I’d only ever heard whispers about Hi-B. Usually from people sounding like they are bragging. “They” know how to get there and are “sound enough” to be there on the regular. You know it’s the kind of place you’re not quite told about more drawn toward.
I’ll tell you for free, it’s on the main street in Cork City, with a massive sign outside. Again… A stairwell bar in Cork City centre, tucked above Oliver Plunkett Street, it’s not invitation only, everyone is welcome, it’s not exclusive but they have rules, thankfully the rules are simple: No phones. No pints if you ignore it. Talk to each other.
That’s it. Go drink in it and see if it deserves the crown of the Best Pub in Ireland.
Finding The Hi-B Bar in Cork City.
It was after running the Cork City Marathon I went. My legs were wrecked, I was dreaming of a pint, and I was with my wife and our good friends, Threasa and Tadgh (who, if you’ve ever met him, you’ll know takes up the space of about three people).
- oh also, yes it’s called The Hi-B Bar but it’s actually The Hibernian Bar. As it was part of the Hibernian Hotel which came about in 1791 and get this, had been family owned since 1923!
Being from Belfast we were craving something… honest. Not polished, not curated just a proper Cork pint. That’s how we ended up outside a chalkboard that read:
“Welcome to the Hi-B – The Cosyist Pub in Ireland – No Phones Please” How did we find it? Google Maps, lad’s it’s not a speakeasy go drink in it.
I slowly walked up creaky red-painted stairs past faded sport murals, and seen how busy this place was but luckily a group of 5 just left. So we opened the door with the no phone rule highlighted again, got hit with a wave of chatter, clinks and hot heavy sweat.
And then, we were in.
Best Pub in Ireland might be in Cork City
The place was packed. It probably only fits 40 and maybe 60 were in it. Or maybe it wasn’t but the room’s so small it feels full with ten people and Tadgh. But it had that warm, shoulder-to-shoulder hum. Murphy’s behind the bar. No one scrolling. Just faces turned toward one another. Talking.
We got a seat in the window, like in the actual window, we used the outside ledge as a table. Maybe we looked like we’d earned it. I parked a creamy pint of Murphy’s on the ledge, watching Cork amble below while inside, the pub ticked along in bodhran like rhythm.
Honestly? Was it one of the best pints I’ve ever had. No idea, the pint was secondary to the craic. Many pubs in Ireland hang their hat on their stout being the crown jewel but here, its the atmosphere that people come for, sure that must make this the Best Pub in Ireland?
Don’t fear if you’re more of a whiskey drinker than a stout sipper you’re in luck. The Hi-B has an outstanding Irish whiskey selection that quietly flexes its proximity to the legendary Midleton Distillery, just a short spin down the road. Whether you’re into pot stills, small batches, or a good old reliable Jameson, this place delivers. Maybe pair a neat pour with your Murphy’s and you’ve got yourself a true Cork duo.
Read my other reviews if you want to find the BEST PUB IN IRELAND
Only Time to Use Your Phone in The High-B Bar in Cork!
The Hi-B doesn’t care if you’re a marathon runner or just off the bus. Everyone’s equal here, as long as you leave your phone in your pocket and bring a bit of conversation.
It’s not trying to be quirky, it just is.
You will see the no phone signs but there is another:
- Press Here to Get Out of the Toilets (which, oddly, you will need to do)
To get to the toilet at the Hi-B, you don’t just wander down a hallway like in most pubs you’ve got to earn it, sober people will find this bit easy. However coming out of the warp of heat and pint filled craic and looking for the toilet will send most people who have had a few a bit over the edge. So when you get out, There’s a black gate mid-stairwell with a handwritten sign telling you to press the buzzer behind you to open it.
It feels less like using the loo and more like accessing a speakeasy. Then, once you’re done, you’ll spot another sign taped to the wall above a white plastic button: “Press here to open the gate to get back out of the toilets.” It’s wonderfully overcomplicated and completely in keeping with the Hi-B Bar vibe charming, a little bizarre, and somehow brilliant.
Best of all when you are down in the toilets beside the keg room, you can breath a sigh of relief as you have your tool in one hand and your phone in the other without getting shouted at. Pure bliss.
Final Thoughts
The Hi-B isn’t for everyone. And thank God for that.
It all sounds bizarre written down, but it all makes sense once you’re inside. When in there you think this place isn’t weird the world is! The Hi-B just remembers how pubs used to be: a room, a drink, and someone worth chatting to.
It’s one of the only places left where a stranger might tell you a story, and you might actually listen.
So if you’re in Cork, do yourself a favour: walk up those stairs and put your phone away. Then sit back, sip your Murphy’s, and leave the modern world at the door.
Pure class boi!
Quick Look
- Location: 108 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork City
- Drink of Choice: Murphy’s or one of their epic whiskeys.
- Rules: No phones. No exceptions. No pint if you try it.
- What to Expect: A good pint. A seat if you’re lucky. And maybe the best chat you’ve had in years.
