Cork city is home to some of Ireland’s best pubs – with a little over 120 to choose from, there is something for everyone.
The rebel county is famous for its terrific traditional pubs with the likes of The Castle Inn on South Main Street and The Mutton Lane Inn on Patrick Street.
Cask is one of the highlights when it comes to cocktail bars while there is an abundance of options for a proper night-out with friends, like Clancy’s.
Cork is becoming a bit of a foodie paradise and it’s not limited to just restaurants, we have a rundown of some of the top locations for a bite to eat too.
Check out our rundown and make sure to leave a comment if you can think of any others that should make the list.
Pub food in Cork
We just mentioned the terrific foodie scene in Cork and their pubs are too leading the way with some brilliant grub options – we have a more detailed rundown of each right here.
- Dwyers – Washington Street
- Clancy’s – Princes Street
- Le Chateau – Patrick Street
- Oliver Plunkett – Oliver Plunkett Street
- The Thomond Bar – Oliver Plunkett Street
- The Courtyard on Sober Lane – Gate Bridge Street
- Gallaghers – MacCurtain Street
Traditional and cosy Cork pubs
There are some great little bars scattered alongside the River Lee which have been serving customers for long before you and I were looking for somewhere to drink – we have a detailed rundown of them here.
- Tom Barry’s – Barrack Street
- The Castle Inn – South Main Street
- Mutton Lane Inn – St Patrick’s Street
- Callanan’s – George’s Quay
- El Fenix – Union Quay
- Sin É – Victorian Quarter
- The Oval – South Main Street
- The Shelbourne Bar – MacCurtain Street
City pubs for a night-out
Cork is a fine destination when looking for a big night-out with a buzzing student population and many stags and hens choosing the Munster county as their party destination.
These are a few of the best spots when looking to have a few drinks and throw a few shapes at the weekend – with more information on each here.
- Dwyers – Washington Street
- Clancy’s – Prince’s Street
- An Brog – Oliver Plunkett Street
- Crane Lane Theatre
- Reardens – Washington Street
5 of the best Cork cocktail bars
Looking for a catch-up with your pals or hoping to impress on a date? These cocktail bars are absolutely perfect for the occasion – read more about each here.
- Liberty Bar – South Main Street
- Sketch – Pembroke Street
- Aye – Anglesea Street
- Gaia – The Lough
- Cask – MacCurtain Street(our top pick)
Best of beer gardens in Cork city
With the summer months fast-approaching, Cork city is a great place to have a few pints while enjoying the sun.
There are loads of pubs scattered around with a few seats at the front which are great, but for this we have picked spots that have a bit of room rather than space for only a couple or two.
- The Courtyard on Sober Lane
- Tom Barry’s – Barrack Street
- Clancy’s – Prince’s Street(our top pick)
- Impala – Liberty Street
- Gaia – The Lough
- Franciscan Well bar and brewery – North Mall
- Fionnbarras – Douglas Street
- Conway’s Yard – Oliver Plunkett St
- The Shelbourne – MacCurtain Street
Sports bars
Hoping to watch a game in the city? Don’t worry, Cork is sports mad so they have dozens of places where you can watch sports, be it GAA, soccer, rugby, NFL or whatever else happens to be on.
Here’s a pick of some of our favourites.
- Clancy’s rooftop – Prince’s Street
- Conway’s Yard – Oliver Plunkett Street
- The Woolshed – Sheares Street
- Thomond Bar – Marlboro Street
- The Gallows Bar – The Lough
- The Courtyard on Sober Lane
The Irish Pub Guide 
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