The Talbot in Midleton is our go-to for a reliably comfortable and convenient base in East Cork. We've stayed here multiple times over years. The first time was simply that I was looking for a hotel with reliable internet, after the one we'd picked turned out to be not reliable at all.
Midleton is a lovely town. We loved it immediately and were sorry to see it harmed by the floods of a couple of years ago or so. However, it's well recovering and always lively. Plus it's so close to Cork, Ballymaloe, various beautiful coastal towns.
We are picky about hotels and the Midleton is a solid choice every time. We appreciate it and recommend it. Nice room, good beds, bedding, towels; good internet; big car park (no charge); decent breakfast; on-site bar and restaurant. Plus a whole sports facility we've never used. All good.