Recently in Cork Category

Niall Twamley is the Branded Experience Analyst at the Starwood Cork CCC office and thelobby.com's expert on Ireland.

The Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort and Spa is located on Fota Island in Cork Harbour, which along with Sydney Harbour, is one of the world’s great natural harbours. Consequently Cork has a long and distinguished maritime history. The town of Cobh, a short drive away from the Sheraton Fota Island hotel was the last sight many emigrants had of their homeland as they left for North America in the 19th century. In 1912, Cobh (then Queenstown) was the Titanic’s last port of call before her ill fated voyage to New York. Interested visitors can see a monument to the dead as they walk along the town’s charming 19th century style seafront promenade. Those who have more time can visit the “Queenstown Experience," attached to the local railway station, to learn more about the town’s links to the Titanic and the many emigrants who passed through the port on the way to a better life overseas.

Niall Twamley is the Branded Experience Analyst at the Starwood Cork CCC office and thelobby.com's offbeat expert. Today, he shares with us some insider foodie tips on eating locally in and around Cork.

The Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort and Spa is close to a lot of the best culinary experiences Ireland has to offer. For those who can tear themselves away from the fine dining of the hotel’s own Cove Restaurant, County Cork has some nationally renowned restaurants such as Ballymaloe House and The Farm Gate which are only a short drive from the hotel.

A bit further afield in West Cork lies the town of Skibbereen, where many of the county’s artisan food producers gather every September to take part in the “A Taste of West Cork” food festival.

While this event has recently passed, the celebration of food is year-round in Skibbereen. Visitors can leave aside their inhibitions as they can experience an incomparable range of, charcuterie, breads, pastries and cheeses reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of that part of Ireland, whose isolation and rugged scenery has attracted thinkers and artists from all over Europe to live and find inspiration there. Two highlights amongst the many great flavours to be experienced are cheeses and cured whey fed pork both from the Gubbeen Smokehouse. A family run business, Tom and Giana Ferguson make the cheeses, their son Fingal creates the cured meats and their daughter Clovisse grows organic vegetables and herbs. Experience Gubbeen, amongst other local delights, every Saturday at the Coal Quay Farmer's Market in Cork.

Simply Skibbereen is clearly the place to be if you happen to be in Ireland and have any interest in great food!

[image via gubbeen.com]

The Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa, located on Fota Island in County Cork, is one of Ireland's newest and most luxurious destinations. With a championship 18-hole golf course, full-length indoor pool, and extensive spa facilities, there's something for everybody at this island retreat. It also happens to be one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, and with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weeks, now just might be the right time to book an impulsive trip to the Emerald Isle. Enjoy a round of golf in the morning, followed by an afternoon of pampering in the Island Spa, with its 18 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, and thermal suites. When dinnertime rolls around, feast on locally caught seafood at the Cove Restaurant, and then sample one of over 75 whiskeys at the Amber Lounge. The Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa is also a great jumping-off point for destinations across southern Ireland, so if you'd like to count all the different shades of green in this amazing country, this is the place to be. New Starpicks are posted every week, so check out the list and dream big.

Set on the eponymous Fota Island in Ireland's Cork Harbour, the new Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa offers a great base for leisurely linksmanship. The 18-hole golf course mixes challenging play with killer views, and the spa (scheduled to open in June) will provide a relaxing place for post-play chillin'. All 131 rooms get the usual upscale Sheraton treatment in terms of decor and amenities, including Wi-Fi in all rooms and public spaces. Surf & turf may be had in the gourmet room, with more casual fare available in the all-day restaurant; fine beverages are on offer in the lounge and wine cellar. And for stays at the Sheraton Fota Island through December 15, book two nights (arriving Thursday, Friday, or Saturday), and you get a third night free.