Cork City Entertainment

  1. An Cruiscín Lán

    Trad bands and world, blues and pop musicians all play at this acclaimed bar south of the river.

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  2. An Spailpín Fánac

    An Spailpín Fánac 'The Wandering Labourer' really hangs on to its character, with exposed brickwork, stone-flagged floors, snug corners and open fires. There are good trad sessions every night bar Saturday.

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  3. Cork Arts Theatre

    Newly rebuilt, this excellent theatre shows thought-provoking drama and runs workshops for new writers and kids.

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  4. Cork Opera House

    This leading venue has been entertaining the city for more than 150 years with everything from opera and ballet to stand-up and puppet shows. Performances are as varied as Carmen , Nanci Griffith, and the musical I, Keano .

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  5. Crane Lane Theatre

    Newly opened Crane Lane is fast becoming a city institution, thanks to its courtyard beer garden, theatrical décor and regular live-music sessions. It also does a good line in specialty tipples - Swedish wild berry cider, anyone?

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  7. Curraheen Greyhound Park

    If you tire of the pubs, the live music and the theatre, there's always the dogs. Greyhound-racing is big news in Ireland, particularly with families, and Curraheen Greyhound Park is one of the country's swankiest stadiums. There are 10 races a night, and a restaurant, bar and live music to keep you entertained in between. Curraheen is 5.5km from the centre; to get there, take bus 8. A free bus drops you back between and .

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  8. Everyman Palace Theatre

    Acclaimed musical and dramatic productions are the main bill of fare here, but there's also the occasional high-quality opera, rock band, storyteller and comedian.

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  9. Flux!

    Sleek new bar scene with DJs at the weekend.

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  10. Franciscan Well Brewery

    The copper vats gleaming behind the bar give the game away - the Franciscan Well brews its own beer. And very good it is too, whether you're after stout, ale, lager or wheat beer. The best place to enjoy it is in the enormous beer garden at the back. The pub holds regular beer festivals with other small Irish breweries - check the website for details.

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  11. Fred Zeppelins

    There's a hard edge to this dark den of a bar, popular with goths, rockers and anyone who feels uncomfortable leaving the house without a packet of Rizlas. There are regular gigs upstairs and DJs downstairs.

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  13. Gate Multiplex

    Multiscreen cinema showing mainstream films.

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  14. Granary

    Contemporary and experimental works are staged at the Granary by the University College Cork drama group and visiting companies. Look out for any related workshops, symposiums and installations.

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  15. Half Moon Theatre

    One of Cork's best venues for live music, comedy and drama. Saturday night sees Lobby Live, featuring an ever-interesting line-up of local and international bands. Music joins the dots between blues, folk, trad, rock and alternative.

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  16. Havana Browns

    One of Cork's most popular clubs, Havana Browns has three bars, a VIP room, an outdoor terrace and a fine line in neon and amber back-lighting. The music doesn't stray far from MTV's current playlist.

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  17. Hi-B

    Up a dingy flight of stairs, tiny Hi-B is one of Cork's most idiosyncratic pubs, in no small part thanks to landlord Brian O'Connell. If you've never been thrown out of a pub and think you've missed out, try getting out your mobile here. Or ordering a soft drink. Or looking at Brian in a 'funny' way. There's jazz on the piano on Wednesday nights to add to the entertainment.

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  19. Instinct

    Lively club with DJs, Kylie parties, salsa lessons and quiz nights.

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  20. Kino

    Shows art-house flicks.

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  21. Liquid Lounge

    If you're more interested in good music than getting laid, Liquid Lounge is here to save you. There are regular gigs on Saturday nights, featuring bands signed to Irish labels, and DJ sets cover anything from Arcade Fire and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to Kraftwerk and De La Soul. There's a top roof terrace to boot.

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  22. Loafers

    Cork's oldest and most laid-back gay bar.

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  23. Long Valley

    A Cork institution that dates from the mid-19th century and is still going strong, the Long Valley has a landscape that fits its name. The upstairs Hayloft is usually quieter if the main bar is busy.

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  25. Mutton Lane Inn

    Tucked down the tiniest of laneways off St Patrick's St, this inviting pub lit by candles and fairy lights is one of Cork's most intimate drinking holes. It also has one of the best beer selections in the city. It's miniscule and much-admired so try to get in early to bag the snug, or join the smokers perched on beer kegs outside.

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  26. Other Place

    Hosts a café-bar and nightclub, which operates Friday to Sunday nights. Check the nightclub's website for details.

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  27. Savoy

    The Savoy sweeps the spectrum from singer-songwriters and rock bands to tribute bands and regular club nights. Recent gigs have seen the Lemonheads and the Levellers strut the stage.

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  28. Scotts

    This deluxe venue, all dark wood and moody lighting, has a fine restaurant downstairs and an upstairs club that features mainstream floor-fillers for well-groomed over-20s.

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  29. Sin É

    You could easily while away an entire day at this great old place over the Lee North Channel. There are no frills or fuss here - just a comfy, sociable pub long on atmosphere and short on pretension. Hunker down in the dark downstairs or swivel in the barber's chair in the brighter upstairs room. There's music most nights, much of it traditional but with the odd surprise.

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