Thursday, February 12, 2026

International Women's Day Wine event at River Lee. Mid-term Afternoon Tea at Cork International. Wedding Showcase in Fota Resort

Three Hotel Dates for your Cork diary.

International Women's Day Wine event at River Lee. 

Mid-term Afternoon Tea at Cork International. 

Wedding Showcase in Fota Resort

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Women's Day Champagne event at River Lee.  

Bubbles with ‘Champagne Sophie’ and a Charles Heidsieck wine dinner.


The River Lee in Cork will celebrate International Women’s Day in sparkling style this March with a special one-night-only wine dinner in The Grill Room at The River Lee, hosted by Sophie Kutten — affectionately known across Europe as ‘Champagne Sophie’ — the International Brand Ambassador for the legendary Champagne house Charles Heidsieck.

Taking place on Wednesday 4th March at 7pm, this €125 six-course dinner will see guests guided through a joyful and immersive tasting of some of Charles Heidsieck’s most celebrated wines, paired with a provenance-led menu created by Executive Head Chef Paul Lane. Hosted alongside The Doyle Collection Group Sommelier Philip Dunne, the evening promises storytelling, flavour and Champagne in equal measure, with Sophie’s infectious enthusiasm bringing the room to life.

Founded in 1851 and known as one of Champagne’s most elegant and characterful houses, Charles Heidsieck has long been celebrated for wines of depth, complexity and charm. A pioneer of Champagne culture, founder Charles-Camille Heidsieck earned the nickname ‘Champagne Charlie’ for bringing Champagne to the world stage. Today the House remains one of the most awarded in the region, with a modern winemaking legacy that continues to define excellence.

Guests will begin the evening with Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve N.V. served alongside caviar blinis, before moving on to a West Cork hand-dived scallop sashimi with ponzu dressing, shaved cucumber and radish salad paired with Blanc de Blancs N.V. The centrepiece of the menu features roast turbot with Champagne beurre blanc, toasted hazelnuts and sea herbs, served with the iconic Blanc des Millénaires 2017, the House’s flagship cuvée.

A lamb course follows, where Michael Twomey’s roast lamb with liquorice and honey glazed heritage carrot and cherry jus is paired with Charles Heidsieck’s Ambonnay Coteaux Champenois Rouge 2022, before the evening closes on a celebratory note with raspberry millefeuille, vanilla crème and pomegranate sorbet alongside Rosé Vintage 2018. Petits fours, tea and coffee round out the experience.

Sophie Kutten brings a rare theatrical energy to the world of wine. After an early career with Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, she spent a decade in theatre before returning to Champagne, where she now carries the voice of the House across Europe. Her mission is simple: to share the soul of Charles Heidsieck and let its quiet magic shine through every encounter.

The dinner forms part of The River Lee’s annual International Women’s Day programme, with the hotel’s much-loved professional headshot day also returning as part of the celebrations, and a nod to empowering women both socially and professionally.

Tickets for the Charles Heidsieck dinner in The Grill Room are priced at €125 and are expected to sell quickly.

 


Cork International launches Family Afternoon Tea for Midterm.

Aoibhe Jacob and Nancy Corcoran at the launch of the Family Afternoon Tea

The Cork International Hotel has launched a Family Afternoon Tea for the February midterm which will be available from Monday, February 16th to Saturday, February 21st.


Families will be offered finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and patisseries which will be created using locally sourced ingredients from some of the region’s top producers. 


Among the offerings are rotisserie beef, rocket and sun-dried tomato mayonnaise on white bread; chocolate brownie with chocolate ganache and candied hazelnuts; and éclair with vanilla crème and pistachio crumble.


The afternoon tea is accompanied by a carefully selected tea and coffee service, designed to compliment each layer of the menu. 


The Family Afternoon Tea will be served Monday to Saturday from 1pm - 4pm. The price per adult is €45 and €20 per child and booking through the hotel’s website is essential.


Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel said: “We are introducing a Family Afternoon Tea which appeals to families and multi-generational groups looking for a relaxed experience during the February midterm break. It is part of our strategy to strengthen family-led city experiences during school holiday periods. The hotel also has a recently upgraded play area for children so parents can sit back and relax while knowing that their children are having fun in a safe and secure environment.”


On the menu:


The First Bite


Truffled egg and spring onions (Brown)

Rotisserie beef, rocket and sun-dried tomato mayonnaise (White)

Coronation Chicken (White)

Smoked Salmon and Citrus Butter (Brown)


The Heart of Tea


Fruit Scones / Plain Scones

Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Ganache, Candied Hazelnuts

Financier, Fresh Raspberries and Chantilly Cream

Clotted Cream, Strawberry Jam and Homemade Butter Served on the Side with Tea and Coffee service


The Final Flourish


Lemon Posset, Cinnamon and Orange infused Berries

Éclair, Vanilla Crème, Pistachio Crumble 

Sweet touch of the moment curated by the hotel's pastry chef


For more information please go to https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/eat-drink/



 




Wedding Showcase in Fota Island Resort 

Celebrate Your Day, Your Way at Fota Island Resort






This spring, Fota Island Resort invites newly engaged couples to their Wedding Showcase, taking place on Sunday, 1st March from 12pm to 3pm. 

The elegant and inspiring afternoon aims to offer couples the perfect opportunity to envision their dream wedding day in one of Ireland’s most exclusive five-star destinations. Set on a tranquil 780-acre private island in Cork, surrounded by peaceful woodlands and lakes, Fota Island Resort feels wonderfully secluded while being less than 30 minutes from Cork city. 

Couples will have the opportunity to view the Smith-Barry Suite, this stunning space which can accommodate between 120 and 300 guests. Natural light fills the suite, which opens onto a terrace for al fresco pre-wedding drinks receptions during the summer months, offering panoramic views of the island.

For an intimate family dinner or exclusive pre-wedding celebration, couples can choose The Cove, or  Fota Golf Club which provide an elegant and private setting. For day-two celebrations, the renowned and stylish clubhouse also offers a sophisticated setting to continue the festivities. The resort's luxurious hotel rooms and self-catering lodges are ideal for guests and families to stay during your wedding, ensuring a memorable and indulgent experience for all. 

On the day, couples will meet with the hotel’s dedicated wedding team and enjoy a preview of the resort’s renowned five-star service. Guests will also enjoy elegant live music, beautifully styled spaces, thoughtfully curated goodie bags, and the opportunity to meet a selection of trusted wedding suppliers. 

From Champagne on arrival to bespoke seasonal menus, every detail at Fota Island Resort is designed to create an unforgettable day. To book an appointment for the Spring Wedding Showcase, on Sunday, 1st March or to learn more, visit www.fotaisland.ie, email weddings@fotaisland.ie, or call +353 (0) 21 488 3700.










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