The Shelbourne in Cork

The staff can't do enough for you, the drinks are great and the atmosphere keeps you there for hours! It does get busy which says alot

I went for a dram of the Egans Fortitude - and I left happy! Great buzz in this lively pub.

This pub is one of my Cork highlights amazing snugs and fabulous atmosphere! The stouts here are phenomenal and a must visit!! One of Corks gems!

If you are in Cork and are looking for a place to sit, hang out and enjoy a huge selection of terrific Irish Whiskey this is the spot! No food, but as long as it’s not fish you can bring something. Finley and Aran were both stellar, I gave some vague information about a whiskey I was looking to try and he found the bottle and set me up. The next night Finley saw me going over the HUGE whiskey list and came over and started a conversation and suggested 3-4 whiskeys based off what I told him and all of the were truly amazing. Big shout out to those guys! (They also pour a fine pint of Guinness) Finally, Cian was always right there making sure you were taken care of, also, an expert on whiskey, but also has tremendous recommendations for around the city and took the time to write me a list of places to go and things to see in Dublin after we left Cork. So far every rec has been a hit. This bar on its own would bring me back to Cork! Terrific job all around, all the staff were killing it slinging drinks on a very busy night! Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this spot!

Walking into The Shelbourne Bar in Cork feels a bit like stepping into a well-orchestrated scene from The Bourne Legacy - quietly confident, impeccably run, and immediately disarming. From the moment you arrive, the staff operate with precision and warmth that would impress even the most seasoned CIA handler. They are genuinely welcoming, highly professional, and consistently smiling, which, frankly, was a pleasant surprise. You instantly feel less like a stranger and more like someone who’s been cleared for access. The Murphy’s stout deserves its own classified file. It arrives cold, dark, smooth, and wonderfully creamy - served with the kind of consistency that suggests serious training and no margin for error. It’s exactly how Murphy’s should be, no improvisation required. The bar itself is ideally located in the heart of Cork, making it easy to drop in and just as easy to stay longer than planned. The layout is smart and intentional, offering open areas for socialising alongside more private sections - an increasingly rare feature these days, and one that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a safe house known only to those in the know. There are no TVs, no unnecessary noise, and no distractions. This is a proper bar, built for conversation, where people actually talk to each other rather than stare at screens. I visited on a Sunday evening, and the atmosphere was relaxed, comfortable, and quietly engaging - no chaos, just calm confidence. Would I recommend The Shelbourne Bar? Absolutely. Would I return? Without hesitation. Like any successful Bourne-style operation, everything here runs smoothly, efficiently, and with style. Mission accomplished.

Proper bar with proper bar staff, not just people that work in a bar. Great for a pint, watching a match, or a quiet afternoon.

Tremendous whiskey selection and knowledgeable staff. Charming when decorated for Christmas, but a warm, inviting place regardless of the season. If you’re an Irish whiskey fan, this is the place to spend your money - let Rory or his staff point you to things you wouldn’t find otherwise. Pro tip: read the handwritten tasting notes on the bottles they fetch for you.

A fantastic pub with a good beer selection and nearly 600 whiskies. The atmosphere was great but the service was second to none. Ricky was a excellent guide to the whisky select and a dashing dresser to boot. Sarah could not do enough for us. Thanks to both of you for a unforgettable evening in Cork.

We had so much fun here, they (Ricky) looked after all my fathers whiskey wants and needs so well. We came in twice in the one night because they were so great.

One of the most interesting atmospheres in Cork. Scenic Titanic first class! And… the staff. Here is a picture after well served Guinness and then some Mulled Wine