Cork is the most pub filled county in Ireland with nearly 1,000 licensed bars – so there are plenty to choose from if you’re heading to the city anytime soon.
We’ve covered the best pubs to try and the best bars to head on a night-out already on The Irish Pub Guide, but how about a few pubs where you can go and have a nice chilled pint?
Here are some of our favourites in the city centre, let us know if we’re missing any that have to make the list.
Tom Barrys – Barrack Street
A traditional Cork pub with woodfired pizza, a great selection of pints and a sun trap beer garden perfect for a few summer drinks.
Regarded as an institution at this point, Tom Barrys is one of the city’s most beloved pubs and the ideal destination for a catch-up with friends over a drink.
The Mutton Lane Inn – St Patrick’s Street
‘Cork’s oldest bar’ The Mutton Lane Inn is a hidden gem off St Patrick’s Street that takes up an unassuming position down a side street on the city’s main street.
Slide down the narrow lane and you’ll find a quirky traditional bar with friendly staff, a chilled atmosphere and an excellent selection of beers and whiskey on tap.
A great place for a date or to meet-up with a friend or two.
Callanan’s Bar – George’s Quay
A small family-run pub along the River Lee, Callanan’s is a traditional bar that doesn’t seem to have changed much of its interior since it originally opened, making it all the more character filled.
The ideal place to sit and enjoy a few pints with friends if you’re not looking to head on a mad night-out.
No televisions or music, just the sound of chatter will fill your eardrums in this pub.
The Castle Inn – Main Street
Regarded as one of the city’s best traditional pubs, The Castle Inn brands itself as ‘a country pub in the city’ and is home to a fine pint of Guinness or indeed any stout.
With an open fire, cosy snugs and a friendly atmosphere, it almost feels like you’re having a few drinks in the comfort of someone’s home when you’re here.
The Hi-B Bar – Oliver Plunkett Street
Cork’s cosiest pub perhaps? A proper traditional setting to relax and enjoy a few drinks on Oliver Plunkett Street.
It’s a pub that time forgot and feels like a step back about 100 years once you open its doors, making it a great location for a few drinks and a chat with friends.
It also happens to be Cork’s smallest bar.
Where else?
The city is full of nice traditional bars for a pint – Counihans, Cantys, The Oval, The Long Valley Bar are all other pubs that should be on your radar.
Any more? Let us know in the comments.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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