A 200-year-old Cork pub is having a major makeover this week
Big things are happening on Princes Street.
One of Cork’s oldest pubs is closing temporarily this week to undergo some of the biggest changes in its 200-year history.
Clancy’s, which has traded continuously since 1824, is having a €500,000 makeover as part of a landmark partnership with Diageo. It will reopen on Friday, July 11th, offering punters the chance to sample what they promise will be the best pint of Guinness in Cork
Owner Paul Montgomery and his team are reinventing the venue to place it firmly at the forefront of Cork’s food and drink scene—a city gastropub with Guinness in its soul and local food at its heart.
Clancy’s team Shane Spillane, Mark Nevin, Paul Montgomery and Dave Daly. Photo: Joleen Cronin
Clancy’s will have four new experiences under one roof – Arthur’s Bar @ Clancy’s, offering an immersive Guinness experience; 1824 @ Clancy’s, a new first floor restaurant serving contemporary Irish food; a premium cocktail lab; and a rooftop party bar in their Sky Bar.
Cork’s own Guinness experience
Clancy’s have collaborated with the Guinness Experts on the perfect pour. From a cold room to bespoke Guinness glass washers, to special gas and temperature controls, and specialist training for staff by Guinness, every element has been perfected.
Guinness fans will be able to pour-their-own pint and master the iconic two-part pour, enjoy a guided tasting, and learn a brief history of Guinness and Clancy’s with a “Stoutie” selfie machine, where you can have your own face imprinted on the top of your pint.
Dave Daly and Paul Montgomery, Clancy’s. Photo: Joleen Cronin
Guinness tasting flights will also be available, featuring Guinness foreign extra stout, Guinness stout and Guinness extra (Original Recipe).
The bar will be decorated with authentic Guinness memorabilia including Clancy’s version of the Guinness Fish on a bicycle, Benson Gilroy’s first piece of advertising artwork for Guinness, sensory panels where you can feel spelt grain, vintage Guinness stout bottles, bespoke Guinness wallpaper and Guinness ads looping on screen.
A new neighbourhood restaurant
Upstairs, 1824 @ Clancy’s will be a brand-new dining destination in Cork, named for the year Clancy’s first opened its doors. The menu will feature contemporary Irish cuisine and local produce.
Previously reserved for private events, the Georgian first-floor space has been elegantly reimagined with exposed brick, warm wood, and soft lighting. Expect a piano restaurant vibe every weekend.
At the helm is Head Chef Mark Nevin from West Cork. After training in London in fine dining, his love for Irish ingredients, traditions and the unique food culture of Cork, drew him back home where he has been a chef in West Cork for almost 10 years.
The menu includes scallops, ham hock croquettes, feather blade of beef, fish and chips, bacon and cabbage, surf and turf and more.
Clancy’s will also serve breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Breakfast will include a Full Irish, smashed avocado mushrooms, eggs Benedict and granola. Lunch will feature pork and black pudding sausages, wild mushroom bruschetta, chowder, lamb and Guinness stew, smash burgers and more.
Cocktail Lab and Party Bar
Back on the ground floor and rising to the rooftop, Clancy’s is introducing two new cocktail experiences.
Ciara O’Callaghan and Sinéad Ryan, Clancy’s
A premium cocktail bar on the ground floor will be perfect for pre-dinner aperitifs; while a Party Bar on the Sky Bar rooftop will offer cocktails from Clancy’s cocktail lab where mixologists will experiment with infusions, seasonal ingredients, and made-to-order creations—with city views to match.
There will also be live music seven days a week.
“This is more than a refurbishment—it’s a reimagining to bring us into the future.” said Mr Montgomery.
“We’re proud of Clancy’s 200-year history, and we’re building on that legacy with something truly special. Cork’s food and beverage scene is growing more ambitious, and we want to be right at the heart of it.”
