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Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, The Imperial Hotel has an interesting history. It opened in 1813 and has hosted many famous figures including Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray and Franz Liszt.
Although the lobby is quite grand with marble floors, high ceilings and glittering chandeliers, the hotel is not pretentious and the friendly staff ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Rooms feature subtle tones and all modern amenities.
The hotel takes pride in only using quality ingredients of Irish origin, many of which come from Cork’s famous English Market. The elegant Pembroke Restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern twist and the chic Seventy Six on the Mall bar is popular for evening drinks.
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Stylishly designed with comfortable chairs, crisp linens and soft duvets, all rooms have a warm, inviting atmosphere. The classic and superior guest rooms are similarly decorated in soft tones with carefully appointed furnishings that can be rearranged to accommodate a variety of bedding options. Rooms are equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine and have a spacious bathroom stocked with Orla Kiely toiletries, and either a shower over the bath or a walk-in shower. Some rooms also include a sofa bed for families. The lavish Penthouse Suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a more contemporary design. All rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, digital music library and internet browser, and interactive TV.
Occupying a prime position in the heart of the city, the 200-year-old Imperial Hotel is the oldest guest accommodation in Cork. The famous English Market is less than a ten minute walk from the hotel and is so close to the property that the chefs rely on the market’s fresh fish, meat, vegetables and spices for their gourmet cuisine. Numerous cafes, restaurants and shops can be also be found within moments of the hotel.
The hotel prides itself on the fact that all of their ingredients are of Irish origin and sourced responsibly – many of them coming from Cork’s famous English Market. The contemporary Pembroke Restaurant puts a modern twist on traditional Irish dishes and offers an early bird menu for those who want to dine before the opera. In addition, a light lunch or an afternoon snack can be enjoyed in the casual Lafayette’s Brasserie. At night, the intimate alcoves of the stylish Seventy Six on the Mall are the perfect place for an evening drink.
In addition to its state of the art gym, The Imperial Hotel offers indulgent beauty treatments in its Escape Spa. Services inspired by plant-based products, such as aloe and seaweed, include holistic massages, facials and luxury manicures and pedicures. The spa also features a Vitality Suite equipped with relaxing tropical, rain and mist showers, a hydrotherapy pool and Aroma and Salt Grottos.
With an unbeatable location and a grand yet welcoming atmosphere, this is a fantastic option.
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
A family-owned country manor with a prestigious cookery school, Ballymaloe House offers elegant and attractive guest rooms amid an expansive farm estate situated 40 minutes east of Cork. Dining is a highlight, with local sourced ingredients forming exquisite tasting menus.
The Castlemartyr Resort is located in east Cork on vast grounds containing ruins from a castle built in 1210. The historic resort once served as a private boarding school for boys and now consists of three dining options, a modern spa, and opulent guest rooms.
This boutique hotel on Ireland’s south coast offers a high level of service and sophistication along with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Highlights include the Michelin-starred House Restaurant, an indoor pool and sweeping views of the sea from all rooms.
Hayfield Manor exquisitely blends old world charm with contemporary conveniences. Tucked away in its own grounds, this sophisticated hotel is only a short walk from the heart of Cork and offers exceptional service and award-winning cuisine.
Perfectly situated close to the heart of Cork, The River Lee hotel elegantly blends bright, cheery communal spaces with simple, contemporary guest rooms. Facilities include a lively outdoor terrace bar that overlooks the water and a huge state-of-the-art fitness studio.
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Behind-the-scenes tour at the Jameson Distillery
In use for over 150 years and full of character, the Old Jameson Distillery is an ideal place to learn about the history of whiskey distilling in Ireland. This engaging tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the whole process.
Walking tour of Cork
Explore Cork's history on a walking tour of the city, learning about its links with ancient saints and fleeing French Protestants. You'll also learn how it came to be an international maritime hub and the impact all these influences had on the city.
