Back in the day, I used to wait for my favorite bands to hold concerts in every part of Ireland. I remember going around the country just to see them live.
Today, I don’t need to wait for their big concerts to happen, I just check Cork’s live music venues to watch them perform. The best part is I get to see them closer than ever!
So if you love jamming with a band, or maybe even want to be reminded of the traditional Irish music, continue reading as we go over the live music venues Cork has to offer.
1. The Crane Lane Theatre
Media credit: @cranelanetheatre
Website: http://www.cranelanetheatre.ie/
Address: Phoenix St, Centre, Cork
Contact Details: +353 21 427 8487
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:30 AM
If you want to listen to some jazz and indie music when you’re in Cork, you should head to The Crane Lane Theatre. Every night, a lineup of local artists go up the stage to share their love for music.
If you’re lucky, you can even catch touring bands that are into bluegrass as well as blues and rock & roll music.
Once you’re inside, you’ll see that the bar’s design is inspired by the 1920s and 1930s, transporting you to how partying feels like back in the day.
For those of you who crave a more laid-back pub, this place is perfect for you. Since they offer a traditional Irish pub vibe, it’s a great place for you to wind down after an energetic jamming session.
When it comes to drinks, you’ll love that they have a wide range of beers, wine, and Irish cocktails that you can sip on while enjoying some live music on stage,
Pro tip: The Crane Lane Theatre posts its month-long gig schedule on the website. Make sure to check it frequently, especially if you want to catch certain artists or bands performing live on stage.
2. Rearden’s Bar
Media credit: @reardenscork
Website: http://www.reardens.com/
Address: 26 Washington St, Centre, Cork, T12 WNP8
Contact Details: +353 21 465 8100
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Thursday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Rearden’s Bar is a bar that serves as a venue for live music performances in Cork. You’ll love that you can catch both traditional Irish music and modern tunes when you’re here.
Here, you can order from their wide selection of Irish beers, cocktails, and whiskeys, making it a perfect bar for pub-goers across all ages.
When it comes to food, you’ll love the classic dishes such as burgers and fries. Don’t miss out on their nachos too!
You can also watch sports games on the pub’s several large monitors, allowing you to cheer on your favorite team with the rest of the community.
Pro tip: Rearden’s Bar has a good lost and found system, allowing you to report them within a week of your visit. Just be reminded that lost items that haven’t been collected will be donated to charity.
3. The Oliver Plunkett
Media credit: @theoliverplunkettbar
Website: https://theoliverplunkett.com/
Address: 116 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 P957
Contact Details: +353 21 422 2779
If you want a good blend of hearty meals and live music in Cork then you should add The Oliver Plunkett on your list. What’s great about them is that you don’t need to book your reservations ahead of time—walk-ins are allowed anytime!
Here, you can watch contemporary bands and traditional Irish music sessions, perfect for those who prefer more chill live music sessions.
Make sure to order their Guinness stew, fish and chips, burgers and mashed potatoes. When it comes to drinks, you’ll love their selection of whiskeys and their classic cocktails collection such as the Pink Gin Fizz and Espresso Martini.
Moreover, since people-watching is big in Cork, you’ll love that you can unwind at their outdoor seating area.
Pro tip: If you want to learn more about the heritage of whiskey, make sure to head upstairs to The Oliver Plunkett’s The Frisky Whiskey Bar.
4. Sin é
Media credit: @sin_ebarcork
Website: https://corkheritagepubs.com/pub/sin-e/
Address: 8 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 KF5N
Contact Details: +353 21 450 2266
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM; Friday – Saturday: 12:30 PM – 12:30 AM; Sunday: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
If you’re curious about what an authentic Irish pub looks like then don’t miss out on Cork’s Sin é! In fact, its interiors introduce the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Since it’s a pub that has a traditional vibe to it, it makes a perfect place to host Irish traditional music around the city.
Every night, you can catch traditional music sessions from the town’s local fiddlers, or a complete band that will entertain you with some Irish songs.
What’s great about this 1889 pub is that it has an intimate vibe, allowing you to feel that you’re part of the jamming sessions. It’s also a great way for you to jam with the rest of the community.
If you want to drink but don’t know which booze to try, you’ll love that the pub has friendly and welcoming bartenders who can help you find your next favorite drink. And if you’re going to the bar alone, you’ll love that they’re always up for a chat.
Pro tip: Consider going to music sessions held on a Sunday afternoon if you want a more relaxed concert vibe when you’re at Sin é.
5. Coughlans Bar
Media credit: @coughlansbarcork
Website: http://www.coughlans.ie/
Address: 7 Douglas St, Ballintemple, Cork, T12 DX39
Contact Details: +353 21 229 0482
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM – 12:30 AM; Sunday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Since the early 1800s, Coughlan’s Bar has been one of the go-to pubs in Cork, great for those who love an inviting and cozy vibe while enjoying a glass of whiskey and gin.
They’ve been awarded by the Irish Music Rights Organisation as the 2013 and 2019 Irish Venue of the Year, making it a great spot to catch some good music when you’re in Cork.
You’ll love that this pub has one of the largest gin selections in town, making you choose from over 200 gins in their bar.
For those of you who love watching acoustic sessions in an intimate setting then this pub is for you! They even have a covered outdoor stage so you can watch your favorite bands al fresco!
And since Coughlan’s Bar is one of the pioneer live music pubs in the city, they were able to host several local and international musicians such as Walking On Cars, The Stripes, Scullion, Cormac Begley, and Jazzers Louis Stewart, just to name a few.
Meanwhile, if you love to try singing in front of a crowd, you can join the pub’s open mic nights, held every first Tuesday of the month.
Pro tips: Consider renting out Coughlan’s Bar’s outdoor beer garden, perfect if you want to host a summer BBQ party.You can also catch Edinburgh comedy shows at Couglan’s Bar, so make sure to check their schedule online.
6. The Corner House
Media credit: @thecornerhousecorkcity
Address: Coburg Lane, 7 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 FW10
Contact Details: +353 21 450 0655
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 3:30 PM – 11:30 PM; Saturday: 3:30 PM – 12:30 AM; Sunday: 3:30 PM – 11:00 PM
For those of you who love watching blues and traditional Irish music then you should head to The Corner House in Cork. Since 1994, this pub has hosted local and international musicians, performing live music on stage.
Upon entering, you’ll notice that the walls are covered with photos and memorabilia from Irish history, keeping your eyes occupied the entire time.
If you’re a tourist in Cork, you’ll love that you can catch musicians playing fiddles and bodhráns, making your visit more authentic by hearing traditional musical instruments.
If you love drinking, you can get some good Guinness along with whiskeys and craft beers.
Pro tip: Consider the seats by the fireplace if you prefer the coziest spot inside The Corner House. It’s a great place for you to drink a pint of beer, whether alone or with friends.
7. Costigan’s Pub
Media credit: @costigans.pub
Website: http://www.costiganspub.ie/
Address: 11 Washington Street West, Centre, Cork, T12 N768
Contact Details: +353 21 427 3350
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Friday – Saturday: 2:00 PM – 12:30 AM; Sunday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
If you want a good blend of traditional music and acoustic renditions then you should catch some live music performances at Costigan’s Pub when you’re in Cork. The area is quite intimate, allowing you to hear closer tables singing along with the band.
Once you enter the pub, you’ll see that it kept its classic long bar counter, as well as the open fire and heated beer garden.
Here, you can grab drinks from their extensive Irish gin and whiskey selection, making them a favorite spot for the more mature crowd. Moreover, since they don’t serve food, you’ll love that you can bring your favorite bar snacks free from corkage fees.
You’ll also love the fast service here, minimizing downtime during your visit to the pub.
Pro tip: Washington Street is known for its lively energy. So if you want to continue people-watching while you’re at Costigan’s Pub, consider the seats located by the window.
8. An Spailpín Fánach
Media credit: @thegmancork
Website: https://www.facebook.com/An-Spailpin-Fanach-136560251720/
Address: 29 S Main St, Centre, Cork
Contact Details: +353 21 427 7949
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
For over 250 years, An Spailpín Fánach has been hosting live music events in Cork. Here, you can catch musicians playing bodhráns, fiddles, and flutes, transporting you to the old Irish period.
For the younger generations out there, don’t worry as you can still enjoy some acoustic acts when you’re here in this pub.
Nonetheless, the pub’s ambiance still keeps its rustic charm with a mix of wood and warm lighting (think candles and old lampshades), allowing you to feel calm and cozy as soon as you enter the venue.
Meanwhile, this bar has a small stage but has a great sound system, making you feel like you’re in a mini-concert.
Pro tip: Consider visiting Spailpín Fánach on a Thursday if you want to hear the best traditional tunes in Cork. Just be ready to party with a larger crowd during this time.
9. An Bróg Bar + Kitchen
Media credit: @anbrogcork
Website: https://anbrog.ie/
Address: 74 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 FP28
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:30 AM
If you and your friends love dancing to live music then An Bróg Bar + Kitchen is the one for you! Aside from local bands, this bar invites the city’s best DJs to spin your favorite dance tracks.
This bar can serve acoustic lovers, traditional music enthusiasts, and even those who love to party—and this personality is quite evident in their decor. With a good mix of modern and retro, cozy couches and quirky designs, you know that this place will suit any character.
Speaking of a great mix, you’ll love that even their menu has a good mix too. You can get bar classics such as burgers, Tex-Mex cuisine, chicken wings, and fries—some with vegan options!
Pro tip: An Bróg Bar + Kitchen is a popular bar choice among the younger crowd. Make sure to take advantage of their student deals, allowing you to enjoy their meals and some live music without breaking the bank.
10. The Hi-B Bar
Media credit: @hibbarcork
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HiBCork/
Address: 108 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 E6CX
Contact Details: +353 21 427 2758
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Friday – Saturday: 2:00 PM – 12:30 AM; Sunday: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
The Hi-B Bar is another intimate pub that you can go to if want to hear some live music. Here, you can catch various artists playing Irish instruments, reliving the traditional music in the city.
You can also get on the stage and sing along with the band, letting you enjoy a fun yet intimate moment with the strangers around you.
What’s great about this bar in Cork is that they have a strict no-mobile phone policy (yes, you can’t use your phones to text, call, or take photos), allowing you to be present and enjoy the live music performances without any distractions.
You’re only allowed to use your phones to settle your bill. So if you’re not ready to be unplugged from the outside world, consider this your fair warning!
Meanwhile, if you can’t leave your furry pals behind, you’ll love that you can bring your dogs to this bar too.
Pro tip: Since The Hi-B Bar is strict with their no-mobile phone policy, don’t bring your phones out once you’re inside the pub.
Some have been sent out of the bar just by checking the time on their phones so it’s probably best to tuck them in your bags until you’re outside!