Heading to Cork for a big night-out? You might be looking for a cocktail bar to get things going and luckily the city has plenty of them.
We’ve picked out our favourite spots for a good atmosphere, quality cocktails and everything else you’d want a bar to offer.
Of course, this is subjective, so if you think there are better pubs or bars for a cocktail, please let us know in the comments.
Liberty Bar – South Main Street
Sitting on South Main Street, The Liberty Bar is a revamped establishment that has a new look and feel since it reopened in 2022.
Across two floors, downstairs you’ll find a bar with an industrial feel, while upstairs it’s a speakeasy style more luxurious floor with low lighting – the setting is top quality.
With a great selection of cocktails and spirits – put The Liberty near the top of your list.
Sketch – Pembroke Street
Inside the Imperial Hotel sits Sketch, a botanic style restaurant and bar with some of the most original cocktails the city has to offer.
They’ve a relatively small menu when it comes to cocktails but what they do have, has been perfected.
It’s not the cheapest bar in the world, but with such a nice ambience and given the quality of surroundings, it’s worth the price.
Aye – Anglesea Street
We’re taking you a short walk outside the city centre with this one but it’s well worth the walk if you’re looking for great drinks in an extremely nice setting.
Closed Monday to Wednesday, when Aye opens its doors it’s rarely quiet – especially not at the weekends.
It’s great for dates, catch-ups and group nights-out – they have a huge menu of cocktails with some great names on them like ‘watermelon sugar aye’ for one.
With a lovely outdoor area too – make this place a priority on a summer’s day.
Gaia – The Lough
This is another bar a small bit out from the city centre and perfect for those in college such is the location.
They host events nearly every night of the week, are home to a lovely beer garden and have a great selection of cocktails as well as beers if a cocktail isn’t for everyone.
A great choice on a sunny day.
Cask – MacCurtain Street
Saving the best until last? That may definitely be the case for Cask with critics and punters alike all considering this MacCurtain Street restaurant and bar an absolute must.
Sugar Paddy, Go Tobann and Stall The Ball are just some of the brilliantly named and incredibly tasty cocktails this venue has to offer – but it is about much more than just drinks here.
Cask is beautifully decorated inside and gives off an exclusive yet friendly vibe – it’s the absolute ideal place for a date.
And this is all without mentioning the food, needless to say that’s stunning too.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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