If you find yourself in wonderful Cork, the Rebel County and home of Franciscan Well and if you’re on the hunt for a lovely little haunt for a pint, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
There are loads of amazing spots to visit, but we’ve chosen our fave pubs that are particularly cosy. Perfect for an auld festive catch up with friends or family.
If you and your mates are serious trad music lovers you have to visit this pub. A small, cosy setting across the river Lee, great pints and even better company. Sure, what more could you want?
This is one of those bars that’s great in every season, but when the weather outside is frightful, you’ll certainly find this bar cosy and delightful.
A hidden gem of a bar that’s nestled down Cork’s quirky Douglas Street, Fionnbarra has a delish selection of drinks, fine art work on the walls and amazing pub grub – happy days!
If you’re out with the whole gang and looking for somewhere just as cosy but with a little more space, this place is perfect.
Tucked away in the heart of The Victorian Quarter of Cork since 1895, you’ll find the Shelbourne Bar. With two cosy, private snugs (LOVE a good pub snug), you’ll be all aglow and in the festive spirit surrounded by the darkened wooden interior and glowing lights.
This bar also has many timeless photos and memorabilia, filling the walls and the iconic shop front style fitting to the rear of the pub.
Jaysis – we can feel the warmth of the fire already. Tom Barrys is a firm fave for Corkonians and we can see why.
This traditional and charming pub stands proudly on one of the city’s oldest streets and is steeped in family history since it was bought by the Dineen family in the 60s. With loads of nooks and crannies, it’s a spot that will intrigue and delight any visitors.
A few years back, they opened up a pizza kitchen and now serve up delish wood fired pizzas – who doesn’t love a daycent pizza and a pint? My favourite part is the small area at the bar called ‘Shyte Corner’ – we all know a few heads who could sit there!
According to Cork Heritage Pubs, this is one of the most popular pubs in Cork and it has a very diverse crowd. The Oval is still in its original condition and has an open fire and generally smells of a heady mixture of peat and pints – the real deal here.
Fun fact: apparently this place is haunted by a soldier in ragged uniform. But he’s grand and harmless.
With great music it’s a deadly way to spend an evening in Cork but as we said, it’s very popular so my advice is to get there early. Once you’ve experienced a night out in this renowned Indie pub, you won’t want to leave. Kinda like the ghost!
I’ve saved one of the oldest and last remaining traditional bars in Cork for last. Since opening in 1845, The Welcome Inn has been a go-to bar for locals and visitors, probably because of the warm welcome (they love an auld chinwag with all the customers) and the fact that the regulars like to put on a bit of entertainment. Allll over this!
With free live music every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights you’re night is complete. Although they don’t serve food here, it’s actually grand. As they say themselves “we prefer to concentrate on the quality of our pints!”. Can’t argue with that.
