Hilton to Open New Tapestry Collection Hotel in Cork City Centre – 2027

Hilton is expanding its presence in Ireland with a new Tapestry Collection hotel planned for Cork city centre, slated to open in autumn 2027. The project, located on South Terrace, will involve the conversion of three Georgian buildings and represents a significant investment in a previously derelict area of the city.

Revitalizing South Terrace

The new hotel will comprise 103 guestrooms, offering a mix of standard rooms and extended-stay accommodation with kitchenettes, catering to both leisure and business travellers. The development will also include a restaurant and breakfast area, a bar, and a fitness space. The site, encompassing numbers 31, 32, and 33 South Terrace, has been largely vacant for decades, and the project is expected to breathe new life into the street.

While planning permission was granted in 2022, the announcement confirms Hilton’s involvement, partnering with the JMK Group, who originally intended to brand the location under the Adagio aparthotel brand. JMK Group director, Sonia Kajani, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to bring the Tapestry Collection by Hilton to Cork. Hilton’s strong brand recognition and global reach make them an ideal partner, and this project will be a brilliant addition to our growing portfolio of high-quality hotels.”

Part of a Broader Expansion

The Cork hotel is part of a wider strategy by Hilton to double its lifestyle portfolio in Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA). The company recently announced brand debuts in France and Germany, and expects to add over 100 lifestyle properties across the region. Nick Smart, Hilton’s vice-president for the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding its lifestyle offerings, stating the Cork and Plymouth locations “highlight our commitment to expanding our lifestyle portfolio across the UK and Ireland.”

Hilton currently operates four Tapestry Collection hotels in the UK, with another planned for Plymouth. The Cork and Plymouth projects are collectively expected to create 100 new jobs. This expansion reflects a growing demand for experience-led stays and locally inspired hotels, a trend Hilton is actively capitalizing on. The Tapestry Collection, in particular, focuses on boutique hotels with a distinct character, appealing to travellers seeking unique experiences.

The South Terrace project will retain the facades of the existing Georgian buildings while incorporating a five-floor structure and lower-ground-floor annex to the rear. An external landscaped courtyard is also included in the plans. The JMK Group acquired the buildings approximately a decade ago for around €1 million.

The development underscores a broader trend of hotel chains investing in Ireland’s tourism sector, particularly in city centres. The combination of Hilton’s brand recognition and the JMK Group’s local expertise positions the new hotel for success in a competitive market. Travellers and local residents will be watching for the autumn 2027 opening, anticipating a revitalized South Terrace and a new hospitality offering in Cork city.