Cork Heritage Pub Trail (Self Guided), Cork, Ireland

Cork Heritage Pub Trail (Self Guided), Cork

A truly fun way to explore Cork is by visiting the local heritage pubs, a cherished part of the city's cultural and social fabric. Situated in the heart of Cork, these establishments are not just places to grab a drink but living time capsules that take you back to a bygone era in a warm and welcoming setting. Let's take a look at some of Cork's notable 鈥渨atering holes鈥�.

Sin 脡, renowned for its traditional Irish music sessions, is a hub for music enthusiasts. It offers a genuine Irish pub experience.

The historic Long Valley Bar is famous for its hearty Irish stews and a wide range of traditional ales. The cozy, rustic interior makes it a must-visit location for those seeking an authentic Irish atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Crane Lane Theatre, primarily a live music venue, is a great place to catch emerging local talent and enjoy a pint with friends.

Arthur Mayne's Pharmacy: This unique pub was once a pharmacy, and it still retains its vintage charm 鈥� an ideal spot to enjoy a quiet drink and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Mutton Lane Inn: Tucked away in a hidden alley, this place exudes a cozy, old-world ambiance. Complete with an extensive whiskey selection, it makes a standout choice for a memorable night out.

Another gem, The Oval, is a classic Victorian-era pub. It showcases stunning architecture and offers a timeless setting for sipping on pints and engaging in conversation.

At the same time, An Spailpin Fanac, known for its live traditional music sessions, is an intimate and lively pub where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the sounds of Ireland.

A firm favorite among locals, Vicarstown Bar is popular for its friendly atmosphere and top-notch pints 鈥� a welcoming spot for a casual evening out.

In its turn, The Franciscan Well, combining a brewery with a traditional pub, is perfect for beer enthusiasts. Their craft beers and outdoor seating make it a popular choice.

From an old pharmacy to a former gentleman鈥檚 club, the historic drinking establishments of Cork make good use of their antiquated premises. Embarking on a journey through time here along with great pints of Irish ale and hardy pub food is hardly a bad choice. So, why not raise a glass to Cork's rich cultural heritage and make a plan to explore its iconic pubs on your visit to this charming Irish city? Cheers to good times and great memories!

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Cork

Guide Name: Cork Heritage Pub Trail
Guide Location: Ireland » Cork (See other walking tours in Cork)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Author: Xena
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:

Sin E
The Long Valley Bar
Crane Lane Theatre
Arthur Mayne's Pharmacy
Mutton Lane Inn
The Oval
An Spailpin Fanac
Vicarstown Bar
The Franciscan Well

1) Sin E

A great place to hear live traditional Irish music, the words 鈥榮in 茅鈥� come from the Gallic meaning 鈥楾hat鈥檚 it,鈥� 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 脡 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.

2) The Long Valley Bar

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.

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.

3) Crane Lane Theatre

A stop along the Cork Heritage pub trail, the Crane Lane Theatre was converted from a former gentleman鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

4) Arthur Mayne's Pharmacy

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 d茅cor 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.

5) Mutton Lane Inn

The Mutton Lane Inn in Cork is one of the oldest and most admired pubs in the city. It is located off St. Patrick's Street, in one of the alleyways that lead into the famous English Market. The pub is named after the lane it's situated in, which was once used for running live sheep into the market. The Mutton Lane Inn is consistently voted one of the best pubs in Cork.

One of the unique features of the pub is the important mural running the length of the lane. It was commissioned by Cork City Council and the owner of the pub and completed by Anthony Ruby. The mural is Cork-centric and depicts all the characters as alive and kicking. The mural has never been vandalized, only admired. There are a few stories embedded in the mural, which locals are always glad to share.

Inside the Mutton Lane Inn, the atmosphere is dark, wooden, and candle-lit. The staff are exceptionally friendly, and the music is always good. To encourage conversation, there is no TV. Two famous Lord Mayors, JFK and Jackie, and Johnny Cash are some of the pictures that can be seen above the bar. The atmosphere is unique, and it really is a rocking heritage pub for all ages.

The Mutton Lane Inn is steeped in history, and it's one of the reasons why it's such a popular spot. The pub once had the greatest sales of whiskey in Ireland per square foot as butchers and cattlemen would leave a drop or two as payment for their junior staff on leaving the market at the end of a long day. The market is still an ever-present feature of the area, and staff don't mind if you bring some of the delicacies of the market into the pub for a bite to eat.

6) The Oval

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.

7) An Spailpin Fanac

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.

8) Vicarstown Bar

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.

9) The Franciscan Well

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.

Walking Tours in Cork, Ireland

Create Your Own Walk in Cork

Creating your own self-guided walk in Cork is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Cork Introduction Walking Tour

One of the largest and most populous cities in Ireland, Cork was originally a monastic settlement, reputedly founded by Saint Finbarr in the 6th century AD. It grew more urbanized between 915 and 922 with the arrival of Norsemen (Vikings) who set up a trading port alongside the ecclesiastical settlement, providing otherwise unobtainable trade goods for the monastery, and perhaps also military aid.... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles