The Imperial Hotel shares 10 fun ways for to experience Cork this summer

And they’ve launched a mid-summer sale, too!

Summer adds an extra sparkle to the gem that is Cork City and there is no better time to enjoy a Cork staycation, and the good folks over at The Imperial Hotel is incentivising visitors to ‘UnCork’ their beloved city with a special mid-summer sale.

Visitors can enjoy a saving of 20% off overnight stays with a gourmet breakfast included plus €20 worth of food credit to sweeten the deal! In addition to saving on your stay you’ll get great value from this food credit with a choice of 3 fabulous dining options during your stay.

Catch up over coffee and homemade pastries & cakes in Lafayette’s, enjoy small talk and small plates in No.76 Bar or dine from the delicious menu at Sketch with options including the Season’s Diamond Afternoon Tea, lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch menus to choose from.

The Imperial Hotel is situated in the heart of Cork City and is the perfect base to explore everything the Rebel City has to offer. Located on Cork’s bustling South Mall, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the main shopping and dining streets as well as iconic attractions including The English Market, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Cork Harbour.  

With a 208 year old history, including some very famous past guests, no hotel has a deeper connection to Cork. The vibrant city is filled with authentic experiences, history, fabulous food, festivals, culture, and arts this summer.  It is also in close proximity to charming villages, scenic countryside and coastal splendour. Truly Cork has it all! 

The Imperial Hotel’s top 10 Summer Un(C)orked suggestions are: 

1. Top up on vitamin D with a day spent in Cork’s outdoor spaces. Wander through Fitzgerald Park. Relax by the pond, visit the sculptures, and explore the Cork Public Museum. Or why not explore Elizabeth Fort with its unusual star-shaped fortifications and panoramic views of the city. Here you can walk along the 17th-century fortifications while learning about Cork’s military history.
2. Feed your soul in Cork. Cork’s food scene has ascended to new heights with recent additional Michelin star ratings and its little surprise that has been dubbed by many as Ireland’s Capital of Food! August is a great time to visit as Cork on a Fork Food Festival takes place from 14th-18th throughout the city. Plus at the Imperial you have a choice of dining destinations whether you want a gourmet lunch or dinner with cocktails at Sketch, atmospheric drinks and small plates at No. 76 and coffee, tea, pastries, light lunch or an elevated Afternoon Tea at Lafayette’s.
3. Have an Art Attack with inspiration on a visit to the Crawford Art Gallery. Explore a range of Irish and international art collections, both historical and contemporary. There’s also the Glucksman Gallery, Triskel Arts Centre and  Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail, Island City, which features 5 contemporary sculptures awaiting discovery on the city’s streets, laneways and buildings.
4. Let Cork Entertain you.  Enjoy a variety of shows including operas, musicals, and concerts at venues including Cork Opera House, The Everyman Palace Theatre, Live at St. Lukes and large scale concerts that pop up in large scale venues. There’s plenty of intimate music venues to enjoy including Crane Lane, Sin É, The Oliver Plunkett and Coughlans Bar. The Imperial Hotel supports local artists and you’ll often hear live music in the evenings at No. 76.
5. Make a date. Cork City is certainly a romantic city and a perfect destination for a date (or a jag as the locals would call it!) Cork’s hottest date spot is undoubtedly the Marina Market which you can easily walk hand in hand to from the hotel and why not book in for some pampering at Escape Spa at The Imperial Hotel where you can indulge in a relaxing facial or massage. Escape Spa uses Elemis products, which are renowned for their natural ingredients and rejuvenating effects.
6. Shop Local. It doesn’t get more local than a stroll through the English Market. Here you will discover fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts in this historic indoor market, just a stone’s throw from your hotel. There’s also plenty of unique boutique shops, jewellery and craft stores, in addition to high street fashion on Opera Lane and Patrick’s Street. 
7. Ring the Bell It’s almost a rite of passage to climb the iconic Shandon Bells at St. Anne’s Church where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and ring the famous bells, 
8. Make a splash. Cork is known as Ireland’s maritime haven and for good reason. The Port of Cork is the world’s second-largest natural harbour and you can embark on boat tours of the harbour and to historic Cobh.  
9. Tourist Attractions and Unique Experiences. Explore Cork City Gaol. Step back in time and learn about the lives of prisoners in this historic jail or venture on a day trip to Blarney Castle to enjoy the gardens and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Visit the Butter Museum. Discover the history of butter making in Cork and its significance in Ireland’s economy, in the same area you’ll also find Shandon Sweets which has been hand making traditional sweets in Cork since 1929.
10. Where we sported and played! Sports enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in Cork. SuperValu Pairc Uí Chaoimh is the Cork home of GAA, Rugby takes centre stage at Musgrave Park and there are lots of great places to participate in sport throughout the city. 

These activities offer a well-rounded experience of Cork City, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, scenic beauty, and unique attractions. To enjoy these experiences and avail of The Imperial Hotel’s sensational  mid-summer sale offer which is available to book from 9th July with prices starting from €170 for 2 people sharing. 

For more information email reservations@imperialhotelcork.ie call 021427404040 www.imperialhotelcork.com/MidSummerSale.html