Summer sun-something’s begun!

Excuse the somewhat corny start to this blog entry (Is there anything that says summer more than a blaring of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John on ‘Summer Nights’) but we can surely be forgiven for feeling a little bit blissed out by how blessed we’ve been recently with all of this gorgeous weather.

We are all feeling summery at the moment. Our guests are in fine form, Greenes Restaurant is sprucing up the menu to reflect the season and we are only counting the days before Ireland’s top cocktail bar, Cask (yes, right across our pretty courtyard waiting for you) launches a new summer cocktail menu. Could there be anything better than sipping one of those beside our waterfall? We think not!

Of course, cocktails aren’t the only thing vying for our attention right now. Summertime brings with it an enviable selection of events and festivals across the city and county. Our biggest dilemma? Deciding which ones to go to! Allow us to give you a tiny snapshot of some of the happenings in the Rebel City and county this summer:

1. DONERAILE ARTS FESTIVAL: 29TH JUNE-2ND JULY:

Everyone’s heard of West Cork. Most have heard of East Cork. But why not escape the crowds and head north? Just a 40 minute drive away lies the charming village of Doneraile. Join a guided tour of the newly reopened Doneraile Court, explore the 166 hectares of the park, renowned for its resident deer or partake in one of the many exciting arts and crafts workshops taking place over the weekend. Early booking is advised.

2. CLONAKILTY OLD TIME FAIR: JULY 1ST:

Of course, there’s no denying the beauty and mystique of West Cork’s famous countryside and coastal landscape. Short on time and not sure where to start? Clonakilty Town is not only close to Cork City but it’s also a multi-award winning, cosmopolitan and friendly seaside town (nearby Inchydoney Beach is a surfer’s paradise too). Pop down for a morning stroll on July 1st and catch the Old Time Festival. Expect rural crafts, traditional music and lots of period costume. Best of all, everything is free.

3. WEST CORK LITERARY FESTIVAL: 7TH-14TH JULY:

If literary inspiration is more your thing, there’s no better place to mill around than the market town of Bantry with an eclectic variety of talks, readings and workshops. This year’s line-up includes Darina Allen, John Banville and Graham Norton. Bantry House and its pristine gardens are also well worth a visit.

4. KINSALE ARTS WEEKEND: 6TH-9TH JULY:

Known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, the colourful town of Kinsale has an abundance of top-quality bars, restaurants and pubs. It is the perfect place to spend a leisurely day. Admire the countless yachts on Ireland’s “Riviera”, delve into the local museum, partake in one of the town’s many walking tours or take the more challenging pathway to one of the town’s old forts: Charlesfort and James Fort. Breath-taking coastal views are guaranteed. For an extra buzz, venture down for their annual Arts Weekend and try your hand at one of the many workshops on offer.

5. CORK CYCLING WEEKEND: 28TH-30TH OF JULY:

Feeling active? Like to cycle? This free weekend-long festival run by a bunch of local volunteers might be just up your street. With a wide range of group cycles to suit all ages and levels of fitness, there really is no better way to explore the wonderful surrounds of Cork City whilst giving you a chance to meet some intriguing local characters.

6. CORK PRIDE FESTIVAL: JULY 30TH-AUGUST 6TH:

Colour, music, dance, a show-stopping parade along with some spectacular outdoor concerts at the Port of Cork (Wild Youth of Eurovision fame are headlining this year). Best of all- all just a couple of minutes from our boutique hotel.

7. INDIEPENDENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL: 4TH-6TH AUGUST:

Enjoy the thrill of a summer music festival without the “glamour” of camping out by buying a day ticket to Indiependence Music Festival, feeling reassured that you will be guaranteed a revitalising night’s sleep in our oasis of calm afterwards. Some of the big acts headlining this year’s festival include Anne-Marie, Inhaler, the Coronas and the Two Door Cinema Club. Tickets are selling fast.

8. SHOW-STOPPING SHOWS:

It’s all happening in Cork City this summer. Whether it’s Lord of the Dance and Dirty Dancing coming to tread the boards of the Cork Opera House, Tennesse Williams’ production of The Glass Menagerie gracing the stage at the Everyman Palace Theatre (right opposite our hotel we might add) or the Cork Burlesque Festival spicing things up at the Cork Arts Theatre, there really is something for everyone.

9. CORK ON A FORK FOOD FESTIVAL: 16TH-20TH AUGUST:

The clue is very much in the name for this one. Food trails, cookery demos, events, lots of street stalls-we are particularly looking forward to the tipsy tea event. A festival to feast on!

10. EVERYTHING ELSE:

This list could probably go on indefinitely. We haven’t even included some of the magnificent walks around the city or the inspiring interiors of our art galleries or other local attractions like Blarney Castle, the Jameson Experience or Cobh’s Titanic Experience. Suffice to say, there’s way too much happening in our Rebel City than could ever all be included in this article. You’ll have to come and see for yourselves.

Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a travel-savvy writer for Hotel Isaacs Cork, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Cork City's Victorian Quarter. This frugal young lady loves writing articles about lodging, traveling, and dining.