2 reviewed party hostels · from €16.00/night · Hostelworld rated
Cork’s nightlife centres on Oliver Plunkett Street, where pubs spill onto the pavement and the music doesn’t stop until 2 a.m. The hostel scene is small but sharp: just four main spots, all within a 10-minute walk of each other. Bru Bar & Hostel leads the pack, with its own ground-floor bar serving €4 pints of Guinness and a weekly pub quiz that packs the place by 9 p.m. Most hostels sit on the north side of the River Lee, putting you five minutes from the action and 15 from the bus station.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Central Cork party hub with guaranteed social atmosphere and on-site bar drawing both travellers and locals. Located at 57 MacCurtain Street, you're walking distance to Cork's main nightlife districts and 50,000 students looking for a good time. The ground-floor pub hosts live music weekends and creates natural pre-drinking opportunities, though expect street noise and basic facilities in exchange for unbeatable location convenience.
Established Cork party hostel with 24-hour reception and easy access to backpacker crowds seeking social connections. Located at 4 Belgrave Place on a steep hill above city centre, you'll find fellow travellers in one of Cork's main hostel hubs. While lacking an on-site bar, the hostel's reputation and central location make it easy to meet other party-seekers, though expect cramped rooms and heat issues during summer months.
Organised nights out with a local guide
Starts at 7 p.m. outside Parnell Place Bus Station. Visits four pubs, including the oldest in Cork, and finishes at a club. Four shots and club entry are included. The crawl is led by local guides who keep the energy high.
How Cork's nightlife zones break down
The heart of Cork’s nightlife. Oliver Plunkett Street is pedestrianised after 6 p.m., lined with pubs and street performers. North Main Street has the English Market and a few quieter bars. Everything is walkable, and most hostels are here.
Home to University College Cork, so it’s packed with students. Pubs like The Pav and The College Bar offer cheap drinks and beer gardens. Quieter at night but lively from 3 p.m. onwards.
MacCurtain Street is where Bru Bar & Hostel sits. The area has a mix of traditional pubs and modern bars, with a few live music spots. Less touristy than the city centre but still central.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The only hostel in Cork with its own bar and club. Expect €4 pints, €3 cocktails on Thursdays, and a pub quiz every Tuesday at 9 p.m. The crowd is a mix of backpackers and local students. Gets loud by 11 p.m. on weekends.
Two-storey pub on the street that never sleeps. Downstairs is trad sessions from 6 p.m., upstairs is a dance floor with indie and chart hits. Entry is free before 11 p.m., €5 after. Pint of Murphy’s €5.80.
Outdoor beer garden behind the university. Picnic tables, heaters, and €5 pitchers of Bulmers. Opens at 12 p.m., fills with students by 3 p.m. on sunny days. No entry fee.
Meets at 7 p.m. outside Parnell Place Bus Station. Visits four pubs, including the oldest in Cork, and finishes at a club. Four shots and club entry included for €10. Runs Thursday and Saturday.
Hidden basement pub on South Main Street. No sign, just a red door. Live folk music every night from 9 p.m., no cover. Whiskey selection is the best in Cork: try the €6 Jameson cocktail.
Late-night club on Grand Parade. Opens at 11 p.m., gets busy after 1 a.m. Entry €5-€10 depending on the night. Music is commercial and chart remixes. Vodka Red Bull €7.