The summer months are approaching and beer garden weather is just around the corner, if the weather complies.
Luckily if you’re living in Cork city, when the sun does shine, there is a mountain of pubs with great outdoor areas to grab a cold pint or sip on a glass of wine.
We’ve selected nine of the best in and around the city area with a mix of vibes so that at least one should tickle your fancy.
Of course, if there’s any we’ve omitted, please feel free to leave a comment and let us and readers know.
The Courtyard on Sober Lane
A really lovely pub and outdoor space alongside the River Lee, The Courtyard is a complete sun trap when the weather is good and is hard beaten for a few pints in such conditions.
There’s plenty of seating in the courtyard area, they have big screens for sport, plenty of drink options and they do good pub grub too, so they have it all really.
The picture below says all you need to know about what to expect when the sun shines.
Tom Barry’s – Barrack Street
Another local pub just north of the River Lee where they happen to have a sun trap beer garden which is thronged on a nice summer’s day.
Tom Barry’s is famous for its lovely pizza and there’s few better settings to enjoy it than in their outdoor area while having a crisp pint.
Clancy’s – Princes Street
Clancy’s up the stakes considerably here with their rooftop cocktail bar known as ‘The Sky Bar’, somewhat newer to the city than many others on this list, but now a well-established go to spot for many.
Enjoy DJs and live music later in the day – with Cork city skyline views and plenty of sun if you’re perched up in this buzzing rooftop.
Impala – Liberty Street
This vibey cocktail bar has a lovely little outdoor area outside their front with plenty of benches which could easily seat a big group of six or more.
This trendy spot is generally very busy with a vibrant crowd, they excel in cocktails and craft beers – best enjoyed while sitting outside on a nice day.
Gaia – The Lough
Down close to UCC and very popular amongst the student population, Gaia has a stunning outdoor area that always attracts a big crowd on a nice day.
Seated at wooden benches, surrounded by greenery and sipping on your favourite cocktail, this is the perfect place for a few summer drinks.
Franciscan Well bar and brewery – North Mall
Craft beer lovers assemble, the Fran Well bar and brewery is a top option for a pizza and a pint and it can be enjoyed in the pleasant surrounds of their outdoor beer garden.
Traditional music, storytelling, a cool brewery interior and tours are all to be found here alongside the cocktail bar, craft drink menu and woodfired pizza.
Fionbarras – Douglas Street
We are going to suggest this is a hidden gem as if you’re not from Cork, you might not know it’s there, but thankfully we’re here to tell you it is, and that you should pay it a visit.
With a large outdoor beer garden, which is very nicely heated when a bit chiller, this is a great place for a few drinks with pals.
Large selection of drinks, plenty of space in the beer garden and decent food to go with it, what’s not to like?
Conway’s Yard – Oliver Plunkett Street
Conway’s Yard has fast become one of the main night-out options in Cork city with its tropical themed bar and seating.
Opening from 3pm at the weekend, the courtyard can be a real sun trap and is definitely a great place to head if you’re with a big group of friends and out for the day and night.
Live music and a fine food menu add to this social hub.
The Shelbourne – MacCurtain Street
A great pub situated up on MacCurtain Street, The Shelbourne bar is a classic, traditional style pub that prides itself on its whiskey offering.
Just outside the front there is also a nice seating area to enjoy a few drinks on a sunny day – not as big as some of the others on the list but well worth a mention.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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