- The Castle Inn (Cork City): A traditional pub on South Main Street in Cork City, run by the O’Donovan family since the 1930s, evoking a country pub vibe in an urban setting. Known for its unpolished charm with worn floorboards, red and cream panelling, and a tiled fireplace. Offers some of the best pints of Guinness, Murphy’s, and Beamish, with no music or screens for a conversation-focused experience. Expect a cozy, timeless atmosphere with a crackling fire, excellent stouts, and friendly banter. Ideal for those seeking an authentic, distraction-free pub experience.
- Sin É (Cork City): Established in 1889 on Coburg Street, this iconic pub is a cornerstone of Cork’s traditional music scene. Offers nightly live Irish music sessions in a cozy, low-lit setting with a living room-like upstairs area. Features a brilliant selection of local craft beers and whiskeys. Visitors can enjoy energetic trad sessions, a warm welcome, and a vibrant atmosphere. Arrive early for a seat, as it’s a popular spot for music lovers.
- The Mutton Lane Inn (Cork City): A quaint, candlelit pub tucked down Mutton Lane off Patrick Street, dating back to 1780. Known for its relaxed, dimly lit ambiance with wine-bottle candleholders and murals on the walls. Offers an extensive beer selection and friendly staff. Expect a cozy, artistic vibe with great pints and a sheltered alley setting. Perfect for a quiet drink or a romantic evening.
- The Oval (Cork City): Located at South Main Street and Tuckey Street, this 20th-century pub features a unique Sino-Celtic design. Its oval-shaped ceiling, candlelit ambiance, and private snug make it a standout. Offers superb pints and a laid-back atmosphere, praised as “Leeside’s finest.” Visitors can anticipate a warm, historic setting with excellent drinks and a relaxed vibe. Great for unwinding with friends.
- Coughlan’s (Cork City): A multi-award-winning pub on Douglas Street, open since the 1800s, known for its live music and charm. Features a diverse music lineup (trad, folk, indie, jazz, comedy) every night, a heated beer garden, and one of Cork’s largest gin selections. Expect an intimate, lively pub with warm lighting, exposed brick, and top-notch music. Ideal for music enthusiasts and those seeking a vibrant night out.
- The Hi-B Bar (Cork City): A quirky, family-run pub on Oliver Plunkett Street since the 1920s, known for its eccentric charm. Feels like an eclectic living room with books, CDs, and mismatched chairs. Strict no-mobile-phone policy adds to its unique character. Great for Murphy’s pints. Visitors can enjoy a cozy, conversation-driven atmosphere with a great buzz. Perfect for a quirky, distraction-free evening.
- The Oliver Plunkett (Cork City): A bustling pub on Oliver Plunkett Street, renowned for its live music and extensive food menu. Offers nightly live music, a retro interior with old photos, and a menu featuring burgers, fish and chips, and sandwiches. Popular with tourists. Expect a lively, tourist-friendly pub with great food, music, and a fun atmosphere. Ideal for dining and entertainment.
- Costigan’s (Cork City): One of Cork City’s oldest pubs, opened in 1849 on Washington Street, known for its historic charm. Features a cozy snug, parlor with fireplace, and an extensive gin and whiskey selection. Offers riverside patio views in summer. Visitors can enjoy a historic setting with excellent drinks and a relaxed vibe. Great for a pint after a city walking tour.
- The Long Valley (Cork City): A historic pub on Winthrop Street since 1842, known for its traditional ambiance and doorstep sandwiches. Offers a time-warp atmosphere with a great selection of stouts and sandwiches. Popular for its authentic Irish pub feel. Expect a classic Irish pub with friendly staff, hearty sandwiches, and a cozy setting. Perfect for a lunch stop or casual pint.
- Rising Sons Brewery (Cork City): An award-winning microbrewery and brewpub on Cornmarket Street, housed in the former Guy & Co. building. Produces small-batch beers like Mi Daza stout and offers brewery tours with guided tastings. Features a covered patio and pizza menu. Visitors can enjoy craft beers, tasty pizzas, and a modern yet historic vibe. Ideal for beer enthusiasts and casual dining.
- The Old Thatch (Killeagh): Ireland’s oldest thatched pub, established in 1650 in the East Cork village of Killeagh. Hosts a traditional thatched roof and a sunny beer garden. Known for its historic charm and relaxing pints. Expect a quaint, historic pub with a rural feel, great for a peaceful drink or admiring the architecture after exploring East Cork.
- The Spaniard (Kinsale): A historic pub in Kinsale, built in the 1600s on castle ruins, named after a Spanish hero from the Battle of Kinsale. Offers a bright yellow exterior, sea views, and a cozy fire. Known for live music and local brews like Franciscan Well Red. Visitors can enjoy a picturesque setting with music, seafood, and a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for a coastal pint in Kinsale.
- An Teach Beag (Clonakilty): A tiny, cozy pub in Clonakilty, originally a storehouse for O’Donovan’s Hotel, established in 1994. Known for its traditional music sessions and intimate “small house” vibe, offering a taste of West Cork’s charm. Expect a warm, music-filled pub with a local feel, ideal for experiencing Clonakilty’s cultural scene.
- Minihan’s Bar (Lisheen, Skibbereen): A rural pub near Skibbereen, offering stunning views of Roaringwater Bay. Famous for its scenic vista, including Kilcoe Castle, and live music sessions. A hidden gem for rural Ireland enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, traditional music, and a remote, authentic atmosphere. Great for a scenic stop on a West Cork tour.
- The Tin Pub (Sheep’s Head Peninsula): A unique pub on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, overlooking the bay in Ahakista. Known for its traditional interior, beer garden with bay views, and unchanged charm since its opening. A true West Cork gem. Expect a rustic, scenic pub with great stout and a peaceful setting, perfect starved for a drink or in a relaxed coastal vibe.
Pubs
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County Cork:
Ireland’s county Cork blends historic sites with scenic beauty, with Cork City’s English Market and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral offering cultural and architectural depth. Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone, provides historic allure, while the coastal town of Kinsale offers sailing and seafood. Other attractions include the Beara Peninsula’s rugged trails. Cork is Ireland’s largest county by size (7,460 sq km) and third largest by population (584,156). Population peaked at 854,118 in 1841 (when Cork was Ireland’s most populous county) and reached its lowest point, 330,443 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Cork is Ireland’s second most visited tourist county with around 1,228,000 international visitors per year.
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