Cairn Homes expected on site in Blarney in January to begin €1.2bn housing development 

Blarney’s Transformation: A Blueprint for Ireland’s Future Suburbs? The ambitious €1.2 billion Forreston development in Blarney, County Cork, isn’t just another housing project. It’s a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing Irish towns grappling with population growth, infrastructure deficits, and the need for sustainable development. The recent lodging of a second planning application for … Read more

Iconic Cork hotel’s new owners planning refurbishment after summer season 

The Changing Tides of Irish Hospitality: What the Walter Raleigh Hotel Acquisition Signals The recent acquisition of the historic Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal, Ireland, by the Choice Hotel Group Ireland isn’t just a change in ownership; it’s a bellwether for broader trends shaping the future of Irish hospitality. As a journalist who has been … Read more

Cork City Council approves Dan Lowrey’s pub expansion on MacCurtain Street

Urban Development Trends: From Salons to Pubs and Beyond Urban development is rapidly evolving, with developers continuously adapting spaces to meet changing community needs and demands. As we witness these transformations, various trends offer a glimpse into the future of urban landscapes. Adaptive Reuse: Transforming Spaces Adaptive reuse is gaining traction, where older buildings are … Read more

O’Flynn Group submits plan for a new British town

New Towns Task Force: Shaping Future Living Spaces The idea of new towns has returned to the forefront of urban planning, driven by critical housing shortages across the UK. The O’Flynn Group’s proposal to construct a new town in Hampshire highlights a significant trend in modern urban development—a blend of ambitious vision with strategic planning. … Read more

Plan for food court at Cork city shopping centre given green light

A New Dawn for Cork: Paul Street Shopping Centre’s Transformation The planning permission granted for the renovation of a section of Cork’s Paul Street Shopping Centre marks a significant shift toward vibrant commercial spaces that embrace community and innovation. The proposed transformation includes converting a first-floor retail area into a bustling food court, complete with … Read more

Cork’s iconic Electric bar to reopen with new look this summer after €2m sale

The Renaissance of Cork’s Iconic Bars: A Look Ahead As Electric, one of Cork City’s most beloved bars, gears up for a grand reopening, the transformation of Cork’s pub scene signals exciting future trends. With an estimated €2 million investment, the iconic location is set for a complete revamp under the management of the Emporium … Read more

Passenger numbers at Cork Airport up 7% in January as cap in Dublin hinders growth

Dublin and Cork Airports: Navigating Growth and Challenges Cork Airport Leads the Way with Robust Growth Cork Airport has set a remarkable pace as Ireland’s fastest-growing airport, boasting a 7% increase in passenger traffic in January 2025 compared to the previous year. This growth highlights Cork’s strategic significance in linking the South of Ireland with … Read more