Cork’s River Lee Hotel has launched the second in its Curated Weekends in Cork series – an inspired venture that aims to showcase Cork through the eyes of some of the county’s most creative minds.
New York Times best-selling author, podcaster and screenwriter Caroline O’Donoghue is the second Corkonian to partner with the hotel, after Jo Linehan created a sustainable guide to the city earlier this year. This time around, Caroline invites guests to follow her on a literary exploration of her hometown, and the sights and sounds that have significantly inspired her work to date.
Speaking about her inspiration behind the weekend, Caroline said: “The fact that I was from Cork was always quite unimportant to me until I moved to London. As I began writing, I discovered that everything I wrote – from my young adult fantasy series All Our Hidden Gifts, to my adult novel The Rachel Incident – were all inspired by growing up in Cork city. While most of my trips home are to visit family and friends, it’s lovely to see old parts of the city with completely fresh eyes – which is how I feel every time I’ve stayed at The River Lee.”
Caroline’s guide encapsulates a dreamy weekend of strolling through the city – taking in a history tour at UCC (where Caroline’s latest novel, The Rachel Incident, is largely based), visiting the incredible Shandon Bells and some light perusing of some of the Cork’s most unique boutiques and shops. Of course, some literary glamour and indulgence is thrown in, with the recommendation of a glass of breakfast Riesling in the newly-opened Léa’s at The Glucksman and finishing Saturday night with champagne and oysters back at The Grill Room at The River Lee.
As part of her guide, Caroline has created the Weekend Curators: Caroline O’Donoghue’s Literary Cork 2-night offer. It includes a two-night stay with breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening at The Grill Room, a guided walking tour of the University College Cork campus and two tickets to Shandon Bells & Tower at St. Annes. It starts from €686 based on two people sharing. Book this offer here.
If you can only get away for one night, the Weekend Curators: Caroline’s Taste of Nostalgia is the perfect option. Enjoy an overnight stay with afternoon tea for two and a cocktail of your choice in The River Club. It starts from €306 based on two people sharing. Book this offer here.
