The Imperial Hotel Cork – Where History Sleeps

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

Saturday, 5 July 2025 - 18 minutes

The Imperial Hotel Cork – Where History Sleeps

Standing proudly on South Mall since 1813, the Imperial Hotel Cork is more than just a place to rest your head – it’s a majestic cornerstone of the city’s history, culture, and character. Originally designed by Sir Thomas Deane, the building began life as a set of commercial rooms for merchants and traders, before being extended into a hotel and coach yard in 1816. It has been welcoming guests – famous, infamous, and fabulous – ever since.

I had the pleasure recently of sitting down with general manager Eoin Daly to talk through the hotel’s fascinating past, its modern renaissance, and how they continue to weave Cork’s story into every guest experience.

A Reimagined Grande Dame

Today, under the direction of General Manager Eoin Daly, and as part of the Louis Fitzgerald Group since 2024, the Imperial continues to evolve while proudly preserving its historic soul. One of the most exciting updates came in February 2025, when the hotel’s beloved Sketch Bar was reborn as Fitzgerald’s Bar – a stylish, inviting venue perfect for after-work drinks, celebratory nights out, or relaxed dates by candlelight. Located on the South Mall, Fitzgerald’s blends elegant interiors with a laid-back Cork welcome. Live music from local musicians most evenings enhances the atmosphere, offering a vibe that’s both polished and unpretentious – a place where heritage meets hospitality.

Dining at the Imperial

A favourite of Cork’s dining scene is Helena’s at The Imperial, the hotel’s new signature restaurant. Helena’s delivers a luxurious dining experience grounded in local Irish produce, sustainable cooking, and refined creativity. Every plate is thoughtfully composed, with menus reflecting the seasons and the stories of Irish growers, fishers, and artisans. It’s a space where old-world glamour meets modern Irish flair. I enjoyed the scallops and my delicious rib-eye steak and they have an excellent wine list.

Lafayette’s for Afternoon Tea

Meanwhile, Lafayette’s Café still remains a daytime favourite for locals and guests alike. Whether it’s a fresh breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or the famed Afternoon Tea, The vegetable soup and Mushroom Vol Au Vents are consistently good and some really great Apple Tart like your granny makes.

A Hotel with Soul

From the chandeliers in the lobby to the whispers of revolution in Room 115, the Imperial Hotel is a place where past and present live side by side. It’s a hotel that knows how to change with the times – without ever losing its identity.

Christmas at the Imperial – Pure Cork Magic

Come December, the Imperial becomes the beating heart of Christmas in Cork. From the moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in twinkling lights, roaring fires, festive cheer – and the scent of mulled wine drifting from Fitzgerald’s Bar. It’s not just a stay – it’s a Cork Christmas tradition. The decorations are dazzling, the atmosphere is warm, and the service sparkles with as much joy as the tree in the lobby.

Legends Who Stayed the Night

Over its long and storied existence, the Imperial has played host to an extraordinary roll call of guests:

Michael Collins, revolutionary leader and architect of the Irish Free State, spent his final night alive in Room 115 before being assassinated at Béal na Bláth in 1922. (Room pictured below)
Frederick Douglass, the renowned American abolitionist, stayed during his speaking tour of Ireland in 1845. His visit is now celebrated as part of the Cork Abolitionists Trail, which honours the many freedom fighters who found a warm welcome and moral support in Ireland.
Fr. Theobald Mathew, the famous "Apostle of Temperance", was a frequent guest, often rallying Corkonians to sobriety and social reform.
Sir Walter Scott, author of Ivanhoe and one of the great literary voices of the 19th century, was among the earliest guests of note.
William Makepeace Thackeray, best known for Vanity Fair, also rested his pen within the hotel's elegant walls.
Charles Dickens, the great Victorian novelist, stayed here in 1858 during his lecture tour – undoubtedly observing the city’s character, which surely found its way into his tales.
Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress turned Princess of Monaco, visited during her Irish heritage tour.
Mel Gibson, who filmed Braveheart in Ireland, was also spotted enjoying the hotel’s warm welcome.
Billy Connolly, the Scottish comedian and actor, left his own signature brand of cheer during his stay.
Gregory Peck, Maureen O'Hara, John Wayne, and many more have all passed through the Imperial's doors, giving it a red-carpet résumé few hotels in Ireland can match.
Ed Finn - Award Winning Travel Journalist and proud Corkman