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Driven by Adventure, inspired by Defender. In the first of this new travel series, we visit Cork City and West Cork to uncover the region’s most road-trip worthy, design-led destinations.
Where to stay
The Montenotte Hotel’s Woodland and River Suites
If you haven’t already added the new Montenotte Hotel Woodland and River Suites to your 2025 bucket list – do so now. Husband and wife owners, Frankie and Jo Whelehan, have spent over €7m on creating nine ultra-luxe, nature-immersed new suites (plus exclusive Clubhouse) – the first of its kind in Ireland. Collaborating with the stellar design talents of Henry J Lyons and Róisín Lafferty, they have created a truly exceptional hideaway experience.
Each suite offers breathtaking views of either the woodlands, Cork city or the River Lee below, while swathes of Italian travertine, oak timber floor finishes, dramatic view-facing free-standing baths, and private terraces elevate the experience, with the unique design highlight in each to include a breathtaking 2-metre Red Japanese Maple, curated from recycled natural wood trunks and branches.
The Dean Cork
A boutique hotel with bespoke bedrooms filled with all the comforts of home, The Dean offers a guaranteed good night’s sleep. It’s an ultramodern space complete with all the gadgets and gizmos, including a Marshall amp, SMEG minifridge and Smart TV right there in your room. Irish design artwork lines the walls, and the laidback energy is exactly what you need after a long day of exploring.
The hotel has its own Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant and Bar offering stunning views of the city and an unforgettable dining experience, and there’s also an on-site PowerGym leisure facility that features a heated indoor relaxation pool, a sauna and a steam room.
The Imperial Hotel
Something of a landmark in the pedestrianised centre of Cork city, The Imperial Hotel is actually the city’s oldest hotel with roots dating right back to the 1800s. Dripping with old-world charm, the rooms, suites, lounges and dining areas are elegantly furnished and exquisitely decorated, linking heritage pieces with modern design beautifully.
Within the building’s walls, you’ll also find the Escape Spa with an array of tranquil treatments, and delicious on-site dining options including Lafayette’s and bar No.76. It’s an ideal base from which to park up and explore the city streets by foot before setting off on the next leg of your road trip.
Where to eat
Paradiso
Forget any “po-faced nut loaf” notions you might have, chef/owner Denis Cotter’s vegetarian menu at Paradiso is nothing short of sublime. For more than 30 years Paradiso (formerly Café Paradiso) has been a stalwart on Cork’s gastro scene.
Punchy flavours, innovative flavour pairings and exquisitely sourced ingredients set Paradiso’s menu apart, coupled with a well-chosen, adventurous wine list. The restaurant has just undergone a 2025 refurb, so make sure to book well in advance to nab a prized table here.
Goldie
It’s highly likely that Cork’s Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded fish restaurant in Goldie is your favourite chef’s favourite restaurant. Located on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork’s city centre, it’s famous for its sustainable approach to cooking.
Head chef and owner Aishling Moore uses as much of each fish as possible to create a daily changing menu of delicious and inventive seafood dishes. The restaurant also adopts a ‘whole catch’ approach by allowing what’s landed, predominately in Ballycotton, to dictate its menu.
Paladar
Located at 6 Bridge Street, Paladar is a Latin American-inspired cocktail bar and kitchen with an unbeatable vibrancy. The low lighting, lively music and incredible flavours work together to create a dining experience you’ll want to relive over and over again, and their cocktail offering is some of the city’s very best.
A sister restaurant of the beloved Cask, Paladar’s signature cocktail menu includes a Marcario to die for, and their sharing plates are perfect for a more intimate date night experience. Oh, and dessert is an absolute essential.
Where to shop
Samui
Walking into Clodagh Shorten’s beautiful store, Samui, in Cork City, you’ll be treated to a warm welcome and the divine top notes of her custom-made sweet fig-scented room spray; not to mention one of the tightest curations of covetable fashion in Ireland.
Expect Cecilie Bahnsen’s ethereal creations alongside statement pieces from Sofie D’Hoore, Dries Van Noten, Rick Owens, Acne Studios and much more. Samui staff are extremely knowledgeable and offer visitors a covetable personal styling service.
The English Market
Operating since 1788, The English Market has survived famine, flood, war, fires and multiple recessions over the many years, remaining one of the most beloved destinations in the city. Sewn into the fabric of Cork’s culinary culture, the vendors put a real emphasis on fresh, local produce, and there’s also an array of international delights on offer.
As well as having a wealth of incredible stalls to browse through, the building itself is a sight to behold, so make sure to look a little closer and soak up its architectural significance while you’re wandering around.
Olori
Named for their late mother, Dolores, sisters Lisa and Susan Jane opened luxury boutique Olori to continue on a legacy of creativity and a passion for clothing that has been passed down through generations.
Exquisitely curated with simple, classic and timeless pieces from Irish and international designers, this store’s wares will appeal to women who want quality tailoring that is stylish, distinctive and good value with a little bit of fun thrown in.
Beyond the city… hit the road to explore West Cork
STAY
Lis Ard
Nestled on the southern coast of West Cork, you’ll find Liss Ard Estate – an elegant Georgian-style manor along the Wild Atlantic Way. Surrounded by century-old cedars and cypress trees, guests can enjoy a range of relaxing activities like outdoor yoga, a massage at the on-site wellness centre or paddleboarding on its idyllic private lake, to name a few.
The hotel’s true hero, though, is its food. The restaurant features a farm-to-table culinary experience, featuring in-season produce from its own garden and meat and fish supplied by local producers – each bite bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours.
Inchydoney Island Lodge
With ocean views, plenty of activities and a first-of-its-kind Seawater Spa, Inchydoney Island Lodge offers a tranquil retreat just outside of the heritage town of Clonakilty. Whether you want to try your hand at surfing or kayaking, tag along whale watching or simply unwind at their luxurious spa, there’s something for everyone.
Afterwards, you can refuel at Dunes Pub & Bistro or the fine-dining Gulfstream Restaurant and Lounge, then retreat to your room and fall asleep to the sounds of the sea.
EAT
Restaurant Chestnut
Owned by local chef Rob Krawczyk, Restaurant Chestnut is a Michelin-star restaurant housed in a character-filled former pub in Ballydehob – the perfect spot for a special date night. Inspired by nature and the Irish landscape, the menu is designed around the finest ingredients that are grown, raised and gathered from West Cork’s spectacular rich larder.
Saint Francis Provisions
On the more casual side, the intimate Saint Francis Provisions offers a daily changing menu of Mediterranean-inspired small plates created from the best local ingredients. All part of the experience, dishes are delivered from an open kitchen and offer punchy flavours and an appealing simplicity. And, make sure to check out the all-natural wine list!
ACTIVITIES
Cork’s many beaches
Cork City is surrounded on all sides by many (many, many) beaches that are perfect for plunging into or walking alongside. They run the gamut from rocky to sandy, and a real favourite is Rocky Bay for its breathtaking views at any time of day, but especially at sunset.
Honourable mentions also go to Myrtleville Beach, Youghal Front Strand, Fountainstown, and Warren Beach at the mouth of Rosscarbery.
FOTA Wildlife Park
If you’re travelling with a family, there’s no better activity than paying a visit to FOTA Wildlife Park. Set on 100 acres, FOTA aims to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world.
Celebrating four decades of conservation in action this year, FOTA is not-for-profit and reinvests any surplus generated into capital projects and infrastructural improvements – such as flood defences and building state-of-the-art habitats for its animals. Plus, the massive selection of animals that can be seen is genuinely incredible. It’s always an awe-inspiring day out.
The Defender is the best in class when it comes to road trips. A master of extreme performance and exploration that will take you anywhere (with plenty of storage space), it’s a car that was made for adventure.
Learn more at landrover.ie/defender.
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