The Imperial Hotel Cork celebrated their newly refurbished and renamed bar, Fitzgerald’s, last night at an event attended by the Lord Mayor of Cork, the local businesses and members of Cork Sporting community. The launch brought to fruition several months of renovation and design works and featured a special guest performance from Eurovision legend and Irish Music icon Paul Harrington.
The Louis Fitzgerald Family was thrilled to raise a glass to toast the new look venue and a year into their first business venture in Cork.
The extensive refurbishment has transformed the bar while respecting the hotel’s 200-year history. The high ceilings and crystal chandeliers synonymous with this period property add grandeur and are complemented by elegant marble and glass stained columns featuring ornate detailing and portraits of historical figures connected to the building’s past. A Grand Piano will take centre stage in the bar so guests and visitors can enjoy a mixture of jazz and contemporary players. The previously tiered flooring has been levelled, making the space more open and accessible. Rich velvet furnishings and bespoke mosaic tiling are just some of the additions that makes Fitzgerald’s such a beautiful space. One of the standout features is a new L-shaped wrap-around bar, set off by a resplendent panelling and gold accents. This extensive bar is fully stocked with an appealing selection of top shelf spirits, wines, beers, stouts and mixers. New decorative wall treatments and soft furnishings complete the look and feel of luxurious regency style that is sure to make it a must visit destination bar in Cork City.
A new menu with an appealing offering of small bites of local produce will launch from Summer 2025 but for now the must try elements are the new signature cocktails including Fitzgerald Sour, Redbreast Old Fashioned, Imperial Bramble and a decadent Chocolate & Walnut martini.
Fitzgerald’s is also perfect for parties and is also tipped to be a hotspot for Jazz revellers when the annual Guinness Cork Jazz Festival rolls around in October!
Speaking about the refurb, Louis Fitzgerald, owner of The Imperial Hotel, said: “The Imperial has always been a place where people come together, and we wanted Fitzgerald’s to reflect that. This refurbishment isn’t just about updating the space—it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, whether they are staying at the hotel and want pre-dinner drinks, are international visitors looking to soak up a Cork welcome, locals seeking a meeting point for casual drinks and light bites on a night out, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or for private events. We look forward to giving a Fitzgerald’s welcome!”
The Louis Fitzgerald Group, one of the largest family-run hospitality groups in the country, purchased the iconic 4-star Imperial Hotel last June and have been investing heavily in the hotel, their first venture in the Cork market. The family business, headed by Louis Fitzgerald and now in its 54th year, has a longstanding track record of acquiring landmark properties. The Group includes the Arlington Hotel, Louis Fitzgerald Hotel and Joels Restaurant, An Poitin Stil, The Stag’s Head, Kehoes Pub, The Quays Bar Galway and most recently, Murphy’s Bar in Galway.
The Imperial boasts a rich history and has welcomed high profile names over the past 200 years including actress Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Michael Collins, and many others. With 131 guest rooms, multiple dining options, and conference facilities, the hotel is a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers.