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! 🍻
Damien Mc S.
Google
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.
Phil K.
Google
Lovely spot. Very atmospheric. Cosy. Real fire at end of the bar. Plenty of space as the crowd were transient. Dog friendly as there was a dog the size of a bear came in next to us which added to the cozy feeling. Highly recommend
A J (.
Google
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.
Swati V.
Google
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!
Genevieve W.
Google
One of my favourite spots in the world. Best beamish, best bartenders, and the best music. Have had some of the most amazing times and met the best people here, would only love to be there to have a pint again ❤️
Orlaith O B.
Google
The oval is one of corks hidden gems ,I've been in recently during Christmas and had such a wonderful time ,I originally didn't know what to order but the bartender that was on was able to help me pick out the handsum which was delicious I think she said her name was Paula? Anyways can't wait to go back again and I hope she's working next time im in!!!!!
Thomas T.
Google
The Oval is another one of Cork's iconic pubs and its one of the cozy ones!
Located on the corner of S Main St and Tucky St., its a pub with a unique Oval shaped ceiling in Cork City center!
The pub has a wonderful ambienceve and the crowd that frequents the bar also gives it a certain charm!
The Staff:
The staff are friendly and welcoming as soon as you walk in the door!
They are very attentive and will serve you quickly!
Drink Selection:
They have a great selection of beer on tap and they serve all three major stouts!
Of which I chose a pint of their delicious Guinness draft!
A lot of people were ordering the Murphy's and Beamish aswell so I can only imagine that they are also good aswell!
Layout:
The layout of the bar is kind of split into two rooms. The first room has the feature for which it owes its namesake, the Oval shaped ceiling.
The second room has more seating and is to the rear of the premises. The bar is located in this room along with some seats.
The second room is smaller and is located towards the back. The main seating area is in this room and the stairs to the toilet is also here.
The bar has access to the seating area on Tucky St. which offers access to people who use wheelchairs.
Decor:
The pub is decorated with a lot of wood and with little quirky details and morabilia as well as little plaques with historic details, etc.
Overall Ipinion:
The Oval is an old bar in the City Center where time moves a little slower. They have a great selection of beers to choose from and I highly recommend stopping by for a beautiful pint of Guinness or drink of your choosing and have a chat with friends!
Michael H.
Yelp
Great old pub/ this is gonna be a Top 10::::
1.) Vintage joint largely unchanged
2.) Charcoal burning fireplace
3.) Great "OVAL" bar
4.) Awesome service from all the bartenders
5.) Playing Pavement
6.) Plastic battery powered candles?
7.) Eclectic Clientele
8.) Folks in back room on bad tinder dates!
9.) Wonderful signage all over the joint
10.) Have a pint of Beamish, you won't regret it
Annie L.
Yelp
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.
Heather O.
Yelp
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.
Irene O.
Yelp
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.
Qype User (.
Yelp
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
Qype User (.
Yelp
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.
Joey A.
Yelp
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.
Qype User (.
Yelp
Smashing Pub, great selection of drinks in comfortable surroundings.
The clientle are friendly and good fun, the place is well recommended.