Cork nightclub to reopen as former Cubins and Spiders venue gets major revamp

Spiders, Cubins, or the Holy Cow — depending on your age — the Cork venue is about to take on a whole new lease of life

Seán Walsh, the owner of Odyssey nightclub on Hanover St in Cork City, a venue known to previous generations of revellers as Spiders, Cubins, and the Holy Cow. Picture: David Creedon

The future of Cork City’s clubbing scene is looking that little bit brighter as yet another iconic venue prepares to reopen its doors this month.

Businessman Sean Walsh is currently adding the finishing touches to Odyssey on Hanover St, which was previously home to Spiders and Cubins nightclubs, and most recently to the Holy Cow.

It had closed its doors when the covid-19 pandemic struck but Sean says it was a chance conversation with one of the club’s owners that inspired him to take on the venture.

The venue, which spans 25,000sq ft over two floors, is undergoing a complete revamp.

It comes just months after the relaunch of the Savoy on St Patrick’s Street by The Good Room promoters Joe Kelly, Ed O’Leary, and Caoilian Sherlock. The venue had been closed for 10 years prior to its extensive makeover.

Hanover St in Cork, which runs parallel to Washington St and links on to South Main St, has played host to a number of bars and nightclubs over the decades, including Spiders, Cubins, and the Holy Cow. Picture: Larry Cummins

Mr Walsh said he hopes to achieve something “fun and retro” with Odyssey.

The project will be a new challenge for the Crosshaven man who currently runs Angels on Cork City’s Leitrim St.

“This has been a few months in the works,” he said. “I was hearing so many people complaining about the lack of nightclubs and nightlife in Cork City. It was more on a whim than anything else that I came across the owners and we sat down talking and the opportunity was offered.

“I’d really like to do something fun and retro and try and bring a bit of life back into Cork. We’re not sure of the exact reopening date but it will either be the 17th or 24th of this month. People can stay updated online where we will be announcing the date soon.”

He said he is not fazed by the project and is looking forward to new challenges.

“I’ve worked on doors and managed security so I’ve been around clubs and pubs pretty much my whole life,” he told the Irish Examiner.

“When this opportunity came up, it just got the juices flowing. It got me thinking about what events we can hold because of the sheer size of the venue. Obviously, students will form much of our midweek crowds, but I’m open to a variety of ideas.

“At the weekends I’d like to do something different, maybe comedy shows or host bands that haven’t been booked in Cork before.”

Seán Walsh says bold visuals, immersive design, and a focus on creating unforgettable experienceswill define his new Odyssey nightclub on Hanover St in Cork. Picture: David Creedon

Reactions to news of the club’s reopening have been positive.

“We’ve had people stop by the club while we are painting the doors to enquire about what’s going on. It has brought back a lot of fond memories for people.”

He shared his vision for the nightclub.

“People will be greeted warmly by the door staff without the ‘not tonight folks’. I want the club to have a very friendly and family atmosphere that really puts people at ease. The idea is to make it a positive experience right from the moment you walk in the door.

He hopes the reopening can mark a return to simpler times.

“All the way up to the ’90s there was always a plan for the night. You’d meet your friends, you knew what club you were going to because that’s where you felt comfortable and the music was right for you. That’s all gone now, so it’s really just a case of bringing it back and mixing some of the retro stuff with the newer music.

'Back in the day'

”It would be great to give the younger people a chance to experience what we did back in the day."

The Cork man revealed the changes he would like to see with regard to Ireland’s clubbing scene.

“There is a multinational community in Cork now and most of them can go clubbing in their home countries until 6am. Hopefully, in the future Irish people will be able to enjoy that same freedom.” 

Walsh said he is looking forward to generating employment in the community with the creation of between 50 and 60 new jobs.

“I’ll be hiring people for roles from bar staff to managers. There are lots of roles to be filled so people can either apply within or email [e-mail].”

 

   

   

   

   

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