Fifteen real Cork beer gardens, brewery taprooms and riverside terraces, from a 13th-century monastery brewpub to the city’s oldest beer garden institution, each with what to expect, what’s on tap, and whether dogs are welcome.
Tom Barry’s (Barrack Street)
Perhaps the most famous beer garden in Cork, one of the oldest and most historic pubs in the city, with a wood-fired pizza oven right in the middle of the garden.
- Open daily, historic Barrack Street pub
- Wood-fired pizza oven in the garden
- Dog friendly
- Open fire for cooler months
Franciscan Well Brewpub (14 North Mall)
A craft brewery nestled inside a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, pouring its own award-winning beers since 1998 alongside wood-fired pizzas in a heated and mostly covered garden.
- Open daily, 1pm-11.30pm/12.30am
- Own-brewed craft beer since 1998
- Heated, mostly covered garden works rain or shine
- Wood-fired pizza kitchen
The Courtyard on Sober Lane (Sober Lane)
Cork’s only all-year-round outdoor bar and restaurant venue, with a spacious beer garden that shows major matches on a big screen and turns cosy once the heaters come on in winter.
- Open year-round, all-weather setup
- Big screen for major matches
- Live music some nights
Deep South (Grand Parade)
Formerly Sir Henry’s, a venue steeped in Cork’s music history, now with a beer garden that has its own outdoor bar, food trucks, plenty of shaded and sunny seating, and two large screens.
- Own outdoor bar and food trucks in the garden
- Seating in both shade and sun
- Two large screens for live sport
Fionnbarra’s (Douglas Street)
A Douglas Street institution known for its heated beer garden, in-house pizza oven and a loyal crowd of regulars, dog friendly year-round.
- Heated beer garden, open year-round
- In-house pizza oven
- Dog friendly
The Abbey Tavern (Gilabbey Street)
A traditional pub in the middle of Gilabbey Street pouring a wide range of locally brewed beers, wines and gin, with regular folk and traditional music sessions.
- Regular folk and traditional music sessions
- Wide range of locally brewed beers
- Traditional pub setting
The Rising Sons Brewery (Cornmarket Street)
A brewery and taproom on Cornmarket Street with an outdoor terrace open seven days a week, pouring its own beers alongside a full food menu.
- Open daily, midday to 11.30pm/12.30am
- Own-brewed beer on tap
- Outdoor terrace open seven days
BrewDog Cork (1-2 Courthouse Street)
BrewDog’s Cork bar off Washington Street, with over 30 taps of craft beer, a K9 hydration station, and a Paws of Fame wall for regular canine visitors.
- Open daily from midday/4pm
- Over 30 taps of craft beer
- Dog friendly, K9 hydration station and Paws of Fame wall
The Merchant (Cork City Centre)
One of Cork’s newest bars, already known for its Riverside Sessions live music nights, with an outdoor area along the River Lee and multiple screens across two floors.
- Outdoor seating along the River Lee
- Riverside Sessions live music nights
- Multiple screens across two floors
Mr Bradley’s (Barrack Street)
A pub that sometimes gets overlooked because of its unassuming exterior, hiding a sun-trap beer garden out the back that’s popular with those looking to avoid the Barrack Street crowds.
- Quiet sun-trap garden, less crowded than nearby options
- Located on Barrack Street
Annie Mac’s (Bandon Road)
A friendly neighbourhood local across from the Centra on Bandon Road, with an enclosed grassy area out back and plenty of picnic tables, popular with students.
- Enclosed grassy garden with picnic tables
- Popular with students
- Neighbourhood local feel
Coughlan’s (Douglas Street)
One of Cork’s classic ‘old man’ pubs, successfully transformed into a live music venue while keeping its character, with a partially covered beer garden that works year-round.
- Partially covered beer garden, works year-round
- Live music venue
- Historic Cork character pub
SkyBar at Clancy’s (City Centre)
A historical old boozer reinvigorated since reopening in 2019, with a rooftop space perfect for cocktails while looking out across the city’s rooftops.
- Rooftop bar with city views
- Extensive cocktail list
- In-house pizza, food served through the day
The Belle Vue (Old Youghal Road)
A small terrace of tables on Cork’s northside right across from the main entrance to Collins’ Barracks, a good spot to catch some rays on a match day.
- Small outdoor terrace
- Popular on match days
- Northside neighbourhood spot
Henchy’s (St Luke’s Cross)
A buzzing St Luke’s Cross local that’s always lively on a summer’s evening, and even more so on match days, with a strong neighbourhood following.
- Always busy on match days
- Popular St Luke’s Cross local
Try Another Irish Classic
If Guinness isn’t your pint, Murphy’s is Cork’s own stout, brewed in the city since 1856 and known for a smoother, softer finish than its Dublin rival.
More Beer Travel
See also Best Beer Gardens in Dublin, Best Beer Gardens in Bristol, Best Beer Tours in Dublin, and the Beer Cities hub for 100 more cities to drink your way through.
FAQ
Which Cork beer garden is best for dogs?
Several are genuinely dog friendly, including Tom Barry’s, Fionnbarra’s, and BrewDog Cork, which has its own K9 hydration station and a Paws of Fame wall.
Which works best in the rain?
Franciscan Well and The Courtyard on Sober Lane both have heated, mostly covered gardens built for year-round use in Cork’s changeable weather.
Which is best for live music?
Coughlan’s, The Abbey Tavern and The Merchant (Riverside Sessions) all lean heavily into live music alongside their outdoor spaces.
Also see: Best Beer Gardens in Munich, Best Beer Gardens in NYC, Best Beer Gardens in Manchester, Best Beer Gardens in Seattle, Best Beer Gardens in Amsterdam.
