It’s one of the best city’s in Ireland when it comes to having a pint, Cork is filled with some of the nicest traditional pubs you’ll find anywhere, so much so that you are spoiled for choice.
But if you’re heading Leeside for a weekend or one night-out, you probably won’t be able to visit every single pub in the city, so you’re going to have to try and pick some of the best.
We have many recommendation on some of the best pubs, from where to get a pizza and a pint, some of the city’s beer gardens and even 40 top spots depending on what you’re looking for.
But often it’s the words of locals that mean most, and a post in Reddit Cork has given an indication of what locals themselves think about the city pub scene, and where you need to visit.
User BigSquav asked in early 2025: “Myself and my brother are sitting here over a pint having a discussion (HEATED argument) over what a top 5 best Cork City pubs list looks like.
“Can I get your guys’ input, what are your absolute thought out Top 5? Not best pint, not best atmosphere, just straight up Top 5 pubs?”
The top answer with the most upvotes was the following: Callanans, The Oval, Impala, Fionnbarras, Coughlans.
That was closely followed by another that had a few mutual choices: “Impala, fionbarra, coughlans, abbey tavern, Tom Barry’s.”
Between those two answers, we have information on those seven pubs that locals clearly feel are must-visits when heading to Cork. There are of course many other top pubs, and a lot of other suggestions in that Reddit thread here.
Callanans, George’s Quay
A tiny little pub on George’s Quay that is unique in many ways, family-run, this spot is a place to go to catch up with a pal or enjoy a meet-up with friends. There’s no loud music, no TVs, just people chatting and the natural sounds of an Irish pub.
They open from 8pm from Tuesday through until Saturday where you can get a fine pint, an authentic experience and meet some sound local people as well as visitors.
The Oval, South Main Street
Another beautifully traditional pub right in the heart of Cork city, built back in 1918, The Oval bar has been serving delicious pints for over 100 years now and given its popularity it will be doing so for many years to come.
Inside, The Oval maintains its original condition and its unique appearance – as well as great ambience, pints and friendly staff – is one of the key things that keeps bringing people back.
It’s a busy place on Friday and Saturday nights in particular with good music and a pleasant clientele for socialising.
Impala, Liberty Street
A completely different pub than the two we’ve just mentioned above, while they are beautiful traditional bars, Impala is a breath of fresh air in the city with modern vibes and a real trendy feel.
The cool aesthetic is added to with a really broad menu of pints while if you’re looking for cocktails, this is the place to go.
It’s a quality spot in the sun with benches outside that make it a great destination on a midweek evening to soak up the last rays of sun with a nice pint.
Fionbarra, Douglas Street
This is one of the city’s hidden gems and while it might not be the most centrally located, it still attracts a huge crowd with its reputation far reaching.
This place is a beer lovers dream with a huge selection of different drinks – we’re talking drinks from brewers you probably never heard of but will definitely want to try again.
The friendly staff, stunning heated beer garden and great atmosphere make this another top Cork pub that you need to visit.
Coughlans, Douglas Street
Coughlans bar is a much-loved city centre haunt that also happens to be one of the country’s best live music venues, a really great location for a drink with a group of friends.
It has a great beer garden if you’re heading here during the summer months and has an unrivalled gin selection if that’s what you’re hoping to find. Always busy with both locals and visitors so you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
Abbey Tavern, Gillabbey Street
Another traditional pub with a real old school feel in Cork city, with lots of locally brewed beers and a fine whiskey and gin selection, it’s a great place to visit as both a regular and a visitor.
Local musicians playing a few tunes adds hugely to the atmosphere in here and keeps people coming back for more.
Tom Barry’s, Barrack Street
Arguably Cork city’s best pizza and a pint destination, and a huge favourite of The Irish Pub guide, Tom Barry’s is a well-known institution in Cork city and attracts a big crowd no matter what the night or occasion.
They excel in craft beers, are dog-friendly and have a sun trap of a beer garden which makes it the perfect sunny evening destination. One of Cork’s finest pubs and well worth paying a visit.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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