The Montenotte Hotel, Cork: The Woodland Suite Experience

An Urban Sanctuary Overlooking Cork City

Greeted by a private buggy transfer, a smooth and effortless check-in, and a perfectly chilled glass of Champagne in the intimate Woodland Suite Clubhouse, my arrival set the tone for an opulent stay at The Montenotte—where every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure comfort, indulgence, and ease.

Perched on the leafy hillsides above Cork, The Montenotte Hotel is a welcoming boutique haven with a charm that feels genuinely unique. Blending contemporary luxury with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, it offers a peaceful retreat perfect for both leisurely escapes and business travel. With its hillside setting, attentive service, and warm character, the hotel provides an experience that is both refined and memorably distinctive.

A Prime Location with Panoramic Views

Situated in the sought-after Montenotte district—just moments from Cork’s vibrant city centre—the hotel enjoys an exclusive and tranquil setting. Its elevated position offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the River Lee, creating a breathtaking backdrop from dawn to dusk. The neighbourhood’s graceful quietness harmonises beautifully with the energy of the city below.

With 107 luxury rooms and 26 private self-catering residences, The Montenotte presents a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces crafted for pure relaxation. Elegant furnishings, chic décor, and modern amenities create an atmosphere of understated sophistication throughout.

The Woodland Suite Experience

Tucked discreetly within the hotel’s lush, tree-lined grounds, the Montenotte Woodland Suites offer an exclusive sanctuary for those seeking privacy, tranquillity, and elevated luxury. Comprised of five Woodland Suites and four River Suites, these standalone hideaways pair the hotel’s signature sophistication with the restorative calm of nature.

The first experience of its kind in Ireland, the Woodland and River Suites invite guests to unwind in harmony with their surroundings.

Recently awarded a prestigious 5-Star Classification by Fáilte Ireland and a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), The Montenotte continues to redefine nature-led luxury.

Design & Ambience

Each suite is thoughtfully designed with contemporary elegance—rich textures, warm natural tones, and floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames tranquil woodland views. Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese design, the Woodland Suite Experience blends architecture and landscape in a harmonious, layered composition.

Expansive private terraces overlook treetops and the city below, offering uninterrupted vistas. The gentle rustling of the woods and fresh woodland air create an idyllic backdrop for morning coffee, evening cocktails, or quiet contemplation.

In-Suite Luxury

Inside, guests enjoy freestanding baths, spacious bathrooms with a stunning stand-alone bath with an oversized, sculptural split-face travertine sink, plush king-sized beds, A striking bronzed Japanese maple sculpture symbolising the surrounding forests.

Exclusive Suite Privileges

Guests of The Woodland Suite Experience enjoy Private buggy transfers to The Clubhouse, Champagne on arrival, A private breakfast each morning, Sundowner cocktails, and canapés from 5:30–6:30 PM and full access to all The Montenotte’s facilities.

In-suite amenities include Ortigia toiletries, a Dyson hair dryer and clothes steamer, a decanter of Jameson Black Barrel whiskey, and a curated trio of local Cork cheeses. The Clubhouse itself offers a refined and secluded retreat for reading, relaxing, or enjoying curated culinary moments in peaceful elegance.

Sustainability 

The Montenotte Hotel drives sustainability through its Green Leaf Programme, eco-label certification, EV charging, and near-zero-energy Woodland Suites with living roofs. It supports biodiversity, plants a tree per stay, reduces waste with zero-waste menus, promotes recycling, and encourages guests to conserve water and energy throughout their visit.

Culinary Experiences

Panorama Bistro & Terrace

The hotel’s signature restaurant showcases contemporary Irish cuisine enhanced by sweeping city views—equally captivating in soft morning light or after dusk. Menus highlight the finest local produce, crafted into vibrant, flavour-forward dishes celebrating Ireland’s rich culinary heritage. Must tries: fresh oysters, the delightful crispy duck salad, and the exceptional spring lamb rump.

The Glasshouse

An elegant, light-filled bar accompanied by piano music, The Glasshouse offers expertly crafted cocktails and an effortlessly chic atmosphere. Its panoramic views, beautifully curated design, and stylish ambience have made it a favourite among guests and locals alike. It is the perfect setting for sunset drinks or late-night conversations, with live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Leisure & Wellness

Wellness is a cornerstone of the Montenotte experience. The hotel’s award-winning leisure centre provides a serene sanctuary for restoration and renewal. Guests can unwind in the tranquil indoor pool, rejuvenate with ultramodern gym facilities, or indulge in a thoughtfully curated menu of spa treatments designed to soothe, energise, and rebalance both mind and body. 

The 1 hour Five Elements Massage is highly recommended. The Salt Room, a halotherapy chamber resembling a natural salt cave with over 1,400 Himalayan salt bricks, emits a warm rosy glow and delivers a deeply soothing, mineral-rich experience—included with every treatment.

Outside, the Victorian Sunken Garden provides a peaceful retreat with manicured greenery, perfect for wandering or quiet reflection. The hotel grounds offer a restorative sense of tranquillity and connection to nature.

Meetings, Events & Entertainment

The Montenotte’s event and conference suites provide a perfect setting for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations. A dedicated events team ensures every occasion is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed.

The hotel also features a beautifully plush private cinema, screening classic films, and new releases nightly (popcorn included), available to guests and the public.

Exploring Cork

The Montenotte offers convenient access to many of Cork’s key attractions, including The English Market, Shandon Bells, Cork Opera House, Patrick Street & Opera Lane (main shopping district), McCurtain Street’s restaurants and wine bars, The Shelbourne Bar (featuring 500 Irish whiskeys), Blarney Castle & Gardens and the seaside towns of Cobh & Kinsale.

A brilliant harbour adventure with Ocean Escapes was a standout experience—touring Cork Harbour, visiting Cobh (the Titanic’s last port of call), and sailing through picturesque Crosshaven with Captain Andrew offering rich insights into the city’s history.

Whiskey lovers will appreciate The Midleton Distillery, home to seven major Irish whiskey brands, blending tradition with modern innovation it’s celebrating 200 years of craft this year.

The Montenotte Experience

Whether visiting Cork for business, romance, or a family escape, The Montenotte Hotel and its Woodland Suites offer a sublime blend of luxury, tranquillity, and unforgettable views. With a compelling sense of character and a steadfast commitment to exceptional hospitality, it remains one of Cork’s most alluring places to stay—inviting guests to experience the city in elevated style.

@montenottehotel | themontenottehotel.com/the-woodland-suite-experience

Middle Glanmire Rd, Montenotte, Cork, T23 E9DX, Ireland

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