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Stay at the home of Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

Friday 23rd to Monday 26th October 2026

Experience Cork Jazz Festival from the hotel where it all began. Enjoy live jazz from afternoon until the early hours, then simply take the lift to your room.

With exclusive access to the Metropole Jazz Festival Club for overnight guests and an unbeatable location in the heart of Cork’s Victorian Quarter, there’s no better place to experience the festival.

Please note that a 50% deposit will be required at time of booking. Full balance will be collected 4 weeks prior to stay.

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Where the story of Cork Jazz began

Few hotels can say they are the birthplace of a world-renowned festival. The Metropole can . .

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival was born at the Metropole Hotel in 1978, when our Marketing Manager, Jim Mountjoy, launched what would become one of Europe’s most celebrated jazz festivals.

Today, The Metropole remains at the heart of the celebrations, welcoming jazz lovers from around the world with live music throughout the weekend, an unforgettable atmosphere and a prime location in Cork’s Victorian Quarter.

Explore Jazz weekend packages

Why stay at the Metropole during Cork Jazz?

Experience live jazz performances across the hotel from afternoon until late.

Enjoy exclusive access to all jazz performance areas throughout your stay.

Stay in the centre of the festival, just moments from Cork’s leading jazz venues.

Wake up to a breakfast showcasing the finest local produce.

Kent Train Station is just a short stroll from the hotel.

Secure parking is located adjacent to the hotel for a hassle-free stay.

What our guests say

Great weekend stay here for 2 nights over the jazz cork weekend. . It’s the place to stay if you like jazz and want the experience . Room was comfy shower and facilities were good nice towels and bed . Breakfast was of a very good standard and the staff were attentive and helpful . We also had an evening meal which we (all 3 of us really enjoyed ) , good size potions and again quality was very good .

Review by Colm

A wonderful experience, would definitely recommend joining in on the jazz festival weekend. Unforgettable.. the restaurant experience was great, with soft live Jazz playing in the corner.
The hotel has a very central location so easy access to restaurants and also bars participating in the jazz festival.
Well done to all the staff who couldn’t be more helpful and friendly.

Review by msrosemarymcguinness

We stayed in the Metropole during the Cork Jazz Weekend. From check in to check out everything ran so smoothly.

The hotel is right in the city centre on Maccurtin Street where you will find fab restaurants and bars. The Metropole has a lovely restaurant where we ate on one of the evenings.

It was an extremely busy Weekend with bands playing in the hotel. Swing Cats and the New York brass band were fantastic and they were playing in the ballroom of the hotel.

Review by Joanne O

Jazz festival weekend at this hotel is remarkable, the whole place buzzing ….staff attentive and helpful even when under festival pressure.

Review by Adventurer295911

♫ Jazz venues near the Metropole

Everyman Theatre (2-minute walk)

One of Cork’s most iconic theatres and a key venue during the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Staying at The Metropole means you’re just moments from world-class performances.

Cork Opera House (5-minute walk)

Home to headline performances throughout the festival, Cork Opera House is a leisurely stroll from the Metropole.

Triskel Arts Centre (12-minute walk)

A unique cultural venue housed in a restored Georgian church, renowned for hosting intimate jazz performances throughout the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

St Luke’s (15-minute walk)

An atmospheric church venue renowned for intimate jazz performances during the festival.

Explore our Jazz Weekend offers

3 Night Jazz Package

2 Night Jazz Package

Metropole Hotel Jazz Club tickets available Summer 2026

FAQs – Jazz Weekend at the Metropole

Why is the Metropole known as the Home of Cork Jazz?

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival was founded at The Metropole Hotel in 1978 by the hotel’s Marketing Manager, Jim Mountjoy. Today, The Metropole remains at the heart of the celebrations, hosting live jazz performances throughout the festival and welcoming music lovers from around the world.

What is included in a Jazz Weekend stay at The Metropole?

Guests can enjoy stylish accommodation, an award-winning breakfast each morning, live jazz throughout the weekend and exclusive access to all public entertainment areas within the hotel.

What times does the Jazz finish at the Metropole?

Live music takes place throughout the day and into the evening during the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. The Metropole’s famous Jazz Festival Club typically runs until around 2:00am, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable night of live music without leaving the hotel. Festival schedules and performance times are confirmed closer to the event.

How far is The Metropole from Cork’s main Jazz Festival venues?

The Metropole is ideally located in the heart of Cork’s Victorian Quarter, within walking distance of many of the festival’s leading venues, including The Everyman, Cork Opera House, Triskel Arts Centre and St Luke’s.

Is The Metropole close to Kent Railway Station?

Yes. Kent Railway Station is just a short walk from The Metropole, making the hotel an ideal choice for guests travelling by train.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. All Jazz Weekend packages include The Metropole’s award-winning breakfast, featuring a selection of locally sourced produce to set you up for a day of music and exploring Cork.

Can I explore Cork City on foot from the hotel?

Absolutely. The Metropole’s central location in Cork’s Victorian Quarter means many of the city’s attractions, restaurants, cafés, shopping streets and Jazz Festival venues are all within easy walking distance.

Why choose The Metropole for Cork Jazz Weekend?

Few hotels can offer the unique combination of history, location and atmosphere found at The Metropole. As the birthplace of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, the hotel continues to be at the heart of the celebrations, offering live jazz, exclusive guest experiences and an unbeatable location in Cork’s Victorian Quarter.