We've normally ended up booking the Gresham Metropole when staying in Cork, they usually have a reasonable 2B1D deal going, and the parking in the car park 50m down the road is free (just make sure you get someone to run inside to get the ticket from the hotel). IF you did do this my other recommendation is to have 1 of you check out the room before bringing the bags up, they often try and put you into a 'double' that is only a single room with double bed ie. no floor space and only 1 cup / glass available, after checking it we've never had a problem changing the rooms.
ITs also nice to have access to the leisure centre.
Haven't stayed in the Clarion to date, but agree that after dark the area around Jurys Inn seems a bit dodgy, and the car parking is rarely available (they have a few spots onsite, but its luck of the draw), so there is an added cost.