All Apologies: Cork’s newest cocktail bar brings big views and a dog-friendly terrace
Here’s a juicy little opener to pop in your calendar.
A standout new neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar is gearing up to delight Kinsale locals and visitors alike this June—and with the talent behind it, it’s already set to be one of the town’s hottest new spots this summer.
Charlie and Bren O’Sullivan are busy transforming a premises on Pier Road, directly opposite the marina, where sweeping, uninterrupted views of the bay will set the scene.
Their bar, All Apologies, will showcase a seasonal cocktail menu built around local ingredients and Irish-made spirits. Everything from syrups and tinctures to foams and shrubs will be made in-house, delivering cleaner, more vibrant drinks—and far fewer next-day regrets.
After co-managing The Black Pig Wine Bar in Kinsale—where they became a familiar part of the local community after moving to Cork from New York in 2021—Charlie and Bren are now stepping out to open a place of their own just around the corner from their first home in town.
Between them, they bring decades of experience: Bren, a cocktail bartender of 20+ years in Dublin and New York, blends technical precision with a playful, guest-first approach, while Charlie, a seasoned sommelier with a global CV spanning Dublin to Melbourne, is known for her instinctive, warm hospitality and knack for finding the perfect wine for any mood.
Epic views and a dog-friendly terrace
Downstairs will be fully glass-fronted, while upstairs a beautiful balcony will make the most of those marina views. The ground-floor cocktail bar will lean into a modern, industrial aesthetic, while the upstairs wine bar will feel softer, with a more relaxed, vintage-inspired atmosphere.
A counter is being built along the balcony, facing the water, with seating designed to soak it all in—perfect for a spritz, a cheeky rosé (or three), or an ice-cold beer.
Upstairs, the wine list will rotate regularly, championing organic and sustainable small producers. Wines will be available in both 150ml and 100ml pours, giving guests the option to pace themselves—or explore a little more.
The food offering will centre on simple, thoughtful small plates that highlight the exceptional produce right on our doorstep. With such an incredible network of passionate producers across Munster, the focus is on letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
They’ll even have a dog-friendly terrace where you can enjoy a drink with your doggo and soak up the sun.
“For us, the most important part of All Apologies is for it to be spontaneous, welcoming and relaxed, like you’re walking into our home.” Bren told Yay Cork.
“Like in any good house party, as the night progresses and the music builds: if the mood is right we’ll push back the tables to make some space for you to let your hair down and cut loose on our makeshift dance floor! The whole idea is that you leave your apologies at the door and come, relax and maybe even misbehave a little!” she added.
Want to work at All Apologies?
They’re hiring right now: “We are looking for full/part-time team members for both front and back of house. Experience is a bonus but not essential. Same goes for a love of food, music, cocktails and wine… don’t worry, we will convert you!”
Drop a CV to allapologiesbar@gmail.com.
View this post on Instagram
