I have only been to The Tin Pub once but it will not be my last.
It was this summer when my wife and I were camping our way through West Cork and heading for Sheep’s Head Lighthouse with a lunch stop planned to at Arundels by the Pier which was closed (note: we didn’t book but it was due to open at 12:30). Even at 2pm, with Google insisting it was open, the groups of hopeful diners outside told another story.
- First Impressions of Ahskista Bar
- A Short History of The Tin Pub
- The Real Showstopper
- Why You Should Go
- Quick Look
But sure lookit’ these things happen and maybe the staff were on the session the night before and don’t these things get a bit outta hand and the last thing anyone wants on a raging hang over is to be steaming mussels in the sun for tourists… okay back to The Tin Pub.
Anyway, we took the hint and decided for a liquid lunch instead just a few minutes down the road to Ahskista Bar AKA The Tin Pub.
First Impressions of Ahskista Bar
From the roadside (which was scattered with parked cars), The Tin Pub is a humble whitewashed building with a mural of Dunmanus Bay, a Heineken sign, and an unassuming corrugated tin roof.
Step inside, though, and you’re wrapped in warmth: a red-painted ceiling, vintage decor, well-worn wooden floors, and a bar that radiates character. It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s been part of the community forever, because it has.
A Short History of The Tin Pub
Over my pint I read that the Whooley family’s ties to this place go back decades (Cormac Whooley runs it now). His grandfather bought the pub in 1961, and after 30 years of being leased out, the family reclaimed it in 2008. The building itself was once a lodge for workers at a nearby hotel owned by Lord Bandon.
In the 1940s, it transformed into a pub, using salvaged corrugated iron from a dancehall for its roof a practical choice at the time that ended up giving the bar its nickname and (part of its) unique character.
Behind the bar, Cormac himself poured our pints as we asked him about Cormac on the Beach – a chalk board cocktail that was promoted behind the bar – he smiled and explained it was his twist on the classic Sex on the Beach cocktail, zero more was said.
Tempting as it sounded, we decided to stick to stout for our “liquid lunch.” If the drink is half as good as the atmosphere, I’m sure it’s worth coming back for.
- See live music on Sunday @ 8pm good to know, good to know.
If you LOVE Irish Pubs as much as me I have get a list of the best of the best that I have been t around Ireland. Check them out HERE
The Real Showstopper
THE OUTSIDE AREA!!!!!!!!!!!
As charming as the inside is, nothing prepares you for what’s out back. The beer garden sprawls down toward the water, offering a front-row seat to Dunmanus Bay.
Boats rocking gently in the tide that was filled with a few families swimming away, seabirds sweeping overhead, and the air still with the salty freshness….awwww Cormac on the Beach… (sorry Cormac if you ever read this you seemed like a lovely fella).
My Guinness (perfectly poured) tasted like the best I’d ever had, thanks to the view and the sunshine and the company of my wonderful wife of course who dearly wants me too look at her the way I looked at this pint.
A note on ordering Guinness while in Cork. Honestly I almost only drink Beamish or Murphy’s when down here but on this rare occasion the first tap wee seen was Guinness and we were just so taken aback by the setting we ordered what we knew to explore this wonderful world of The Tin Pub… Accept my apologies Corkonians.
Check out Stout About Ye! for all your Guinness needs!
Why You Should Go
Whether you arrive for the music and late-night craic or the calm, sunny afternoons, The Tin Pub is a must-stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Visit for the gram, stay for the view, and leave knowing you’ve found a place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Quick Look
Location: Ahakista, West Cork, Ireland
Best For: A perfectly poured pint with unforgettable bay views
Vibe: Rustic, laid-back, full of character
Must-Try: Guinness in the sunshine (and maybe a Cormac on the Beach)
Tip: Visit during the day for the views, but come back at night for the craic
You can check out their Facebook for more info: HERE