Graham Norton’s local in Top Ten
11:11, 21 Jun 2026Updated 11:36, 21 Jun 2026
The legendary Levis Corner House Pub in Ballydehob
It’s not as if we didn’t know it already – but it’s nice to see The Sunday Times include some of Cork (and Munster’s) best-loved and most famous pub on their annual list of the 50 Best in Ireland, published today.
And fittingly, as the sun shines down on us at the start of what should be a very good week of warm, dry weather, The Times says this year’s list was ‘defined by where you want to be pint in hand when the sun is shining’. You can see the full 50 here.
The judges also went for “the pubs that have preserved their history beautifully, the best spots for a crowd, and the far-flung pubs in spectacular settings that are worth the journey.”
As well as consulting their own journalists, they got recommendations from John and Sally McKenna of McKenna’s Guides, the author of The Compendium of Irish Pints Ali Dunworth, as well as pub aficionados like Thomas Crosse from FM104 and the content creator Cassie Stokes, whose Best of Ireland book is out this October.
There were three Cork pubs in the top ten – but the number one spot went to a very famous gaff in Co Tipperary, Larkins, at Garrykennedy, on the shores of Lough Derg
The judges said of Larkins: ‘It manages to do everything well. It’s old, cosy, welcoming, and they do great food and a fantastic pint. It’s family owned and run, and there’s a huge beer garden for the sunny days. This is a destination pub: there is lots to explore nearby, so you can plan a trip around it. You can even arrive by boat, as there’s a marina right outside the door.”
The first Cork pub to make the list – at number 3 – is the famous Bulman in Kinsale, under the shadow of Charles Fort.
(Image: twstipp via Getty Images)
The judges said:
“The view from here will stop you in your tracks. Sitting right on the water, you can look over towards Kinsale town and see Dock Beach to the left.” They also praised the award-winning seafood.
At 4 and 5 were two of West Cork’s quirkiest, most characterful pubs. The famous Tin Pub in Ahakista – very close to Graham Norton’s home and where he hosts a famous pub quiz every year – was at No. 4
The Judges said: “Strangely strange, as you’d expect in the wilds of west Cork, way down the Sheep’s Head peninsula. The writing on the wall says: Ahakista Bar: Beer Garden, but to one and all this is the Tin Pub. There is a gorgeous beer garden snaking down to the water’s edge”.
Emma Ward and Pauline Moynihan, Lucan Dublin; Loretta Dineen, Dunmanway; Ciara McNulty, Lucan Dublin and Kate Arundel, Ahakista pictured at the Graham Norton Table Quiz at the Festival Marquee at The Tin Pub, part of the Ahakista August Festival 2019.(Image: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO)
No. 5 was Levis’s Corner House in Ballydehob – a pub that is famous for its food and music – it may only be a little old country pub – but it attracts musicians and acts from all over the world.
Cosy, small and charming(Image: Levis )
Also making list were The Bierhaus – one of Ireland’s best stocked craft beer pubs on the quays underneath Shandon in Cork City.
Dennehy’s – one of a handful of traditional, family owned pubs to survive in Cork City Centre is in the Top 20 – it’s on the Coal Quay (or Cornmarket Street) and has a famous welcome. It’s just across the river from the Bierhaus.
The McKennas guide says, “Mary Dennehy and her family run the only old bar in the street, and it’s a pristine jewel, so look for the name above the door and get ready for that pint of Beamish. “
Jack was especially impressed by Sin É(Image: Jack Anderton)
On the northside of Cork city – or at least across the river – Sin É makes it into the top 50 – famous for it’s very quirky interior and the live music that never ends.
The Judges said: “The bar is next door to the funeral parlour, which explains the humorous name, and while you can no longer get a haircut upstairs, the original barber’s chair is still in situ. Crowded, clamorous, pure Cork”.
In Kerry, the likes of Dick Mack’s in Tralee and JM Reidy’s in Killarney are on the list – while The Strand Inn, Dunmore East, represents Waterford.
There’s no mention for some of Cork City’s other great pubs, locals like Eugene’s on Shandon Street, the famous Callanan’s on George’s Quay or the fantastic Castle on the South Main Street – but they might make it into next years’ Top 50.