Defining the Southern end of the city centre on the Island, The South Mall was famous for its money when Cork was a major Port, and the buildings show it. Grandiose Georgian office blocks line the wide, planned street and it sometimes feels more like Merrion Square in Dublin than Cork because of that. Predominantly lawyers, banks and estate agencies, this is still the ‘professional’ street although it is not the wealthy place it once was.
The Grand Victorian Imperial Hotel stands half way down with suited men and ladies who lunch having refreshments and meetings in the wonderful café and bar. Still a real old style establishment that is a reassuring constant in an era of change.