Sustainability journalist Jo Linehan’s perfect low-impact weekend in Cork

We all love a weekend city break – museum browsing, wandering around interesting shops, and of course, taking our time over dinner and drinks. But jetting off for just a short trip is definitely not the most sustainable option. 

What’s more, with incredible Irish cities to explore, you can enjoy an incredible weekend break here without all the hassle of heading to the airport.

Sustainability journalist and Cork native Jo Linehan has teamed up with The River Lee hotel, part of the Irish, family-owned luxury hotel group The Doyle Collection, to share a curated weekend in Cork. 

Ease into Friday Evening

Jo loves staying at The River Lee, and says that it “encapsulates the true meaning of rebel hospitality thanks to its warm and knowledgeable staff, who welcome guests as if they are coming home”. She likes to kick off the weekend with a drink and a bite in The River Club bar, or on the idyllic riverside terrace if the sun is shining.

“The Superfood Salad is my all-time favourite (with a side of chips) and is best enjoyed with a glass of organic wine. The organic and vegan-friendly Montford Estate Sauvignon Blanc is delicious and goes down easy. Be warned; once you sink into the plush butter leather booths here, you may find it quite hard to leave.”

Saturday Stretching

Jo loves to start the day with some fresh air, although the hotel’s on-site gym is a great backup if the Irish weather isn’t playing ball.

“From the hotel’s front door, take a left and follow the river to the gates of University College Cork, a sprawling campus steeped in history and gothic-style architecture,” she advises. “Keep your eyes peeled for The Lewis Glucksman Gallery, which reveals itself behind a canopy of trees, before walking through the main campus and onward to Fitzgerald’s Park. This 12-acre plot includes a pond, sculpture trail, bandstand and café.”

After working up an appetite, it’s time to head back to the hotel and to The Mirror Room for breakfast featuring a host of local producers, including Clonakilty pudding, Gubbeen products, local honey, and delicious Riverview eggs from Watergrasshill. “Eggs are my choice,” Jo says, “which I love poached and paired with sautéed forest mushrooms and decadent béarnaise sauce.”

Mindful Moments 

After breakfast, Jo likes to head to Nano Nagle Place, just a fifteen-minute stroll from the hotel. On the way, you’ll pass the city’s iconic St Finbarr’s Cathedral and many of the winding estuaries of the River Lee. 

“Nano Nagle Place is one of my favourite spots in the city to visit,” Jo says, “thanks to its biodiverse garden oasis, sustainable gift shop and fascinating museum that pays homage to the female education pioneer, Nano Nagle. It truly is a hidden sanctuary, tucked away in plain sight. Make room for tea and their delicious chocolate and Beamish cake at Good Day Deli, an award-winning organic cafe nestled on the grounds. Pure bliss!”

Retail Therapy 

No city break is complete without a visit to some of its best boutiques and stores. “One of my favourite independent stores, Samui, is just a stone’s throw from the main thoroughfare of Patrick’s Street,” Jo says. “Owner Clodagh Shorten’s impeccable offering of forever clothing pieces and unique home accessories makes buying less-but-better effortless.”

And with plenty of small independent businesses in the city centre, it’s easy to while away an afternoon. Some of Jo’s favourites are Cork Rooftop Farm, selling produce, refillable products, and plants, and Plugd on Cornmarket Street, a cool café meets vinyl shop.  

Local Legends

Back at the hotel, it’s time for dinner. “I love a pre-dinner drink, and the cocktail menu is a treat best experienced on the riverside terrace under the guidance of The River Club’s connoisseurs,” Jo says. Afterwards, head to The Grill Room for fresh, local fare and delicious organic wine. “A nightcap in the stylish lobby’s cocktail bar, and it’s off for another great night’s sleep for me.”

Slow Sundays

It’s nice to take Sunday mornings at a slower pace, and Jo likes to make time for breakfast with the Sunday papers. “Sink into a booth in The Mirror Room and watch the river ramble over the weir. The team at The River Lee recently planted some native Irish willow trees along this bank. They regularly host river clean-up days and work to enhance the natural biodiversity of their little slice of riverside heaven.”

“Check out and leave your bags at the hotel as you spend one more blissful day in the city. I love to head back to town and take in The Crawford Gallery. The exhibits here change frequently, but there’s always something worth perusing.”

Afterwards, walk, bus or cycle to the picturesque former fishing village of Blackrock. There, head to the Blackrock Castle Observatory and Café, overlooking Cork harbour. 

“This spot is always hopping at the weekend and provides a lovely insight into Cork life: friends and families catch up, gossip and feast,” Jo says. “The observatory tour here is worth the visit if stars, galaxies, planets and moons capture your imagination as they capture mine. Their support of Dark Skies Ireland is truly an empowering project, and they work to educate people on the effects of light pollution to nocturnal biodiversity.”

Weekend Curators: Jo Linehan’s Sustainable Cork Offer includes a two-night stay with breakfast each morning, a three-course dinner on one evening in The Grill Room, an early access private tour of Nano Nagle Place and tickets to Blackrock Castle Observatory which includes a donation to Dark Skies Ireland from €737. If you can only get away for one night, enjoy an overnight stay and one cocktail per person in The River Club from €268. 

With a beautiful riverside location, luxurious bedrooms and dining and drinks options to suit a lazy summer evening, a weekend in Cork has never looked better. The River Lee is also home to The River Club – Cork’s ultimate destination to eat, drink and be social. To find out more and to book your late summer stay, visit doylecollection.com.