Hotel review: Old school but still cool, this Cork institution continues to impress 

Despite being walking distance from the city centre, this Ireland’s Blue Book property offers a real sense of rural escapism, thanks to private and fabulously leafy grounds in a mature, residential area.

10/10

Style and design

Unashamedly old school, the hotel embraces its past with panache. 

Opened as a luxury hotel in 1996, the former home of a merchant family welcomes guests with its beautiful grounds, handsome façade, spacious bedrooms, and cosy interiors. 

All tinkling piano, sweeping staircase, swagged curtains, and deep sofas it’s a comfortable and genteel world that’s unapologetically traditional in style.

9/10

Service

Independently owned by the Scally family (who also own the Great Southern Killarney and Killarney Royal), there’s a warm intimacy to the service here. 

Staff seem empowered to let their personalities shine, resulting in charming interactions, fun chats, and really impressive service everywhere. 

From check-in to afternoon tea, dinner, and breakfast, room turndown, a pool visit and check-out there’s no weak link. Queries are handled well and all managed with ease.

9.5/10

Guest rooms

Our spacious suite, The Ford Suite, is named in honour of the Ford automobile family’s long ties to Cork, and overlooks the front gardens. 

Decor is lavish and traditional with a muted gold palette. 

A deep king bed, crisp linen, and a large sitting room with marble fireplace, glossy books, and huge windows is both luxurious and cosy. 

The elegant bathroom has dual sinks, a freestanding bath, and excellent shower with Elemis toiletries. 

Our sitting room has a decanter of complimentary whiskey, golf putter, and a turntable with small vinyl collection. 

We enjoy the Grease soundtrack as we get ready for dinner.

9.5/10

In-room perks

A coffee machine, kettle, Bewley’s tea, and Nespresso pods come as standard. 

UHT milk pods are provided but we request fresh milk which arrives within minutes in a chilled silver jug. 

Walkers shortbread is tasty but why not serve Irish biscuits? Individual Butler’s chocolates at turn-down are nice.

8/10

On the menu

The food offering at Hayfield is well conceived. Afternoon tea enjoys an original twist, starting with a sorbet and finishing with a cocktail in a teapot. 

Served with white gloves, the pastries, cakes, scones, and lemon curd are all good, with the spiced beef pretzel sandwich a lovely nod to Cork tradition.

Dinner in Orchids is all white linen and cloches, served with wit and charm by engaged staff. Menus lean towards the classics, with good provenance. 

Highlights include king scallops with Gubbeen chorizo and seared Irish monkfish with Castletownbere crab. 

Breakfast is served in Orchids too, where a decent buffet includes fresh juices and smoothies, fruit, breads and pastries, and egg dishes cooked to order.

9/10

Activities and amenities

The hotel’s 16-metre pool is a beautiful space, with steam room and outdoor Jacuzzi. 

The boutique spa uses Irish wellbeing brand, Ground, for its treatments. 

The Manor Bar is a smart space that buzzes at night with guests enjoying drinks in cosy nooks. 

The hotel’s newest addition is Bloom, a striking glass box bar in the manicured courtyard, with retractable walls and ceiling, where coffee, cocktails, lunch, brunch, and small plates are served from 11am. 

The hotel is wrapped in two acres of mature grounds which attract wildlife and birds.

9/10

• Hayfield Manor
• Perrott Avenue, College Road, Co Cork.
• hayfieldmanor.ie
• The bill: B&B from €335 per double. From €440 including dinner.
• Jillian Bolger was a guest of Hayfield Manor