The rules are strict.

As the country begins three weeks at Level 3 on the Covid-19 risk rating, restaurants and pubs that haven’t closed are scrambling to find ways to stay open while serving a maximum of 15 customers outdoors.

Group get-togethers are firmly off the menu for now, but if you’re happy to dine or drink al fresco you can still support a local eatery on your weekly trip to town.

While most of us will be making an extra effort to cut our close contacts list and reduce the number of people we interact with every day, if you fancy a quiet pint over lunch or dinner, preferably in the company of someone from your own household, it’s definitely possible to enjoy a socially distanced drink.

The weather remains relatively mild for October so as long as you’ve got a cosy coat (and a mask) you should be good to go.

Here are eight Cork spots that are serving through Level 3:

1. COQBULL
Coqbull’s outdoor seating on Academy Street and French Church Street is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1pm for lunch and dinner.

Call 021 427 8444 to reserve a table.

2. COSTIGAN’S

The indoor bar is off-limits but you can still enjoy a pint at Costigan’s Washington Street city garden area outside. Walk-ins only, 15 customers maximum.

3. HAMLET’S KINSALE

Hamlets will remain open under Level 3 Restrictions, increasing their opening hours from Wednesday morning to open at 8am daily. The outdoor heated garden areas are fully covered with new heating installed and a full a la carte menu will start at 12 and run to 9pm each evening with drinks from 12 to 11.30pm each night. A new outdoor Sports Garden opens this Friday for all live games.

Pre-booking is essential on 021 477 2209.

4. THE CORNSTORE

The Cornstore is open for outdoor dining on the Coal Quay on Thursday and Friday from 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm. The alfresco space is warm and private and their patio heaters are mighty.

Call 021 427 4777 to reserve a table.

5. RISING SONS

The bar and brewery will be serving 15 customers outside, with a ‘click and collect’ service for pizzas, nachos and meat and cheese boards. You can also purchase a
5-litre take away keg for €33.50.

Walk-ins welcome. All bookings for after 5pm must be ordering food. Book a table via Facebook.

6. No. 51 CORNMARKET

This restaurant, which has a cosy terrace on the Coal Quay, reopens for outdoor reservations on October 14th.

Text 083 010 2321 to book a table for brunch or lunch later this month.

7. CLANCY’S

The ‘eat on the street’ area outside Clancy’s on Princes Street will remain open for alfresco meals during Level 3.

Walk-ins only.

8. THE CASTLE YARD

Grab a table for a slice of Volcano Pizza at The Castle Glanmire’s open-air set-up. They do beer, wine and cocktails too.

Booking is available online here.

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