Neighbours were out from early morning making sure the street – actually avenue as we were posh - looked its very best and poor unfortunate runners were provide with copious amounts of water and sponges as they passed by.

In Cork currently the regular topic of conversation is not economics but how your training schedule is coming along. This is particularly the case at The River Lee Hotel where we currently have 16 members of staff in training for the marathon.! It appears that half of the City have aspirations to be involved in one way or another and this is backed up by the large number of people who have volunteered to assist on the day. The great thing about the City of Cork is that as we are relatively small in streetscape the athletes get to see much of what makes Cork City special.

We are very proud of our inclusion in the Lonely Planet Top Ten places to visit. It is a great accolade for the City and 2014 is stacking up to be a very busy year with a superb line up for The Marquee, Cork Midsummer Festival, The Irish Golf Open and an array of other festivals and events

It is a superb opportunity to bring the whole family to Cork. There is exceptional value to be had in accommodation in the City and we at The River Lee Hotel are delighted to offer preferred accommodation rates for any athletes and their families partaking in the marathon. Just logon onto www.doylecollection.com for the best available rates.

As a mum of 3 active boys myself I am delighted to share my Top 5 things for families to do in Cork as road tested by the family

1. Fota Wildlife Park – Still a firm favourite and it does not matter how many times we see the monkeys, cheetahs and giraffes the all look happy!
2. Cork City Gaol – This certainly appeals to the over 6’s – and the building itself is worth a visit even prior to the tour – watch out for the ghost!
3. Blackrock Observatory – For the astronaut within the family.  Look to the stars and take an exciting look at how science and astronomy affects our daily lives.
4. Fitzgeralds Park – a great place to enjoy a picnic, the playground and  Cork City Museum which is just the right size to appeal to the younger members of any family and includes quirky items such as Roy Keanes boots of course.
5. The English Market – Where else will you get to see pigs heads, a shark and maybe even enjoy a gourmet sausage – It always reminds me of what it must have been like to shop in medieval Cork.

Looking forward to welcoming ye all to Cork

- Paula Cogan, Director of Sales and Marketing | The River Lee Hotel