Fun Things To Do At Night In Cork Ireland

A happy blend of city, sea and countryside, Cork is one of Ireland’s greatest assets. Although compact, the city punches well above its weight when it comes to culture and gastronomy. It’s also a lively place to be at night, offering characterful restaurants, late-opening exhibitions and plenty of opportunities for scenic evening walks.

Ireland’s second capital exudes traditional charm, and nowhere is that more evident than in its old-fashioned pubs. Open past midnight, they offer an opportunity to carouse with Cork residents and join in the craic. Here’s Culture Trip’s essential guide to exploring the city at night.

1. Crawford Art Gallery

Art Gallery, Opera House

Ireland, Cork, Crawford Art Gallery, staircase

Housed in an elegant Palladian-era building, the Crawford Art Gallery provides an excellent introduction to classical and contemporary Irish art. Originally built in 1724 as the city’s customs house, the collection comprises over 3,000 works, featuring Irish greats such as Seán Keating, Norah McGuinness and Jack B Yeats. The handsome parade of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, collected in 1818 from the Vatican in Rome, make up the gallery’s star attraction. The audio-visual exhibitions also provide excellent context on what’s current in Ireland’s contemporary art scene. It’s open late and located near Christy Ring Bridge in the centre of town.

2. Crane Lane Theatre

Theater

The century-old Crane Lane Theatre is an important part of Cork’s cultural heritage. Located in a former gentlemen’s club, the bustling, four-roomed live-music pub offers one of the best beer gardens in the city. Inside, the decor is traditional, with glistening hardwood floors and red-leather furnishings. On weekends, live music throbs until 2am at this happening bar.

3. Oliver Plunkett Street

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

People walking on Oliver Plunkett Street, Centre, Cork, County Cork, Munster, Ireland

One of Cork’s central thoroughfares, Oliver Plunkett Street is a lively shopping boulevard dotted with late-opening shops and cafés. Brimming with character, the street is filled with buskers, antique stores and historic buildings. Here, you’ll find the Theatre Royal and more than 100 independent shops, some of which date back to the early 20th century.

4. Cork Opera House

Opera House, Theatre

The pulsing heart of the city’s cultural scene, the Cork Opera House boasts a long tradition of live performance, dating back to 1852. Set in a glassy ziggurat, this stage hosts global musicians, touring comedians and local theatre. Located near Emmet Place, Cork Opera House comprises a huge auditorium, two well-stocked bars, commercial boxes, a café and a shop.

5. Moonlight Kayaking

Natural Feature

For an otherworldly experience, traverse the black expanse of County Cork’s waterways at night – guided only by moonlight. About a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cork city, it’s a unique way to get your bearings on the area and worth the trip. Atlantic Sea Kayaking operates the Moonlight Kayaking tour in Lough Hyne, and it’s remarkably safe. Book online to reserve a spot.

6. Cork City Gaol

Museum

With an interactive exhibition, the city’s former jailhouse provides a thrillingly creepy late-night tour of the cells and walls that housed prisoners in the 1800s. Designed by Sir Thomas Deane, the Cork City Gaol is a celebrated piece of architecture and is especially atmospheric at night. Located in the city centre, on Convent Avenue near Daly’s Bridge, the location couldn’t be more central.