In 1961, all of Ireland was agog when royalty visited the country and it was one of our own – Grace Kelly. It was the first royal visit in 40 years. Princess Grace and Prince Ranier of Monaco, along with their children Prince Albert and Princess Caroline visited the country of her ancestry.
They had a lovely family holiday along with visits to meet the then president Eamon De Valera. They visited places around the country such as her father’s ancestral home in Mayo, Croagh Patrick and the National Stud in Kildare. The family stayed in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin and Parknasilla Hotel in Kerry. They ended their visit in Cork at the Imperial Hotel on South Mall.
The state visit by the royal family in the Summer of ‘61 was undoubtedly the grandest affair that year. Thousands flocked to the South Mall to catch a glimpse, of the Oscar-winning actress, Her Serene Highness Grace Kelly. She remains to this day a major icon of screen and style.
The Imperial Hotel remembers The Ranier Royal Family
To celebrate this royal connection Cork’s finest hotel has announced an anniversary special rate of €60 pps for June 24th, 2021. And there will be a Princess Grace themed pampering package. Or have a Princess Grace Afternoon tea featuring pastries handmade in the hotel and inspired by her favourite things.
In the pictures above, staff member Leah Kelly, a distant relative of Princess Grace recreates a moment from the star’s life.
Avid royal followers can learn all about the visit in an archival newspaper exhibition in the lobby. There will also have the opportunity to spot other famous past guests who stayed at Cork’s renowned hotel. The ‘Wall of History’, includes Michael Collins, Charles Dickens, and Maureen O’Hara.
Princess Grace Anniversary Special, 24 June only: €60pp sharing includes a treat on arrival, overnight accommodation in an elegantly appointed room. It includes a royal breakfast for two, and complimentary champagne if you book dinner.
Princess Grace Pampering Package: The two-night package from €195pp sharing, includes a treat on arrival, and accommodation. It includes a royal breakfast, dinner one evening at Thyme, and Afternoon Tea with prosecco for two at La Fayettes.
Graceful Escape spa treatment lasts 1h 40mins and can be booked for €180pp.
Princess Grace Afternoon Tea is €60 for two people with Prosecco.
You can book packages here
