Are you looking for the best pubs in Cork to try?
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, is situated in Munster’s southwest corner. As Ireland’s culinary capital, Cork is a city where overindulgence is encouraged. The English Market in Cork is a great place to get a taste of the city’s culinary offerings.
Aside from excellent cuisine, Cork is known as the “rebel county” for its plethora of interesting pubs. Traditional Irish pubs in Cork serve up cold, creamy pints of Guinness, glasses of rich whiskey, a variety of craft beers, and cocktails.
For a truly authentic experience in Cork, you must visit one of the city’s many places for a drink, lively chatter, and good music. Here are our recommendations for the best Cork pubs and bars to visit.
Things you'll find in this article
- 15 Best Pubs In Cork To Try
- 1. Arthur Maines Bar
- 2. The Shelbourne Bar
- 3. Costigan’s Pub
- 4. Electric Bar & Restaurant
- 5. Franciscan Well
- 6. Gallagher’s Gastro Pub
- 7. An Spailpin Fanach
- 8. The Corner House
- 9. Coughlan’s on Douglas Street
- 10. The Oliver Plunkett
- 11. Sin E
- 12. The Crane Lane Theatre
- 13. The Long Valley Bar
- 14. The Mutton Lane Inn
- 15. The Oval
15 Best Pubs In Cork To Try
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1. Arthur Maines Bar
Address: 7 Pembroke St, Centre, Cork, T12 VR62, Ireland
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Cork City’s Arthur Maines is housed in a converted 120-year-old chemist shop on Pembroke St. Apart from the usual Irish beer and whiskey, Arthur Maines also serves a variety of wines.
As a wonderful addition to Cork’s nightlife, this pub is also a great place to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat in the afternoon. While this may seem like an odd suggestion, don’t forget to take a look at the restrooms. To ensure a seat for the night, you should arrive early.
2. The Shelbourne Bar
Address: 17 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 DE79, Ireland
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Since its opening in 1895, the Shelbourne, a historic local pub in the heart of Melbourne’s Victorian Quarter, has been a popular drinking hole for tourists and locals alike. If you love whiskey, this is one of the best pubs in Cork to visit. There are “100 must-try whiskeys” on the menu, and this bar has the best and largest collection in the city.
At the front of the bar, there are two private nooks, and there are plenty of high stools for customers to sit on. The Shelbourne is one of the best pubs in Cork City if you’re looking for a friendly atmosphere, comfortable surroundings, and a bit of history.
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3. Costigan’s Pub
Address: 11 Washington Street West, Centre, Cork, T12 N768, Ireland
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Costigan’s dates back to 1849 when it first opened its doors for business, making it one of Cork City’s oldest pubs. Visitors to the city often stop by to sample the pub’s extensive selection of gins and whiskeys.
With its prime location on Washington Street, Costigan’s managed to hold on to much of its historic charm. The bar counter, cozy snug, and parlor area with fireplace are all part of the establishment’s offerings.
4. Electric Bar & Restaurant
Address: 41 S Mall, Centre, Cork, T12 TC96, Ireland
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Located conveniently on the South Mall, the Electric Bar & Restaurant has long been a local favorite. In the summer, this pub is a popular destination for people who have finished their workday and want to relax on the riverside patio with views of the River Lee. The steeples of St. Finbarr’s Cathedral can also be seen in the distance.
An art deco-themed pub and restaurant, Electric Bar serves scones and pastries in the morning. Throughout the day, it also serves lunch and dinner as well as tea, coffee, or any other beverage of your choice.
5. Franciscan Well
Address: 14 N Mall, Sunday’s Well, Cork, T23 P264, Ireland
In 1219, a Franciscan monastery in the city of Cork, Ireland, was converted into a pub and brewery. It’s a popular destination for beer aficionados, especially during the annual Oktoberfest celebration in the fall.
Outside of the Franciscan Well, a large beer garden attracts a diverse mix of patrons. You should try their Jameson whiskey-aged Shandon Stout, Rebel Red, and Pale Ale while you’re there. Order pizza from the in-house pizzeria, especially the pizza with potatoes, on the heated patio outside.
6. Gallagher’s Gastro Pub
Address: 32 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 Y07X, Ireland
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By day, Gallagher’s Pub is a warm and welcoming establishment that serves hearty food, then it transforms into a vibrant pub by sundown. Enjoy live music from the in-house saxophonist and drummer on weekends, as well as DJ sets.
Located just below “Patrick’s Hill,” Gallagher’s is a popular tourist attraction. This pub is named after Rory Gallagher, a guitar legend. In addition, its central location means that you can still fit in some of Cork’s other excellent nightlife attractions on your party night itinerary.
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7. An Spailpin Fanach
Address: 29 S Main St, Centre, Cork, Ireland
An Spailpin Fanach, a popular pub on South Main Street, features live music almost every night of the week. This pub was founded in 1779, and
“Migrant Worker” is the literal translation of its unique name. In keeping with tradition, the pub has low ceilings, exposed bricks, and an old-fashioned bar made of wood.
This pub has an additional function room on the second floor that can accommodate up to 180 guests. You can also enjoy a meal and drink in the cozy bar downstairs while listening to traditional Irish music.
8. The Corner House
Address: 7 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 FW10, Ireland
The Corner House offers a glimpse into more traditional Irish nightlife, which may be too. laid back for professional partygoers. It’s a convenient location for a night out in the Victorian Quarter.
The Corner House has a wide selection of beverages, from wine to craft beer, on its menu. Local bands and singers perform traditional Irish music in the early evenings and into the wee hours of the night. This is a great spot to unwind with a cold beer.
9. Coughlan’s on Douglas Street
Address:7 Douglas St, Ballintemple, Cork, T12 DX39, Ireland
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Cork is home to several award-winning pubs, including Coughlan’s, which first opened nearly two centuries ago. One of the city’s oldest pubs, it has been owned by the same family since it opened.
With a heated beer garden and one of the largest gin selections in the county, this is a great place to meet up with friends for a night out in Cork. Live music performances are also available at Coughlan’s every night, from rising stars to household names.
10. The Oliver Plunkett
Address: 116 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 P957, Ireland
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Oliver Plunkett, a pub in the heart of Cork, Ireland, is known for its excellent live music and much-loved food and drink.
You can stop by for a meal at any point during the day. It’s the nightly live music that, of course, brings in the crowds and makes the wait worthwhile. Enjoy a fun evening as musicians perform while you dine in front of old photos and memorabilia that line the walls of this retro restaurant.
11. Sin E
Address: 8 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 KF5N, Ireland
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“Sin E” (Gaelic for “this is it”) is a fitting name for this pub, which truly does have it all. With over 150 years of continuous service, this bar is not short on history or character. Downstairs is always crowded, so if you prefer to sit, you’ll want to arrive early.
The atmosphere at Sin-E remains vibrant, with a long-standing tradition of good music and beer to keep things going strong. The bartenders are enthusiastic and attentive as they serve up a wide selection of spirits and local craft beers to their customers. This folk music joint’s relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to strike up a conversation with the locals.
12. The Crane Lane Theatre
Address: Phoenix St, Centre, Cork, Ireland
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One of Cork’s most recognizable bars, the Crane Lane Theatre, was originally a gentleman’s club in the 1920s. It still has a vintage vibe despite its current location on a laneway between South Mall and Oliver Plunkett Street.
Three distinct bars, including one that is the only late-night venue (open until 2 am) with a dedicated craft beer bar, are available at the pub. The Crane Lane is also home to Cork’s finest smoking area/Beer Garden, live music, and burlesque cabaret seven nights per week.
13. The Long Valley Bar
Address: 10 Winthrop St, Centre, Cork, T12 NW64, Ireland
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As if you traveled back in time, this historic bar will allow you to experience nightlife in Ireland as it was many years ago.
Located in the heart of Cork, on Winthrop Street, The Long Valley Bar has been a city landmark since it first opened in 1842. The bar continues to be a cultural mecca today. Apart from its long history and a good selection of drinks, this pub serves high-quality sandwiches and chowder to its customers.
14. The Mutton Lane Inn
Address: 3 St Patrick’s St, Mutton Ln, Centre, Cork, T12 RV07, Ireland
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In business since 1787, the Mutton Lane Inn is considered to be one of Cork City’s oldest bars. It is situated off the main road in a slim alleyway, but bring an institution, pub-goers easily find it.
Despite the pub’s dark interior, it has a lot of character, thanks to the heavy wooden finish on the walls and ceiling. The sound of loud conversation and music playing in the background is always present if you’re lucky enough to get a seat, making it a lively environment.
15. The Oval
Address: 25 S Main St, Centre, Cork, T12 Y15D, Ireland
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The Oval is located at the intersection of South Main Street and Tuckey Street and is easily recognizable in its Sino-Celtic design. The city’s only 20th-century-era pub is this establishment.
A red curtain separates the bar’s entrance from the rest of the establishment, which is lit only by candlelight. Cozy and atmospheric, The Oval is one of the best places to spend a night out. This establishment’s inviting fireplace and private snug make it a great spot to unwind with friends.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.