Jackie
Travel Writer - Gold
Visited in:
June 2010
for a period of
1 day
Voted this Destination:
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| A day trip to Cork City was both interesting and enjoyable. The weather was however cold and dull and very disappointing for the time of year.As with any short visit to a new area, had the sunshone even for a short time, I may have had a very different impression of Cork City with it's natural river setting. The shopping area was busy at lunchtime and the locals seemed very helpful and friendly.
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mikebaldrey
Guest
Voted this Destination:Not voted yet
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This hotel occupies probably one of the most beautiful spots in the world, opposite Garinish Island with its Italianate gardens. The weather is particularly mild - yuccas and other tropical plants abound.
Just up the hill is the truly magnificent Glengarriff golf course and hole 5 is recognised by Golf World as in the top 100 most beautiful golf holes in the world.
About a third of a mile away is the centre of the quaint little Cork village of Glengarriff, with its lively musical bars, some good food and Quills, a remarkable woollen centre, a true treasure trove.
Between the hotel and the village is the entrance to the Blue Pool, a lovely little cove now used as a landing and take off point by the fishing boats which take you to Garinish Island, some 800 metres across the crystal clear water and further to the seal colonies, off the other side of this charming spot.
The Eccles Hotel is steeped in History and was frequented in the late 19th century by George Bernard Shaw, WB Yeats and James Joyce. Indeed The Yeats Room is a balconied, private function room on the first floor overlooking the tiny harbour.
Room 405, my favourite, must have the best 'view from the loo' possibly anywhere in the world. Bar food is really superb and an Irish breakfast to die for. Table d'hôte meals are quite basic but tasty and filling. A la carte can be to London standard.
A remarkable experience in Irish hospitality.
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