Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Blarney

"A certain way to strike a romantic note this Valentine’s Day is with a visit to Blackrock Castle Observatory to stargaze. The stunning castle fortress is a magical place to spend the afternoon, as you explore the galaxy and skies above. Where: Blackrock Castle Observatory, Castle Rd, Blackrock, Co Cork, Ireland When: Various times/dates How Much: Varies Link: https://www.bco.ie/"

"The Blackrock Castle Observatory may be old (the building dates back to 1582) but it’s always had an eye on the horizon. Originally, the watchtower was built to defend Cork from pirates, the Spanish, and even (in the case of one English Lord) Corkonians themselves. With walls thick enough to withstand cannon fire, it presented a formidable defense to marauders."

"Blackrock Castle is a castellated fortification some two kilometres from Cork city centre, the original building constructed in the late 16th century to protect the population from pirates and invaders. There’s an observatory too, and if you’re feeling peckish the Castle Cafe is home to some of the best brunch in Cork."

"The Crawford Art Gallery, just beside the Opera House, houses a wide array of art, from classical paintings to video installations, presented in beautiful surroundings. Fresh visiting exhibits rotate frequently, and the permanent collection is anchored by a selection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts. The on-site café, surrounded by a selection of the gallery’s artworks, is an ideal spot for recharging with a light lunch or tea and cake on vintage china."

"The red-bricked Crawford Art Gallery is located right in the heart of the city, near the celebrated Cork Opera House and is at the core of the city’s culture. Developed from the former Custom House of Cork, the gallery is one of the city’s oldest at over 200 years old. Although the gallery houses a permanent collection of classic works, such as the antique statuary from the workshop of Antonio Canova, it also boasts a large, modern exhibition space."

"The incredible three-spire St Finn Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879, its location on a site where Christian use dates back to the 7th century when there was a monastery on site. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork and lived in the 6th century. Legend has it, his remains were brought to the city and enclosed on a shrine located on the site of the cathedral."

"Dedicated to the city’s 6th-century patron saint, Finbarr of Cork, this neo-Gothic cathedral was constructed in the 1870s. The cathedral has copious sculpture from biblical images to gargoyles, all designed by the building’s architect William Burges. This was Burges’ first commission at the start of an illustrious career in Victorian Ireland and England."

"the craic of cork: top 10 things to do in cork, ireland | enjoy a quiet moment at saint fin barre's cathedral. St. Finbarr's Cathedral, Cork - geograph.org.uk - 661104. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the environment, very relaxing."

"Surrounding Cork’s Public Museum, the urban oasis of Fitzgerald Park provides a riverside escape from shopping and sightseeing. A mere 10-minute walk from Cork’s centre but worlds away from city life, this is a perfect spot to take a picnic and watch the tips of mature trees skimming the Lee or venture across the ‘shaky bridge’. It also has an excellent playground and duck pond (plus the odd fairy door) offering fun for the entire family."

"Fitzgerald Park is just minutes away from UCC Campus Accommodation and Cork City centre and is situated on the picturesque bank of the river Lee. The park spans approximately eighteen acres with a new state of the art playground, manicured gardens and Cork Public Museum located at its centre."

"was created around the concept of socialising through food and drink. Located in a renovated art-deco building, previously a bank, the Electric towers above the banks of the river Lee, with panoramic views of St Finbarr Cathedral. Starting from downstairs, a hopping bar offers exquisite cocktails; and upstairs, hanging right over the water, is a fish bar, inspired by Portuguese and Spanish tavernas."

"This art deco restaurant over looks the cathedral and the river, and serves up amazing seafood caught fresh each day so expect amazing oysters, crab claws and hearty fish stews. Once the eating's done, this place transforms into a buzzing nightclub, so definitely stick around."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Electric (@electriccork)"

"In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 6th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times"

"Another of the top things to do with kids in Cork is visit Zipit Forest Adventures. Children (over 7) and adults alike can enjoy this zip-line adventure park just outside Cork City. The panoramic views over Cork from the zip-lines are stunning – if you aren’t too distracted by hurtling at speed through the forest, that is!"

"Fota Island Spa in Cork is a beautiful spa in the middle of a forest where you can come to rest during one of the many treatments or by the gorgeous inside pool. The Fota Island Spa in Cork also offers afternoon tea and is the perfect getaway for those planning a girls trip. In Fota Island Spa you can enjoy the steamrooms and the large inside pool with a view over the forest and meadows."

"Fota Island Resort Hotel and Spa in Cork is one of the top hotels when it comes to luxury. They have a golf course right on their property if you need a day off from site seeing. Inside this hotel they didn’t skimp on anything."

"This great spa in Cork is designed to let you relax in the swimming pool, the sauna or during any of the many treatments offered at Escape Spa. Escape Spa uses products from highly rated brands such as VOYA and AVEDA to not only let you relax but also help you deal with stress and anxiety. Escape Spa in Cork is a great spa in Cork for a girls day out, to spend time with your partner or loved one, or just to get some Me-time in."

"A dramatic entrance awaits your arrival at the Imperial Hotel Cork as a rich marble surround embraces you. Our location sets us apart as one of the Top Hotels In Cork City, situated right on the doorstep of Corks shopping and commercial district. We offer an array of rooms to suit all needs."

"Here’s a lovely hideaway a few kilometres from the city centre, with a sprawling 18 acres (7ha) of woodlands and gardens. There are 93 rooms, from deluxe to full-blown master suites, most of them with balconies and verandas overlooking the gardens. The Art Deco-informed Bellini’s Restaurant is the place for elegant dining, on seafood chowder and Dover sole."

"This hotel with spa offers great spa treatments and allows you to combine great food with a nice stay and a great spa. At the Maryborough spa you will be able to receive multiple bookable treatments such as massages and facials. The spa is located in the Maryborough Hotel which is a gorgeous Irish estate in Cork."

"The Maryborough Hotel & Spa offers a unique experience to all it’s guests. If you decide on staying at this hotel in Cork, get ready for relaxation at it’s finest. Each guest gets free access to their Thermal Suite which incldes a rock sauna, heated lounge, ice fountain, vitality pool, and lifestyle showers."

"Average Rating - 4.3Total Number of Ratings - 50+Location - CorkAverage price - ££Review - Everything is perfect. View Ali Baba Turkish Kebab Grill & Pizza House Menu"

"Average Rating - 4.2Total Number of Ratings - 50+Location - CorkAverage price - £££Review - yummy perfect food!. perfect pizza nice delivery man :). View Fellas Good Food Company Menu"

"Merchants Quay is one of the major shopping centres in Cork City, boasting a number of the most popular retailers in the city. Located at the very top of St Patrick’s Street, Merchants Quay is convenient to both people who live in Cork City, or those arriving into town for a day of shopping on the high street. Merchants Quay is […]"

"Every Saturday morning in the centre of Midleton in East Cork is held one of the most popular Farmers Markets in the region. From a small start a number of years ago, this very pleasant weekend experience has gone from strength to strength. Fresh locally produce, breads, juices, vegetable, gourmet snacks and often times a bit of live music to add […]"

"Every Saturday morning in Midleton town centre holds one of the most popular Farmers Markets in the region. The market sells a range of fresh locally produced homemade cakes, breads, gourmet snacks and woodfire pizza."