I can highly recommend Alex as a host. Her hospitality and friendliness made my 12 days in Cloyne so much more special. My bed was extremely warm and comfortable and it was a short walk to buy food.
From Cloyne you have easy bus access to Midleton, Cork Ballycotton, and the train system from Midleton takes you even further. There is much to see and do in this area so definitely give yourself enough time.