Hi-B Bar, Cork

Hi-B Bar, formally known as the Hibernian Bar, is a small upstairs pub with roots reaching back to 1923, when it was acquired by the O’Donnell family. Its name recalls the former Hibernian Hotel, which once occupied part of the site. For decades, the bar was closely associated with publican Brian O’Donnell, whose personality and strict house rules became part of local folklore.

The compact interior feels like an old sitting room, with wooden furnishings, a fireplace, photographs and Brian O’Donnell’s sketches. Stories about him include removing customers for using mobile phones, objecting to soft-drink orders and once declaring, after a customer interfered with the fireplace, “You mess with my coal, I’ll mess with your pint.” Being barred from the pub even became a joking badge of honour among some writers, journalists and academics.

Music and conversation have long shaped the atmosphere. The pub has attracted well-known visitors, including broadcaster Terry Wogan, while German pianist Franz Frank became known for regularly travelling from Munich to play here. Brian, who lived above the premises, was also remembered for occasionally appearing downstairs in his pyjamas to check that customers were following his rules.