Hi there, hubby and I are trying to choose between two places to stay in Cork. We would like to be close to the city center and both of these seem like good choices. Any comments for either of the following:

Blarney Castle Hotel
Garnish House

Thanks in advance!

Blarney Castle Hotel is in the village of Blarney, a few miles outside Cork city. You would be dependent on car / taxi to get into Cork city centre from there. I stayed in Blarney recently (although not in this hotel) and would not recommend staying there if you want to be close to the city centre.

Garnish House is a B&B located just opposite the the University and is within easy walking distance of the city centre (about 10 / 15 minutes walk). I haven't stayed there but the name has popped up from time to time and it's always positive comments.
I'd skip the Blarney Castle Hotel - too far out as JFlorides said and apart from the Castle itself, there's not a whole lot to see in Blarney or it's surrounds.
Cheers.

This was extremely helpful, thank you for taking the time to assist me with my decision

Slainte!

I stayed at Garnish House in September of 2001, just a week after 9/11 so I remember the visit in particular. I really enjoyed it. My boyfriend at the time and I actually stayed across the street in a separate house that the proprietors also own. The rooms were somewhat bigger and cheaper there. We had the place to ourselves for a couple of days and it was particularly nice. Everything was clean and comfortable. If I remember correctly, it took about 10 minutes or so to walk to the city center. The breakfasts were wonderful and the owners fed us tea and delicious scones when we first arrived.

Have a wonderful time!

Kate