Taking the time to find the right tattoo parlor and artist is one of the most important things that you should do before getting a tattoo.
There are a number of things that you need to consider to make sure that your tattoo is life-changing in the best of ways.
Luckily, we’ll be going through just that! Here are our top picks for the best tattoo parlors in Cork that’ll have you begging to get inked.
How much do tattoo parlors in Cork charge?
Tattoos normally cost a pretty penny and for good reason. Artists consider the complexity of the art, body part(s) that’ll be inked, duration of the session, and so on.
To give you an idea of how much it’ll cost, we’ve prepared a table with our entries’ base prices. Since this may be subject to change, we highly suggest consulting with your artist beforehand.
The Best Tattoo Parlors in Cork
To give you a better idea of how we chose our entries, this is the criteria that we used during our selection process:
1. Smiley Dogg Tattoo
| Studio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Artists | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The reason Smiley Dogg Tattoo caught our eye was the fact that all their artists have their own specialty. These include ornamental, traditional, black and gray, blackwork designs, and more.
We appreciate the diversity since all eight of their artists have their respective fortes. Hence, if you’re looking for a seasoned artist, they may be working at Smiley Dogg Tattoo.
According to some of their past clients that we spoke to, their attention to detail is what keeps them coming back for more.
They’re known to take their time in ensuring that each line is where it’s supposed to be. This is also in consideration of your pain tolerance, too.
For consultations, they’ll be able to help you customize creative pieces for each customer. You can send online references, personal sketches, and more to make this collaborative design come to life.
We also think it’s worth mentioning that they won’t start inking unless you’re 101% happy with the design. Until then, you can continue to make revisions until you’re sure you’re ready.
You can easily book consultations and appointments either in-shop or online via their social media or email.
A representative will get in touch with you shortly for the succeeding steps.
They accept walk-ins, too! But that’ll depend on their availability, so we still suggest booking to ensure a slot.
If you’re not looking to get a new tattoo, they also offer cover-ups. Particularly, what they can do for you is either cover up or rectify an existing design.
Either way, they’ll only be able to present you with options after assessing the tattoo themselves. Hence, you’ll have to pay them a visit first before anything can be done.
Keep in mind that they have an age limit of 18 years and above.
If you’re over 16, you’ll need a parent or guardian to make an appointment with you and sign a consent form. However, they won’t need to accompany you to the session.
Pros
- Large team with their own specializations
- Offers piercings
- Accepts walk-ins
- Does cover-ups
Cons
- Has an age limit
- Due to popularity, booking may be difficult
Customer Reviews
Would highly recommend
“First tattoo and I was very nervous, the appointment went well, the studio was spotless and really cool, both my friend and I booked together online, and were able to get estimates and all our questions answered. Would highly recommend. Thanks Gio for our tattoos!” – Sara Jundi, Google Reviews
Absolutely top-notch
“The quality of the work I got in smiley Dogg was absolutely top notch. The clean and friendly atmosphere in this tattoo shop was very comfortable and the staff were very friendly. I would highly recommend this tattoo shop to anyone interested in getting inked up. Top notch tattoo shop!!” – Patrick Gray, Google Reviews
2. Holy Cow Tattoo
| Studio | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Artists | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Having been in the industry for more than 10 years, Holy Cow Tattoo has 4 artists all with their own unique specializations.
Past clients that we’ve gotten in touch with claimed that they like how reasonably priced the service is. Unfortunately, you can’t get a quotation via call or online due to tattoos being a personalized pieces.
Hence, artists would prefer to assess your skin type and go over the nitty-gritty details of the tattoo design, placement, size, and so on to ensure that they’re giving you a fair price.
When it comes to bookings, they’re quite strict. They only accept appointments set via email or done in-store.
You’ll also need to leave a minimum deposit of €50 either via cash or bank transfer. That’ll be deducted from the total price of your session.
On top of that, they have a “no I.D., no tattoo” policy. Without proper identification, you’ll have to reschedule and leave another deposit fee.
On the brighter side, they do accept walk-ins. Though this is still subject to the artists’ availability, so we still encourage booking to make sure you can get tatted on that day.
We also think it’s worth mentioning that they offer free touch-ups for the next six months. Keep in mind that this service is up to the artist’s discretion and will not be complimentary if the tattoo was ruined because of your negligence.
To add to the list of pros, there’s parking on the main street and a car park around the corner. Hence, you won’t have to worry about your car while you’re getting tatted.
Pros
- Offers free touch-ups within six months
- Accepts walk-ins
- Has nearby parking
- Does touch-ups
Cons
- Closed on Mondays and Sundays
- Strict booking
Customer Reviews
All round amazing work
“Holy Cow is an amazing premises – 4 incredible tattooists, completely professional, all round amazing work. Highly recommended. Very busy so make sure to give at least a months notice.” – Dee Power, Google Reviews
Very happy with the result
“Had my very first tattoo done this afternoon with Donna Cooney. I was quite nervous as I don’t like needles. Donna was so calm that it made me feel calm. As it was a small tattoo it did not take too long. In fact I could not believe it was done so quickly. I am very happy with the result and looking forward to showing my friends. Donna you are a star and such a beautiful girl. You made me feel so at ease. Thanks so much. I would highly recommend Donna to anyone wanting to get a tattoo.” – Mary Lavery, Google Reviews
3. Magic’s Tattoo Studio
| Studio | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Artists | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Magic Tattoo Studio is frequented by locals because of their friendly and passionate artists. According to those we spoke to, their artists accommodate virtually any design and style you want without pressuring you to get tatted on the spot.
But if you’re down to get one right then and there, they do accept walk-ins should their schedule allow it. Even so, we encourage booking an appointment to ensure a slot, especially since they
allow same-day appointments.
We were a bit bummed that they didn’t have a website. Aside from their phone, you can only get in touch with them and view their work on Facebook and Instagram.
We think this makes it a bit more difficult to navigate especially if you’re looking for specific content such as FAQs, their processes, their “About Us” page, and so on.
Even though their rates aren’t available online, former clients come back because of how affordable it is. This is because they do a thorough consultation beforehand to ensure you’re getting professional work done at a fair price.
Speaking of professional work, they’re also able to come up with custom designs. Here, you can discuss personal meanings, symbols, and designs that you’d like to turn into a tattoo.
After a few concept sketches, they can begin inking once you’re completely satisfied with the design and layout.
Aside from tattoos, they also offer piercings. They’re known to be quick and virtually painless, too.
Hence, if you’re looking for a one-stop shop, Magic’s Tattoo Studio might be for you. We also suggest booking ASAP since they might be packed due to their popularity.
Pros
- Same-day appointments available
- Accepts walk-ins
- Offers piercings
Cons
- Due to popularity, booking may be difficult
- No website
Customer Reviews
Superbly professional
“It was my second tattoo experience after the first one turned me off tattooing for years. This studio is fantastic. I’ll definitely be coming back for more there. I was with a friend who was also getting tattooed there, so I spent a while in the studio and witnessed how they work. Superbly professional. Fantastic staff. Couldn’t recommend them enough.” – nikola T., Google Reviews
I am so satisfied
“I got my first tattoo and I am so satisfied. The atmosphere was so great and all the people were extremely nice. I wish to come back one day !.” – Daphné Gobert, Google Reviews
4. Love Hate Social Club
| Studio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Artists | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The Love Hate Social Club is a premium studio that offers tattooing, piercing, microblading, and jewelry adornment. So, if you’re looking for a one-stop shop, this may be it.
A cause for concern for some may be the fact that they only have two resident tattoo artists. Hence, the line may get a little held up at times because of how popular they are.
Because of this, we encourage you to book an appointment ASAP to ensure a slot. Even if you don’t, they do accept walk-ins depending on the day’s schedule.
We also think it’s worth mentioning that they’re open daily. You can pop in any day of the week at your convenience.
When it comes to prices, they don’t have any rates available on their website. This is because they take into consideration the intricacy of the design, placement, style, and so on.
They’ll only be able to give you a quote on the day of your appointment. You can either visit their studio and discuss this with their staff or email them your query along with your tattoo references.
We think it’s also pretty neat that they can do tattoo letterings in different languages, though it’ll be your responsibility to ensure that the spelling, grammar, and meaning are correct.
They can do cover-ups and can tattoo over stretch marks and scars, but they highly suggest you pop in for a quick visit and consultation so that the artist can see what they’ll be working with to advise you of your options.
Consultations and custom designs are free of charge, by the way. So we suggest you thoroughly discuss the intricacies of your tattoo to make sure you’re completely on board with the design.
Though, not all tattoos need a consultation. But if you decide to, you’ll need to schedule one via email or phone call.
Did we mention they accept cash, credit cards, and gift vouchers as payment? We appreciate the variety, as it adds extra convenience.
We also appreciate the fact that they hand out printed after-care instructions after each tattoo session. This little bonus gets brownie points from us!
Keep in mind that their services can be quite pricey for some, though. According to clients that we’ve gotten in touch with, this is also representative of the quality of their tattoos.
Pros
- Multiple payment options available
- Accepts walk-ins
- Offers piercings and jewelry
- Offers microblading
- Does cover-ups
- Open daily
- Does tattoos on scars and stretch marks
- Does tattoo lettering in different languages
Cons
- Due to popularity, booking may be difficult
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Tattoos here are quality
“I got my two tattoos done here. One last year and the other only about 4 months ago. The tattoos are expensively high but that’s what you get for Quality and the Tattoos here are Quality. The Staff are amazingly friendly and so welcoming. The two artists who did my pieces were very helpful and listened to what I wanted to get done and I could not be more happier with my tattoos, Great to have the opportunity to get a tattoo done by a visiting professional. They have big emphasis on hygiene which is great and you know the place is a top drawer studio. I would highly recommend this place to get a tattoo and if I ever decide to get another Tattoo I will definitely go hear Again.” – Stephen Barry, Google Reviews
Exceeded my expectations
“I 100% recommend this place for anyone wanting a tattoo. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is super cool. I mean really – I have not seen more stencils in my entire life, they cover the ceiling and walls. Regardless the guy who did my tattoo did a great job and really exceeded by expectations. They worked within my budget and did my tattoo for €200. I cannot recommend this place enough, it is a gem.” – Abby Friedel, Google Reviews
5. Electric Soul Tattoo
| Studio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Artists | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Backed by a team of professional tattoo artists, Electric Soul Tattoo is well known for their attention to detail when it comes to unique and intricate designs.
They have four resident artists all with their own personal styles. While all four are skilled in blackwork tattooing, Jimmy also specializes in neo-traditional and watercolor, Ellie in cartoons, and Miguel in illustrative and dark tattoo art.
Hence, we think they have a good balance of a ton of art styles for you to choose from. If you want to learn more about this, you can check out their individual portfolios on the Electric Soul Tattoo website.
Though they don’t have their rates on their website, their shop minimum is €80. You’ll also need to make a deposit before your appointment that’s deductible after the final price has been settled and you’ve been inked.
To book an appointment, you’ll need to fill up a booking form on their website. Afterward, they’ll get back to you within one to three days.
You can also opt to message them on their Facebook page or give them a ring. They’ll be able to guide you through the booking process afterward.
After you’ve gotten inked, you can come back for a complimentary touch-up should your tattoo need it. We appreciate this little touch, and it’s definitely going to be a plus in our book!
Aside from making new tattoos, they also offer cover-ups and remakes. However, keep in mind that not all tattoos can be covered or remade.
Hence, you’ll need to pop in and have a short consultation with their artists to see how they can help and to assess your options. Take note that they don’t allow cover-ups or remakes without a consultation first.
Even so, we highly encourage you to do as many consultations as needed to ensure you’re 100% happy with the design, placement, and all the nitty-gritty details before you’re inked forever.
Pros
- Offers complimentary touch-up session
- Does cover-ups
- Team has their own specializations
- Does remakes
Cons
- Due to popularity, booking may be difficult
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
I love how it turned out
“I highly recommend Electric Soul! Everyone there is super friendly. The studio is very neat and clean. Elaine is an amazing artist, she did my tattoo and I love how it turned out. It’s perfect! She’s very helpful, and made me feel comfortable. Can’t wait to book my next appointment.” – Nova O’Mahony, Google Reviews
Well worth a visit
“I went and got the most fabulous tatoo by Elaine yesterday. She was brilliant and I’m just in awe of my arm since. I want to book appointment number 2 already. The studio is spotless and music was fab as well. Well worth a visit.” – John Walsh, Google Reviews
6. Chasing Ghosts
| Studio | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Artists | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Chasing Ghosts is one of our top picks for your next tattoo parlor in Cork.
We like their online gallery of various tattoos, drawings, and paintings. This shows the different modern designs you may get if you want something dark and unique.
Their minimum price for tattoos is also €70. We believe this is reasonable enough, since it’s within the average pricing of tattoo services in Cork.
When you call the tattoo artist, it’s also great that he’ll personally walk you through the steps. For us, this shows he’s hands-on with his customers.
However, the designs won’t be shown before the appointment. He told us that this just isn’t practical since he’ll be allotting some time at the beginning for alterations or adjustments.
Should you be interested, Chasing Ghosts is open 4 days a week, except on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. They also open around 12 pm.
If you weren’t able to book, we love that this shop can accommodate walk-ins as well. Still, this is subject to the tattoo artist’s availability.
Keep in mind that parking may be insufficient outside too, so you may have to park farther – especially during peak times.
Pros
- Reasonable pricing
- Exciting dark designs
- Hands-on and detail-oriented tattoo artist
- May entertain walk-ins
Cons
- Walk-ins depend on the artist’s availability
- Limited parking options
Customer Reviews
Lovely and very talented
“Unreal atmosphere and such a well designed shop, lovely people to be around and very talented!” – Ryan Bergin, Google Reviews
Welcoming and friendly
“Firstly, I was very nervous but from the minute I walked in the door, I was immediately put at ease! Chasing Ghosts is a great studio with a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. I got my first tattoo from Elaine and I couldn’t be happier. Will definitely be back in the future!” – Betty Radley, Google Reviews