By Ciara McDonnell
Cork city offers plenty of live music, seven-nights-a-week, no matter your pleasure. Here are our recommendations for some of the best bars to enjoy a live gig or some belly laughs.
Firm favourites
The Bantry Bay, a traditional Irish Bar in Bantry, is a firm favourite. Hosting everything from solo artists to traditional music sessions, there’s live music seven-nights-a-week during the summer and during the rest of the year there is live music on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s worth checking to see who is playing.
Keep your ears pricked for local musicians and up-and-coming bands
The ‘Barrel-House Sessions’ at The Mariner music venue in Bantry is fast becoming a mecca for live music in West Cork. You will find local musicians and up-and-coming bands belting out their tunes before handing over the reins to more established bands to rock the dance floor until late.
Hosting everything from solo artists to traditional music sessions, there’s live music seven-nights-a-week during the summer and during the rest of the year there is live music on Fridays and Saturdays
Memorable gigs
Crane Lane Theatre is located in the remains of an old gentleman’s club in the centre of the city and has been the venue for some of the most memorable gigs the city has experienced.
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- You’ll always have a good night at Crane Lane Theatre
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- Take a breather outside in the lovely garden
With four bars, it hosts theatre performances, burlesque nights, swing, blues, jazz, country, live music and DJs seven-nights-a-week until 2am. If you are looking for a big night out, then this is the place.
Trad music
When it comes to trad, then look no further than Sin É. One of Cork’s oldest establishments, musicians belt out the tunes in this cutesy Irish pub every Friday and Saturday evening from 6.30pm – go early for a seat. The Tuesday 9pm session is a wonderful midweek introduction to this Cork institution.
