Local Pubs.. Our Favourites

As part of your social programme you will discover some wonderful and unique Irish Pubs. In Kinsale there is live music every night during the season and three or four nights a week during the winter. Drop into the Greyhound for an afternoon drink and sit by the fire or in one of the cosy corners. There is always great rock and roll on the stereo in this old world pub in the heart of town. For a quiet, early evening drink there is the Blue Haven Piano bar with excellent bar food. In the evenings, go to the Shanakee, where there is always a good buzz and a young lively crowd, as well as a resident Irish band.

For some good traditional music in a typical Irish atmosphere, the Spaniard is a must on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Here you will sit around the table and share a pint with the musicians. At the weekend, travel west to Clonakilty, host to many music festivals. De Barra's is a great haunt for local and international musicians. Here you will find concerts in the back room and jam sessions in the front bar.

Drop into Mary's in Ballinadee on the way home, for a typical country atmosphere and a sing-song. Or call to one of the village pubs in Kilbrittain for an apres match drink. Kilbrittain has a great hurling and Gaelic football club and there is often a good local match on. If you want something more urban, Cork city is just 30 minutes away with its vast selection of traditional or trendy bars. Bodega, a former warehouse with a loft atmosphere, in one of the oldest parts of Cork, the Coal Quay, is a great place for aperitifs or a lively Saturday night buzz.