The Shelbourne Bar image

The Shelbourne Bar

Bar Pub Irish pub

· Takeaway · Delivery People often mention staff, whiskey, Cork, Great, atmosphere, great, Irish, friendly, selection, good,


Address

17 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 DE79, Ireland

Website

www.theshelbournecork.ie

Contact

+353 21 450 9615

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11:59 am to 12:30 pm
  • Saturday: 11:59 am to 12:30 pm
  • Sunday: 12:30 to 11:30 pm
  • Monday: 1 to 11:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 1 to 11:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 1 to 11:30 pm
  • Thursday: 1 to 11:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (31) whiskey (27) Cork (26) Great (24) atmosphere (20) great (20) Irish (17) friendly (15) selection (14) good (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Peter M. 2 years ago on Google
    Unique establishment and a focal point if the Victorian Quarter in Cork City. The atmosphere in here is second to none and the selection of whiskey on offer will suit everyone. Expect plenty of lively conversation and good craic in here
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David S. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great time at this pub and they were nice enough to realize that it was our first Irish Pub and give us seats up in the front vestibule. While we were visiting with locals, they waited on us which I heard is not common but it was very much appreciated! Definitely check this place out when you're in Cork
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph C. 1 year ago on Google
    Came for a quick bite and a pint and woah, left with a completely full belly! The sandwich was bigger than I could have imagined and it was delicious! The fries were cooked to perfection and the staff was right there anytime I needed anything (which I didn’t-they were just that good). This place would be a fun place to visit on a Friday or Saturday night but do not underestimate it for a great lunch spot any day of the week. Was pleasantly surprised and will definitely visit again - I would suggest you give it a try!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 O N. 4 years ago on Google
    We have visited The Shelbourne Bar many of times. Shelbourne is a corner stone of Cork city. The owners and staff definitely make you feel at home. The atmosphere is both casual and romantic. They don't mind you ordering food from local restaurants. There is seating outside for you to sit and relax. Grab a pint here before going to watch a show at the theatre. #local #localbusiness
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard O F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great traditional pub with a massive Irish whiskey collection of over 400+ to sample from.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacqueline G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great pour of Murphy's, great variety of whiskeys, friendly barkeeps, what more could you need?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wayne D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bar with a huge selection of whiskey and very knowledgeable staff highly recommended
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eva A. 4 years ago on Google
    This place has a selection of 360 irish whiskey. Enough to come once a day for a year and never drink the same whiskey! The staff has a pick of the week and a pick of the month which helps you tremendously to not drawn in all this golden liquor which shines like jewels in the shelvings on the walls of the pub. Ask for Philip (whom is the owner and the president of the chamber of commerce) if you want more insight on the city of Cork. The fireplace makes super cozy! Lovely place and lovely peole!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great bar in a great location. The staff are really friendly and attentive and very knowledgeable!! Loads of cool pictures hanging on the walls and it has that old style pub feeling!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allan D. 4 years ago on Google
    Very friendly great for having a catch up and afew drinks
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noel M. 1 year ago on Google
    Rory excellent bar manager. The best bar in Cork. Excellent service. It is good to see staff who are passionate about their job. We go to the Shelbourne with our son Jack because of the quality of service. Rory is the penultimate of knowledge on customer service and creative thinking on alcohol options. 5 star
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 oshay m. 2 years ago on Google
    The bartenders are awesome here. They know their whiskey. While there I was talking to an older gentlemen having good time and he told to try a bemish. Wasn't bad. It's an awesome pub if your in cork and you love whiskey definitely stop by.

  • 5/5 Claire K. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped off for something cold at The Shelbourne Bar in Cork City. Wonderful outdoor atmosphere and very friendly staff. Highly Recommended #slaínte #bulmerscider

  • 5/5 kevin c. 1 year ago on Google
    Highly recommend this pub. Hard to beat the whiskey collection and knowledge from the staff. The Guinness is perfect and hard to beat. I found this place after chatting to a barman in the local hotel so it’s a favourite with the locals which is always a good sign. Great atmosphere day or night. 100% we will be back when we visit Cork next.

  • 4/5 Kai K. 1 year ago on Google
    Lively bar with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. Excellent cocktails well made with good ingredients.

  • 5/5 Bobbie K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great atmosphere, great Guinness and 3 girls that served us were a real asset to the bar. (Thursday about 5 pm). Well done.

  • 5/5 Alex B. 4 years ago on Google
    A great local pub. Best whiskey selection in Cork.

  • 5/5 Paddy O. 1 year ago on Google
    I don't know what to say but what an experience at this bar. Outside and inside service. Staff who know their drinks and a very friendly atmosphere in a super central location. Recommend definitely especially if checking out Theatre in the Everyman or a night out in the Metropole. One of the top bars in Cork today.

  • 5/5 Jorge R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the best whiskey bar I visited on my road trip around Ireland. One of the largest selections of Irish whiskeys I’ve seen. Tom was extremely helpful in suggesting whiskeys based on other whiskeys I have tried and shared with me some of the best most unknown Irish whiskeys I’ve ever tried. Highly recommend asking for Tom when visiting this bar if you want a great experience.

  • 5/5 Audrey N. 4 years ago on Google
    Everytime I visit Cork, I walk in here. The pope may kiss the ground upon arriving to a country, I walk into my version of heaven. Summer or Winter The Shelbourne Bar delivers instant joy at the opening of the door. On a very miserable rainy day last week I stepped off the train and headed straight to Mac Curtain St, the blazing fire and Christmas decorations met me. The people who work here are so welcoming, efficient and make you feel at home. I sat by the blazing fire and slowly dried off. A Guinness was called for and after a 2 and a half hour train journey I had to have their spinach and celery soup, accompanied with brown bread. It's a body hug, soul calming kind of place. The twinkling beautiful lights, log fire, local conversations in that wonderful Cork tone warmed me. The choice of whiskeys in glass cabinets is endless and cute little snugs for cosy private meetings are like a grown up Santa's grotto at this time of year. The bar is in the middle of the pub, so the bar tenders have a 360 degree view, everyone gets attention. The ladies toilets are so clean and spacious. Some may say you should judge a place on their loo. On my quick visit to Cork, I returned 5 hours later after a busy day, on my way to catch the train, I popped in and had a baileys before my departure. Local Cork characters chatting and telling jokes and quietly singing along to the music. Waves and goodbyes sent me out into the rain once again as I left. Make it your first and last place to visit in Cork City.

  • 5/5 Axel H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great whiskeybar & the staff is fantastic.

  • 5/5 Benjamin V. 4 years ago on Google
    Thousands nice pub nice people

  • 4/5 Dominic M. 4 years ago on Google
    Cheap pints but busy so get in quick

  • 5/5 Linda M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very friendly staff.

  • 4/5 kev g. 8 months ago on Google
    I have grown really fond of this place, but occasionally, when we meet friends here and it's busy, it can get really noisy. They could do with a small bit of acoustic baffling about the place. The cocktails are really good too. Nice place to stop in for a chill Mojito if you're tieing one off too.

  • 5/5 Philip S. 3 months ago on Google New
    Super bar with a great buzz. If you like whiskey, this is definitely the place to visit. Loved the atmosphere and the service, and friendliness of the staff was top class. A must on your places to visit list while in Cork.

  • 5/5 Karen H. 4 months ago on Google
    Lively spot in Cork with a great whiskey and beer selection. We were able to snag a seat at the bar before dinner, and had great service and an excellent tutorial in Irish whiskeys and ryes. We came back after dinner and did a flight, curated by our knowledgable and friendly bartender. The place was busy, but we never felt rushed.

  • 5/5 matt b. 3 months ago on Google New
    Most incredible whiskey selection I have ever come across!

  • 5/5 Lauren L. 4 months ago on Google
    So glad we stopped here, Rory was wonderful and there were so many options!

  • 5/5 Can Kerem �. 3 months ago on Google New
    Largest irish whiskey collection i have ever see… probably best in town.

  • 5/5 Bruno Paredes S. 4 months ago on Google
    **THE PLACE** to share the vibrant spirit of Cork Jazz Festival. The craic, that good Irish festive mood to enjoy life, good booze and friendship. That day we enjoyed the performance of Harry & Friends, a 40years performing local jazz band, Mary Connolly and other invitees. Go and taste a pint of Guinness, you'll return!!!

  • 5/5 Kelli N. 1 year ago on Google
    The whiskey collection is absolutely stunning. If you’re struggling to decide which one to order, they offer a bunch of whiskey flights to help narrow down the decision. The bartender Thomas was extremely knowledgeable and fun to nerd out with. We had such a great time, we returned later that evening!

  • 5/5 Clare C. 10 months ago on Google
    Our first time in Cork and was luckily recommended this pub. Fantastic drinks and atmosphere but Rory made it for us, absolutely amazing wealth of knowledge and couldn't of made us feel more welcome. We would return to Cork, just to come back here.

  • 5/5 Anton L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great selection of Irish Whiskeys, cocktails and beers. Amazing staff! Do get fish&chips from across the street to eat here!

  • 5/5 David H. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place for a Irish Whiskey education! Rory was an excellent guide through the 28 page menu of Irish Whiskey. A must for whiskey lovers from all over the world 🌎

  • 5/5 Ana Contreras N. 1 year ago on Google
    Liked the hot whiskey served in a wine glass! Also loved the negroni. Fine place furnished with big screen to watch the final Ireland vs England rugby match 🥳☘️

  • 5/5 Kyra o. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent staff, always happy to help and very friendly. Drinks are really good and they have a big cocktail menu.

  • 5/5 Smooth Sea P. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic Cork Bar. Great atmosphere and they make an incredible Whiskey Espresso Martini 👌

  • 4/5 Bryan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Pre Xmas shopping drinks and decided to stop off here. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Can't ask for more really

  • 5/5 diastolic c. 1 year ago on Google
    Small terrace in the front, cozy atmosphere inside with the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Cork.

  • 4/5 Gordon K. 1 year ago on Google
    Totally enjoyable top whiskey bar. Great table service.

  • 5/5 Paolo F. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun and friendly atmosphere are the traits of this Pub. Ah...the selection of beers and whiskeys are wonderful. Had very nice chats both with staff and other customers. Highly recommended.

  • 1/5 BeBe G. 3 years ago on Google
    looking a previous comments.. you would think the bar staff are helpful but NO!

  • 4/5 Conor T. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely place. Great staff

  • 4/5 Rafael L. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice atmosphere. I enjoyed a fantastic stout while reading a book in a Wednesday evening. Great afterwork place. It gets quite busy at weekends though. ??

  • 5/5 Declan M. 4 years ago on Google
    One if Corks best pubs, fantastic atmosphere and service.

  • 5/5 Con K. 3 years ago on Google
    The Shelbourne in the heart of Cork City is an atmospheric welcoming local pub. Friendly staff are extremely knowledgeable on Irish whiskey. Its a great place to learn about Irish whiskey and tasting boards of various prices give windows into Irish distilling. I would highly recommend this pub

  • 5/5 Jim Mc A. 3 years ago on Google
    Our first time back since lockdown and it was a pleasure to be back, very well organized to keep us all safe and happy. Looking forward to our next visit.?

  • 5/5 Conor O. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place! Amazing irish whiskey selection! Extremely knowledgeable staff!

  • 5/5 Michael C. 3 years ago on Google
    My favourite bar in Cork

  • 5/5 Elma N. 3 years ago on Google
    Great Place to go for something to eat and drink lovely staff, feels very safe in these channelling times

  • 5/5 John C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great selection of drinks and even better staff, really nice bar with a old cozy feel in the heart of the city

  • 5/5 Gary K. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely open fire. Great place for a pint. Nice staff.

  • 5/5 Dermot M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice Guinness. Good food. But above all, the staff are really friendly and so professional. Sorry I can't name you here as I never asked but in the few times I have been here, they have all been excellent every time.

  • 4/5 Enda H. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice coffee... Comfortable alfresco.. Great arrangement with local restaurants

  • 4/5 Paul M. H. 4 years ago on Google
    Traditional Irish pub, unusually still lined with "snugs"(partially closed room) for small groups to talk. Crowded with locals enjoying TVs with sports events. City centre location, great atmosphere and friendly bar staff on Saturday night. Parking is difficult, as Everyman Theatre next door make available spaces hard to find. Recommended.

  • 5/5 Rodrigo V. 4 years ago on Google
    So ye want to visit a traditional Irish pub? So ye've came to tha right place! ? ?

  • 5/5 breadandcircus 5. 4 years ago on Google
    A wonderful bar, great selection of beers, an incredible range of whiskeys, voted ' The Best Whiskey Bar in Ireland' two years in a row. But most importantly, the best bar staff you could ever meet, an absolute pleasure ?

  • 5/5 Zach H. 5 years ago on Google
    Whiskey of my life, fun atmosphere, go here and nowhere else; patient waitress as I considered which 300 whiskeys to taste. She made it easy and recommended a 12 year rum cask to die for. Food was ordered from a nearby joint but the prices were best on the street and tastey.

  • 5/5 Bill J. 4 years ago on Google
    The largest collection of Irish whiskey in Cork with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended and new favorite place in Cork City

  • 5/5 Nancy S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great spot! The guys were lovely and took time to help us with our amateur whiskey tasting!

  • 5/5 Gerard 4 years ago on Google
    Nice and cosy, great whiskey collection

  • 5/5 roger l. 3 years ago on Google
    Great pub with great staff and a brilliant atmosphere

  • 4/5 Eoin C. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice bar, with an amazing selection of hundreds of whiskeys and excellent pints. Food available as delivery from local Italian restaurant.

  • 5/5 Bénédicte S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place where you can sit outside while enjoying your drink and a take away from the fish and chips across the road or Italian food.

  • 4/5 Richard S. 4 years ago on Google
    drinks very expensive

  • 5/5 rob b. 4 years ago on Google
    Great service, always good atmosphere. As staple of Mac Curtain street Cork

  • 5/5 Sidney W. 4 years ago on Google
    The bartender was lovely, the drinks were good, and the food was tasty.

  • 5/5 Joan H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for a few beers

  • 5/5 Noel M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bar what a great selection of whiskey ❤️

  • 5/5 Nicki M. 4 years ago on Google
    Superior whiskey menu, excellent service and fabulous cozy yet roomy pub. Pizza menu is fantastic from neighboring restaurant.

  • 5/5 Sonia C. 4 years ago on Google
    The bar staff here are amazing and I love that you can order in pizza

  • 4/5 Geraldine H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to have a quiet drink and staff are friendly

  • 5/5 Richard V. 4 years ago on Google
    Super !!

  • 5/5 L. P. 4 years ago on Google
    MY LOCAL!

  • 5/5 Nithin V. 4 years ago on Google
    The staffs are excellent!!!! Nice place with finger licking Italian cuisines.

  • 4/5 Sean M. 4 years ago on Google
    Now that Rory has received an honorable mention for making Irish Coffee a person could quite easily drop in for a coffee

  • 4/5 Martin O. 4 years ago on Google
    Good beer great atmosphere

  • 5/5 Paul H. 4 years ago on Google
    Best staff I have dealt with in cork


Call +353 21 450 9615 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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