Located on Cork’s historic South Mall, the story of the Imperial Hotel began in the early 19th century and has been closely intertwined with the city’s social, cultural, and political history ever since.
From its origins as the Commercial Rooms built for Cork’s merchant community to becoming one of Ireland’s most recognised heritage hotels, the Imperial has welcomed travellers, world-renowned figures, and local visitors for over two centuries. The building has stood witness to key moments in Irish history while continuing to evolve as a modern luxury destination.
Today, the Imperial Hotel blends historic character with contemporary hospitality, preserving its legacy while looking forward to the future. Explore the timeline below to discover the moments that shaped our story.
The Committee of Merchants of Cork commissions young architect Sir Thomas Deane to design & build the Commerical Rooms on South Mall, the building laster becomes the core of The Imperial Hotel
The Commercial Rooms are extended along Pembroke Street to serve as a hotel & coach yard for merchants and traveller, the beginnings of The Imperial Hotel proper.
The first paying guests arrive at the newly created hotel.
The Imperial Hotel hosts notable figures during the 19th century, including:
A celebrated banquet is held in the Clarence Room with prominent guests like mathematician Sir William Rowan Hamilton, astronomer the Earl of Rosse, transport pioneer Charles Bianconi, and nationalist writer Thomas Davis
Frederick Douglass, born in Maryland, was an escaped slave who devoted his life to the abolition of slavery. When he visited Cork City Frederick Douglass gave a speech at The Imperial Hotel on 23rd October 1845, named ‘American Prejudice Against Colour’, to a packed room of local dignitaries and concerned parties. A plaque commemorating his stay was unveiled at The Imperial Hotel in the year 2012, and in 2023 The Frederick Douglass Lounge was opened in his honour.
Dickens visits Ireland and stays at The Imperial Hotel during his book tour, a sign of its prestige during this era.
Meeting held at The Imperial Hotel helped establish one of Cork’s oldest charitable organisations, providing affordable meals during times of the famine.
After negotiating the Irish Free State Treaty, revolutionary leader Michael Collins spends his last night at The Imperial Hotel before departing for West Cork, where he was later killed in an ambush.
In August 2022, the hotel marked the centenary of Michael Collins death with a programme of commemorative events including the formal opening of The Michael Collins Suite (formally room 115) and the unveiling of a new portrait of Collins by Ennis artist Mick O’Dea.
Price Rainier III and Princess Grace (Grace Kelly) of Monaco stays at The Imperial Hotel with their children during a royal visit to Ireland. The state visit by the royal family in the Summer of ‘61 was undoubtedly the grandest affair and saw thousands flock to the South Mall to catch a glimpse, particularly of Oscar-winning actress turned Her Serene Highness Grace Kelly, who remains to this day a major icon of screen and style.
The Imperial Hotel is the location of the first performance by the band Taste, which included famed musician Rory Gallagher, a cultural milestone in Cork’s music history.
Sunday gatherings in the hotel bar, nicknamed ‘Bangladesh’, provided a safe inclusive space
Irish family owned Flynn Hotel Group purchases The Imperial Hotel and undertakes significant renovation & investment
The Imperial Hotel celebrates its 200th anniversary. This beautiful four star property has long been regarded by many as the ‘Grand Dame’ of Cork city.
The Imperial Hotel is acquired by the Louis Fitzgerald Group, marking a new chapter under another Irish hospitality family.
The Louis Fitzgerald Group is one of Ireland’s largest family-owned hospitality companies. Founded in 1968 by Louis Fitzgerald, the business began with the purchase of a small pub in Dublin.
Over the decades, it expanded to include a wide range of pubs, restaurants, and hotels across Ireland. Today, the group operates many well-known venues and remains a leading name in the Irish hospitality industry, employing hundreds of people and continuing to grow as a family-run business.
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina, stay at The Imperial Hotel, where historical artefacts like Michael Collins’ walking stick are displayed, a modern recognition of the hotel’s heritage.
The Frederick Douglass Lounge
Frederick Douglass, born into slavery in 1817 Maryland, became a pivotal figure in its abolition.
The Michael Collins Suite
‘The Big Fellow’, as Michael Collins was known, was an Irish revolutionary, soldier, & politician…