3 Best Nightlife in County Cork, Ireland

McCarthy's Bar

Fodor's choice

Instantly recognizable by fans of writer Pete McCarthy as the bar in the cover photograph of his hilarious and best-selling travelogue, McCarthy's Bar, which bore the motto "never pass a bar with your name on it." It's an old-fashioned pub in the real sense, which means it doubles as a shop, so guests can buy a packet of cereal from behind the wood counter or order a pint of the black stuff (or do both). A Japanese katana sword hangs self-consciously on the wall, uncomfortable in its old Irish world setting, but it's a good talking point with the McCarthy family members from the snug at the other side of the counter. The late Dr. Aidan McCarthy, father of the current owners, was a survivor of Dunkirk, a World War II prisoner of war camp, and the bombing of Nagasaki.

Charlies Bar

South Docklands

Nightly music sessions are held here, with traditional Irish showcased on Sunday from 3 pm.

2 Union Quay, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
021-431–8342
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.--Wed.

Corner House

City Center North

This popular bar, Cork's best local in the opinion of many regulars, is open daily and hosts Cajun, folk, or Irish music from Thursday to Sunday.

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