A quick guide to Cork City’s best pubs

Cork City is one of Ireland’s best spots for pubs and banter. The Rebel County is full of energy and is home to some of Ireland’s greatest bars.

By Frank McCann

Here's our guide to the essential bars you simply must visit when in the People’s Republic:

Best for sports: Door 51 – Grand Parade

Still less than a year old, Door 51 has become the must-go spot for televised sport. With an amazing HD projector and several HD screens, this well spaced bar makes for the perfect atmosphere on those big matchdays.

Also try: Larry Tompkins, Rearden’s

Best for conversation: The Corner House – Coburg Street

The Corner House is the perfect spot to relax after a hard day at work. The bar-staff are friendly, the mood is mellow and the candlelight at each table provides the perfect ambiance for you to have a good yarn with your friends and colleagues.

Also try: The Oval, Fionnbarra

Best for music: Crane Lane – Phoenix Street

Crane Lane has become a prime spot for performances by emerging musical talent. An intimate venue, this bar provides and alternative to traditional bars and is very popular with music fans in Cork City.

Also try: The Pavilion, An Cruiscin Lan

Best for students: The Quad – Tuckey Street

When entering the Quad, you will know this is a student hangout. It’s quite dark and a little rough around the edges. However, it is an essential spot for students who are new to Cork, while many others will enjoy the live music held there on a regular basis.

Also Try: An Brog, Bob Fox’s

Best for cocktails: Long Island – Washington Street

If you like cocktails then Long Island is the place for you. They boast the largest cocktail menu in Cork City and the staff are very friendly. Your drink comes with a smile in Long Island and the prices are reasonable.  It is highly recommended.

Also try: Suas, Soho

Best brewery: The Franciscan Well – North Mall

If you like foreign beers and home-brewed lagers then the Franciscan Well is right down your street. With a wide selection of beers and a well-heated smoking area, the Well is a popular spot for people who like to try something different. Don’t expect your traditional pub. Expect something better.

Also try: BierHaus, Abbots Ale House

Best for value: An Brog – Oliver Plunkett Street

An Brog has become the “recession-beater” bar in Cork City. Pints are €3 until 10pm and the bar is located in the heart of the city. An excellent spot for Alternative and Indie music, An Brog is a popular spot for many people, and the cheap pints are a bonus!

Also try: The Pitz , Preacher’s