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Cork Nightlife

Whether your passion is for music, dance, film, theatre, or you simply want to soak up the atmosphere in a traditional bar, the best of Cork's nightlife is only a short walk (or jig) away. It's an easy city to find your way around and you'll soon discover that there is nothing more romantic than making your way home along the River Lee after an evening of uniquely Irish hospitality.

Bars in Cork

Bodega

A favourite Cork watering-hole, featuring four bars set within St Peter's Market, Bodega displays work by artists such as Jack Butler Yeats which are offset by chandeliers and pewter counters. It's a listed building, a bar, a nightclub and a restaurant rolled into one that takes the English Market as its inspiration and serves traditional Irish food throughout the day.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: (021) 427 3756.
Website: http://www.bodegacork.ie

Bodega

A favourite Cork watering-hole, featuring four bars set within St Peter's Market, Bodega displays work by artists such as Jack Butler Yeats which are offset by chandeliers and pewter counters. It's a listed building, a bar, a nightclub and a restaurant rolled into one that takes the English Market as its inspiration and serves traditional Irish food throughout the day.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: (021) 427 3756.
Website: http://www.bodegacork.ie

SoHo Bar

Stylish and modern, if Corkonians didn't have homes to go to, they could stay in SoHo Bar forever. Not only is this the place to come to watch all major sporting events (they even have plasma screens in the bathrooms), but there are four levels of the venue to choose from and each suits a different mood. So whether you're in need of breakfast, lunch and dinner, cocktails on a rooftop terrace or DJs and dance floors until the wee hours, SoHo Bar will be your host seven days a week.

Address: , Grand Parade, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 422 4040.
Website: http://www.soho.ie

The Long Valley Bar

This old-fashioned establishment is a classic Irish pub that was founded back in 1842. When British constables from the Black and Tans burned down much of Cork, The Long Valley Bar remained untouched thanks to its popularity with British soldiers. Still family-run, the snug tavern has etched-glass doors as well as a door salvaged from The Celtic, an ocean liner that ran aground in Cork harbour. Inside, the main taproom is a long space with a polished wooden bar and the famous, thickly-filled sandwiches are perfect for soaking up the beer during the pub's traditional music sessions.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: (021) 427 2144.
Website: http://www.thelongvalleybar.com

Clubs in Cork

SoHo Bar

The Newport Bar is a trendy bar, restaurant and club.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: (021) 425 4872.

The Bowery

The Bowery is one of Cork's finest late night spots. Inside, The Berwick Room harks back to the speakeasy era, with timeless furnishings and decor, mood lighting, subtle art and classic cocktails. Dancers, though, head for The Stage Room with its LED lighting and Turbosound sound system. A firm favourite among the city's dance music fraternity, the music runs late, but there is always its rooftop terrace for those after a breather.

Address: , Tuckey Street, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 425 1438.
Website: http://www.bowery.ie

The Hanover

This New York-inspired venue is housed in a former warehouse, where it's been stripped back to reveal rusted columns, exposed brickwork, steel caging and graffiti-splashed walls from world-class artists. Drink at a large sweeping bar or in a separate cocktail lounge, before taking to the dance floor. There is a pulpit-style DJ area with a state-of-the art sound system and amazing lighting. Table service is offered in four large booths which hold up to 15 people.

Address: , Hanover Street, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 427 9250.

The Voodoo Rooms

When it opened in spring 2014, The Voodoo Rooms had punters queuing all the way along the Grand Parade, and the late night music venue didn't disappoint. It still doesn't with its sophisticated cocktails and a first floor chill out area. Expect lasers, disco balls and DJs spinning through the night.

Address: , Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 427 0075.
Website: http://www.voodooroomscork.com

Live music in Cork

Sin É

Once providing haircuts with your pint, Sin É is now one of the city's top venues for live traditional Irish music. Pronounced 'shin ay', meaning 'that's it', the name is a reference to the funeral parlour next door. Far from being past its expiry date, the walls, which are covered in postcards and posters, shake with the sounds of fiddles and flutes as locals strike up the sounds of Ireland.

Address: , 8 Coburg Street, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 450 2266.
Website: http://www.corkoperahouse.ie

The Kino

Formerly an art-house cinema, this building has been given a new lease of life by a group of young entrepreneurs who run it as a concert venue. It is also the city's only all-ages, alcohol-free venue for live music, film and theatre. It operates as a cafe during the day and presents performances in the evenings, ranging from music shows, theatre and film screenings to charity balls and private functions.

Address: , Washington Street, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 123 4567.
Website: http://www.thekino.ie

The Oliver Plunkett

The Oliver Plunkett boasts live music seven nights a week, featuring everything from blues and jazz to rock and soul. It serves breakfast, lunch and evening meals and is filled with interesting and quirky facts about Cork, its history and its people. The walls and ceilings are lined with a collection of old photographs (such as John F. Kennedy's visit to the city in the 1960s) and Irish quotes, plus lines from poems and songs. The place has a great atmosphere that's only bettered by its superb Guinness and fine cocktails.

Address: , Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 422 2779.
Website: http://www.theoliverplunkett.com

The Pavilion

Located in the historic Huguenot Quarter, The Pavilion is a music venue that's making some history of its own. Expect a selection of world-beating bands and live acts to come through the doors as bookers get the best names in indie, rock, jazz and traditional Irish music, including many before they break into the big time. A little rough around the edges, visitors will find the speakers turned on and up every night of the week with DJs and dinner often thrown into the mix as well.

Address: , Carey's Lane, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 427 6230.
Website: http://www.pavilioncork.com

Classical music in Cork

Dance in Cork

Firkin Crane Dance Centre

The Firkin Crane Dance Centre hosts an eclectic weekly programme of dance shows including jazz, tap, international folk styles and movement techniques based on yoga and Pilates. For those wanting to get involved, there are classes, workshops and recitals too. There is also an interactive display with original costumes, vintage film and theatrical posters at the venue, which promotes contemporary dance and celebrates the story of Joan Denise Moriarty, credited with bringing professional ballet to Ireland.

Address: , John Redmond Street, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 450 7487.
Website: http://www.firkincrane.ie

Theatres in Cork

Cork Arts Theatre

Established by the arts community, for the arts community, this club opened in 1976. Fondly known as the 'CAT Club', Cork Arts Centre is a venue for amateur and professional shows and is a socialising hub for all arts enthusiasts. It has pioneered outreach programmes, writing competitions and community drama festivals to make theatre more accessible to the city.

Address: Carroll's Quay, Camden Court, Cork,
Telephone: (021) 450 5624.
Website: http://www.corkartstheatre.com

Everyman Palace Theatre

This iconic 650-seater venue, and listed building, was built in the late Victorian era and has a rich music hall history. It is a favourite with audiences and performers alike for its intimacy and atmosphere. It hosts visiting companies from the UK, USA and of course all-Irish productions. Amateur dramatics enthusiasts can get married on stage too as the theatre has been approved for civil ceremonies.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: (021) 450 1673.
Website: http://www.everymanpalace.com

The Half Moon Theatre

Located to the rear of Cork Opera House, this is a fringe venue for music, comedy and drama. In contrast to its 1,000-seat neighbour, the Half Moon Theatre is an intimate place that accommodates an audience of just 120. When not open for public performances, it is a flexible space used by artists' groups to develop new work and a rehearsal facility for the city's performing schools.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: (021) 427 0022.
Website: http://www.corkoperahouse.ie/category/genre/half-moon-theatre

Music and Dance in Cork

Culture in Cork

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Crawford House

Just a 10 minute walk from the city centre, this smart, modern guesthouse is excellent value for money. Amalgamating three traditional houses, all rooms come with its king-size beds, huge baths and excellent traditional Irish breakfasts, served up in the conservatory. The staff here are lovely too. The quieter rooms are found at the back of the hotel.

Fota Island Hotel

It may be a little bit out of town, but it would be hard for you to swing a golf club anywhere near this 5-star retreat if it were any closer to Cork. The greens on its Championship-standard courses are as fine as the sheets in its ample, luxurious rooms. It has a gym, tennis courts and yoga, if you want to keep fit, plus a fine dining restaurant, complete with terrace, if you don't. Stylish, sophisticated and truly welcoming, Fota Island Hotel is worth blowing the budget.

Castlemartyr Resort

It may be 30 minutes out of Cork, but if you book a room at Castlemartyr Resort, you couldn't have truly envisioned leaving its grounds. This vast country manor dates back from the 17th-century and has the formal gardens to prove it. They, though, don't quite do its elegance justice. Its grace is admired from up close: it's found in the ruins of its 800-year-old castle, in the soothing splendours of its spa, around the 18 holes of its challenging golf course and in the unforgettable dining experience of its Bell Tower restaurant. Rooms, as you may have guessed, are worthy of the most magnanimous guest too.

Clarion Hotel Cork

Down on the promenade, next to the River Lee, the Clarion Hotel Cork is a stylish accommodation choice that isn't shy of stepping into world of avant-garde design. Its sleek rooms are generous and ultramodern, with clean lines and munificent king-size beds, while its fitness centre (including swimming pool and spa) squeezes in everything from aerobics to yoga. Step into its imaginative atrium though, and it's a world of fake grass, flaky croissants, fluffy sofas and strange, egg-shaped seating coves.

Vienna Woods Hotel

If you're after the charm of countryside living, you'll find it behind the yolk-coloured walls of Vienna Woods Hotel. Surrounded by some 9 hectares (22 acres) of woodland, this 18th century rural retreat is a charismatic and comfortable mid-range choice that mixes vintage furniture with modern facilities. There's free Wi-Fi, beds to lose weekends in and an onsite restaurant that does hearty Emerald Isle grub .

Hotel Isaacs

Most people come to Hotel Isaacs for its infamous Greenes restaurant, which serves up fine Irish dining and excellent wines on a charming little patio. Its rooms don't quite compete with the foodie flamboyance downstairs, but they're clean, spacious and practical, with a price tag that won't melt the credit card. Pick from 47 rooms, which come with en-suite bathrooms, complementary Wi-Fi, cable TV and one of the best locations in the city.