The Oval

The Oval – pure magic in Cork! What an incredible pub. The moment you step inside, you can feel the history, charm, and warmth. It’s truly one of a kind — cozy, beautiful, and full of character. The atmosphere is something special, the drinks are fantastic, and the staff make you feel right at home. It honestly made me wish we had pubs like this back in Canada. Such a memorable experience — can’t wait to come back! 🍻

Yet another gem in Cork. The pub has a very bohemian feel to it. We found a cosy corner here and enjoyed spending lovely pints for beamish here. If you're in Cork city for a day or two, this one's a must visit!

Maybe we came too late on a Saturday. It was so busy and the entryway is a pinch-point. This place will give you all types of anxiety. We were recommended by a local...and I adore Beamish, so I had really hoped to try this location but our timing was off apparently. Also, a guy had a pee-pee outside around the corner by the construction fence. Kinda funny, far from the worst to happen in a city.

Old Rustic bar in South Main Street, the City Center of Cork. Across from the old Beamish and Crawford Brewary, there's a lot of history in the area. There's a younger crowd frequenting it now, and they have some seating outside. The staff are nice as is the atmosphere.

Probably our second favorite pub to just sit and have some pints. It's so cozy and cute. The locals are super friendly and so are the staff. Great selection on tap. Apparently dog friendly as well.

Great spot for a Beamish on the historical pub list. Cozy and friendly vibe.

Nice pub. Good music. Not the best beer selection. Used to have real candles on each table with wax spilling over the bottle they were in, now changed for fake candles. It's a pity, it was part of what made it a cosy pub.

We rocked into Cork for a day, wandering around we spotted The Oval off the plain main shopping strip. Oh what a relief to find this grungy indy gem. 😊 With a great relaxed vibe (each spot candlelit), plenty of beers on tap, including an alternative to Guinness (Beamish Irish stout) this is a great place to come and chat. A great place to start your Cork Heritage Pub Tour. Final tip: when going to the bathrooms upstairs later at night, be mindful of the spooks in their attic.

Very cozy pub with super friendly staff and a great beer selection. We are visiting Ireland and the staff gave us many wonderful recommendations for the cities we would be visiting.

Great tunes, great mix of people. I really enjoyed my time here. The individual interior with the fun artwork really gives it some character. If you are out West, definitely try to spot in here for a lively weekend jaunt.

One of the many Gems in Cork city... certainly for a well poured pint of Murphy's stout (Cork's answer to Guinness). There's always a perfect atmosphere in here and I am always surprised how much space there is in here. The exterior can be misleading. On occassion as well you'll find artwork from the Crawford students displayed on the wall. This gives a nice mix to the regular pub decor. I enjoyed a delicious 4pm pint of a saturday in here with a friend last week and it was absolutely relaxing. I highly recommend for anyone who wants a genuine irish pub experience.

I am a bit biased here. The Oval became my home away from home when I was shipped overseas to work in Cork way back in 91. I'd love to be back. But, I wanted all to know how wonder a pub this was, quaint friendly patrons, and right across the street from Beamish!!! Sit back, draw a pint o stout, and enjoy. Ken Salmon Calgary Alberta Canada

Nice and cozy pub to enjoy a beer and have some craic. Most of the beers here are not common elsewhere, so you might want to choose carefully.

Fantastic Place for a nice pint and a good chat. Great place to start a night out. It's not flashy, its not pretentious. It's what a modern Irish pub should be like. Friendly atmosphere, great selection of beers and drinks.

Smashing Pub, great selection of drinks in comfortable surroundings. The clientle are friendly and good fun, the place is well recommended.