Stay in the heart of Cork, Ireland
An iconic 4-star hotel perfectly positioned for your Irish adventure
The 4-star Metropole Hotel is located in the heart of Cork City Centre, just minutes from the city’s best shopping, dining and cultural attractions. With easy access from Cork Airport and excellent road and rail connections, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring both Cork and the wider south of Ireland.
Planning your Ireland travel itinerary? Below, you’ll find helpful information on getting to Cork, exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, visiting top attractions and understanding exactly where the Metropole Hotel is positioned for your journey through Southern Ireland
Enhance Your Stay with Local Experiences
Make your stay even more memorable with our most popular offers:
🍷 Irish charcuterie & cheese board with wine.
🍽 Two-course meal with local produce in the Met Restaurant.
🥃 Jameson Distillery tour.
🚲 Guided cycle tour of Cork.
These curated experiences allow you to explore Cork’s food, culture and heritage at your own pace.
Explore our most popular offers
Bed, Breakfast, Charcuterie Cheese Board & Wine – From €229
Bed, Breakfast, Dinner & Parking – From €312
2 Nights Bed, Breakfast, & Whiskey Distillery Tour – From €444
2 Nights Bed, Breakfast & 1 Night Dinner – From €595
2 Nights, Breakfast, 1 Night Dinner & Cycle Tour from €604
3 Nights Bed, Breakfast & 2 Nights Dinner – From €800
Discover Cork – The Perfect Stop on Your Ireland Itinerary
Staying at The Metropole Hotel places you right in the heart of Cork City Centre, just steps from restaurants, traditional pubs, shopping and cultural attractions.
From here, you can easily visit:
• Blarney Castle & Gardens – home of the famous Blarney Stone.
• The English Market – one of Europe’s oldest indoor markets.
• Cobh – historic Titanic departure port.
• Kinsale – Ireland’s gourmet coastal town.
• The Wild Atlantic Way – breathtaking coastal drives and scenery.
Whether you’re beginning your Wild Atlantic Way journey or exploring Ireland’s south, The Metropole Hotel offers the perfect blend of location, heritage and comfort for your stay in Cork.
Getting to The Metropole Hotel in Cork city
The Metropole Hotel is located in the heart of Cork City Centre, a short drive from Cork Airport and within walking distance from Kent Train Station, and the city’s main bus station. Whether you’re arriving from Dublin, Shannon, or travelling within Ireland, the hotel is easy to reach by car, train, or public transport and perfectly positioned for exploring Southern Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way.
FAQs
What is the nearest airport to The Metropole Hotel?
Cork Airport is the closest airport to The Metropole Hotel. It is located approximately:
5 miles (8 km) from the hotel
15–20 minutes by taxi
25–30 minutes by public bus
Cork Airport is the most convenient option for visitors flying within Ireland or from the UK and Europe.
How far is Dublin Airport from The Metropole Hotel?
Cork Airport is the closest airport to The Metropole Hotel. It is located approximately:
5 miles (8 km) from the hotel
15–20 minutes by taxi
25–30 minutes by public bus
Cork Airport is the most convenient option for visitors flying within Ireland or from the UK and Europe.
How far is Shannon Airport from Cork?
Shannon Airport is approximately:
78 miles (125 km) from Cork
1.5 to 2 hours by car
Shannon can be a convenient option for visitors exploring the Wild Atlantic Way before arriving in Cork.
What is the easiest way to get from Dublin Airport to Cork?
The most popular options are:
Train: Take an airport coach or taxi to Dublin Heuston Station, then a direct train to Cork (approx. 2.5 hours).
Car Rental: A straightforward motorway drive via the M8 (approx. 2.5–3 hours).
Direct Coach: Several bus services operate between Dublin Airport and Cork City (approx. 3.5 hours).
For comfort and scenery, many US visitors prefer the tra
Is Cork Airport international?
Yes. Cork Airport operates international flights primarily to the UK and Europe. While direct transatlantic flights are limited seasonally, Cork is well connected via major European hubs such as London, Amsterdam, and Paris.
How close is The Metropole Hotel to Cork Kent Train Station?
The Metropole Hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk (about 700–800 metres / 0.5 miles) from Cork Kent Train Station. The route is straightforward and mostly flat, making it convenient for guests arriving by train. Taxis are also available at the station if preferred.
Can I walk from Cork Kent Station to the hotel with luggage?
Yes. Many guests walk from Kent Station to The Metropole Hotel in around 10 minutes. If you are travelling with heavy luggage, there is a taxi rank at the station and the journey by taxi takes approximately 3 minutes.
How close is Cork Bus Station to The Metropole Hotel?
Cork Bus Station (Parnell Place) is approximately:
5–7 minutes on foot
Around 500 metres (0.3 miles) from the hotel
From here, you can take coaches to Dublin, Shannon Airport, Killarney, Galway, and other destinations throughout Ireland.
Is public transportation easily accessible from The Metropole hotel?
Yes. The Metropole Hotel is located in Cork City Centre within walking distance of:
Kent Train Station (10 minutes)
Cork Bus Station (5–7 minutes)
Multiple city bus stops
Taxi ranks
This central location makes it easy to explore Cork without a car.
Does The Metropole Hotel have parking?
The Metropole Hotel offers secure nearby parking for guests. Parking is not located directly on-site but is just a couple of minutes walk from the front doors of the hotel.
Learn more about parking at the Metropole here.
Exploring Cork and Southern Ireland – FAQs for US visitors
Cork City is one of the best places to base yourself when exploring Southern Ireland. From historic city landmarks and food markets to scenic coastal drives and castle visits, everything is within easy reach. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about distances, day trips, train travel, and what to expect when visiting from the United States.
Cork city Highlights
What attractions are within walking distance of The Metropole Hotel?
The Metropole Hotel is located in Cork City Centre, within easy walking distance of:
The English Market – approximately 10–15 minutes on foot.
Cork City shopping streets, restaurants, and nightlife – directly on your doorstep.
Cork Opera House – a few minutes on foot.
The Everyman theatre – just next door.
The Butter Museum in Shandon – approximately 10 minutes on foot.
The central location makes it easy to explore Cork without a car.
Easy day trips by train from Cork
Can I take day trips by train from Cork city?
Yes. Cork Kent Train Station is about a 10-minute walk from The Metropole Hotel, making day trips by rail simple and convenient.
Popular options include:
Cobh – approximately 25 minutes by train (Titanic history and harbour views)
Midleton – approximately 20 minutes by train (home of the Jameson Distillery)
These are ideal car-free excursions.
Top places to visit near Cork
How far is Blarney Castle from The Metropole Hotel?
Kinsale is approximately 30 minutes by car from The Metropole Hotel. It is known for its colourful harbour, seafood restaurants, and historic forts.
How far is Kinsale from Cork city and how do I get there?
Kinsale is approximately 30 minutes by car from Cork City Centre and is known for its colourful harbour, seafood restaurants, and historic forts.
If you prefer not to drive, you can take a direct public bus from Cork City Centre to Kinsale. Buses depart regularly from Cork Bus Station (about a 5–7 minute walk from The Metropole Hotel), and the journey takes approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
How long does it take to reach West Cork?
West Cork (including Clonakilty and Skibbereen) is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Cork city, depending on your destination. The area is known for coastal scenery, beaches, and traditional Irish towns.
Visiting the Wild Atlantic Way
How close is the Wild Atlantic Way to Cork city?
The Wild Atlantic Way along the West Cork coastline begins approximately 45–60 minutes by car from Cork city. Many visitors base themselves in Cork city before exploring this scenic coastal route.
Travel tips for US visitors to Ireland
Do I need to book a rental car in advance?
Yes. Car rental companies are available at all major Irish airports. US visitors are advised to book in advance and request an automatic transmission, as manual cars are more common in Ireland.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Ireland?
In Ireland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Are speed limits in miles or kilometres?
Speed limits in Ireland are displayed in kilometres per hour (km/h).
Do I need a plug adapter in Ireland?
Yes. Ireland uses Type G three-pin plugs (same as the UK). US visitors will need a travel adapter and may need a voltage converter for certain appliances.
Will my US mobile phone work in Ireland?
Most US mobile phones work in Ireland, but roaming charges may apply. It is recommended to check international rates with your provider before travelling.
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