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Carrigaline Court Hotel celebrates 25 years!


The team at the 4 star Carrigaline Court Hotel are celebrating the silver anniversary milestone, with the hotel being open 25 years this November.

To celebrate, the hotel is offering 25% off bedrooms on certain stay dates across weekends in November, including Saturday 11th November, the date when the Collins family first opened the hotel at the heart of the Carrigaline community back in 1998. The hotel is also celebrating on the day by offering 25% off* to customers who dine in the Bistro restaurant on the evening, or who have breakfast in Collins Bar in the morning. Bistro bookings are limited in availability, and can be made by phoning 021 4852100 or by clicking here

In picture are (L to R):  Alf Smiddy (Chairman), Orla McKenna (Accounts), Barry Duggan (Accounts), Eilis Howard (HR Manager), Keith Collins (Leisure Centre Manager), Jerry Healy (General Manager), Kate Goulding (Head Receptionist), Peter Collins (Managing Director)

Carrigaline has changed immensely in 25 years, and is now the largest town in County Cork, with the hotel at the physical and social centre of a thriving population of over 18 thousand people. Some things however, remain unchanged. Remarkably, the hotel still has 5 members of staff who have been on the books since the opening day, tallying 125 years of service between them. Orla McKenna, Barry Duggan, Eilis Howard, Keith Collins, and Kate Goulding are all celebrating 25 years in employment with the hotel.

Working across various departments, the team have noticed huge changes in both the hotel and development of the town. Kate Goulding, Head Receptionist and a native of Carrigaline recollects: ‘I remember hearing about the hotel opening on the old pottery site, which created a great buzz around the town. I was working in a B&B at the time in Cork, but being from Carrigaline, the hotel offered a great opportunity for me to develop my career, and I knew of the Collins family from their involvement in Supervalu and how supportive they were to the community. We had about 2 weeks training, and I remember fondly the buzz around the place during the opening day, and even the name of the first customer that checked in!’

The hotel has gone from strength to strength, with an extension to the bedroom wing occurring a few years later in 2003 to bring the hotel up to 91 bedrooms. In 2019, the hotel undertook a multimillion Euro refurbishment project, with continual investment being undertaken to this day, and spend currently exceeding €6m. In recent years, the hotel has opened Sallys Tea Room, the new look Bistro Restaurant, and has recently revamped its Alders Suite Ballroom and leisure facilities.

Nov. 1, 2023 Carrigaline Court Hotel celebrates 25 years in business with five members of staff who have been with the hotel since it opened in 1998. Pic :Brian Lougheed

Jerry Healy, General Manager of the Carrigaline Court comments: ‘I have been with the hotel for the past 15 years, and its fantastic to see how both Carrigaline and the hotel have developed over time. We are delighted to celebrate such a milestone, and want to reward both regular and new guests by offering a fantastic 25% off across a range of our Food and Beverage and Accommodation products.

Peter Collins, Managing Director of the hotel, adds: ‘The fact that 5 members of our staff have been with us since day 1 speaks volumes of the team culture at the Carrigaline Court Hotel. We are proud to support over 140 staff from the community in full and part time employment, and have been accredited by Failte Ireland with their ‘Employers Excellence’ programme, recognising our efforts in supporting and developing the growth of the team at the hotel.’

 

 

*Terms and conditions apply, visit carrigcourt.com/tcs for details

Rose of Tralee to visit Carrigaline Court Hotel!


Carrigaline Court Hotel to host prestigious Rose of Tralee 2022 tour event!

It has been announced that the renowned Rose of Tralee contest will be making their final stop on their nationwide tour of Ireland in Carrigaline. Contestants from the internationally renowned festival will visit and stay overnight at the Carrigaline Court Hotel on Thursday the 18th August 2022 ahead of the final leg of their trip to Tralee. The visit to Carrigaline is the only stop in Cork on the tour, and Roses from as far as Newfoundland and Sydney will be in attendance ahead of the prestigious contest in Tralee.

 

Speaking at the announcement of the visit, General Manager for the Carrigaline Court Hotel Jerry Healy commented: ‘the Rose of Tralee is known not only in Ireland but around the world, and to have the contestants visit Carrigaline is an honour for the town. We know that the community will join the hotel in providing the Roses with the warm welcome and fanfare that such a renowned event deserves’.

 

The hotel is intending to layout the red carpet for the event, with dignitaries, public representatives and business leaders expected to welcome the Roses who are scheduled to arrive around 5pm, and interest in the visit is expected to be strong across the wider Cork area given the prominence of the event.

Weddings Through the Eyes of a Chef – Peter Hennessey (Head Chef) Carrigaline Court Hotel


Wedding Food

‘Weddings Through the Eyes of a Chef’

Peter Hennessey – Head Chef, Carrigaline Court Hotel

  •  Tell us about how you got involved in chefing. I originally started off as a Kitchen Porter and helped the chefs to prepare the food. I was then offered the opportunity to train as a chef, and accepted it.
  • How do you decide on what to include on a wedding menu? The Seasons are very important, and I would try to advise wedding couples on that. Lamb for example is not recommended November/December. And also in December fresh Cod is a bit scarce. Vegetables would also be influenced by the seasons.
  • What advice do you have for couples when it comes to deciding on their wedding food? Go with what they like and as above all what is best in season.
  • How many weeks before a wedding should a meal tasting take place? Ideally 6-8 weeks is the best time as it then becomes part of the experience, rather than a box ticked.
  • What’s the fanciest wedding menu you’ve created? Although a lot of wedding menus are very similar, in that the couple select the “safest option” when catering for their large number of guests, it’s always fun for us when we are asked to create a specific menu to tie in with a wedding theme.  During the summer 2018, because of the Royal Wedding of Harry & Meghan, we had a wedding that replicated some of the dishes served.  Nice light summery dishes culminating in a Lemon & Elderflower Wedding Cake dessert – a request which we were delighted to accommodate.
  • What dietary requirement do you cater for? We cater for all dietary requirements. We once had a wedding that had a very large number of coeliac guests – they requested that their entire menu should be gluten free – we met with the couple and created a menu that was 100% gluten free from start to finish which did not compromise in taste in any way.
  • What are the most popular main courses? I would say Sirloin of Beef and Seabass for the main course. Vol au Vent is always a popular starter choice and most weddings now opt for a Dessert Plate which offers a taster of three mini desserts suiting all tastes.
  • What are the most popular desserts? Our most popular Dessert Trio would be Salted Caramel Tartlet served with Caramelized Pecan Nuts, Lemon & Lime Posset with Shortbread Biscuit and Raspberry & White Chocolate Cheese-Cake.
  • Have tastes changed over time? This I feel is influenced more by the economy than taste. In the boom it was all fillet steak and prime Fish and that changed when the recession came – money management was a driving factor. But what I will say there is more of an emphasis on quality and freshness over the years.
  • What’s the most unusual food request you’ve had for a wedding? Bacon & Cabbage for a Main Course and Chicken wings for the Starter.

Recruitment Open Day


The Carrigaline Court Hotel is delighted to host an open day of recruitment on Monday the 12th June from 5-7pm in the hotels Alders Suite ballroom.

The hotel has a variety of jobs on offer, across various departments and ranging from entry level to management roles.

Interested parties are encouraged to pop into the hotel to meet the Management team, and to bring an up to date copy of their CV.

Get in touch!

If you like to get in touch prior to our open day, we would be delighted to answer any query you might have by filling out our contact form below. We offer you the chance to upload a CV (word or PDF file) within the form, which will go directly to our HR Manager, Eilis Howard.

    Big Winter Sale 2022


    The Carrigaline Court Hotel is delighted to announce the BIG Winter Sale for 2022!
    Explore Cork by staying at one of the best hotels in Cork. Perfectly located between the Cork City Centre, Cork Airport and the Cork Coast.

    Get up to 10% off rooms

    On selected dates across January, February and March 2022,
    INCLUDING WEEKENDS, with rooms starting from as little as €95 a night!

    Hurry! Limited Availability.

     

    For Terms and Conditions, click here

    Irish Independent Park Concerts 2024


    Musgrave Park (Formerly Cork’s Irish Independent Park) will host a series of massive gigs with George Ezra & The Prodigy already confirmed.

     

    The worldwide phenomenon of music festivals is just as vibrant in Ireland as anywhere, so expect lots of exciting events to populate your calendar for 2023. The Carrigaline Court Hotel is just a 15 minute drive from Irish Independent Park, and offers an ideal accommodation option for those attending any of the following Musgrave Park Cork concerts 2023.

    View our 2022 lineup for concerts and acts below and book your Independent Park tickets today to avoid disappointment. Musgrave Park (The Independent Park) will host George Ezra on the 11th June 2023, buy your George Ezra tickets in Cork below!

    If you are looking for Concert accommodation near Musgrave Park, book your accommodation with the Carrigaline Court Hotel today!

     

    Musgrave Park Current 2024 Lineup (Updates to follow)

    June 14th 

    Becky Hill

    June 15th 

    Picture This

    June 18th 

    Sting 

    June 20th 

    Take That

    June 21st 

    Belters Only 

    June 23rd

    Crowded House

    June 25th 

    Shania Twain

    June 28th 

    Cian Ducrot 

    June 29th 

    The Wolfe Tones

    Concert Hotel accommodation in Cork near Irish Independent Park

    The Carrigaline Court Hotel is just a 15 minute drive from Irish Independent Park, and offers an ideal concert accommodation in Cork for those attending any concerts. Warm and inviting, offering many excellent facilities including 91 spacious bedrooms, an elegant Bistro Restaurant and the contemporary Collins Bar.

    The hotel offers different room types including Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms, Suites and Business Rooms.  The hotel also offers an extensive Leisure Centre including 20 metre Swimming Pool and fully functional gym.

    If you are looking for accommodation near the Irish Independent Park, get in touch with us directly for the best rates. Taxis can be arranged on the premises along with a Bus service just outside the hotel.

    Contact our hotel directly on 021 4852100 or email reception@carrigcourt.com

    Jazz Weekend Cork 2021


    Join us for the Cork Jazz Festival 2021 in Cork!
    Book direct through our official website for our exclusive offers and great value Cork hotel deals

     

    We are delighted to announce that the Cork Jazz Festival back to the City this year, taking place 22-25 October 2021!
    This October Bank Holiday weekend, soak up the electric atmosphere of the festival while experiencing true hospitality at the Carrigaline Court Hotel.

    Some of the Headliner Acts include Marc Copland, Matthew Halsall, Kit Downes Dreamlife of Debris, to name just a few! For the full lineup and tickets, visit the Cork Jazz Page

     

    The Jazz Weekend Music in Collins Bar at the Carrigaline Court Hotel

    We have a fantastic line-up for the weekend with musicians playing from Friday to Sunday. Entry is free and is on a walk-in basis only. We have Velvet kick starting the weekend, followed by The Jazz Dude on Saturday and Velvin Lamont to end the Jazz Weekend.

    We hope to see you there!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Q & A

    When is the Cork Jazz Festival 2021?
    The Cork Jazz festival comments on 22th-25th October 2021

    Where can I get Cork Jazz Festival 2021 tickets?
    Please visit their official page to purchase tickets.

    Where can I find the Cork Jazz Festival 2021 lineup?
    Please visit their official page to see the lineup

    Halloween 2021


    Join us for Halloween Breaks in Cork!

    Book direct through our official website for our exclusive offers and great value Cork hotel deals

     

    We can think of no better place than Cork to enjoy your Halloween getaway. Pack your bags and enjoy a fang-tastic Halloween Break in Cork, at the 4 star Carrigaline Court Hotel!

    October is a perfect time to escape with the little ones, and who doesn’t enjoy a Halloween getaway, especially during the mid term break. There are so many things to do while in Cork, and we have created a short list below for things to do during Halloween in Cork 2021.

    The Carrigaline Court Hotel is just situated outside Cork City and is near the coast, ideal for Families and Couples looking for a Halloween Break in Cork!

    Browse our latest Halloween Hotel deals in Cork today.

    BOO!!!

    Things to do during Halloween in Cork

    Cork City Gaol

    Cork City Gaol Halloween Family Fun

    Come and visit Cork City Gaol this mid-term break for plenty of fun for the whole family.
    Take part in the Black Cat Treasure Hunt to win a goody bag. Listen to the tales from their very own storyteller; have your face painted and get your very own creation from The Balloon Man. Enjoy all of this in the unique setting of Cork City Gaol.

     

    Spike After Dark

    Spike Island After Dark Tours

    Spike Island is a place of mystery and magic that over the centuries has been used as a place of worship, defense, confinement and punishment. Their fully guided day tours give visitors a sense of the rich military, penal and social history of the island, sharing the stories of the many who called the island home.

     

    Spooky town

    Spooky Town Fota Island

    Dare to explore the misty, dream-like realm of Spooky Town, transformed with sound, colour and magical special effects. Enter at your own risk and get ghoulish this October by this dreadfully delightful, hair-raising havoc, Halloween experience, Spooky Town at Fota Island Resort!

     

    About - Dragon of Shandon

    Dragon of Shandon

    The Dragon of Shandon Parade is the highlight of CCAL’s annual arts calendar, the result of a 3 month outreach and community engagement program with local artists, over 20 groups and support services working in partnership with local artists to create a cultural hub and provide a friendly and carnival atmosphere within the entire city on Halloween night.

    Turning a small wedding into a Big Party


    Small Wedding Gathering

    Weddings in Cork

    The one thing that I keep getting asked by our couples I show, is to create an atmosphere in the room now that large wedding guests lists are no longer permitted. I always tell them that just because you’ve cut down your numbers it doesn’t mean you need to have any less of a celebration and there are certainly ways to throw an amazing small wedding.

    Not everyone wants the big white wedding and not every couple has the option to have one due to budget constraints therefore smaller weddings are growing in popularity as people choose to surround themselves with just their closest loved ones.  With a more intimate guests list you can focus on creating a personal and unforgettable experience.

    What’s important to remember is that the size of your guest list does not mean anything else needs to be small – you can still go big on the Dress, Flowers, Cakes, Invites, Menu & Venue for sure.

    What we are seeing here at Carrigaline Court Hotel is that our couples that have had to reduce their guest list have been spending more money on beautiful fresh floral arrangements, selecting finer wines, upgrading their menus from perhaps Sirloin of Beef to Fillet and offering a free bar for part of the evening.  With the introduction of some of these touches your day will be just as joyful, romantic and fun.

    On your Wedding Day

    On the day itself you can spend more individual time with your loved ones thus creating a relaxed and personal day which equal less stress for you.  Every single person that you invite to your smaller wedding is someone that is so close to you that you simply can’t imagine marrying without having them there – this makes it so special for the couple and guests alike.

    You can ditch the full formal wedding party – that rule book is out the window.  You can if you wish have a Bridesmaid or Groomsman but its now perfectly acceptable if you don’t. We had a smaller wedding this summer where the Bride had her Grandmother as her Bridesmaid – a beautiful photo opportunity and a beautiful idea.

    If you fall in love with a venue that’s meant for 200 don’t panic – there are plenty of ways to adapt the space to make it feel snug.  Your wedding co-ordinator can recommend companies that will drape the room for you to lower the ceiling or section the room creating the illusion of a smaller space.  Adding the warm glow of candlelight and lanterns is also much more romantic than bright lighting.

    Also I suggest adding a focal point in the centre of the room that your eyes are drawn towards, such as a sweetheart top tables, a starlight dancefloor with your wedding cake on or a statement piece of décor like a tree.

    Ditching the rule book once more means that you can easily dicate the timeline for your day. Who says that you have to get married at 2pm and dine at 6pm.  What about a 10am ceremony followed by a long leisurely brunch?  Or marry later in the day as the sun sets followed by a late evening meal.  There is so much more flexibility for a smaller wedding.

    And finally as the cost of the wedding is likely to be less than originally planned therefore why not splash out on the most amazing honeymoon – it will give you something to look forward to during the wedding planning stage and something to look back on for many years that follow.

     If you wish to make contact our Wedding Coordinator Sinead Gillen, you can do so by emailing events@carrigcourt.com or by phoning 021 4852100