Inside the Ballroom Transformation at Radisson Blu Hotel Cork
Across Ireland, the meetings and events industry continues to evolve. Organisations are rethinking how they bring people together: whether for conferences, team gatherings or milestone celebrations, with increasing emphasis on venues that offer scale, flexibility and exceptional service.
Cork has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s most dynamic business and cultural centres. Continued growth across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology and cybersecurity is strengthening the region’s conference and corporate travel landscape, creating steady demand for modern, high-quality event spaces.
At Radisson Blu Hotel Cork, part of The iNUA Hotel Collection, a recent investment of more than €300,000 has transformed the hotel’s ballroom into a contemporary venue designed to meet the expectations of today’s event planners.
In this edition of The View – Industry Insights from Sales Leaders, we speak with Roisín Flynn, Director of Sales at Radisson Blu Hotel Cork, about the transformation, the evolving needs of event planners and why Cork continues to grow as a destination for conferences and celebrations.
A Ballroom Reimagined
When Roisín Flynn first saw the completed refurbishment of the hotel’s Great Island Ballroom, her reaction was immediate.
“The space now absolutely reflects the standard we want to offer our clients.”
The ballroom has always been one of the largest and most versatile event spaces in the region, capable of hosting major conferences, gala dinners and weddings. The recent refurbishment, however, has brought the venue firmly in line with modern expectations.
New lighting, upgraded audio visual capabilities and redesigned seating have transformed the atmosphere of the room, creating a contemporary environment that is equally suited to corporate events and celebrations.
For Cork as a destination, the investment ensures the city continues to offer large-scale venues that feel both modern and well equipped.
For Flynn, the ballroom refurbishment was a clear priority when she joined the hotel in July 2024.
The space had enormous potential, but it required an update to meet the expectations of today’s event organisers. Work began in January 2025, supported by a significant investment from The iNUA Hotel Collection, reflecting the group’s commitment to continuous improvement across its properties.
From a sales perspective, the transformation has strengthened the hotel’s ability to confidently present the venue to both conference organisers and wedding planners.
“The room now feels modern, fresh and much more in line with what organisers expect today.”
Over the past eighteen months, Cork’s corporate and conference landscape has continued to strengthen.
Growth in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology and cybersecurity has created consistent demand for meetings, training programmes and specialist industry events. At the same time, a strong base of local businesses continues to invest in team development and corporate gatherings.
Another emerging trend is blended travel, where delegates combine business trips with personal time to explore the wider region, a development that benefits Cork’s broader tourism ecosystem.
While global uncertainty has prompted some organisations to reconsider travel or move certain meetings online, the overall demand for in-person events remains strong, particularly for gatherings where collaboration and connection are essential.
What Event Planners Expect Today
Today’s event planners are increasingly discerning when choosing venues. Reliability and ease of collaboration are essential, particularly when it comes to audio-visual infrastructure, flexible layouts and responsive service. Events can change quickly, and organisers value venues that can adapt seamlessly. Sustainability is also rising rapidly on the agenda. Radisson Blu Hotel Cork recently hosted a fully sustainable event for Network Cork, demonstrating what can be achieved when sustainability is embedded into event planning.
Above all, planners prioritise service and support.
Clear communication, fast responses and a team that genuinely understands the client’s objectives can make a significant difference when selecting a venue.
A Space Designed for Modern Events
The newly refreshed Great Island Ballroom now offers a combination of scale, comfort and versatility that sets it apart in the region. The updated lighting, enhanced AV systems and redesigned seating have elevated the overall experience for both organisers and guests.
The ballroom also features a soundproof partition, allowing the space to be divided into two separate venues. This flexibility enables the hotel to host multiple events simultaneously or accommodate smaller gatherings alongside larger conferences.
Combined with the meeting facilities in Ditchley House, the ballroom now forms part of a comprehensive and adaptable events offering.
The Events That Bring the Space to Life
For Flynn, some of the most rewarding events are those that showcase the hotel as a complete destination.
Multi-day residential conferences, where organisers utilise bedrooms, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, catering and gala dinners, allow the entire hotel team to come together to deliver a seamless experience.
Industry events hosted by organisations such as Cork Chamber and Visit Cork are always highlights, as are charity events that bring communities together. The Marymount Gala, for example, remains one of the most memorable evenings in the hotel’s calendar each year. Flynn is also closely involved with Network Ireland Cork, and the hotel proudly hosted the Businesswoman of the Year Awards in 2025, as well as several member events throughout the year.
Creating Confidence for Event Planners
When event planners arrive for a site visit, Flynn hopes they immediately feel confident in the team and the space. Attention to detail is central to the hotel’s approach: from the earliest enquiry through to the delivery of the event itself.
“I want planners to feel that we have listened to their brief and shaped the space around their needs.”
Ultimately, the goal is simple: to ensure organisers know they are working with a team that understands their objectives and will support them every step of the way.
A Culture Behind the Experience
Radisson Blu Hotel Cork is part of The iNUA Hotel Collection, recently recognised among the Top 40 Best Workplaces for Women in Ireland 2026 by Great Place to Work Ireland. This recognition reflects a culture built on leadership, collaboration and inclusion across the group.
Leaders such as Roisín Flynn embody that culture, helping to create environments where teams feel empowered and proud of the experiences they deliver for guests.
Behind every successful conference, gala dinner or wedding celebration is a dedicated team committed to making each event exceptional.
Planning an Event in Cork?
Interest in conferences, corporate events and weddings in 2026 and beyond continues to grow. If you are planning an event in Cork, the team at Radisson Blu Hotel Cork would be delighted to discuss your requirements and arrange a site visit to experience the newly refurbished ballroom. Get in touch with our events team to start planning your event.
T: +353 (21) 429 7050
E: meetingsandevents.cork@radissonblu.com