Hitting the Hay in Cork

Arriving into Cork from Waterford, I wasn’t prepared for what awaited me. I’m not sure what I thought Cork would be like, but it was certainly larger and more modern, at least on the outskirts, than I expected. Along the highway, I could have been in the United States. All that changed when I exited and tried to find Hayfield Manor without a working GPS.

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With some crude, sketched-out directions, Karlin and I knew the hotel was near University College Cork. So, as one does in Ireland, we drove around until we found where Perrott Avenue and College Road intersected. Backtracking and maneuvering through the narrow streets of Cork, we eventually found our destination. Down a short driveway was a magnificent manor. With ivy growing along the brick and beautifully-landscaped grounds, the Hayfield Manor was exactly how I imagined it to be.

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Weary from our day, Karlin and I were greeted by smiles all around. Our car and luggage were taken, and we were escorted right in. Easter was only a few days away, so tables were decorated with eggs, bunnies, and plenty of flowers, especially lilies. The smell was simply divine. Seamus, Hayfield’s Assistant Manager, chatted with us regarding our stay in Ireland as well as our plans for the days ahead. For dinner, we were invited to one of their in-house restaurants, Perrotts Garden Bistro. Not wanting to leave our fabulous surroundings, it sounded perfect.

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Karlin and I gladly took our keys and were escorted to our rooms. That’s right, plural. After shacking up for several nights already, this was an unexpected, but welcomed treat. As I walked through the door of 207, I saw a long hallway and at the end was a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the courtyard. I couldn’t even see the rest of the room, but I loved it already.

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I quickly glanced in the large bathroom to my left, but bounded down the hallway like a little kid. To say my room was huge would be an understatement. A king-sized bed filled one side, while antique tables, chairs, armoires, and dressers filled the rest. As an antique collector, I was in heaven.

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Sheers on the wall of windows let in just enough of the late afternoon light. I pulled them open to get a better look at my view. The garden below looked like the perfect spot to read and drink my morning coffee. Being that it was the start of spring, I imagined a few more weeks and the entire space would be awash with color.

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Finally taking a moment to relax, I kicked my boots off and settled into one of the comfy, quilted chairs. As I scanned the room, I noticed a golf ball and putter. Of course! That should be standard in any hotel. A small antipasti plate with some chocolates made eyes at me. I certainly couldn’t resist its charm. That would be rude, after all.

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There was no rest for the weary. After a quick shower, I met Karlin downstairs for dinner. We’d yet to have a bad meal in Ireland, and didn’t anticipate it starting that night.

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Perrotts was in direct contrast to the traditional decor of the rest of the hotel. Dark woods and traditional touches were replaced with a more contemporary vibe. Sconces, candlelight, and floor lamps filled the dining room with soft, warm light. No sooner than Karlin and I were seated, Michelle, the restaurant’s manager, delivered two glasses of sparkling wine topped with brilliant, red strawberries.

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Our beautiful and sweet waitress, Albihe, was knowledgeable about the menu and Cork. She’d grown up there and sang of its virtues. Dinner for me consisted of lobster bisque, lamb shank on a bed of mashed potatoes, crème brûlée, and coffee. Each bite was better than the next, and a New Zealand pinot noir was the perfect addition to my meal.

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After a leisurely, two-hour dinner, Karlin and I were both exhausted. We were not even half way through our Ireland adventure and had many more miles to go. After saying our goodnights, I retreated to my sprawling room. The enormous, fluffy bed beckoned me to it, and who was I to refuse? With pajamas on, remote in hand, and Wi-Fi connected, I settled into my kingdom for the night.

Sadly, Karlin and I didn’t allot enough time in Cork. We didn’t see the English Market or explore the town, except for the wrong turns we took trying to find the Hayfield Manor. The Dingle Peninsula was waiting, but neither of us even set an alarm clock. The hospitality and warmth made me not want to leave; it felt much like home. This homey feeling extended to the cooked breakfast and buffet that awaited us downstairs. After all, a gracious host would never consider sending guests on their way without a proper breakfast.

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After a filling start to the morning, I somehow managed to cram all the junk back into my silver suitcase. As my days in Ireland passed, the tougher this became. Our Renault rental was waiting for us in front; at least it was ready to go. Karlin and I said our goodbyes to the wonderful staff. Then with detailed directions (thank you, Hayfield!), we headed back down the same short drive we’d come up less than 24 hours before. Karlin and I were on the road again, west-bound for Dingle.

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While in Cork, I was the invited guest of the Hayfield Manor. I was not prompted to write a favorable review. These are my impressions of the stay, and my opinion was not swayed by the cloud-like bed, putter in my room, or the delectable crème brûlée. Thank you to Ginger at Time Travel Tours for introducing me to the fine folks at Hayfield Manor.

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22 Comments
  • Jenna
    July 18, 2012

    My grandfather is from Cork, so I gravitate to articles about it. Big and modern? I had no idea. Glad I now know where to stay for respite if I get to visit!

    • Leah Travels
      July 19, 2012

      You’re grandfather is from Cork? So, does that mean you still have family there? Cork’s not big and modern compared to, say, Shanghai, but in relation to some of the other cities I visited within Ireland it is. I know that once you get off the highway, Cork does have that traditional Irish feel. I wish I’d had more time there.

      • Jenna
        July 19, 2012

        I’d assume there must be family, but we’re not in contact, and I don’t know of anyone that returned to find out. I’d like to play detective in person at some point…

        • Leah Travels
          July 21, 2012

          That would be pretty cool to travel to find your family and the history. I’ve found out some things about the Scottish side of my family and would like to explore that more.

  • D.J. - The World of Deej
    July 19, 2012

    This hotel junkie wasn’t too sure about this one, and then you got to the food. Count me in!

    • Leah Travels
      July 21, 2012

      You’re such a hotel snob, DJ. I’ve not stayed in a place like this before, but I certainly will again. The personal attention was unbeatable in my book.

  • the lazy travelers
    July 20, 2012

    this looks soo cute. we miss ireland so much.

    • Leah Travels
      July 21, 2012

      I know you’re a big Ireland gal. It’s such a wonderful place that I can’t wait to return. How about a Lazy Travelers/Leah/Lola Irish tour?

  • lola
    July 22, 2012

    ok. you know i like the photo of champagne – very nice!! if i were going to stay at Hayfield Manor i would be logging A LOT of time in that gorgeous garden! i’ve been to Ireland 3 times and still have SOOOO much to see. someday. someday.

    • Leah Travels
      July 22, 2012

      The entire grounds are beautiful, including that garden. They also have an herb garden and their own chickens. There’s lots of cool stuff I didn’t even talk about.

  • @mrsoaroundworld
    July 22, 2012

    This place looks really nice and a place that Mr. and Mrs. O would love to visit. My adventures in Ireland have never been past Dublin. Must change that!

    • Leah Travels
      July 22, 2012

      Yes, Ana, you need to get out of Dublin. I didn’t get to do Cork properly. The English Market is supposed to be amazing, so I’ll definitely go back for that. I really think you and Mr. O would love this property. It’s pretty special.

  • Fiona
    July 22, 2012

    Wow- what a gorgeous place to stay Leah – I’ll definitely be keeping this in mind/recommending for my next visit to Cork! The menu also sounds like good hearty Irish fare! I imagine you were stuffed!

    • Leah Travels
      July 24, 2012

      When you want to get out of Dublin, Fiona, remember this place in Cork. It’s truly relaxing, and yes, the food is hearty, Irish fare. Delicious to boot!

  • Pola
    July 23, 2012

    Wow, what a lovely place!! Great photos too, Leah.

    • Leah Travels
      July 25, 2012

      Thank you, ma’am. There’s lots of stuff that I didn’t get to explore. I suppose I’ll just have to go back.

  • BrowsingRome
    July 24, 2012

    We have thought about visiting Ireland, especially Cork has many friends have been back raving about the place. The Hayfield Manor looks like a place I would choose to stay at and thanks for sharing those lovely photos. I love the garden – how serene!

    • Leah Travels
      July 25, 2012

      I’d absolutely recommend the Hayfield, and not just because I was their guest. If I was to revisit Cork, I’d pay to stay there. I think that speaks volumes.

  • Francesca
    July 25, 2012

    Wow, this place looks fabulous! I’d have spent my time going between that lovely bed and the gorgeous garden 🙂

    • Leah Travels
      July 25, 2012

      You know I wanted to, but there’s no rest for the weary. I so didn’t want to get out of that bed…it was heavenly.

  • Carol Browne
    August 24, 2012

    We are going to Cork in early Sept…..So will definatly be checking this hotel out! great review and very inviting….

    • Leah Travels
      August 25, 2012

      Thank you, Carol. You won’t regret staying here. It’s comfortable and the food is spectacular!

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