The 26 best spots for Guinness in Cork

Went here after a recommendation from a friend. Very chilled out and a great atmosphere. Reminds me of my favourite pub from years ago. The first night we were there, the music consisted of Joy Division, Nirvana and Pink Floyd. In my book it doesn't get better than that. Nice mix of people there too. I'd definitely go back, and you should too. Oh, and by the way, the staff are super friendly. Tell them I send ya! ;-)

Couldn’t have been more welcoming or more helpful. Feels like the evening even in daytime; Irish coffees and their own brewed stout served superbly. Absolutely memorable and magical. A perfect and peaceful Cork classic.

Used to be one of my regular spots – lovely vibe and great music. Shame I ran into the ghosting barman himself! Caught him red-handed juggling seven girlfriends and two wives. A proper circus. Was kindly asked to leave – seems these bars aren’t too fond of voices that know too much. Still, what a ride! Won’t be back though, haha.

A top tier pub down a ginnel in the city centre, well worth a visit. I was aware of the hype around this pub, and so decided to call in on a Saturday afternoon when I was out and about. Despite being a quieter part of the day, it was still lively and a great place to pop in for a pint. Top atmosphere, decor and barman. I'm sure it gets a lot rowdier at night and I'll hopefully make it back to see that for myself, but regardless, don't be afraid to stick your head in for a swift one or two if you're nearby during the day, you can't go wrong.

Beamish!! Bartenders did they best they could to keep up. Extremely busy even early in the afternoon Saturday. Not my type of place, was neat to explore though.

Probably our #1 favorite pub. So cozy! I LOVE the semi private spaces you can just grab in a corner. Just feels perfect for quiet conversation. Staff are excellent, friendly, and welcoming. The locals are a joy to mingle with. And don't miss the murals on the way in. They photograph very well.

Great little pub extended with clever use of the narrow lane, that has awesome artwork murals. Friendly staff and locals, managed to snag a Guinness and learnt about the more local stouts of Beamish and Murphy's too.

A historic pub in Cork, full of charm and character. We were lucky to visit on a night with live traditional Irish music — an authentic and lively experience, with great atmosphere and warm locals. A must-visit spot if you want to spend an evening truly immersed in the Irish spirit.

As lovely as all the other reviews say. Atmospheric friendly pub, packed to the rafter with people enjoying a pint and live music. Downstairs gets very crowded and hot but there's additional sitting upstairs. Highly recommended 👌

Brilliant. Wed been recommended this place so we could see some live Irish music. Very friendly and great atmosphere

So glad we stopped for a pint. Cool vibe and a good pour. We were a party of 9 with 3 kids and were able to find a little nook downstairs next to the bar. Thank you!

Went here to catch a trad session on a Sunday night. There was a mix of locals and tourists. Bar closed at 11 pm (lock the doors) then they kick people out at 11:30. Cute spot, but very crowded

A must if in Cork, a traditional Irish pub with live music. Great range of local beers, staff very friendly and professional. It’s a tiny pub and seating on some nights can be tricky. The interior is an mix of posters and notes stuck on the wall everywhere, great atmosphere.

Came in buzzing after reading all the great reviews…what a flop! The blonde guy behind the bar — young, ponytail, acting like he’s God’s gift to hospitality — clearly peaked the moment he learned how to pull a pint. Full of attitude, slagging off a customer, short-changed me, €12 for a Murphy’s? Thought it was a joke — sadly, so was the service. The whole bar crew looked like they’d just finished their first shift ever, and the ego-to-experience ratio was astronomical. Huge disappointment

One of my favorites in Cork! We spent a day here and I tried to hit up as many places with Beamish that I could fit! We did Fri & Sat night. (Dont be a dork like me and take a pic inside...I had to get a pic though!) This very sweet older man was sitting next to me. He spoke about his younger years playing rugby and harvesting barley for Beamish. He was a pleasure to chat with. I came back the second night but was too late. He was leaving just as I arrived and the lone barwoman was overwhelmed. Other favorites: The Raven was another quiet one, with nooks to disappear into. Thomond and Welcome Inn had the best music. P.s. Chat with the older guys if you love Ireland. They'll tell you about a country you'll never get to witness. " I'll remember you forever "

Absolutely loved this spot. The bartender, Juan, was not only incredibly skilled but also genuinely kind — made us feel right at home. The small, intimate atmosphere added to the charm, and the bar’s unique no phone and “please” policy was a refreshing touch. It encouraged real conversation and a bit of old-school courtesy you don’t often see anymore. Can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking for a more thoughtful, personal experience in the city. (Juan let me break the phone policy to take a photo. Not only did he say yes, but he joined us in the photo) Came alway from Alaska for this experience! Would recommend!

This is a must try place for a drink when visiting Cork. Set in the center in Oliver Plunkett street its like taking a step back in time. They have a strict NO PHONE policy which l loved as it stimulates conversation and a great atmosphere. The staff where friendly and the drinks tasty ... what more could you want.

Amazing atmosphere, friendly staff and nice pints ! Good whisky and gin selection.

Popped into The Hi-B on recommendation from Failte Ireland knowing the no phone policy. Stephen was great craic and a fantastic bar man. We stayed for almost 3 hours chatting with other pub goers hailing from Texas to Manchester. Great night and we’ll be coming back next time we visit Cork.

Lovely place but the older woman who works there was very rude. We were playing cards and drinking and she came over and said “this isn’t a cafe,” and was hassling us. We explained we had just bought drinks and were gonna do another round. She left but she came back again 5 mins later. Ruined the experience and we had just spent 20€ on drinks! To reply to the comment left by the owner. We had just spent €32 on drinks and were planning on spending more. As a bar that doesn’t want people on their phones, why are you arguing with a group of us playing cards?

Really loved this place! Quaint, bartender (Stephen) was super knowledge and friendly and professional. Felt very welcome. Would be back! My wife did say it smelled slightly when we walked in. I felt it just smelled old, but wasn't overbearing.

This is one of the pubs that my husband Paul wanted to try from his list when visiting Cork this weekend. Greeted by Mary behind the bar, very welcoming atmosphere and great conversation. Murphys was excellent which was one of the reasons for calling in. Thanks to Mary and Dennis for your hospitality.

Had a fantastic night out starting here, where a couple of regulars invited us to join them in the snug where we shared hilarious stories and ended up having quite the night on the town. Great pint of Guinness and lovely unexpected surprise entertainment!

Great little spot. Super pints of Guinness and Beamish. Open fire. Highly recommended.

This is the best bar in Cork City, the Guinness is brilliant. Mary is so friendly. We stayed 2 nights in the City and went in twice.

If you're looking for an authentic Irish pub you're in luck! Drinks were lovely and staff were great!

It's like stepping back into an old West Cork bar...slap bang in the City....open fire and the beer is excellent

A superb pint of Guiness ! It's fast becoming a regular spot for one or two - great for the chats. Very traditional. Don't expect much from the decor but it's definitely got a little charm about it. Especially when the fires going. The staff are fantastic too, very considerate 🙂 worth a visit.

One of the best pizza’s in Cork! Friendly service and very helpful staff! Amazing beer garden (most of it covered, so if it rains, don’t worry) And the beer… 🍺 it’s simply delicious (they do tasting paddles €10 for 4 small glasses), 2 onsite brews. Have non-alcoholic beer & cider.

Franciscan Well Brewery – absolute perfection in Cork! What a fantastic spot! The atmosphere was buzzing, the staff were friendly, and everything just hit the mark. The pizza was so good we couldn’t resist going back for seconds — crispy, flavorful, and fresh from the oven. The beers were top-notch too, perfectly brewed and full of character. It’s the kind of place you could happily spend an afternoon (or evening!) just soaking up the vibes. A must-visit in Cork! 🍕🍺

Great pizza. Good drinks. Cozy pub indoors and beer garten outdoors. Reasonable prices. Friendly staff. Their own brewery beers are tasty.

Fantastic service and very accommodating bar staff. Enjoyed both the freshly brewed ale and the Pompei pizza was delicious. Would certainly come again. Beautiful flower display too!

They don't serve food (there is a pizzeria for that) but they have a big selection of draught handcrafted beers. The staff is super friendly and they let us taste a couple of beers before choosing one. We had to restrain ourselves to not drink too much, but in other circumstances this place is worth a loooong visit to taste everything. The place itself was very nice with a lot of Halloween decorations and it shows how much love the owners put inside every detail of this pub.

This is one of the best places to have pizza and drinks. The pizzas are home baked on a real fire. They manufacture their own beer in addition to plenty of drinks choices. They also non alcoholic drinks available which is ideal for those who wish to enjoy but also drive. I would highly recommend a pizza and drink here.

We did the brewery tour, and our guide was great! The beers were some of the best we had in Ireland, and the story of the business is neat. The taproom has a great vibe, and if we lived nearby, we’d spend a lot of time here.

We enjoyed the whole vibe of this pub. Highly recommend if you're looking for a traditional Irish pub.

Really happy to discover this fab pub on a recent trip to Cork. We visited twice, and found every one very friendly and helpful and the pub had a great energy and atmosphere. Great live music on our return in the evening after a quieter day time drink. A true find for music lovers

Not sure if they serve food, but the beer was great! The service was amazing and very friendly. The atmosphere was fantastic! with live music! exactly what you’d expect from an Irish pub in Ireland. It’s now officially my go-to pub every time I visit Cork.

Really good atmosphere. Free traditional music on Thursday night. Clean restroom. Friendly staff.

I visited many different pubs in my short visit to Cork, but this was far and away my favourite. Felt at home there. Great live local music as well!

Went along for the trad session this evening supposedly from 6pm, hoping to play, but unfortunately it had been cancelled so no tunes fix for me. Not quite sure why- one or two other bemused musicians floating around. Nice enough pub otherwise though.

Went for a few hours for a session. Really cool pub, we liked the atmosphere. Prices were good for drinks.

Maybe we came too late on a Saturday. It was so busy and the entryway is a pinch-point. This place will give you all types of anxiety. We were recommended by a local...and I adore Beamish, so I had really hoped to try this location but our timing was off apparently. Also, a guy had a pee-pee outside around the corner by the construction fence. Kinda funny, far from the worst to happen in a city.

The Oval – pure magic in Cork! What an incredible pub. The moment you step inside, you can feel the history, charm, and warmth. It’s truly one of a kind — cozy, beautiful, and full of character. The atmosphere is something special, the drinks are fantastic, and the staff make you feel right at home. It honestly made me wish we had pubs like this back in Canada. Such a memorable experience — can’t wait to come back! 🍻

Old Rustic bar in South Main Street, the City Center of Cork. Across from the old Beamish and Crawford Brewary, there's a lot of history in the area. There's a younger crowd frequenting it now, and they have some seating outside. The staff are nice as is the atmosphere.

Great spot for a Beamish on the historical pub list. Cozy and friendly vibe.

Nice pub. Good music. Not the best beer selection. Used to have real candles on each table with wax spilling over the bottle they were in, now changed for fake candles. It's a pity, it was part of what made it a cosy pub.

Probably our second favorite pub to just sit and have some pints. It's so cozy and cute. The locals are super friendly and so are the staff. Great selection on tap. Apparently dog friendly as well.

We rocked into Cork for a day, wandering around we spotted The Oval off the plain main shopping strip. Oh what a relief to find this grungy indy gem. 😊 With a great relaxed vibe (each spot candlelit), plenty of beers on tap, including an alternative to Guinness (Beamish Irish stout) this is a great place to come and chat. A great place to start your Cork Heritage Pub Tour. Final tip: when going to the bathrooms upstairs later at night, be mindful of the spooks in their attic.

I always call to this rustic Irish Traditional bar when lm back in Ireland. The decor is rustic and beautiful, the staff friendly and efficient and the atmosphere is great. Many nights during the week, musicans will drop by with their instruments, and you might even be treated to traditional music session

This is an underrated bar in my opinion. It's somewhat of an institutionz and when it comes to an authentic Irish bar with a welcoming and authentic Irish Music session, you couldn't go wrong with the Spailpín. Situated in the heart of Cork City, the place (I think) takes it's name from the infamous Irish Poem "An Spailpín Fánach" (meaning the wandering labourer), a poem that describes the harshness of living as a roving labourer in 18th Century Ireland. There is a session that welcomes everyone once a week running in this bar downstairs and concerts (such as during the Cork Folk Festival) are held upstairs. There is a small stage and a deceptively good sound system upstairs for festival gigs. I like the lighting in this pub, it's a mix of candles and really old lamp shades. A regular haunt for sure and worth a visit if you haven't been.

The bar itself is nice and has a good atmosphere, but the experience with the staff was very disappointing. It was actually my first time going there after living in Cork for 9 years — and definitely the last. After we ordered and had only been sitting for about 10 minutes, they put a “reserved” sign on our table and told us we had to leave in 20 minutes. On top of that, another waiter made an unpleasant comment when he came to take our drinks, which made us feel even worse. There are plenty of bars just as nice, but with much better customer service. We won’t be coming back.

A great pub all through the years, heard its ur for sale which is a pity ,hopefully someone will take over and keep the same vibe and staff, they are great, very friendly

Such a good venue for comedy with a great lineup - really enjoyed the night, cozy setting and pints. Will definitely be back!

My wife and myself had a great evening in this pub.Great music.Drinks spot on and served by staff who took time to have a chat and all the time keeping everyone served.Mr Mc Cabe has great pubs with great staff.

Perfect spot for comedy and pints! Been here a few times now and the lineup has always been top class.

Popped into The Oliver Plunkett for a bit of lunch and really enjoyed it. We had the roast pork sandwich, which was packed with flavour and came with a nice bit of gravy on the side—proper comfort food. Also tried the spice bag, which had a great kick to it and was perfect for sharing. Had two lovely pints of Guinness to go with it all—poured just right and went down a treat. The place had a good buzz about it, friendly staff, and a nice laid-back vibe. Definitely somewhere we’d go back to next time we’re in Cork. Might even try a few more things off the menu!

We went on a weekday around 4pm, asked for a table for 4, was told there was a wait, we went to the bar and ordered 4 drinks with no problems, our table was ready in less than 5 minutes. Wait staff took our order in 5 minutes of sitting, no one came back over to our table for over 45 minutes to ask how we were doing, we had to go to the hostess' station and ask about our order... Then it finally came out a few minutes later, we asked for another drink order which came back in 5 minutes! Bar service is great, but the wait staff is young, they all hang at the hostess' station, very lacking in customer service... Almost forgot this, but we waited for another 45'ish minutes after getting our food/drinks and had to go again to the hostess' station and ask for our bill... Unfortunate, because the bar service and food were good!

Lively pub in the heart of Cork. We foolishly didn't make a reservation before arriving in Cork on a Saturday evening, but this place only had a 20 minute wait, so we got a pint at the bar while we waited for a table to open up. The service was friendly and notified us almost exactly when they'd quoted. We sat and they were prompt to take our order. Our food (Irish stew and a burger) came out quickly and were both quite tasty. The ambiance was lively and fun and we enjoyed our meals. We also decided to try the bread pudding and am glad we did because it was also tasty. Definitely recommend if you're in Cork for a night!

Fabulous food and great atmosphere. Tasteful quirky decorations make the place look interesting too. Had the Mac and cheese and traditional Irish stew.

I rather large group showed up unannounced and were welcomed with open arm. Our server was exceptional, she notified that us that the kitchen was closing soon so we were able to order our meals. I had the lamb stew and debated finding the chef that created this culinary masterpiece to give them a hug. 😘 The entertainment/band that night, May 3, was legendary! To say our group loved the singer and band would be an understatement, we completely adored them!!!

The smoked salmon was presented well and the chicken sliders weren’t half bad either. Great atmosphere but the chairs and tables were a little uncomfortable especially for my tall party.

After going for a tour around Cork City we stopped at The Oliver Plunkett, very welcoming staff and great service. We both had the sandwiches which were amazing and very filling. We then came back that evening to see the live music and both performances that evening were brilliant. The atmosphere from all the staff, locals and visitors were amazing and the staff were very friendly all night and looked after everyone. I would definitely stop by again the next time I'm in Cork City!

Had the Frida pizza and was very underwhelmed to be honest. Was falling all apart and toppings not dough weren't good enough. When I sat in the beer garden the chimney from the wood fire oven was blowing out black pieces that kept falling on our clothes and table and all the stuff, came home with one dirty white shirt just from sitting out

Attended this venue with a large group of friends. The venue was warm and welcoming. Had a large selection of seat available for all to sit comfortably. There is a pizza oven outside where you can order a pizza to accompany your drinks. However, if you are seated outside be aware of the possibility of soot falling as it may ruin your clothing. All in all great venue with a great atmosphere!!

Good place for a drink, tried pizza there. Below average, too much suga, 2 leaves of basil???

The pizza and a pint for €17 is so good

Tom Barry's is a brilliant traditional type pub on the South side of Cork with the perfect mix of both indoor and outdoor spaces. The staff are super friendly and they encourage a great atmosphere with trad music and chats, its always a great night here! They serve a beautiful pint of the Guinness as well as other popular local and not so local beers to carter to everyone! 27-July-2025 Update: My wife and I called in as we were nearby and said its been a minute since we were here. The bar hasn't changed much if at all and the staff as as friendly as ever! I got one of the local Cork beers Original 7 Larger and my wife got a Murphy's stout and we took in the fine weather out the back in the beer garden. Food: The pizzas here are delicious! I highly recommend stopping by for a pizza and mach use of the pizza and a pint deal! We got a spicey salami pizza and a garlic and tomato sauce pizza while we were here. Both were amazing and we were surprised by the garlic pizza as we didn't realise it didn't have cheese but it was perfectly delicious! Old Review: There is loads of space to choose from be it the small bar at the front, the back room by the fire, the side bar by the beer garden and last but not least, the fantastic beer garden out the back! Any area you choose will be great! It can be very busy at weekends but come here early or mid week if you are looking for something a little quieter! Over the years I've spent many a Friday or Saturday evening catching up with friends and its always been a great location! The beer garden is my favourite spot in this bar and they have their own pizza kitchen in the back garden as well. Definitely check out Tom Barry's, you won't be disappointed!

If you’re in Cork, you must not miss Tom Barry’s for it’s one of the amazing pizza places in town! Situated just a few steps away from the centre, it’s one of the oldest pubs and beer gardens that serves super authentic Italian pizzas. The outdoor seating area is ideal for summers. The food is super delicious and their perfect thin crust pizzas have an amazing texture. Our personal favourite pizza is FRIDA with its mixture of ham, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and rockets. . PS: Do check their meal deals and offers to save some bucks.

Came in for food and drinks with a group of friends who are all 19 and 20 years old at 8pm on a quiet Tuesday night.We ordered the pizza and pint deal.Bar staff (two blonde girls) were shockingly rude, they laughed in our faces and said that they were over 20s and suggested we try a “fizzy drink” instead. Then they charged us for miwadi , safe to say we will not be returning or recommending Tom Barry’s to anyone soon.

Friendly spot. Nice to sit outside on a sunny day. Reason for only 4 stars rather than 5 is at times the stout served was inconsistent- some pints were great whereas others were decidedly average.

Great place to taste different wiskey and beer. There are tasting options.

SUM GAI OUR CIAN…. we felt so at home. Form start to finish our Cian had all the top recommendations on cocktails, whiskey so we could enjoy our night. He went above and beyond to make our experience at the Shelbourne so special.

My cousin took us there for the “tres amigos” dark beer tasting. I guessed them all wrong! lol. Place is cool. Server was very knowledgeable.

Sum Gai looked after us and made us feel right at home while pulling out all the stops!

A friend and I, were down in Cork for a Sunday Pub Crawl. It was our first time visiting Cork and we had a grand time at the Shelbourne. Cian and Brendan were lovely, and went out of their way to be hospitable and kind to us as first time visitors. Cian was kind enough to make us a list of places to 'crawl' across, most of which we visited on our trip! Both of them answered several questions and were really amazing. Highly recommend this place whether you want to relax or have some lovely conversations.

Super friendly staff who gave me a really good recommendation for gin. They also made a superb Old Fashioned for my husband & took the time to chat about the particular whiskey they had chosen. Would definitely return.

Good pint and large whisky 🥃 selection. Nice spot for a party 🎉

I love this Pub. We spent there three evenings in a week when we where in cork. Lovely people and good service. The ambient is also top. Live music was very good. We will see us again in August.

I wish you could leave reviews without rating sometimes. So much depends on the night you show up. We were there last Saturday night and it was spilling over with loud, arguably rude youth. (20ish-year olds) I got a half pint of Beamish and tried to get out as quickly as possible. Maybe another night I'd of liked the place. It vibed bad intentions, like high school angst. I don't know a better way to explain it. I'm more into chill/older crowd. Cute pub though. Servers were quick.

This place it’s really nice and the pints was great. The atmosphere inside it’s cool

It's a good pub with a nice atmosphere. The live musicians are very loud but that's the same everywhere these days. Drinks prices are odd. I bought a Cronins cider twice and was charged €7.80 the first time and €7.10 the second.

Didn't have food so can't say. Drink fine service was good, starting to fill up when we left. Be back.

Wonderful staff who compliment the welcoming and fun atmosphere in this bar. Music was excellent and of course the drinks were super 👌👌👌

Food was delicious. Drinks were good quality and they had an interesting and varied selection to choose from. We did ring ahead to ask what time the early bird finished and was told it was on the whole night but on arrival the next day we were told we were too late for it, however it could have been that the downstairs bar was who we were on to and so they may not have known. The staff were very friendly, nice people and e atmosphere was lovely. It was not too loud but still maintained a nice buzz. The setting, location and layout of the restaurant was beautiful :)

Very tasty food! The food here was really great quality and so were the drinks! One tiny bit of criticism (or advice...) - the waiter, though really friendly and welcoming, didn't seem to know much about the menu items (which he apologised for). I understand that it's a very new menu though and there may be new staff, but it's good to make sure the staff know the menu well. I'd still highly recommend to anyone visiting Cork!

I recently dined at Electric in Cork City Centre, and it was an outstanding experience. The ambiance was amazing, setting the stage for a memorable evening. The highlight of my visit was Jordan, the talented bartender, and his signature cocktail. It featured a unique blend of lemon curd and physalis (Groundcherry) flavors. The taste was unlike anything I've ever experienced – a delightful mix of sweet and tangy notes. If you visit Electric, ask for Jordan and his special lemon curd and physalis cocktail. You won't be disappointed. It's a unique and delightful addition to your dining experience.

Went to the Electric for Dinner on a Tuesday, lovely people working there, very good service and on top of all: sincerely the best mussels I‘ve ever had <3 topped with warm roasted ciabatta - a dish to die for! View from the fish bar is amazing. And if it couldn’t get any better: absolutely reasonably priced!

Didn't know when walked in that they were only serving brunch. No one acknowledged us and had no idea the restaurant was upstairs. It wasn't busy and the bartenders could have looked at us to tell us but I eventually figured it out. Our waitress was very nice. I ordered a salad and glass of wine. It was okay but you need to love chickpeas. Hubby had a burger and beer and said "ehh". Very expensive for "ehh" food.

Very nice place for a beer and relax. stuff is amazing, beer is great. Can't imagine of a better afternoon for relaxing and enjoying sun

Convenient location, great place for drinking and food it was great but less option if you wanna have really big dinner.

Had a meal here just before heading back to the airport to fly home to England and it didn’t disappoint! Delicious food and authentic Irish atmosphere (even got to hear some live music). Loved it!

Epic Irish bar! Sunday sesh local triad Irish music! Such a cool old Irish traditional bar! Amazing seafood chowder too!

Unexpectedly great food for a pub. We were very pleased. We ordered crab cakes, fish chowder and battered prawn and chips. Good quality ingredients, generous portions. Enjoyed a pint of Murphys. Would we return? Sure!

Have been here for breakfast & night out. The food was very tasty,i had a mini breakfast. I was meeting up with friends & there was no pressure to leave,we were there for 2hrs at least. Staff were really nice. On a night out in here,it was really busy,the atmosphere was great,really enjoyed my night,no music blaring like a lot of pubs at weekends.

Had breakfast here as part of a group - fast attentive service and tasty food - had not been in here for decades but it's a nice " nooky" bar with an outside covered area Everything is well appointed ,staffed ,and managed One of our very efficient servers was a young guy with Downs Syndrome which I was delighted to see - Well Done South County

Honestly one of the worst experiences I've ever had in a pub, having worked in pubs for nearly 15 years I understand you can get busy but at least acknowledge the customer. 10 mins to even get served, paid for the pint and waited over 10 mins to watch a half poured pint sit there so I left. I'm sure this establishment is fantastic but on this occasion this wasn't a good experience.

Booked in to the South County for the first time since re-opening. Online booking system made it simple to secure a table and we were sat outside of course. The beer garden is newly refurbished, it's bright and spacious. The weather was fantastic but they have temporary gazebos covering the area in case you're not so lucky on other days. The food was excellent as always and the pints were every bit as good (very welcome after nearly 6 months without them). My girlfriend had an aperol spritz which was their cocktail special for the day. We were well looked after by the staff who checked in regularly and were very attentive. Still my favourite pub in Douglas! All the best to the owners and staff with the re-opening. Will definitely be back.

Nothing but the best. We had a post christening event at Sober lane and everything was just perfect. We had a party of 25 people and were able to reserve a private area where it just felt like an intimate celebration. All the food came out on time and was all delicious. The staff kept checking upon us and making sure everything was running smooth, thank you so much everyone for making such an event so memorable and easy.

We stumbled across this place and are delighted! They have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers, ciders, and cocktails. They serve pub fare, including vegetarian and vegan options. We enjoyed the atmosphere very much.

Great spot in Cork! A typical Irish pub where you can enjoy a good meal or a pint while watching a rugby match on TV. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, with friendly staff and a fun local vibe. I had the chance to try Murphy’s, the famous stout brewed right here in Cork — a must! Definitely worth a visit if you want to experience real Irish pub culture. 🍻

Called in on Thursday evening for food and had the best sandwiches we've ever had. We both had the special (think it was called the Sopranos) and chips/fries as well. The picture don't do it justice,

A wonderful place with delicious food, a pleasant atmosphere, and excellent service! We stumbled upon it by chance, but it turned out to be an amazing experience — and now we’re regulars. The wings are simply divine! As is the toffee pudding.

The Bang Bang Cauliflower was pretty good (wish it had less of the mayo based sauce and more of the red sauce) but the Sticky Toffee Pudding was PERFECT.

Grainne was an absolute star and made mine and my husband’s dinner date a smashing hit! We will be back for the great food and lovely lovely atmosphere ❤️

Nice local pub with very good traditional food, smiling service and many locals just having a pint

Lovely traditional spot in Cork City! The chowder is one of the best I have ever had. A bit chunky but lovely! Unfortunately those from anti-immigrant/ gay, etc... groups seem to be targeting the bar negatively!

Great spot in Cork for lunch, best sandwiches with traditional thick cut bread, generously filled. Pints are top too. Absolute legend. Recommend

I've been going to the Long Valley for years, both for the poetry events upstairs, and during the daytime for sandwiches and a pint. The bar staff are friendly, the sandwiches are famously excellent. There's a warm welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of beers. Ignore the handful of recent reviews by agitators from the far-right rally.

There seems to be a lot of reviews on here that do not reflect the long valley and their incredible team. So here's a review from someone who has been there on more than a few occasions. The Long Valley is a great pub. The staff are quick and attentive. The pints are top class. The atmosphere, especially when a match is on, is great. And their toasties and chips can cure any hangover. If you are looking for a wonderful chill spot for a pint and a toastie on a Saturday at lunch, you'd struggle to find a nicer spot.

Excellent pub located in the city centre just off Patrick St and Oliver Plunkett Street. Staff are amazing. Excellent service always smiling. Doorman was friendly as well. Couldn't fault them and recommend a visit if your looking for a nice spot for a quick bite and a pint. Will 100% be going back!

great stout in there! fair prices too, and one of the loveliest snugs in cork!

Lovely bar in Cork serving Beamish, Murphy's and Guinness and other drinks. Very relaxed, very good value

I used to drink here many years ago, back then it was just as busy as it is today ,with one difference. Back then the place was spotless. polished bar top surgically clean toilets and carpet throughout you could eat off. Today the carpets are filthy ,the toilets disgusting smelling of stale pee.. the whole place is shabby and run down.. What a shame...

Great little pub on Macurtain St. Note: it is rather small and I’ve seen it overflowing on certain days. Just popped in for an impromptu evening pint on a weekday and there was ample seating available at the bar and tables. I didn’t actually know that they served food, but I see some pics in the reviews. The pint was great. I dig the true Irish pub feel and I noticed a decent whiskey selection, especially the full line up of the Spot whiskies including the Gold. Would definitely return.

Introduced a friend to Dan Lowreys Bar,they never knew it was there & passed it over the years.Jammers on a Saturday evening,I eventually got to experience the back of the bar (only saw photos of it before).Beautiful old Cork pub.We both loved it & will be back again more often.

Great pints and lovely cosy seating!

I love visiting this bar when I'm in Cork. One of the best pints of Guinness in the city, it's a classic Irish pub. Great atmosphere and good place to unwind after work and have a chat

Great little place to grab a pint. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful.

Despite me living quite a distance from the city and it taking quite a while to get in each time. I can wholeheartedly say that this pub is my local haunt. Great beers, great atmosphere, cracking conversation and great staff. Highly recommend giving it a visit for a taste of the alternative side of cork pubs.

During our recent visit to Cork, we were fortunate enough to stumble upon The Abbot's Ale House, and it quickly became the highlight of our trip! From the moment we walked in, we were struck by the incredibly warm and welcoming atmosphere of the pub. It’s the kind of place where the staff genuinely care about making you feel at home. To begin with, we were especially touched by the musicians, The D's, who were performing that evening. In a wonderful display of hospitality, they actually paused their performance to greet us personally and make us feel welcome—something you don’t experience every day! It’s these little gestures that really set this pub apart and made us feel like we were part of the family. The owner of the pub was equally generous, going out of his way to ensure our comfort. In fact, when we couldn’t find a seat, he offered us his own chair, an act of kindness that made us feel truly valued as guests. It’s rare to encounter such genuine hospitality, and it made our experience even more special. As for the selection of drinks, they offer a fantastic variety of beers that caters to all tastes. Whether you're a fan of local craft brews or international favorites, you'll find something to enjoy here. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with beautiful, thoughtful decoration that creates a relaxed, yet vibrant space. The pub's interior has a charm that makes it feel both timeless and contemporary, offering a perfect setting for a quiet drink or a lively night out. A final mention must go to the barman, who made our visit even more memorable. Not only was he of incredible advice on the nightlife in the city, but his sense of humor and hugging skills made him the best bartender we encountered in Cork. A true testament to the pub's friendly vibe, he helped make our time at The Abbot’s unforgettable. Overall, The Abbot's Ale House is a must-visit for anyone in Cork looking for great beer, warm hospitality, and a cozy space to relax and enjoy the local culture. We can’t recommend it enough!

Best pub in town! Great beers, good price, delicious snacks and amazing atmosphere. I will come back next time in Cork indeed. Highly recommend.

Was down in Cork on a job and staying in a hotel next to the Abbot.. Great place, lovely staff. Big shout to the owner and his pal. Can't remember your names. Will definitely be back! Best pub in the City 😎💯

I was greeted at the door they were very respectful, nice Great crowd. The service was absolutely fantastic and the beer is amazing. If you want a proper logger go here Special thanks to Travis for the invitation. Ill definitely be going back asap thanks again guys

First off, a little context, I'm an American-Irish dual citizen (mother and family born & raised in Dublin/Kildare). Secondly, have been living in Cork for 9 years trying hundreds of pubs and have never had this bad of an experience. I was having a nice chat with an Irish Farmer, talking about agriculture, beef price increases, etc etc. and the owner pointed at a sign on the wall (which appears to be written by a child) and said "No talking politics". I replied, "since when is agriculture and economy politics". So off on the wrong foot from the get go. Afterwards, there was a gap of 2 seats between myself and the Irish local and when some tourists walked into the gap to order, the owner said, "Shh, be quiet, they're ordering". The Irishman closed the gap by sitting next to me and we continued our farm-like banter to the dismay of- again, the owner. Later on, a Finnish friend of mine and I were talking military subjects, and I mentioned my previous military training back in the states, which includes mock battles in the desert, gun range target practice, and receiving gun certifications. The Russian owner then absolutely lost the plot and got a fingers length away from my face and said aggressively "Don't lie, don't lie, I served in the Russian armed forces and worked for Interpol" to which I replied "They didn't teach you to listen did they, I said trained with military guys and have some firearm training and certifications, never said I served, that's called stolen valour and is a felony". Even the Irish farmer was fed up and left the pub. The owner also closed the pub at 10:00pm (which is illegal) due to a yellow status thunderstorm which amounted to a little drizzle for 2 hours. In summary, you can find these unique beers at several other pubs in Cork city, (like the Bierhaus) and not have to experience the abuse , suppression of free speech, illegal closing times, and boring atmosphere of the most overrated pub in Cork city. Is this a pub or The Gulag?

2023 Update: this is still the best beer spot in Cork. 🍻 Original post: If you like beer, and are looking for a change from the Irish stouts and Coors Light served in every pub, then you MUST visit Abbot’s Ale House. I lived in Cork for a year before we discovered it, and I feel like a year has been wasted. This is now my favorite bar in Cork. Why? The rotating beer list, the variety of can offerings, the fact that it is also a full bar, the vibe, the quaintness of it, the music, the people, the friendly owner. It checks every box for me. Even the box for Imperial Stout Slushy! The only down side is the hours of operation which are limited. Again, if you like beer, then go.

Not the best price, €3.8 for a 1/2 magners cider. Here for a football match only. Nice decor tho.

Very cool pub

Always crowded. Traditional Irish. Street seating is gauche. Traditional music on weekends, get there early to get a seat.

Multiple staff members told us we couldn't stay at a table if all we had was water, despite a few of us having pints. Nice evening up until then. Won't bother coming back

Jim Cashmans is a beautiful pub, situated in the heart of Cork City. There's always a pleasant atmosphere, great service, great pints always served with a smile.

Proper Irish Pub with plenty of Art inside. Where people still talk to eachother, instead of hanging down the heads to the phones.

I might only be giving this pub 3 stars, but it is probably worth a little more than that. I called in twice while I was in Cork, mainly because the outside gives the impression of a proper old style pub, and it doesn't deceive! It is great to see this style of pub still in existence so close to a large city centre. It is very basic inside, but comfortable, and has a number of TV's for watching sport etc. I had a few pints of Murphy's which were delicious, but there was also a reasonable selection of other drinks. Toilets were spotless, as was the place in general. The only thing it was missing, was an atmosphere. Maybe it was coincidental that when I called, there were only 2 or 3 people in it, and even at that, there was no conversations going on. From an asthetic perspective, it has a lot going for iteself, but it needs to build its atmosphere. I hope to be in Cork again soon, and will call in maybe on a weekend night, and can review again if it is different.

Great little spot. Perfect for that end of day beverage and local company. Enjoyed the pizza from the truck outside but enjoyed the company much more!

Gorgeous little pub with a lovely pizza van outside, great music last night and very family friendly, great sea views too

Brilliant pub deep in the heart of Cork. Bar owner was really friendly and helpful. We will return...

Best pint of Guinness in Ireland. So much creamier than the likes of the Gravediggers and Bowe’s etc. Very welcoming people and staff. Must visit!

We had a lovely day here sitting outside in the sun being entertained by an excellent band called Serengethi Long Walk. Brilliant fun atmosphere and excellent staff.

Friendly family pub, great atmosphere.

Unfortunately the pizza truck ran out of food/ pizza dough. So we just had a drink and left. It seemed like a lively spot

Cool venue, solid music. But there’s something theatrical behind the bar, like everyone’s playing a part. Great place if you enjoy performances with your pint.

My friends and I were seated at a reserved table inside. A friend who had just arrived called me because there was a long queue outside. I approached the security guard (with my limited English) to ask if my friend still needed to wait in line even though we had a reservation. The guard immediately shouted in my face without even listening: “You stay inside or you go outside, you can’t be in the middle!” When I tried to calmly explain again, thinking he might have confused me with someone else, he grabbed my arm very strongly twice, shook me, and forcefully pushed me outside through the entrance area. There are two or three small steps at the door, and although I managed to keep my balance, I could easily have tripped and fallen. Because of this violent movement — combined with my existing nerve condition — I ended up with intense pain in my leg that I am still dealing with. It may sound unnecessary to mention, but I cannot drink alcohol because I take medication for a chronic nervous condition. The guard’s violent behaviour was therefore completely unjustified and unacceptable. He left me outside without my jacket and my bag. No one has the right to touch me without my consent, and certainly not a man in his position. My husband, who was still inside, collected my belongings and came out to me. He politely asked the guard what had happened. The guard then threatened him and spoke aggressively, even implying that he could hit him. Two of his colleagues (a blonde woman and another man) supported his actions instead of stopping him. I have photos and videos clearly showing the guard involved, as well as the aggression that took place. I tried to take a picture of his ID, but his colleagues blocked me so I couldn’t do it. I have also filed an official report with An Garda. The pub has cameras outside, so this incident should be on record. I cannot recommend this place while such violent and threatening behaviour is tolerated and nothing is done about it.

One of our friends, the only black member of our group, wasn't allowed in because she was 'too drunk'. She wasn't.. it was 9pm and we had just come from dinner. When I noticed she wasn't with us, I went to find her (she had been trying to call us but we didn't hear our phones) and she told me the bouncer wouldn't let her in to tell us. She was apparently too drunk to enter the pub but not to isolate from her friends. When I looked over at the bouncer, he had a smirk on his face.. and we knew he would have loved the opportunity to escalate it if we argued. All five of us (women in our 30s and 40s) have worked in pubs over the years and we know this type of dude... The type who enjoys his job because he gets to exercise power and discriminate. I got my friends and we left. I'm from Cork and my friends were visiting with me. I'm so embarrassed they experienced this in my city, and my friend, so used to experiencing racism her whole life, was subjected to it in Cork. I've read the other reviews and this appears to be an issue that no one is addressing at these venues.

Was walking in but a bouncer who was smoking not even at the door called after me and my boyfriend. He then pointed to all of me and said I wasn’t dressed well enough. The establishment itself seemed pretty empty as well. Wouldn’t waste my time here!

Great spot, door staff friendly. Band comes on at 12 and they were REALLY GOOD. ‘Two time Polka’ have a DJ in one section, live music out back. Really good experience after a gig in the marquee.

Really nice place with lots going on. A few different settings so enough going on for everyone. Mixed age group as well which is great

Errrrr this was a theatre? Went here for later night drinks on a Tuesday, people at the bar were really chill, those I met were super cool, and one of the few places open late (after 12:30). Good times!

It's just sad what's happened to this bar. It used to be a great drinking spot. It's just died. Miserable atmosphere in the place compared to even 6 months ago. Best avoided.

Perfect almost in every way except on 1 type of vodka ,smirnoff had to leave because my missus prefers a better choice

Atmospheric little bar with brilliant rock music juke box and interesting rock related decor on walls. Brilliant atmosphere at weekends. Super friendly bar staff. Best pub we've been in for years. Excellent pint of Guiness!

Lively Irish pub. Good drinks & atmosphere. Great location for a stop off during the day or night out

Good place for a pint. Nice atmosphere and friendly barman. When I went there, it was 9 PM, a Wednesday and the bar was really empty. Maybe 3 or 4 clients. Got served immediately. Recommended.

Super cozy, traditional irish pub with all originality. So sincere and people are very nice as well. You can also watch football matches or enjoy listening music while drinking your lovely beer and having a good craic!

Super cozy pub that makes you feel like you are in the 1800s. Fireplace surrounded by cushy benches and a man in the corner singing ancient Irish songs. The bar staff is also attentive and friendly. Love this place!

Amazing little pub in Cork. Was recommended by a work colleague and had to try it out. Serves the best pint of Beamish in Cork! Rob the barman very friendly and welcoming. A must visit if in Cork.

Callanan's Bar has to one of the best Murphy's and Beamish pubs in all of Cork City, if not the entire county. A couple of friends and I were walking along George's Quay one Friday evening in January of 2024 and as we passed we decided to pop in. There was a traditional music session happening that night so we only had standing room at the bar counter. You can soak up the atmosphere of this bar from anywhere inside and we had a wonderful evening with our friends in Callanan's! The Staff: The staff are very friendly here and the service is very quick. They like a bit of chat too and are a wealth of information if you get talking to them when its quiet. Layout: The layout of the bar is pretty simplistic. There is esentially just one main room with a little snug at the front on the right as you enter. There is a little room at the back of the bar however, it is very small and only has a few tables and chairs. The bar counter is located in the main room at the right hand side and the seating along with tables are mainly along left hand side of the room. The snug like all other snugs can only take 4 or 5 people but if you are lucky to get into it not only will you have your own seperate access to the bar but its probably the best place to sit in the bar in general. Decor: Callanan's is another one of Cork's old timey bars and it is decorated in such fashion too. The walls are lined with timber panelling and there are a couple of pictures dotted along the walls however, the decorating is kepth mostly plain and simple. There are no tvs in this bar which is nice as this bar is where people come for conversation and a few sociables! Pop Up Gaeltacht: I came here once in my college days as a few friends were Irish speakers and they had heard about the Pop Up Gaeltacht that was taking in Callanan's that particular night. It was a brilliant experience to talk and share stories with people who ranged from basic conversation to a fluent grasp of the Irish language and ever since then I have wanted to come back. I asked the bar man when I visited a few weeks ago if the Pop Up Gaeltacht was still going and sure enough it was being held that very night in another pub in Cork city. If you are interested check out PopUpGaeltacht on Instagram or Facebook. Location: Its located on the corner of Mary St. and George's Quay oppiste Parliament Bridge. Overall Opinion: I highly recommend stopping by Callanan's Bar for a pint of Murphy's and Beamish and the pints were flowing the night we were here. If Guinness is more your thing, they have bottles of Guinness that you can order. Apparently a warm bottle of Guinness is a thing so I must give it a try. I would give Callanan's Bar 8.5 out of 10!

Assuming pints fall under the "food" category, then there is no better. If you're lucky enough to get a seat in this place, then you're set for the night! Can't top it.

Friendly staff. Friendly crowd. Great whiskey selection. Great stour. A real traditional Irish pub. You could be in any village or town in Cork when you step in there.

Always a great atmosphere in here and it's one of the best value pint of Beamish in Cork.

The best Beamish we tried all weekend in Cork.

giving this place 5 stars feels right and wrong. right because it’s a great place for a drink - wrong because i don’t want other people going and making it busy

The bar staff are rude also the manager! Very bad place where they like to dictate as much as they can and at random refuse entry to who they feel! The place is a shithole yet they thing they are running berghain avoid it horrible place with horrible staff!

Super place for a match, a chat, a laugh and one of the best pints of guinness in Cork! Great staff too!!

"lovely city central bar, very dark from the outside but once your inside the bar is brightful with character "Staff are friendly"

Best pub in cork city. Brian Goulding let me put my contact lenses in no bother.

Nice friendly bar, nice timber effect and real coal fire, not over packed

Great spot for a few pints with friends.

Beautiful pints by the fire on a winters afternoon. The staff are brilliant, good whiskey selection too. The TVs were showing some games too. Great cosy bar.

Great bar, friendly staff good music well worth a visit

Lovely local in owner very friendly. Good pint

Great pub, friendly staff and good music at weekends

Great craic, friendly bar

good place, good people)

Great welcome, friendly staff

Great craic and music

Lovely staff, great country pub. Good beer

Friendly staff Darren is a great man for pulling a pint

Great service and very friendly pub.

Lovely staff, great company n surroundings, credit to.owner

Very friendly, staff excellent, nice atmosphere.

Just out the back place just ok

Great pub