One of the best things about Cork (and there are many!) is that you have a choice of two stouts that aren't Guinness.

Murphy's is brewed at the Lady's Well Brewery in Blackpool and Beamish and Crawford is brewed on the South Main Street, just across the road from An Spailpin Fanach, one of Cork's better pubs and a great place for folk music.

Both brews are delicious - but don't take my word for it, I'm a native! Do try them if you're in the city.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Means “that’s it” in Irish, and, like the name suggests, it’s a no-frills pub that lets the atmosphere do the talking. Usually packed with a good mix of ages and nationalities, with music and comedy gigs, it’s a buzzing place. And that’s it.

Address: Coburg Street, Cork.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Sometimes you wanna go where nobody knows their own name … Crazy pub down by the docks that attracts a bizarre and eclectic mix of Cork society in to dance, sing, perhaps play the air guitar on the bar to a cheering horde, generally forget their troubles and go wild. Alcoholic drink may be involved.

Location: Corner of Albert Quay and Victoria Road.
Telephone: (353-21)4965704.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Scuzzy, scummy student pub with too-loud music and no manners. Great.

Address: 74 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.
Telephone: (353-21) 4271392.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A Cork institution, barely touched by the years and all the better for it. The renowned speciality is the doorstep sandwich served up at lunchtime, but my personal favourite is the “self-cleaning” gents toilet that is open to the elements. They don’t make them like this any more.

Address: Winthrop Street, Cork.
Telephone: (353-21) 4272144.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Like entering your grandmother’s front room, if your grandmother was a crotchety, curmudgeonly old man who was inclined to throw people out for using mobile phones (fair enough) or giving “looks” (a bit harsher), but who on the plus side serves up a great pint of stout and stubbornly refuses to enter “modern” Ireland. An island in a sea of change, the Hi-B is a haven (provided your phone is off).

Location: Corner of Oliver Plunkett Street and Winthrop Street, upstairs.
Telephone: (353-21) 4272758.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends