The Kingsley is surrounded by stunning natural scenery on a site steeped in local history. The hotel is located at the site of Cork's old Lee Baths, open air swimming pools that operated from 1934 to 1986. The Kingsley honours this connection throughout the hotel, having named many of its business suites after eminent figures in the development and implementation of these historical baths.
As the largest county in Ireland, Cork has so much to offer whether it be on land or sea with a wide range of activities, historical landmarks and points of interest situated not far from Cork City. Some highlights include the iconic Blarney Castle, Fota Wildlife Park, the culinary capital of Kinsale, the historical harbour town of Cobh and, of course, the rugged beauty of West Cork.
This historic castle in Blarney is situated 8km from Cork City and is most famous for its Blarney Stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.
Many different gardens are to be found around the estate and exploration will be rewarded. There is a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle to be found deep in the woods. The Poison Garden, adjacent to the battlements, contains an interesting and educational collection of deadly and dangerous plants from around the world. For more information visit: www.blarneycastle.ie.
For golf enthusiasts, our sister property, Fota Island Resort is a player’s paradise. Surrounded by tall oak trees, and bathed in peace and quiet, Fota Island Resort provides the perfect backdrop for the perfect game. Three time host to the Irish Open, the three courses at Fota Island Resort are meticulously maintained to the highest standards.
As a guest of The Kingsley, you are eligible for competitive Green Fee Rates at Fota Island Golf. For more information, phone our Reservations department on +(021) 237 3370.
Fota Wildlife Park is one of Ireland's top ten visitor attractions and a perfect place to visit for people of all ages. Fota Wildlife Park is not like an ordinary zoo. Wherever possible the park has chosen animals that thrive in a free-range environment, which allows them to roam free, while mixing with other species and with us human visitors! These species are also able to adjust to the Irish Climate seamlessly. Fota Wildlife Park is one of Europe’s most progressive wildlife parks with over 90 species from five continents! Enjoy an explorative day at Ireland's Wildest Attraction.
Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland. It has been hailed as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, with no shortage of cafes, pubs and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.
Only 18 miles from Cork, Kinsale marks the beginning of scenic West Cork and is ideally placed as a yachting and deep-sea angling centre and, in recent years, a world class golf destination.
Cobh (formerly Queenstown) is the historic seaside town in County Cork, approximately 30 minutes' drive from The Kingsley Hotel. The town is steeped in history and is an ideal place in which to stay to explore all that the town, Cork Harbour and wider East Cork region has to offer.
Attractions include shore and lake fishing, sailing and water sports, bird watching and countless sites of historical interest and importance. The Queenstown Story Heritage centre is located in the Victorian Railway station near the town centre and next to the Cobh Cruise Liner Terminal. Over 50 Cruise Liners, including the largest liners in the World visit Cobh each year and berth a mere 200 metres from the town centre. Cobh has something for everyone.
West Cork is the name given to the western portion of County Cork. The boundary is not precise, but it begins west of Cork City and extends to Cape Clear in the south and Dursey Head in the west. Thus, West Cork is the size of many an entire county elsewhere in Ireland. It also has its own unique identity, distinct from the rest of County Cork.
West Cork is a region of immense natural beauty. Villages of brightly painted houses nestle among the hills and valleys of a rugged landscape. The coastline is deeply indented by long fiord-like inlets. Westwards from Baltimore the view becomes ever more spectacular with high cliffs and countless rocky islands facing out into the Atlantic, while in the distance loom MacGillicuddy's Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland.
