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.

CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SERVING UP THE BEST HOTEL BREAKFAST IN IRELAND!

press release 

CORK HOTEL SERVING UP THE BEST HOTEL BREAKFAST IN IRELAND

This team will serve you best breakfast in Ireland! Pics B. Lougheed.

The Cork International Hotel has been awarded Ireland’s Best Hotel Breakfast at the prestigious Gold Medal Hotel Awards 2025. 

The Cork International Hotel scooped the top accolade in the Best Hotel Breakfast category, beating off competition from hotels right around the country. The judges praised the quality of the breakfast as well as the variation and selection of produce, presentation, service standards, friendliness of staff and the overall breakfast experience.

The hotel’s award winning breakfast uses seasonal and locally sourced produce supporting Cork’s farming, fishing and artisan food communities. The menus are changed quarterly to highlight the best of what the region has to offer. 

The hotel introduced a Menu Map, showcasing the stories of more than 15 local suppliers, including O’Flynn’s Sausages, Cahill’s Cheese and Ballymaloe Relish. The team also introduced a Food Charter in 2024 which aims to reduce food waste and ensure maximum sustainability across the hotel.

Alex Kelly, Food & Beverage Manager at Cork International

Breakfast is served in the Atlantic Restaurant and includes a carefully curated buffet and á la carte selection. The options include a traditional Irish as well as lighter continental choices, homemade breads, pastries, fresh fruit, and dairy alternatives. 

Now in their 36th year, the Gold Medal Hotel Awards are judged by industry experts and recognise excellence across the hospitality and catering industry. The winners were announced at a black tie event in the Galmont Hotel in Galway on Tuesday evening, January 27th.

General Manager of the Cork International Hotel Eoghan Murphy said: “This award means so much to both me and the entire team at the Cork International Hotel as it’s a recognition from industry experts for all the initiatives we’ve introduced in recent years as well as the commitment from every team member to ensure guests enjoy what is considered the most important meal of the day. Our team takes immense pride in delivering a service that consistently exceeds expectations. We are extremely lucky to be surrounded by some of the country’s top food producers and we endeavour to create dishes that bring out the best of our local meat, fish and vegetables.”

CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SUPPORTS ST VINCENT DE PAUL WITH CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SUPPORTS ST VINCENT DE PAUL

WITH CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

Present at the launch were Kylie Basnett, Sandra Murphy and Eoghan Murphy, all from the Cork International Hotel; Cllr. Colm Kelleher, deputising for the Lord Mayor of Cork; Cormac O'Sullivan, Reg. coordinator St. Vincent de Paul, South West.....and of course Santa Claus. Pic: Brian Lougheed

The Cork International Hotel has launched their annual Giving Tree which helps support families struggling with the financial burden of the festive period.

The Giving Tree, which is a collaboration with St Vincent De Paul, helps to ensure children from around Cork receive a gift this Christmas. The charity provides tags with the names and ages of 100 children and the hotel’s team members and guests can then buy an age appropriate gift of a toy, pyjamas or clothes for the children.

The gifts will  be returned to Saint Vincent De Paul unwrapped, with the tag attached so that the SVP team can help deliver the gifts directly to the parents. 

The lights of the tree, which is in the lobby of the Cork International Hotel, were switched on last night (Thursday, December 4th) at a special ceremony which included the Scoil Mhuire Na NGrast National School Belgooly choir, local councillors and Santa himself even made an appearance.

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel said: “This is a very special initiative for the entire team at the Cork International Hotel and it is great to see the Giving Tree back in the hotel lobby. The giving tree is an annual celebration that we first set up in 2012 and it is always a pleasure to work with the team at Saint Vincent De Paul. It is especially nice to help put a smile on the faces of children around the festive season.  We would also ask any guests staying at the hotel over the next few days or weeks to please get involved and help to make a child’s Christmas.”

press release

Chef Alex has Five Tips, and a Recipe, for Christmas at Home

 TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE STRESS WHEN COOKING 

CHRISTMAS DINNER FROM A TOP CHEF 

The Group Executive Chef at Trigon Hotels (Metropole Hotel and Cork International Hotel), Alex Petit has outlined his top tips for reducing stress around cooking this year's Christmas dinner. 

The French native said: "Christmas is a wonderful time of the year when family and friends are together. But that joy can sometimes be overshadowed by the worry of cooking the Christmas dinner. I know only too well about the pressures of preparing a meal so I’ve outlined a few pointers to help on the big day."

His five tips for cooking a stress - free Christmas dinner are:

1. Lists are your friend.

Write out the details of what you will be serving and what you need for each course. Make a list before you go shopping and tick everything off so you haven’t forgotten anything on the day.

2. Get a good meat thermometer.

A food thermometer takes away the worry of undercooking the turkey. There are a number of moving parts on the day, you don’t need the stress of wondering if the main part of the dinner is cooked correctly.

3. Prepare what you can the night before.

Peel and wash vegetables and potatoes the night before and put them into cold water. Select desserts you can make ahead like trifles and cheesecake to save you time on the big day.

4. It doesn’t have to be Instagram perfect.

A lot of people focus on the presentation of the food. Every dish doesn’t have to look social media ready - the most important thing is spending quality time with your loved ones.

5. Keep it light-hearted and fun.

It’s a special time of the year - friends and family are home and you are together. Get them involved and enjoy spending quality time with them.

Here's Alex's recipe for the ultimate stuffing.

Sausage meat and cranberry stuffing

Ingredients:

75 g butter

1 onion, diced

2 tsp chopped fresh mixed herbs (rosemary, sage and thyme)

50 g fresh cranberries

50 g dried cranberries

175 g fresh white breadcrumbs

225 g Rosscarbery free range pork sausage meat

Salt and pepper

Method:

In a medium size pan, melt the butter and add the finely diced onions.

Cook for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and add the dried and fresh

cranberries.

Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

In a separate bowl, mix the sausage meat, breadcrumbs and fresh herbs.

Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.

Add the cooled butter mix and mix until fully combined.

You can either stuff the turkey with this stuffing or else bake it separately in a preheated

oven at 170 degree celsius for 25 minutes.

Happy Anniversary for Cork International's New Yorker!

press release 

CORK RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 

NEW YORK INSPIRED EVENING

The team from the New Yorker ready to celebrate 10th anniversary. Pic: Brian Lougheed

The Cork International Hotel is celebrating 10 years of the New Yorker Bar and Restaurant with a unique New York inspired evening.

The chefs have designed a number of specials with a

NEW PRIVATE DINING TERRACE AT CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

press release 

NEW PRIVATE DINING TERRACE AT CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

The Cork International Hotel has opened a new private outdoor dining area as it expands its offering for corporate and family guests. 

The new outdoor terrace area, which needs to be booked in advance, caters for

Experienced Paul Ryan is the new executive chef at Cork International Hotel. The Mallow native has over 20 years experience including roles in the USA and Middle East.

CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Mallow native Paul Ryan has over 20 years’ experience including roles in the 

Middle East and USA

The experienced Paul Ryan is the new executive chef at Cork International Hotel and he wants to

NEW FOOD TRUCK OFFERS LUNCHTIME ALTERNATIVE AT CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

NEW FOOD TRUCK OFFERS LUNCHTIME 

ALTERNATIVE AT CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Pierce Lowney, Director of Food & Beverage, Trigon Hotels; Alex Petit, Group Executive Chef, Trigon Hotels;  Eoghan Murphy, General Manager, Cork International Hotel.  Pic: Brian Lougheed

The Cork International Hotel, which is located in the Airport Business Park, has launched a new food truck which will be operated by the hotel’s team of chefs.

“The New Yorker On The Go” will cater for the large number of businesses in the surrounding area.  Customers will be able to avail of a selection of sweet treats and sandwiches using locally sourced ingredients.  

CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL TEAMS UP WITH LOCAL ATTRACTIONS TO ENHANCE FAMILY STAYS

press releases Spring24

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CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL TEAMS UP WITH 

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS TO ENHANCE FAMILY STAYS

Edel Kavanagh, Deputy General Manager and Michael Murphy, Trainee Manager relaunch the popular Family Concierge Service at the Cork International Hotel. Pic: Brian Lougheed

 

The Cork International Hotel is boosting its family experiences with links to local attractions including Fota Wildlife Park and Leahy’s Open Farm. The hotel, which is located close to Cork Airport, has also relaunched the popular Family Concierge Service to ensure families get the most out of their stay.

 

The Family Concierge Team

CORK CITY HOSPITALS CHILDREN'S CLUB RECEIVES TOP HONOUR AT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS

CORK CITY HOSPITALS CHILDREN'S CLUB RECEIVES TOP HONOUR AT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS

John Looney from the Cork City Hospitals Children's Club presented with the Judges Overall Award by Carmel Lonergan (Trigon Hotels). Pic: Brian Lougheed

Winners of the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards announced at gala event

 

Cork City Hospitals Children's Club has been named the overall judges winner at the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards 2023.  The charity organises magical and exciting adventures and trips of a lifetime for children and their families who are going through a difficult time.

 

This is the third year of the awards which celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to enhancing the lives of people in their community.  Each month, a winner is announced and these people are all considered for the overall prizes at a gala ceremony which was held in the Cork International Hotel recently.

 

Founded in 1994, Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club started out as a small group of Cork University Hospital staff who got together to raise money to give children attending the hospital a fun day out.  The charity now has more than 40 volunteers made up of security personnel from CUH, Gardai, doctors, nurses, social workers, children protection officers, ambulance personnel and pharmacists.

 

The Public Vote Winner was John Calnan of Raffeen Creek Pitch & Putt Club and Leevale Athletics Club.  John was an active member of Leevale AC and Hilltown for 30 years, serving as a committee member and volunteer at Leevale where he worked with some of Cork’s finest athletes. He also played a part in the sporting lives of several Olympic athletes including Derval O’Rourke, Lizzie Lee and coach Donnie Walsh.

 

The Lifetime Contribution Award went to Mary Foley of Passage West.  Mary has been the driving force behind the Passage West Children’s Choir, the Harbour Amateur Dramatic Group, the Sunshine and Smiles Club for children with disabilities and the Passage West and Monkstown Cardiac First Responder group.

 

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel said; "The Community Spirit Awards provide a platform to celebrate the unsung heroes among us, whose contributions often go unnoticed. It is heartening to see the immense impact these individuals and groups have on our community. As we celebrate the achievements of this year's winners, we also extend our gratitude to all those who strive to make Cork a vibrant and inclusive community. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to us all."

 

Director of Group Operations with Trigon Hotels, Carmel Lonergan was on the judging panel and she said;  “We had a group of 12 very worthy monthly winners and each and everyone of them should be so proud of all their efforts to help others.  We had a difficult decision to make and I would like to congratulate the three winners, Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club, John Calnan and Mary Foley.  They have all given so much of their time to helping the lives of many people.  I would also like to thank those who nominated them for the award.”

 

The awards are sponsored by The Cork International hotel in association with The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware. The judging panel was made up of private and public sector representatives including Carmel Lonergan; Nicola Radley, Cork County Council; and Vincent O’Donovan, The Carrigdhoun Newspaper.

 

Throughout 2023, there was one winner per month awarded and they were:

 

●       January - Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club

●       February -  Templebreedy SOS

●       March - Jim Griffin

●       April - The Shandon Area History Group

●       May - Cork Cancer Care Centre

●       June - Eileen McGough

●       July - Kinsale Community First Responders

●       August - Mary Foley

●       September - John Calnan

●       October - Donal Kelleher

●       November - Kevin O’Driscoll

●       December - Bernard and Ann Lynch

 

2023 Winners:

 

●       Judges Overall Winner - Cork City Hospitals Children's Club - Presented by Nicola Radley and Eoghan Murphy

●       Public Vote - John Calnan Raffeen Creek P, Leevale Athletics Club - Presented by Vincent O Donovan and Eoghan Murphy

●       Lifetime Contribution - Mary Foley - Presented by Carmel Lonergan, Trigon Hotels and Gerald McCarthy