Mutton Lane Inn — Restaurant in Cork

A must-visit if staying in Cork for any length of time (5/5 green stars also) We stayed in Cork for two nights and visited the Mutton Lane Inn on both nights – it’s that good. The first night was Monday and yet the place was busy – not so crowded that we couldn’t find a seat but vibrant enough to make me doubt that it was indeed a Monday. I can narrow down the reasons for visiting to three things:

• The atmosphere. A historical pub, but one that attracts people of all ages because of its ultra-cozy candle-lit interior and very welcoming and friendly staff. Also, the mural is reason enough to walk down the lane. • The beer. Besides the usual, they stock beer from Rising Sons microbrewery. The Mi Daza stout was one of the best stouts I’ve ever had and the Grainú wheat ale was also very good. (Mi Daza means great or wonderful in local slang, in case you’re wondering.) They also make good mixed drinks. • The music. The music selection was really good – kind of like listening to the Paul McLoone or Tom Dunne radio shows.

I’m also giving them 5/5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact. It’s hard to rate pubs for social and environmental impact but I think it’s possible. Here are my reasons for this rating:

• Beer from local brewers (like Franciscan Well) and microbreweries (like Rising Sons) cuts down on the carbon footprint and supports the local economy. • Rising Sons use local ingredients whenever possible (see article in TheTaste for more details). • They let you bring in food from outside – this allows better inclusion of people with specific diets – gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, etc. • The staff and atmosphere appears to be very welcoming to all who wander in. An important thing in this day and age. • The mural adds the value of art. You may think it’s stretching things a bit to include this under social/environmental impact, but I’d take a mural over a large TV screen any day. Frommer’s even has an entry for the mural, describing it as “a vivid and colorful evocation of peace and community spirit.” Interested in writing green star reviews? If so, contact me!...

This was a brilliant find on a recent trip to Galway. I will be up front straight away and say it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it ticked every box for me. An old style pub, with a modern feel, it is almost hidden away off the main street in Cork City. We were just looking for somewhere to have a few drinks after a meal, and noticed some people standing in the alley. I then noticed the sign, and decided to try it. It was well worth it! Initial thoughts were this is so basic! We sat on a padded plank that was on top of some kegs!! But there was ample seating throughout the bar area, with a kind of large "snug" at one end - you just don't see them any more. The place is super rustic, but it's got a young and vibrant feel to it. The music was great, and the walls are adorned with great music posters and artwork. The bar staff were extremely friendly, and even though it didn't stock a particular brand of mixer I had asked for, they walked me through some alternatives, and they were great. This is one place that I will be visiting every time...

Mutton Lane Inn has been on my list for a number of years and I finally made it to their premises on the weekend. It did not dissapoint and I will definitely be coming back! For a well known bar you have to seek it out a little as it is down an alley off of Patrick's Street. The staff are very friendly, chatty and attentive! The bar is a bit small on the inside but it has an authentic feel to it as its old fashioned and dark and I feel this adds to it! There is seating outside in the alleyway which is brighter and there is some great drawings on the walls pf the alley to look at! They have a great pint of Guinness and there are loads of locally-brewed ales, lagers and stouts to choose from, particularly a selection from the Rising Sons Brewery! Its a very busy bar at the weekend when we visited, might be nice to take a mid-week trip to see what its like in the future! I highly recommend dropping by Mutton Lane Inn for a...