2023 Update: this is still the best beer spot in Cork. 🍻 Original post: If you like beer, and are looking for a change from the Irish stouts and Coors Light served in every pub, then you MUST visit Abbot’s Ale House. I lived in Cork for a year before we discovered it, and I feel like a year has been wasted. This is now my favorite bar in Cork. Why? The rotating beer list, the variety of can offerings, the fact that it is also a full bar, the vibe, the quaintness of it, the music, the people, the friendly owner. It checks every box for me. Even the box for Imperial Stout Slushy! The only down side is the hours of operation which are limited. Again, if you like beer, then go.

The great cozy pub with delicious beer, live music, handmade interior and a very friendly host!

Owner is one of the nicest & most charismatic people you'll ever meet and will make you feel incredibly welcome at his pub. He kindly offered to give us a taster of a special edition Duvel bottle he had purchased at an auction after asking what our favorite drink was. Will definitely be back here!

Old world charm, Delicious Craft beers, Haunting live music, and the finest Irish hospitality delivered by ADRIAN!!!!

Having a pint at The Abbot's was a bit like jumping back in time, and in a totally pleasant way at that. It is so uncommon, nowadays, to be in the company of a couple dozen people where the use of mobile phones is practically unseen and the main medium of communication is speech, with the odd hearty laughter to boot. All of that in a setting of delightful decor. This is all made easier - no doubt - by the beer served (excellent, with some remarkable specialty brews) and the publican's good humour. It immediately felt like your local pub of old.

Arrived here with friends a few days ago and all seemed fine. Then suddenly a customer confronted one member of our group and immediately started questioning him as to why he was "looking all over the bar" when clearly he was just taking in his surroundings. This customer/wannabe bouncer was acting in a bizarre borderline intimidatory manner and the staff there didn't bother intervening. It was early in the night so none of us were drunk at all so there was no excuse for this behaviour. I tried reaching out to the venue just to get an explanation but with no luck. It's a shame I have to leave this review as all others are very positive.

Anton and Valentino always very welcoming. We use the private upstairs bar. Prices reasonable and big choice of ales. Downstairs seems nice and atmospheric with regular live music. Don't know anything about the food as I only go for drinks.

Been here few times a long time ago (like 2011-13) and it was good then but they've moved downstairs in the interim and now it's even better. To speak even more highly of them, I recently had an episode where my wedding ring was misplaced on a night out. We figured out that it was most likely that the item had been lost in the Abbot's Ale House and they checked CCTV to see where I was sitting, searched the area, retrieved the ring and let us know. So happy to get it back and so great to know that there's a solid crew owning and operating the place that you can trust. To top it off, they have a great selection of craft/import beers to imbibe when you're there. I'd taken a break from the place due to moving away from the area, having kids, etc. but will be delighted to try and bring my custom back to the place after this really positive experience. Would give them more stars if I could! Top notch!

The most friendly bar I’ve ever been to. With a huge selection of craft beer, this is a must for all beer lovers. The owner even pulle out a 12 year old Chrismas Beer from Nøgne Ø in Norway (Becaus I’m Norwegian) The owner and his crew were absolutley awsome.

This was my favourite pub in the three weeks I spent travelling around Ireland. The owner, a charismatic and boisterous chap, runs a great little pub with super friendly and knowledgeable staff. I wandered in early on a Saturday afternoon and had a brilliant time. Great craft beers and great laughs. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

What a brilliant place, don't miss it if visiting Cork. Amazing beer, fun atmosphere and a very entertaining landlord !

Great pub! Very small but it adds to the atmosphere. The place was packed (jointed). There was a band which was great for the atmosphere as everybody joined in with the songs and had a great time. Highly recommend a night here.

Lovely spot, friendly atmosphere, constantly changing selection of carefully curated beers of any style and a wide range of Irish whiskey

Very good bar, nice gluten free beer. There was live music, the crowd joined singing with the band.

Best community atmosphere, amazing craft beer, and local live music. When you go to Abbott's Ale House you feel like you are part of a family. It's one of the best in Cork City.

a Legendary spot in cork city! excellent choice of craft beers, bottled and canned- and an ever-changing selection of beers on tap, always an awesome surprise!

Best pub in Cork city. Excellent beer and stuff give you good mood for all evening

Friendly staff and clientele. Great beer selection. Very cozy. 👍

Hands down one of the best pubs in Cork, definitely one of the best ones I've ever had the pleasure of spending a night or two in. Unreal pints, great atmosphere, great craic.

Best craft beer pub in Cork and whole Ireland. Here you can find various of beers and whiskies (not only locally made). Atmosphere is really nice, they have live music every Friday evening and gays at the bar always happy to find you a proper drink (My recommendation is to ask owner, his offers are really the best). You definitely should visit the place if you like to experience new spirits!