When I told the taxi driver at Cork airport to take us to the Imperial Hotel he came straight back with, “Ah, that’ll be the best hotel in Cork you’d be staying at.”

Later, in the hotel restaurant, the waitress asked for our room number and said, “Now that’s the room I’d have, it’s the best in the hotel.”

Now, I must tell you that just outside Cork is the famous Blarney Castle and I was beginning to think these two had been kissing the Blarney Stone a bit too much.

I was wrong; this was no blarney, the hotel is superb and our room was elegant and tastefully decorated.

The Imperial is the oldest hotel in Cork city and located in its very heart. In its time the Imperial has played host to writers such as Sir Walter Scott, William Thackeray and Charles Dickens and the famous composer Franz Liszt.

The hotel’s restaurant, The Pembroke, offers fine dining in beautiful, spacious and elegant surroundings. Seasonal and innovative menus blend Irish and Mediterranean cuisine.

South’s, the hotel bar, is packed full of character and style, and unlike most hotel bars, which can be lonely and soulless, South’s is bustling, friendly and lively.

But it’s not all noise and bright lights; the Imperial boasts Ireland’s first Lifestyle Salon and Spa. Escape, the Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

Our trip was all about taking a break and unwinding so my wife and I were looking forward to our spa experience.

The Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa is part of the hotel so you can ‘pad’ down the back stairs to the centre in your robe and slippers.

After a short briefing we were led through to the Vitality Suite with its tropical, rain and mist showers, Aroma and Salt Grottos, and the Hydrotherapy Pool. After 30 minutes or so of trying everything out I elected to stay in the pool while Mary experienced the massage.

In her own words, this is how she got on… “When another person washes your feet in a wooden bowl full of warm soapy water, it is a deeply spiritual moment.

“It was in preparation for the back massage that had been booked for my husband, which he graciously gave to me.

“My massage was equally as slow, respectful and relaxing. I was asked to complete a questionnaire about my current emotions and skin quality. From my answers the oils were specifically selected to use on my sensitive skin.

“After the massage, I was presented with a delicate glass of sorbet and shown into the Relaxation Room where I could allow my muscles to continue to unwind while listening to music of my choice.

“My experience at the Spa was of mindfulness and consideration to the client, while the whole area was designed to be a quiet and different sensation in contrast to the bustling world outside.”

Cork makes a great base for exploring the south west of Ireland by car with Kerry, Kinsale, the mountains of Mourn and Waterford all fairly close.

Even without a car there is plenty to see and do in and around Cork.

A short bus ride away is Blarney Castle, where if you climb to the top of the keep, via a very narrow winding stairway, you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

Daily Echo: Kissing the Blarney Stone

Kissing the Blarney Stone

There’s an old chap up there who spends his day helping visitors to perform the gymnastics required to lay down, lean out and arch the head back to kiss the stone in the proper fashion. Refreshingly there’s no charge for kissing the stone but you can buy a picture of yourself back in the gift shop.

Cork has some wonderful pubs, there seems to be at least one on every street. Don’t stay in your comfort zone, dive into any bar, order a pint of the black stuff, find a seat in the corner and enjoy the ‘craic’.

But if you’re in a sports bar don’t get in the way of the tv and don’t forget to cheer along with the passionate local hurling fans as Cork take on their rivals.

There are also some great shops in the city and a beautiful indoor market called, strangely, The English Market. It’s one of the oldest of its kind and packed full of sights, smells and colour.

Take a stroll though the market and see traditional butchers and confectionery stalls alongside organic foods, espresso and handmade chocolate stands.

The fish stalls are a delight, with local fish and fish from around the world.

The quality of produce being sold in the market is |of the highest standards.

The market is a must when in town for the day. A great place to get the ingredients for your lunch!

At the end of our visit on the return taxi ride to airport the driver asked if we had enjoyed our stay at The Imperial.

We did, it was superb and, although we’ve kissed the Blarney Stone, this certainly was NOT blarney!

FACTFILE

Imperial Hotel,
South Mall,Cork,
Ireland
Tel: +35 321 4274040
Email: reservations@imperialhotelcork.ie
Escape Salon & Spa
Morgan Street,
Cork,
Ireland
Tel: 021 730 6622
Email: escape@imperialhotelcork.ie