Cork Heritage Whiskey Trail

WELCOME TO THE CORK HERITAGE WHISKEY TRAIL 2024

Welcome to Cork, the heartland of Ireland’s whiskey-making tradition, where each distillery carries a story as rich as its flavours. We’ve had an idea that we think you’re going to love, reduce the stress and especially your beer miles if whiskey and beer are on the cards, we’re offering an exclusive whiskey tour across three of our venues starting in the infamous  Sin É, moving down onto St. Patricks Street to the Mutton Lane & finishing things off on Tuckey Street in one of Corks most usually shaped bars The Oval, don’t worry you’ll find maps along the way which will show you where all the rest of our venues are. This self guided tour is ideal for anyone looking to explore more of Corks history while indulging in the finest whiskeys.

As we embark on this journey through Cork’s finest whiskey & pubs, prepare to indulge in the craftsmanship and heritage that define Irish culture. From the historic venues of Cork Heritage Pubs, where tradition meets innovation, to the artisanal charm and taste of the brand that is Powers, we’ll traverse the diverse landscape of whiskey tasting. So, raise your glass and let’s uncover the spirit of Corks Heritage, one sip at a time.

What’s more all groups can enjoy a special discount in the Jameson Distillery in Middleton after your Cork Heritage Pub Experience. Ask your bartenders throughout the tour for this special discount code.

SIN É

The long-established home of Irish traditional music in Cork city, the Irish words ‘Sin é’ literally translate to mean ‘That’s it’, in reference to the funeral parlour located next door. Sin é is widely viewed as the best traditional pub in Cork!.

Non-stop traditional music 7 days a week from 6 – close Monday – Saturday, and from 5 on Sunday. Music and Drink are the focus but please feel free to bring some food with you!.

Voted one of the best places in the world to spend St Patrick’s Day, read more

Having first opened its doors in 1889, the pub has always been an intriguing spot – to say the least – and has a very devout and widespread following of people, patrons that hail from every different sort of background.

The Sin É doesn’t tolerate egos particularly well and respect is shown to all who show respect to it and its patrons. Roots run deep here, with generations of families from the locality mixing easily with newcomers and tourists. The truth is that you can’t be a blow in at the Sin é – you either dig what’s going on or you don’t.

Traditional music has always been played at the pub, even when it was seen as uncool in the 1950s, 60s and 70s; and unlike the tourist sessions that pop up in other pubs during the summer, the Sin É has had live Irish music every week for over 50 years now. We host a Trad Session 7 nights a week at 7pm – truly a must for any music fan! The best of Irish is always heard every Tuesday at 9.30pm as well as Fridays and Sundays at 6.30pm, whatever night of the week you arrive – good music is guaranteed, we also suggest that you carry on late into the night with live music in Crane Lane

The Sin É loves Stout, Horse racing (more about that later), Cheltenham week, Traditional music, Reggae (it started in Cork, just ask the bar man!), Rock and Blues, Conversation, Singing and maintaining folks’ hopes and dreams. We’re very much a community, so cross the River Lee and join us!.

MUTTON LANE INN

A Cork pub much admired, the Mutton Lane Inn is probably one of the oldest drinking establishments in the city outside of the North/ South Main Street axis. Situated off St. Patrick’s Street, Mutton Lane is one of many alleyways that lead into the famed English Market and used to be where live sheep were run into the market at one time. The Mutton Lane Inn is consistently voted one of Cork City’s best pubs.

Take some time to appreciate the important mural running the length of the lane. Commissioned by Cork City Council and the owner of the pub, it was completed by Anthony Ruby and is as Cork-centric as you can get. Unusual – in that every man jack in the mural is alive and kicking – sit on one of the barrels long enough and one of them is bound to pass you by. There are a few stories embedded into the mural, which locals will be glad to share, and the work has never been vandalised – only ever admired.

Venture inside and the Mutton Lane Inn is dark, wooden and candle lit. The staff are exceptionally friendly, the music is always good and, to encourage conversation, there is NO TV. Ask about the pictures above the bar when you get a chance. Two of our famous Lord Mayors will be looking down on you, along with JFK and Jackie as well as Johnny Cash.

Open each day from 10.30am, it’s always a busy spot but you’ll somehow find a seat. The atmosphere is unique and it really is a rocking heritage pub for all ages. Visit any good book shop in Cork to pick up a copy of the O’Driscoll brothers’ excellent read – ‘The History of the English Market in Cork’. This book will give you a real flavour of the history in this area of the city.

The pub once had the greatest sales of whiskey in Ireland per square foot as the custom was that butchers and cattlemen would leave a drop or two as payment for their junior staff on leaving the market at the end of a long day. Even today the market is an ever present and Staff don’t mind if you bring some of the delicacies of the Market into the pub for a bite to eat.

The Irish civil war was tragic but thankfully relatively brief. This long, narrow bar was divided right down the middle between pro Treaty and anti Treaty forces during this time but the peace – and more importantly – the atmosphere always held. If you really want to understand the history of Cork and, in particularly, the character of its citizen, then chance reading another great book – ‘The battle for Cork’ by John Borgonovo.

Frankly, once you discover the Mutton Lane Inn, you could spend a whole week here and Cork’s nightlife just wouldn’t be the same without

THE OVAL

Located on the corner of historic South Main Street and Tuckey Street, The Oval is named for its stunning interior ceiling – a central feature of this particular premises – and is often considered one of the best pubs in Cork.

The venue was custom designed by an Edinburgh-based firm of architects on behalf of the Beamish and Crawford brewery, which previously operated across the street, and its Sino-Celtic style is clearly reminiscent of Mackintosh as a result.

Incredibly, The Oval is still in its original condition and is the only pub in Cork to be included on a list of important 20th Century buildings within the city limits. It has an open fire and generally smells of a heady mixture of peat and whiskey!

The pub itself has a very diverse clientele and is reputed to be haunted on the back of numerous sightings of a soldier in ragged uniform over the years. Like the ghost, you wouldn’t want to leave The Oval either once you’ve experienced a night out in this renowned Indie pub.

The music reflects the pub’s reputation and it’s a fantastic way to spend any evening in Cork. A busy spot, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, the advice is to get there early!.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

So you have three very exciting venues to visit but whats on offer?

SIN É

Jameson Black Barrel

Redbreast Lutsau

Yellow Spot

MUTTON LANE

Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Green Spot

THE OVAL

Jameson Crested

Powers John’s Lane

Jameson Pot Still

PRICING & TICKETS

€75 Euro Per Person.

Offers for group booking.

Please enquire at Sin É on Coburg Street or alternatively e-mail kevinmccoycorkheritagepubs@gmail.com.

*NOTE: This tour is self-guided and is not time limited – you will have the opportunity to enjoy each venue on various different days if you so please*