Of all the many reasons to get yourself to the pub, heading to watch some sport is among the top excuses for meeting up and having a few pints.
And in Cork, there’s plenty of spots to go if you have a group and want to watch a game on a big screen or with a good view.
We’ve compiled this list with all major sports in mind, so we’ve factored in places that are good for soccer, GAA, rugby and any other events you’re hoping to catch on a big screen.
But have we missed any? Make sure to let us know in the comments below.
The Courtyard on Sober Lane
Just across the bridge from the South Mall, The Courtyard on Sober Lane is a great spot for a group looking to watch a big game, whatever the sport.
A lovely outdoor beer garden with a big screen makes it an ideal place to go on a sunny day for a few drinks, but regardless of the weather, they have multiple screens inside by the bar so you can watch the action no matter where you are sitting.
Sports wise, they show all the big action here so if it’s a big Premier League match or an All-Ireland semi-final, you’re likely to see it here.
The Woolshed Baa and Grill, Sheares Street
With 19 screens, this spot is unrivalled when it comes to international games and gives you a real sports bar feel that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere in Cork.
Australian themed, this spacious pub is great for all the mainstream sports like soccer, GAA, rugby, boxing and so on but also brings in a crowd for the kind of games you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
American sports like the NFL are broadcast here as well as more obscure football coverage like action from Serie A or the Bundesliga, even games from South America or the middle east are often shown here.
Add to that the tasty bar food on offer and you can’t really go wrong.
Rearden’s Bar, Washington Street
One of the most well-known night-out spots in the city and it’s a place where you’ll find plenty of people in to watch a big game with friends.
With televisions all over the place and a big screen, you’re guaranteed to have a good view of a game no matter where you’re situated.
Big games are shown here, like Premier League soccer, GAA, rugby and other big sporting occasions. It is a pub and night spot primarily though so don’t expect to hear the commentary of a match when there will likely be a band playing instead.
Dwyers pub, Washington Street
Another vibrant pub where you’ll get plenty atmosphere if you choose to head here to watch a match.
Again it’s a place for the mainstream sports with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United shown here with the commentary on and of course the other big sporting occasions like All-Ireland’s and Irish rugby games attract a crowd.
A wide range of drink options and a beautiful food menu make this an even more attractive option of you’re looking to make a day of it.
The Old Oak, Oliver Plunkett Street
Always a popular choice when it comes to sport, this old-fashioned pub has plenty of big screens scattered around and shows all of the big sporting occasions you’re likely to be looking for.
A nice bar food menu is a great addition if you’re in for an earlier match and they’ll play commentary of most matches once there isn’t a band or DJ playing at the time.
And that exact entertainment gives you the perfect reason to stay on a bit longer when your chosen match has finished up.
Costigans, Washington Street
A real local favourite, Costigans boasts a big screen at the front of the bar which is ideal for watching the action over a few pints with friends.
But it’s not the only TV in case you miss out on a prime seat, plus there’s the outdoor beer garden which offers the perfect venue for a match on a summer’s day.
Its classic wooden decor, comfortable seating and relaxed vibe makes it somewhere you can happily watch the sport but not be overwhelmed by the feeling you’re in a noisy dedicated sports bar if maybe not everyone is here solely to watch a game.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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