The Best Instagrammable Spots in Cork

Were you even there if it didn’t go to the ‘gram’?

Cork is a truly spectacular place with plenty of amazing photo opportunities everywhere you go. From stunning coastal views to beautiful towns and magnificent castles to charming markets, Cork is the ideal place for your inner travel blogger to run wild. Lucky for you, Maldron Hotel South Mall is in touching distance from many of these fabulous places. Check out our list of best Instagram-able spots, all guaranteed to give your IG that extra sparkle.

1. Kinsale

30-minutes’ drive from hotel

Kinsale is a beautiful picturesque fishing town situated at the mouth of the River Bandon, just 30-minutes’ drive from the hotel. Kinsale is a really quirky town, well known for its tight, winding streets littered with colourful shops, bars and restaurants. The harbour is normally filled with plenty of yachts and boats, overlooked by a massive 17th century fort. Kinsale is known as the “Gourmet town of Ireland” so you won’t go hungry after you are finished capturing the beauty of this quaint town.

2. Blarney Castle

16-minutes’ drive from hotel

Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss it will be blessed with the gift of the gab, meaning they will never be stuck for words again. A short 15-minute drive from the hotel, Blarney Castle is the biggest attraction in Cork with many visitors from around the world coming each year. The castle itself is a great picture while the lush gardens offer a great way to freshen up your Instagram with some stunning nature posts.

3. Ballycotton Lighthouse

40-minutes’ drive from hotel

Situated across the bay from East Cork, and only 40-minutes’ drive from the hotel, lies the pretty Ballycotton Lighthouse which towers over Ballycotton Island. The lighthouse was built in the 1840’s. Views from the coast, of Ballycotton Lighthouse can be really spectacular. Top tip – visit Ballycotton pier at sundown or sunset to capture some truly amazing pictures that are guaranteed to make your followers envious.

If you are lucky to be visiting throughout winter keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, who are known to be regular visitors at this time of year.

4. English Market

8-minute walk from hotel

The Cork English Market is the perfect place to grab a tasty bite to eat while also taking some great food photography for your ‘Insta’. Even better, the Cork English Market is only a short 8-minute walk away from Maldron Hotel South Mall. The market has been serving locals fresh food produce since 1788, being ever present throughout war, famine and recessions. To say the market is brimming with history is an understatement. If you are interested in fashion there are plenty of vintage clothes shops to be found amongst the food stalls. You may pick up some nice pieces for a photoshoot of your own.

5. St Finbarr’s Oratory

1 hour and 10 minutes’ drive from hotel

St Finbarr’s Oratory is an unbelievably beautiful church that resides on a small island at Gougane Barra, west of Macroom. The area surrounding St Finbarrs is extremely peaceful and calming, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in the views of the stunning church and its magnificent backdrop. The inside of the church is also quite remarkable and definitely worth the visit.

6. Inchydoney Beach

1 hour drive from hotel

Another entry from along the spectacular Cork coastline, Inchydoney Beach is a blue flag beach and one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches to visit. Have a stroll along the lovely golden strand and have a dip in the astonishingly blue sea. Inchydoney, just an hour’s drive from the hotel, is the ideal spot to capture those perfect sunrise Instagram photos, of course that’s if you can pull yourself out of bed and brave the cold waters.

7. Shandon Bells

15 minute walk from hotel

And to complete the list, one of Cork City’s most recognisable landmarks the Shandon Bells. Take a short 15-minute walk over the River Lee and set your eyes on the famous Shandon bells. Built in 1722, this spectacular bell tower is a symbol of the city of Cork. Don’t let the 132 steps stop you from climbing to the top. Trust us, the 360-degree views of Cork city are worth it, making for pretty amazing Instagram pics!

 

Maldron Hotel South Mall

Room for one more snap? Our beautiful pints of the black stuff or our delicious food from Grain & Grill Restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining wouldn’t look out of place on the best of Instagram pages. Finally, its time to put the phone away and enjoy a wonderful night’s sleep in our super comfortable rooms.

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