8 beer gardens in Cork where you can watch all the World Cup semi-final action
Want to watch the World Cup semi-finals while soaking up the sun? Here are our beer garden picks. Picture: Damian Coleman
The World Cup always attracts crowds to their local to enjoy some beverages while shouting for their favourite team – even more so when the sun is splitting the stones on a summer’s evening.
And while Ireland didn’t qualify for this year’s tournament, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, it hasn’t stopped us from getting involved in all the action.
Beer gardens across the country have been full of people coming together to celebrate the sport, make connections with fellow fans and celebrate victory.
Cities with a high number of ex-pat communities, such as Cork city, have enjoyed a particularly busy World Cup season, with Brazilians, French and Spanish alike gathering to show their pride in their home countries.
With the final four teams confirmed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals – France, Spain, England and Argentina – the cold ciders and Hugo Spritzes will be flowing at beer gardens across Cork, as high temperatures are set to continue into next week.
The quarter-finals saw France overcome AFCON champions (by default) Morocco with a comfortable 2-0 win thanks to two quick goals in the second-half by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Meanwhile, Spain followed with a 2-1 victory against Belgium, decided by a late goal from Mikel Merino at Los Angeles Stadium.
England overcame Norway 2-1 in extra time, with Jude Bellingham scoring the decisive goal, while Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, with Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez among the scorers at Kansas City Stadium.
France will meet Spain in the first semi-final of the tournament on Tuesday at 3pm ET (7pm Irish time) at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where France will aim to reclaim the World Cup title, facing a strong Spanish side.
On Wednesday, England will meet favourites Argentina at 3pm ET (7pm Irish time) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. England are set to challenge the reigning champions, led by Lionel Messi, in what promises to be a high-stakes clash.
In anticipation of the upcoming fixtures, here are some of the best beer gardens in Cork with big-screen TVs to enjoy all the action from.
A favourite in Cork city, Deep South is well-known as a hot spot for socialising in the warm weather. The pub’s beer garden out the back features plenty of seating, both in the shade and in the sunshine, its own outdoor bar, food trucks and two large screens.
Deep South has been busy the entirety of this World Cup tournament, so get in early if you’re planning to nab a seat for the semi-finals and final.
The Merchant is the latest addition to Cork city’s bar scene and has quickly become a favourite since throwing open its doors after a major renovation project back in June.
The bar, which is already well-known for its Riverside Sessions, bringing musicians together in an intimate yet casual setting, has become another popular spot to follow the World Cup action from. The bar has multiple screens, both upstairs and downstairs.
The bar also features an outdoor area along the River Lee, which is the perfect place to enjoy some beverages and soak up the sun before or after the match, or at halftime.
Located on Bandon Road across from the Centra shop, Annie Mac’s is a real gem – a friendly neighbourhood local that’s also a popular spot for students to socialise.
Unassuming from the outside, Annie Mac’s has a lovely little beer garden out the back featuring some tables near the back door and some more out on a grassed area.
Indoor screens show live sports and allow people to enjoy watching games without feeling like they’re in a sports bar.
The Belle Vue on the Old Youghal Road on Cork’s northside is the perfect little spot to catch some rays on its small terrace of tables right across from the main entrance to Collins’ Barracks on game day.
To make an evening of it, you could plan a walk up Military Hill and enjoy the views over Cork city. You could also hit nearby Henchy’s at St Luke’s Cross, which is a popular meeting spot on matchday.
Henchy’s at St Luke’s Cross is always buzzing on a summer’s evening, and even more so on match days.
With plenty of screens inside, you can take shade and enjoy the match before taking a drink outside to enjoy the bustling atmosphere with St Luke’s Church in view.
Barrack Street is always guaranteed to be bustling in the sunshine, with lots of popular pubs to choose from, including Tom Barry’s – known for its beer garden and pizzas – and The Old Bear at the gates of Elizabeth Fort.
But a pub that sometimes gets overlooked, due to its unassuming exterior, is Mr Bradley’s – a spot perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds.
Mr Bradley’s has a spacious back beer garden and is the place to be on matchdays.
A short stroll away from Barrack Street is The Courtyard on Sober Lane – a spacious beer garden where major matches are projected onto the big screen.
A popular spot on a summer’s day, The Courtyard is another well-known spot to enjoy a few beers and some grub while shouting for your team.
The bar connects to The Southgate, which is a lot less busy even on big match days, and offers a quieter spot to enjoy all the action.
Bar Barossa is a popular bar right in the centre of Cork city. Located on Oliver Plunkett Street, the bar has several tables out the front, which are a sun trap on a sunny day.
With umbrellas for those after a bit more shade, the outdoor area is perfect for a spot of people watching while enjoying a beverage before heading indoors to catch the World Cup.
Outside Cork city centre, you’ll also find popular pubs with beer gardens, such as The Bishopstown Bar, the White Horse in Ballincollig, The Castle in Glanmire, The Stable Bar in Carrigaline and the Briar Rose in Douglas.
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