson Distillery in Midleton.

Work has begun on New Indoor Conservation Facility at Fota

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Work has begun for our neighbours Fota Wildlife Park on their new indoor animal care and conservation centre for endangered species.

Creating new additional jobs at Fota across animal health and veterinary to animal care and support staff, the development of the Animal Care and Conservation Centre will cost approximately €600,000, which has been supported by an investment grant from the SECAD (South and East Cork Area Development) of €200,000

The Conservation Centre development will house native and globally endangered species, and will enable the Park to become an all-weather attraction and to extend its visitor season into the winter months, which is great news for tourists and visitors who choose to explore Cork in the colder season.

Located next to our luxury Cork Hotel, the Fota Wildlife Park is currently the most visited tourist attraction in the South West of Ireland and the addition of the new animal care and conservation centre that is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will open in early 2014 is sure to only increase visitor numbers.

Visitors staying with us at our five star resorts in Ireland can also avail of our daily complimentary shuffle service that departs from the front entrance of the hotel to the Wildlife Park at 11:30am and 2:30pm and returns daily at 2:45pm and 5:00pm. Guests looking for more information about our daily shuttle can find this displayed on the Concierge Desk.

More acts announced for Live at the Marquee in Cork this summer

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

Monday it was announced that four more popular music acts were to perform gigs for Live At The Marque this summer, and would join the likes of The Boomtown Rats, Christy Moore, The Coronas, Elton John, Elvis Costello, The National, Olly Murs, Sting, The Wanted and ZZ Top in the growing line up of top class international acts playing in Cork.

Those acts that were announced were, X Factor winners and popular girl band Little Mix on 14th June, rapper and songwriter Ke$ha on 3rd July, Irish rock group Bell X1 on 4th July and Irish star Imelda May on 9th July.

A unique venue that is popular with artists, Live at the Marquee is now in its ninth year of summer gigs and continues to offer a line up that has something for everyone, and its location at the Showgrounds on Monaghan Road is suitably close to Cork’s top attractions and Cork Hotels.

So if you are in the area and looking for hotels near the marquee in Cork, the Fota Island Resort offers the ideal location to relax after a gig and provides easy access to some of the city and county’s top tourist attractions.

Marry in 5 Star Style at the Luxury Wedding Venue – Fota Island Resort

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

Fota Island Resort is one of Ireland’s leading five star wedding hotels and idyllic wedding locations, nestled at the heart of a peaceful island, surrounded by gorgeous scenery in County Cork.

The beautiful Fota Island Resort lies in a 780 acre estate with avenues lined with magnificent oaks and sycamores to meet the visitor at the gates and lead them through this tranquil retreat, the Fota Island Resort really is the most picturesque wedding venue in Cork.

A glorious combination of elegance, amenities, natural beauty, serenity and service in one of the most outstanding hotels in Cork and the most idyllic of settings on the Irish Coast, this could be the location for your dream day.

As this forthcoming Sunday 24th February, the Fota Island Resort shall be opening up its doors and inviting all nearly weds and recently engaged couples to join us at our wonderful Wedding Showcase.

Dressed for a lavish wedding our terrific 5 star accommodation options will be available to view, allowing you to picture every aspect of your wedding day. The resorts friendly team will also be on hand to answer any questions and to ensuring that you are well supplied with delicious canapés, starter, main-course and dessert samples to keep your strength up!

An ideal opportunity for nearly-weds to view our idyllic Cork wedding venue, the Fota Island Resort Wedding Showcase is an invaluable resource for those tying the knot presenting every possibly service and suggestion from the finest photographers, stationers, wedding planners, jewellers, department stores, travel agents, musicians, makeup artists, bridal wear specialists, hair stylist, cake makers and much more!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Fota Island Resort Cork

Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

With only a week till the big day, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Fota Island Resort as we welcome back by popular demand the Blathnaid Earley’s “Voices of Christmas” singing quartet.

Performing all your favourite traditional and contemporary Christmas Carols in the lobby of the Fota Island Hotel in Cork from the 20th – 24th December, between the hours of 3 – 5 pm. Why not soak up the festive atmosphere from our Amber Lounge? Here, you can enjoy Afternoon Tea or maybe a mulled wine and mince pie whilst listening to the four talented Irish acappella vocalists from the Cork Operatic Society and Cork School of Music.

No better place to be in the run up to Christmas, be sure to escape to Fota Island Resort, sit back and relax in the tranquil surroundings of Fota Island Hotel and Spa whilst enjoying the dulcet tones of the Blathnaid Earley’s “Voices of Christmas” Caroling Quartet.

To reserve a table in the Amber Lounge, please email reservations@fotaisland.ie or call us on (021) 467 3152.

Celebrate Christmas in Style at Fota Island Resort

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

Fota Island Resort Hotel Cork has Christmas all wrapped up this year with gift ideas for this festive season.

An ideal gift for the golfing family or the golfing enthusiasts in your life is a Christmas Golf Package for groups of 8 to enjoy 18 holes on one of the three championship Golf Courses here at Fota Island Golf Resort Cork, followed by a relaxing lunch in the Clubhouse, which offers beautiful views of the Golf Courses. Priced only €45 per person, we are able to cater for smaller groups on request. Please contact Clodagh at ckellher@fotaisland.ie or on (021) 488 3700 for more information and to book this gift.

Alternatively for those who prefer to relax with a day of pampering, why not treat loved ones to our Christmas Spa Package? Let us take away the stresses and strains this holiday season whilst you relax in our world class luxury Spa in Cork. This package includes a Harmony Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage combined with a Luxury Scalp Massage. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the tranquil surroundings of the Amber Lounge for just €90 per person. To book the Spa package, contact Liana at lclifford@fotaisland.ie or call her on (021) 488 3700.

Big Congratulations to Fota Wildlife Park

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Located next door to us here at Fota Island Resort Hotel Cork, the Fota Wildlife Park is one of Ireland’s top 10 visitor attractions.

Earlier this month on Friday 9th November, our neighbours Fota Wildlife Park were awarded with the prestigious ‘Green Flag’ Award which was presented by Minister Simon Coveney and granted by An Taisce in recognition for their hard work on the An Taisce ‘Eco-Centre’ Programme, and followed two years of sustained work that was meticulously assessed by panel of experts,.

The first zoological institution in Ireland to be accredited with this award, the programme has seen impressive results for the Fota Wildlife Park, which has increased its recycling rate from 21% to 62%, developed systems for composting food waste generated by its own onsite cafés, restaurants and animal food preparation areas as well as incorporating methods to reuse environmental elements like harvesting rain water and including solar panels into new buildings.

For guests staying at our Five Star Resort in Ireland that want to visit Ireland’s wildest attraction, we are pleased to offer a complimentary shuttle service to Fota Wildlife Park. This return service departs daily from the front entrance of the hotel and arrives at Fota Wildlife Park entrance twice per day in the morning and mid-afternoon. For more information about the shuttle service, times of departure and how to book is available by clicking here and from Fota Island Resort’s Concierge by email at Concierge@fotaisland.ie or call on +353 (0)21 488 3700.

East Cork Early Music Festival

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

Taking place between 4th – 7th October, 2012 and now in its tenth year, the East Cork Early Music Festival has developed a reputation as one of the premier small Irish music festivals.

Bringing internationally renowned performers to Cork again this year, such as Pierre Goy, Rachel Podger, Peter Whelan and many more, visitors and locals can enjoy a mix of medieval, renaissance and Baroque music in some of Cork’s most spectacular venues, including Stack Theatre and Curtis Auditorium at CIT Cork School of Music, Aula Maxima at UCC, St John the Baptist Church in Middleton, The Grainstore in Ballymaloe and Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh.

Over the years the East Cork Early Music Festival has taken place in numerous historic Cork landmarks, such as St Fin Barre’s Cathedaral, Cloyne Cathedral and Fota House, which is located next to us here at Fota Island Resort Cork.

The festival is a huge success each year. The audiences have been supportive of the music and choice of venues, which are surrounded by and give access to local fantastic Cork restaurants and Cork hotels, meaning performers and audiences alike can savour the local hospitality, cuisine, culture and history.