Cork City is ready to come alive this October Bank Holiday weekend as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2025 takes over pubs, streets, and music venues. Whether you’re in Cork for the soulful brass, smooth blues, or high-energy jazz-funk, the pubs of Cork are where the real magic happens.
As a Cork-based tile company, we've had the pleasure of working with some of the city's most iconic pubs. From elegant mosaic floors to modern ceramic finishes that elevate interiors, our work is underfoot (and on walls!) in the very places you'll be tapping your feet to the music this weekend.
Here are some of the top pubs to visit in Cork this Jazz Weekend - and the unique tilework we completed in each one
1. Fitzgerald’s Bar at The Imperial Hotel
📍 South Mall, Cork City
Why Visit: A timeless venue at the heart of the city, Fitzgerald’s Bar inside the iconic Imperial Hotel offers a luxurious jazz experience. Known for its vintage charm and refined cocktails, it’s a perfect stop for jazz lovers, with live music from Friday to Monday.
Our Tile Work: We installed a beautifully detailed mosaic floor that adds both elegance and durability to this historic space. The pattern complements the bar’s elegant and luxurious aesthetic, making it a standout interior during the Jazz Festival.
2. Arthur Mayne’s
📍 Pembroke Street, Cork City
Why Visit: Arthur Mayne’s is a unique venue that blends history with character. Set in a former pharmacy dating back over a century, this bar is known for its eclectic décor, intimate lighting, and vibrant Jazz Weekend atmosphere. It’s a go-to spot for anyone seeking a cosy yet energetic venue with great music and even better wine.
Our Tile Work: We tiled the hallway to the bathroom and the bathroom itself, using a rustic star-patterned tile that perfectly complements the venue’s vintage aesthetic. The earthy tones and timeless design echo the original charm of the building while providing a stylish and durable surface that fits seamlessly into this atmospheric space.
3. O'Sho
📍 Marlboro Street, Cork City
Why Visit: With a warm, welcoming crowd and a great drinks selection, it's the kind of place where the music flows as freely as the conversation. During Jazz Weekend, the bar becomes a hub of energy, with live sets, toe-tapping rhythms, and the kind of electric vibe only Cork can offer.
Our Tile Work: We collaborated with O'Sho on their stunning mosaic tile design, featured on both the bar countertop and the wall behind the bar. The tiles were carefully selected and custom-designed to bring texture, colour, and personality to the space.
4. The Fountain Bar
📍 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork City
Why Visit: One of the newest additions to Cork’s hospitality scene, The Fountain Bar opened its doors in June 2025. While new, the bar channels a vintage aesthetic, blending traditional pub character with a fresh, contemporary edge. Its central location and stylish interior make it a promising hotspot during Jazz Weekend. As a part of the Cork Heritage Pub Trail it will be lively all weekend long!
Our Tile Work: We contributed to the venue’s fit-out by tiling the hallway leading to the bathroom, using a mosaic-style porcelain tile that complements the bar’s old-meets-new atmosphere. The textured surface adds visual interest while withstanding high foot traffic - ideal for a busy festival weekend.
5. The Silver Key
📍 Ballinlough, Cork
Why Visit: Just a short distance from Cork city centre, The Silver Key is a spacious, family-friendly gastropub that draws large crowds year-round. Known for its warm hospitality, classic food menu, and lively weekend atmosphere, it’s a popular stop for those looking to enjoy the Cork Jazz Festival a little outside the main bustle while still soaking in great music and good company.
Our Tile Work: We tiled the bathrooms at The Silver Key, contributing to classic finish that balances style with functionality. The choice of materials was made to ensure the space remains low-maintenance, easy to clean and durable enough to withstand the high traffic - while still aligning with the overall design aesthetic of the venue.
6. Clancy's
📍Princes Street, Cork City
Why Visit: Clancy’s is a long-standing favourite in the Cork pub scene, known for its beautiful interiors, buzzing atmosphere, and brilliant live music. During Jazz Weekend, it truly comes alive
Our Tile Work: We were delighted to collaborate with Clancy’s on a key design feature — the tiled wall behind the bar. This area serves as a backdrop to one of the busiest and most eye-catching parts of the venue, so it had to deliver on both durability and visual impact.
7. The Briar Rose
📍 Douglas, Cork
Why Visit: A popular gastropub located in the heart of Douglas, The Briar Rose is well known for its warm atmosphere, spacious layout, and high-quality food and drink. It’s a firm favourite among locals and a great place to catch live music during the Jazz Festival if you're venturing just outside the city centre.
Our Tile Work: We installed wall tiles behind the bar, chosen for both their visual appeal and durability. This tiling forms a key part of the bar's backdrop, adding a clean, stylish finish that supports both aesthetics and day-to-day functionality. It’s a subtle design element that enhances the overall feel of the space, especially under evening lighting.
Our Tiles Can Also Been Seen In Corks Restaurants
If you're planning to enjoy a meal over the Jazz Weekend, be sure to book in advance, restaurants across Cork fill up quickly during the festival. From casual bites to elegant dining experiences, the city has no shortage of great options. We’re proud to have contributed to the interiors of several standout restaurants, including The Glass Curtain and Bocelli, where our tile work enhances both the design and durability of these stylish spaces. Whether you're stopping in for lunch or enjoying a pre-gig dinner, you'll find our craftsmanship quietly at work behind the scenes.
