On the Old Man Pub Trail in Cork
Five Cork Pubs for a Scoop
Is there anything more pleasurable than a pint of plain while sat in an old man pub, paper in hand, a sleeping dog at your feet? OK, so we can’t provide the paper (or the dog), but we can reveal Cork’s most old school pubs – just remember it’s all about the Beamish down here.
Here is five to try (maybe not all in the one night!):
Hi-B Pub
Small, and slightly shabby, this first-floor pub can be somewhat daunting for first-timers, but the quality of the pints, and the wit of the regulars, makes it worth the effort. The décor is well, eclectic: thick red carpets, low ceilings and a long wooden bar set the mood, as do the parade of locals who descend on this place nightly. Not the venue to start ordering cocktails in; get a pint of Beamish and settle into one of the comfy corners.
Address: 108 Oliver Plunkett Street
Tom Barry’s
There’s no better place to be on a bitter winters’ night than the cosy confines of Tom Barry’s. With its wooden walls, big iron fireplace, and friendly staff, it’s one of the highlights of any trip to Cork. There’s also a large beer garden, a wood-fired pizza oven, and there’s usually a great atmosphere at the weekend.
Address: 113 Barrack Street
The Oval
One of the most distinctive looking pubs in Ireland, never mind Cork, The Oval was designed on behalf of the old Beamish and Crawford brewery, located across the street. The interior is equally impressive: think dark wood, a large fireplace and a stunning Victorian ceiling. The crowd is a mixed bunch of locals, blow-ins and tourists; but you’re always guaranteed a good time.
Address: 25 South Main Street
The Cornerhouse
The place to go if you are after a bit of live music with your pint; The Cornerhouse is something of a home for the city’s trad musicians, who pitch up most nights to entertain the drinkers. Add a large selection of craft beer (and old reliables) as well friendly staff and welcoming locals and you can’t really go wrong.
Address: 7 Coburg Street, Victorian Quarter
Dennehy’s
Founded in 1957, and still run by the Dennehy family, this is a something of an institution around these parts. It’s hard not to love this place: from the beautiful wood bar and walls, to the stain glass windows to the pictures of old Cork on the walls, this is as authentic as it gets.
Address: 11 Cornmarket Street
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