There’s good news on the waterfront as Ireland’s first floating hotel could be about to become a reality and sooner than we think.

Cork City Council has granted conditional planning permission to Sick and Sore Ltd to develop Ireland’s first floating hotel on the city’s northern quays.

According to The Irish Examiner, the planning permission is for a period of three years, after which the company will need to reapply.

The floating hotel is a 105-metre, three-deck river cruiser that will have 96 cabins and accommodation for up to 156 people. It’ll be moored at Penrose Quay, right next to the Michael Collins Bridge.

Sick and Sore Ltd’s director, Sam Corbett spoke about the floating hotel, saying: “I would hope that over the coming years, we will see more floating attractions on the river Lee. It’s not just about floating hotels, bars and restaurants.”

He added: “We have converted a 1916-built barge into an escape room experience based in Dublin’s Grand Canal dock and, alongside us, we have a floating Thai massage business and a barge cruise business. The same could be done in Cork, the river has great potential.”

It’s hoped the floating hotel will be open in Cork city before Christmas this year – we literally cannot wait!