7 Super Fun Pubs With Live Music In Cork

In Cork, not all live music will be traditional. But they all promise a good craic. 

Irish music plays a deeper form of a bond between its people. During times of struggles for independence; familiar tunes connected their minds, hearts and souls. True traditional Irish music isn’t performed on stage, but in the corner of a pub, with musicians sitting in a circle, facing each other rather than the crowd. It’s a special experience of community and lineage. Here are some of the best places to enjoy live music in Cork, where you can soak in the tunes just as much as Ireland’s sordid history.

 

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The Corner House

Coburg Lane, 7 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 FW10, Ireland

The Corner House is a classic pub, featuring live traditional Irish music, right in Cork’s city center. Since 1994, this fan-favorite has been the inspiration for local artists, writers, and poets. Traveling musicians drop in and have spontaneous performances on the spot, making The Corner House a fun bar for both locals and visitors. It’s a lovely time with a pint of Guinness or a local brew.

The Corner House
The Corner House. PHOTO WENDY HUNG

The Oliver Plunkett

116 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 P957, Ireland

The Oliver Plunkett is a traditional Irish Pub, wildly popular with tourists. Aptly named after the Catholic Archbishop as well as the street it’s located on, this massive pub showcases some of the best live music in Cork. The wide beer selection spans from a classic Guinness or a Hop House, to delicious craft beers. Visitors can browse through fascinating photos, old Irish quotes and even song lyrics that embellish its dark walls and ceiling.

Rearden’s Bar

26 Washington St, Centre, Cork, T12 WNP8, Ireland

Famous across Ireland as one of the largest and best pubs for live music is Rearden’s Bar, where the fun never stops, even on rugby game nights. The bar itself already exemplifies elements of a traditional Irish public house, but there are added components, like: an antique theater pay kiosk, vintage light fixtures…etc. It’s not uncommon to see regulars hang out with their pints of brews tucked in their favorite corners. There’s always a live band performing on every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night. Meanwhile on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: there’s a house DJ spinning away.

Rearden's Bar
INSTAGRAM @reardenscork

Coughlans Bar

7 Douglas St, Ballintemple, Cork, T12 DX39, Ireland

Coughlans Bar is another favorite among locals and travelers, especially for its live music and guaranteed fun nights. Established since early 19th century, the pub is built on a medieval cemetery, adding a mystic character to this popular joint. Besides its wide selection of beers (just like every other Irish pub,) Coughlans also features a comprehensive collection of gin, for all the gin lovers out there. In additional to live music, Coughlans is also known for its comedy nights.

Sin É

8 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 KF5N, Ireland

Sin É pubs with live music cork
FACEBOOK Sin É

“Sine é” means “that’s it,” which points to the pub’s next door neighbor: a funeral parlor. Often voted as one of the best pubs in Cork, Sine É hosts live traditional Irish music every night, until the pub closes. Guests are even allowed to bring their own cold foods, adorning a casual and friendly atmosphere that permeate throughout this historical place. Opened in 1889, Sine É has built a strong fan base since generations of families have been coming here for years.

Costigan’s Pub

11 Washington Street West, Centre, Cork, T12 N768, Ireland

Since 1849, Costigan’s has been hosting live music that guarantees a good craic, which means “have a good time” in Irish slang. Another historical pub in Cork, Costigan’s is one of the originals but went through a renovation, now welcoming guests with an open terrace and more seating than before. Come here for live music on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday night.

Costigans Pub
FACEBOOK Costigans Pub

JJ Walsh’s

64 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 K5FH, Ireland

Named after the Irish Revolutionary official: James Joseph Walsh, who was married to Sheila Turner, one of the original owners of the Turner’s Hotel where now JJ Walsh pub is situated. Since 1910s, JJ Walsh has always been a part of Cork. Now it encompasses a modern cocktail lounge towards the back of the pub, along with an outside courtyard. On most nights, there’s live music here. Depending on the night, the crowd can veer towards the younger side. But if you like cover bands, JJ Walsh is where to go.

J.J. Walsh's
FACEBOOK J.J. Walsh’s
Wendy Hung

CEO, FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As the founder of Jetset Times, Wendy is an avid traveler and fluent in five languages. When she's not traveling, Wendy calls Paris and Taipei home. Her favorite countries so far from her travels have been: Bhutan, Iran, and St. Bart's because they were all so different!

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