The Metropole Hotel in Cork has reopened its newly refurbished ground floor and two historic ballrooms, following a year-long renovation of the 127-year-old landmark.
The renovation has transformed the hotel’s entrance, lobby and the Merchant restaurant, which will serve breakfast daily and be available for private and corporate events. The ballroom spaces – central to the annual Cork Jazz Festival – are also available for weddings, conferences and functions year-round.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin formally opened the revamped space at a launch event. He said: “The Metropole Hotel has been an important part of Cork city’s history and culture for 127 years and it continues to be a crucial part of the local business community, particularly in the thriving VQ area of the city.
“It gives me great pleasure to officially unveil the newly refurbished ground floor and I wish management and all the team the very best of luck for the future.”
During the renovation, hotel staff discovered a note signed by four tradesmen in 1969. Following a public appeal, one of the signatories, retired plumber John Keogh, came forward after hearing the story on local radio. Relatives of the other tradesmen also contacted the hotel, and some attended the unveiling event.
Louise McNamara, general manager of the Metropole Hotel, added: “We have kept many of the hotel’s original features but created a more modern feel to welcome our guests, both those who are coming to stay as well as locals who are popping in for food or drinks.
“We have lots of new summer packages on offer and we hope that all our customers will enjoy their time with us.”
She thanked hotel staff for their support throughout the renovation, adding that the team was looking forward to “an exciting time ahead”.
