Cork Heritage Pub Trail (Self Guided), Cork

A great place to hear live traditional Irish music, the words ‘sin é’ come from the Gallic meaning ‘That’s it,’ which was meant to refer to the funeral home located next door to the pub. Opening its doors way back in 1889, this bars roots run quite deep in the city of Cork, and it has attracted loads of tourists over the years to enjoy its history, as well as its traditional folk sounds and good selection of beer. These traditional sounds can be found at Sin É each Tuesday evening at 9:30, as well as Friday and Sunday nights starting at 6:30. Live music including modern genres such as rock and reggae can be found here as well on other nights of the week. A small bar, its intimate appeal attracts a crowd on the weekends.

The Long Valley Bar in Cork City is a historic and beloved establishment that has been serving locals and visitors for over a century. The bar was established in 1842 and was bought by the Moynihan family in 1927, who still own and operate it to this day. The bar has a rich history, with its building believed to have been a firing range prior to the British occupation in the early 20th century.

Despite the tumultuous events that took place in Cork City during the Black & Tans era, the Long Valley remained untouched, as it was a favorite haunt of British soldiers at the time. Today, the bar is a testament to the city's resilience and has become an essential part of the community.

The Long Valley is known for its great pints and hearty sandwiches, as well as its unique atmosphere. The bar is an old-fashioned, family-run establishment that is sure to charm anyone who steps through its doors. The current owner, Peadar Moynihan, is the third generation of his family to run the bar.

One of the Long Valley's unique features is the snug located to the left of the entrance hallway, which has etched-glass doors and chased-silver doorknobs. These doors were salvaged from the Celtic, a White Star ocean liner that ran aground in Cork Harbor. Inside the main bar is a long, low-slung room with a polished wooden bar running its full length. The barmen wear white butchers' coats, Victorian-style, adding to the bar's old-world charm.

The Long Valley has become a popular spot for Corkonians and visitors alike, with a laid-back, predominantly 30-something crowd enjoying the atmosphere and the constant supply of pints from the friendly barmen. Whether you're looking for a pint of Guinness or a cozy spot to relax with friends, the Long Valley Bar is an essential stop on any trip to Cork City.

A stop along the Cork Heritage pub trail, the Crane Lane Theatre was converted from a former gentleman’s club in the center of Cork. This club takes its inspiration from the music of Tom Waits, including design elements from the twenties and thirties and elements of a burlesque cabaret. Smoking is available in what is considered to be one of the area’s best beer gardens. Three additional bars are located inside as well. Music includes jazz and blues, as well as country, fold and more performed by live bands seven days a week, as well as DJs spinning favorites between sets. Other special events include burlesque performances and theater acts. Sponsored events at the Crane Lane Theatre include the Cork Jazz Festival and the Southern Gothic Festival.

Operation Hours: Monday – Thursday: 2 pm – 2 am; Friday: 2 pm - 2:30 am; Saturday: 1 pm - 2:30 am; Sunday: 2 pm - 2 am.

Another entry on the Cork Heritage Pub Trail located on Pembroke Street, Arthur Mayne is a fantastic wine bar located inside a former pharmacy of the same name. Its décor includes displays of vintage items found inside a pharmacy, including old cameras and old pharmacy ledgers and prescription labels. This club includes a state-of-the-art wine tasting system that allows guests to quickly sample a multitude of fine wine offerings the bar has available. Coffee and food is also available at this location during the daytime, with the crowd heating up in the evening to sip any one of its fine wines from around the world in an elegant atmosphere. Be sure to arrive early in order to get a place in this busy, swank wine bar for the evening.

Located off St. Patrick’s Street, the Mutton Lane Inn is one of the city’s oldest drinking establishments. A stunning mural by famed local artist Anthony Ruby lines the alleyway which was commissioned by the city council and the pub’s owner. Inside the Mutton Lane Inn its atmosphere is created by its wood furnishings, exposed ceiling beams, and intimate candlelight. Housing just a small centralized bar with seating areas flanking it, bar patrons are often found outside in the alleyway when the bar gets particularly packed on the weekends. Service is well-reputed for bars in the area and the staff is considered one of the city’s friendliest, welcoming both locals and guests from out of town.

Operation Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10.30 am – 11.30 pm; Friday, Saturday: 10:30 am - 12:30 am; Sunday: 12:30 pm – 11 pm

Situated on the corner of South Main and Tuckey Streets, the Oval gets its name from its remarkable oval designed ceiling. One of the most popular pubs in the city of Cork, the Oval was designed for the Beamish and Crawford Brewery, which was formerly located across the street. The bar includes an open pit fire and guests are generally greeted by the smell of whisky and peat. This popular pub offers a variety of music to entertain its guests and sees a good crowd come in, particularly on the weekends, so be sure to arrive early in order to get a spot. Offering a friendly atmosphere with a warm and inviting staff, the Oval is just a great place to hang out and chat with friends, unfettered by the flashiness of many modern bars.

Located across from the Beamish Brewery in the heart of historic Cork City, An Spailpin Fanac dates back to 1779. A splendid old dwelling with low ceilings, exposed brick walls, and open fireplaces, An Spailpin Fanac is known in the city of Cork as one of the best places to hear live traditional Irish music. Patrons will find the atmosphere of this pub relaxed and friendly. Offering great service, this is the perfect spot to meet up with friends and throw back a few pints while enjoying the traditional sounds of Ireland.

Blending both traditional elements and a modern flair, the Vicarstown Inn is designed with a long and narrow design which is reminiscent of the medieval era from which the building originates. Featuring intimate, dark corners for lounging with a selection from its diverse drinks menu, the Vicarstown Inn also possesses a large, heated beer garden and smoking area which rivals the best ones in the city, with its old walls worn with time adding an historic air to this great Cork pub. The Vicarstown Inn is also a popular meeting place for club goers on their way to nearby dance clubs.

Operation Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 10:30 am – 11.30 pm; Thursday: 10:30 am - 2 am; Friday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 2.30 am; Sunday: 2 pm - 11 pm

The Franciscan Well is an Irish pub and microbrewery, and a true rareness as such. A pub has stood on this site for as long as locals remember. The name derives from the fact that a Franciscan abbey stood here once upon a time. Now it is a protected historic site with an ancient well on the grounds. The brewery operates year round and produces four types of beer: Blarney Blonde, Shandon Stout, Hefewiesen, and Rebel Red. The bar has done well benefiting from its near downtown location and has a spacious, covered beer garden in the rear with often BBQ parties during the summer period. The pub itself is just as commodious and clad in plain wood and copper elements which produce quite modern, US-style microbrewery atmosphere.