The very best 12 nightlife spots in Cork, Ireland
Welcome to the charming and lively city of Cork, where the nights are as captivating as the Irish folktales! Prepare yourself for a night out as we unveil the best 12 nightlife spots to keep your spirits high and your dance moves questionable. From quirky pubs where the walls have more stories than your Uncle Joe, to bustling music venues that make you feel like Mick Jagger, Cork has it all! So, grab a pint of the famous black stuff and let the good times roll in these electrifying hotspots where the party never ends!
Save destination1. Reardens
26 Washington St, Centre, Cork, T12 WNP8, Ireland
Tucked away amidst the charming winding streets of Cork, Reardens is a lively establishment that effortlessly toes the line between an Irish pub and a cozy nightclub. The moment you step through its doors, you're greeted by an atmosphere so vibrant, your senses are jolted awake like a shot of espresso from a mischievous leprechaun. Their extensive array of craft beers and whiskeys will make you happier than a leprechaun finding a pot of gold, and the live music acts will have you dancing like a leprechaun who's just won a tiny jigging competition.
Learn more2. Dali
St Patrick's St, Centre, Cork, Ireland
Welcome to Cork, where the unexpected meets the peculiar, and time seems to dance to its own surreal tune. Prepare to be whisked away on a whimsical journey as you explore the charming streets of Dali, Cork's ode to the eccentric genius of Salvador Dali. From melting clocks to peculiar creatures on display, this surreal treasure trove promises to ignite your imagination and take you on the most fantastical art adventure imaginable. Get ready to bend your mind and enjoy this delightfully quirky haven in the heart of Cork!
Learn more3. The Poor Relation
19 Parnell Pl, Centre, Cork, Ireland
Welcome to The Poor Relation in Cork! This quirky establishment manages to charm even the most peculiar travelers with its eccentricity. Nestled in a bustling corner of the city, The Poor Relation boasts an inexplicably unique decor that can only be described as a hodgepodge of vintage antiques, mismatched furniture, and a dash of whimsy – it's like stepping into the eclectic mind of a caffeinated artist. Don't be fooled by its name though, this place is anything but poor when it comes to its delectable menu packed with hearty dishes, generous portions, and more flavors than you can shake a shillelagh at!
Learn more4. The Oliver Plunkett
116 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 P957, Ireland
Nestled in the heart of Cork city, The Oliver Plunkett pub is Ireland's best-kept secret (or at least that's what we like to believe, so don't go spreading the word). With its charming atmosphere and charismatic staff, this place is more than just a cozy spot to grab a pint. It's like entering a magical realm where the leprechauns are your drinking buddies and the traditional Irish music makes your toe tap like it's auditioning for Riverdance.
Learn more5. The Bodega
44-45 Cornmarket St, Centre, Cork, T12 W27H, Ireland
Welcome to The Bodega in Cork, Ireland! This lively establishment manages to cram a pub, a live music venue, and a restaurant all under one roof, creating a delightful mix of chaos. You might find yourself bopping your head to the tunes of a local band while balancing a pint on your knee and attempting to decipher the menu's description of "spiced potato cylinders." It's an experience that proves multitasking is indeed possible, even if it leads to some laughably clumsy dance moves.
Learn more6. Cypress Avenue
Caroline St, Centre, Cork, Ireland
Welcome to Cypress Avenue in the delightful city of Cork! Wandering along this quirky street, you'll encounter an eclectic mix of tiny shops that seem to have been squeezed into every nook and cranny with a sense of defiance against physics. As you navigate through the charming chaos, keep an eye out for the famous street sign, which is rumored to be the only one in the world that exhibits an uncanny resemblance to a bonsai tree.
Learn more7. The Woodford
20-21 Paul St, Centre, Cork, T12 XY84, Ireland
Welcome to The Woodford, a delightful hotel in the heart of Cork that will make you feel like you've stumbled upon a hidden treasure (or at least that's what they say on their website). With its charming Georgian façade, you may confuse it for a luxurious time machine that transports you back to the 18th century, but fear not — they do have Wi-Fi here, so you can still post your #ThrowbackThursday pics. The rooms are cozy, stylish, and comfortable, perfect for those who want to experience the joys of a good night's sleep without the pesky distractions of ghostly apparitions... well, at least most of the time.
Learn more8. The Roundy
1 Castle St, Centre, Cork, T12 RX09, Ireland
Nestled in the heart of Cork, The Roundy is a quirky gem that will grab your attention like a toddler on a sugar rush. With its circular shape and cozy atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a pint and ponder the mysteries of life. Be prepared to spin around in awe at the eclectic décor, ranging from vintage posters to random trinkets, making you feel like you've stumbled into a time capsule of oddities.
Learn more9. Bar Pigalle
111 Barrack St, The Lough, Cork, T12 FK75, Ireland
Welcome to Bar Pigalle, where the chaotic beauty of Cork meets the alluring charm of Paris. Nestled in the heart of the city, this quirky establishment is the perfect spot to embrace your inner bohemian and discover the true meaning of French indulgence, without the hefty price tag of a plane ticket. With its dimly lit interiors, eclectic decor, and an impressive collection of mismatched chairs, Bar Pigalle effortlessly pulls off the "Fancy French Aunt" aesthetic you never knew you needed in your life.
Learn more10. The Franciscan Well
14 N Mall, Sunday's Well, Cork, T23 P264, Ireland
Welcome to The Franciscan Well in Cork, a haven for beer enthusiasts and those in search of a frothy getaway! This historic brewery-turned-pub has been crafting delicious beers since 1998, leaving visitors with a serious case of hop-itality! Sip on their award-winning brews while indulging in their wood-fired pizzas—a perfect marriage of carbs and hops that will have you saying, "If this is wrong, I don't wanna be right!"
Learn more11. An Bróg
74 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 FP28, Ireland
Welcome to An Bróg, the charming shoe-shaped city in the heart of Cork! As you traverse its streets, you'll feel like you're stepping into a real-life Cinderella story. Don't be surprised if you find yourself swept away by the city's enchanting blend of historic sites, lively pubs, and an undeniable passion for all things footwear – after all, this is the place where even the cobblers have their own fan clubs! So, put on your favorite pair of walking shoes and get ready to embark on a whimsical adventure through this shoetastic paradise!
Learn more12. The Crane Lane Theatre
Phoenix St, Centre, Cork, Ireland
As you venture into the heart of Cork, you'll stumble upon a hidden gem known as The Crane Lane Theatre. Step inside this quirky establishment and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere, where lively music collides with enthusiastic laughter. Prepare yourself for a wild evening filled with toe-tapping tunes, impromptu dance-offs, and a possible encounter with outrageous characters who will leave you questioning your sanity, in the most delightful way possible.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Cork by plane is to fly into Cork Airport, which has direct flights from many major cities in the UK, Europe, and the US.
Car
The best way to get to Cork by car is to drive on the M8 motorway from Dublin, which takes around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take the N71 coastal road from Killarney or the N20 from Limerick.
Train
There is a train station in Cork, but the best way to get there by train is to take a train to Dublin and then transfer to a train that goes to Cork.
Boat
The best way to get to Cork by boat is to take a ferry from Roscoff or Cherbourg in France to the nearby port of Ringaskiddy, which is just a short drive from Cork City.
Bus
The best way to get to Cork by bus is to take a bus from Dublin or another major city in Ireland. There are many bus companies that offer routes to Cork, including Bus Éireann and Citylink.