Review: The Oval, an Irish Heritage Pub

With Ireland’s significant number of rainy, chilly days, you’ll often find yourself looking for a place to warm up and, fortunately, it has its fair share of cozy pubs and taverns. Cork City, one of my favorite destinations in Ireland, is home to many authentic Irish watering holes, and on my most recent visit, I discovered a new favorite.

Nestled on the corner of South Main Street and Tuckey Street is The Oval, a cozy historic gem and the only pub in Cork included on a list of important 20^th-century buildings within the city limits.

The bar, named for its stunning interior ceiling, was designed by an Edinburgh-based firm of architects on behalf of the Beamish and Crawford brewery, which used to operate across the street. The bar is still in its original condition, offering a warm, museum-like atmosphere in which to enjoy your soul-warming beverages.

Walking into The Oval, you’ll find a dim, candle-lit room with a large wood bar, surrounded by the smell of oak, peat and whiskey. The walls were decorated with an eclectic collection of Irish movie, music and theater posters, newspaper clippings and antique photographs. We made our way back to one of several sitting rooms, which were warm, intimate nooks complete with large leather armchairs, a wood-burning fireplace and stocked bookshelves. On the tables were Edgar Allen Poe-esque wax candles, offering an almost eerie yet extremely warm and welcoming ambiance. It was a difficult spot to leave, with friendly customer service, a great crowd of long-time regulars and terrific beer, mulled wine and other traditional Irish treats.

The bar is popular with the locals and sometimes draws a bit of a crowd, but it’s well worth it for the history, warm hospitality and beautiful architecture.

The Oval

S Main St, Centre, Cork

Ireland

353 21 427 8952