Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork

The Radisson Blu offers 126 rooms and suites, with the in-room basics covered, including Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and tea and coffee facilities. If you fancy an upgrade, the suites add extra space to spread out, plus a Nespresso machine and breakfast buffet access, which is ideal if you've got an early tee time and want a proper start to the day.

Rooms are modern and functional, designed with comfort in mind rather than unnecessary frills. You'll find everything you need after a long day on the course: a decent bed, a good shower and enough space to store your clubs without tripping over them. The suites work particularly well for longer stays or if you're travelling as a group and want a bit more room to relax in the evenings. If you're booking for a society or a larger group, the extra space in a suite makes a difference when you're sorting out scorecards and settling bets before heading down for dinner.

After a day on the course, the hotel's spa and leisure facilities come into their own, particularly for groups squeezing in back-to-back rounds. There's enough here to help you recover properly between tee times without needing to leave the hotel. You can happily spend an hour in the spa, grab a bite in the Brasserie and still have time for an early night before the next morning's round. The location also means you're not stuck in the middle of nowhere. You can head into Cork for a change of scene, then be back at the hotel without turning it into a mission.

Food-wise, the Brasserie focuses on Irish ingredients and seasonal cooking without the over-the-top fine dining formality. The kitchen works with local suppliers and the menu changes to reflect what's in season, so you're getting decent produce cooked well and presented without fuss. If you're staying in, it's an easy win for a relaxed dinner after a long day on the course, and the wine list is strong enough to match whatever you order.

If you're in the mood for a drink, the cocktail list is credited to Matheus Gamez, who's been recognised as one of Ireland's top mixologists. You can happily settle in there after dinner without feeling like you're in a corporate hotel lobby. The bar has enough character to make it worth lingering over one last drink while you're keeping score of the round and winding down for the evening.

Away from the hotel, Cork's English Market is a must if you're interested in food. It's a proper working market, packed with local producers, artisan stalls and the kind of ingredients you won't find in a supermarket. The atmosphere is worth the visit alone, and if you're self-catering or just want to pick up some local cheese or charcuterie for the room, it's a short trip from the hotel. The Jameson Distillery at Midleton is a short drive if whiskey's your thing, and you can pick up a bottle to take home after the tour. Between the golf, the hotel's spa and Cork's food and drink scene, you've got plenty to fill a long weekend or a week-long break without running out of things to do.