From counter dining to a girls' day out...What to do in Cork this Valentine’s
When it comes to Cupid’s Big Day Out how, where and with whom we mark the day has changed enormously, says Kate.
Ah, Valentine’s… It has so few true fans these days. Clichéd and passé, few things elicit as intense a grimace as being accosted with a single out-of-season red rose by a nervous-looking dinner date to the sultry tones of Julio Iglasias, or whoever.
I’ll wager 51 Cornmarket has the two most popular counter seats in the city. Best for a Galentine’s get together where the exceptional food and wine are accompanied by textbook front-of-house service and front row seats to the pass. Best for a big aul gossip!
Bagging a seat at the counter is more desirable than one of the tables. At one end is the open fire kitchen, at the other is the cocktail station, so there’s plenty of entertainment and distraction for the solo diner. The food and drinks rock, service is friendly, and there is always a lovely buzz at the counter.
Making the most of every little nook and cranny means spots a-plenty for the solo venturer looking for a glass of something exceptional to sip and a li’l market fresh plate of seasonal deliciousness. Staff as effervescent as the sparkling wines pouring all night long, ensuring you’ll never be short of engaging conversation if you need a break from your own company!
The reinvention of this little corner of Fenn’s Quay into a low-key, high-bar bistro and natural wine spot has been a huge success. While no longer ‘fine dining’, you will dine fine and well here on daily-made soba, market fresh fish, seasonal Irish produce, and a sprinkling of Japanese elegance. The clutch of counter seats is communal - chat to the chef and whoever is beside you between mouthfuls of superlative, slurpy noodles.
Putting all manner of little fishes on little dishes, from the get-go, Goldie deemed their counter seats essential. Ideal for arriving in for a couple of post-work bites and sips, a full-on solo dining immersion, or two heads in intense conversation over plates of gorgeous things, the counter at Goldie is the perfect combo of public-private space where the general hubbub is all-enveloping.
Early for a dinner reservation one evening, I popped into MacCurtain Wine Cellar and inhaled two glasses of Nebbiolo and a bucket of Nocellara olives before disappearing into the night. Whether a speedy interruption or a long languid night in the bottle shop, MWC has you well fed and quenched. It’s a favourite spot for gathering with a gang as there is a wine and a bite to suit everyone.
The only eatery inside The Marina Market with its own dedicated counter seating, and slightly away from the main buzzyness of the market and communal seating area, Ocras is renowned for serving fresh oysters, as-delicious-as-they-look lobster and crayfish rolls, and all manner of fish dishes cooked fresh to order. The counter seating provides a great view of the market, ideal for solo-dining. But the magic of the place is the array of choices, and plenty of seating for a big gathering, too.
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Staying inside Marina Market, and Cork’s only dedicated zero alcohol bar, welcomes guests to enjoy their food from any of the vendors at the bar while enjoying a delicious cocktail, wine, beer, homemade seasonal lemonade or toddy.
Cork’s multi-award-winning cocktail bar literally builds its drinks and food menus in tandem, so you can enjoy a perfectly considered pitstop. Counter seating is always good for a bit of banter with bar staff (especially if it’s a little quieter), but the space is ideal for the ultimate galentine’s night out, too.
Tucked away in the shadow of Blackrock Castle Observatory on the banks of the Lee and surrounded by great walks, The Castle Café makes the most of the historic courtyard and expansive glass walls to create a feeling of sanctuary mere minutes from the city centre. Best for large gatherings of friends or family with a great food and drink offering and friendly service.
Commanding an incredible 360-degree view over Cork city, Sophie’s is a space with good times built into its DNA. With its centrally positioned cocktail bar, art deco vibes, and booth-style seating, it’s an iconic location for an iconic Galentine’s gathering.
Nestled within the stunning Georgian-style courtyard of the five-star hotel is the light-filled glasshouse that is Bloom. A cocktail and champagne bar serving sharing boards, nibbles and small plates, it is the city’s most elegant and Instagrammable address and makes for a memorable location for an all-gals get together or a special mother and daughter afternoon.
The East Cork events venue has a reputation for great food and drink and is the ideal location for friends and family groups over Valentine’s weekend. On Friday, February 13, the venue hosts the Munster String Quartet, and on Valentine’s night itself, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Laura Elizabeth Jones plays the event space. For a more family vibe, Sea Church’s candlelight cinema hosts a showing of Disney’s on Sunday, February 15, followed by a raucously good time showing of (definitely NOT for kids!)
For an uber casual gathering with pals over wood-fired pizza, small plates, and Puglia wines pouring by the glass, Roots is bang on the money for a great night out that’s easy on the purse strings and heavy on the delicious.
Hosted on February 12, ideal for a midweek gathering if weekends are beyond hectic, this is a fun, creative workshop for your best love, friends, family, or just for yourself! This hands-on cake decorating workshop is led by Sophisticake, who will guide you on learning simple decorating techniques to create a beautiful treat to take home as a gift and enjoy a glass of prosecco as you craft away. The workshop welcomes couples, friends, gal-pal groups and solo sweethearts. Book via Eventbrite.
It has everyone talking! Pana’s iconic Savoy has been reimagined as a 600-seater venue for music, gigs, comedy, theatre, and much more in the main venue and an adjoining, more intimate space called The Lounge. The opening party on February 14 will feature live music and DJs including BoolaBoom, Zurito, The Leon Stax Equation, Stevie G, Angi and Danilo. The perfect after Valentine’s dinner party! Tickets from Eventbrite.
Tiger Balm Club Pop-Up, Aye
Tiger Balm Club is all about the fire and flavour of Thai and Vietnamese food brought to you by dynamic duo Mark Ahern (formerly of Good Day Deli), and Bryan Rudd (cook and taste maker, aka Sunshine Primo). Promising an evening of ‘All Killer, No Filler’, expect spicy bites, naughty plates, killer cocktails, and tasty tunes all served with a side of serious craic! Featuring an additional set cocktail menu, this is sure to book out fast. Two sittings at 6pm and 8.30pm on Valentine’s Night. Book via www.ayecork.com.
It’s brunch, but not as you know it! Delicious brunch classics mingled with an endless flow of prosecco would be craic enough, but throw in a DJ, pure style, flirtatious fun and plenty of dragalicious craic, and you have all the perfect ingredients for an alternative Valentine’s event. Perfect for groups of family and friends, galentines and more, get stuck into all the fun with a welcome cocktail, drag show, games and DJ, plus prizes for best dressed and more! Book via Eventbrite.
One for the absolute best gaggle of gals and galentines you can muster, channel your inner Elvis and enter the crazy chaos world of Vegas via Mabel Lane! Brunch and bottomless prosecco are only the beginning. When the party kicks off, be sure to say ‘I Do’ at the Fake Vegas Wedding Booth, win prizes and kudos with Music Bingo Mayhem, and enjoy the show with sequin-clad showgirls, music and craic. Tickets via Eventbrite.
Join RCD’s co-founder, Bhagya Barrett, on Valentine’s Day for a guided tour of the only distillery in the city centre, followed by a cocktail masterclass. Learn about the craft of distillation and the essential flavours in RCD’s signature Maharani gin, followed by a mixology masterclass where you’ll learn how to create two bespoke cocktails using spirits crafted onsite: gin, vodka, or Ireland’s only absinthe. Enjoy a gin and tonic on arrival and learn how to shake and stir your way to the perfect cocktail! Pre-booking is essential via www.rebelcitydistillery.com.
There’s a mysticism to the West Cork peninsulas, and none more so than the Mizen, which encompasses the beautiful village of Goleen. Goleen Harbour Eco Resort offers accommodation options from cabins to yurts dotted about the private estate on the waters’ edge, where nature and the elements are the signature offerings. Book a two-night escape over Valentine’s weekend and enjoy a free sauna for two people in their Elemental Spa. Dinner with Bubbles package provides everything you need to cook up a delicious meal with a bottle of sparkling Pet Nat, or Bubbles & Chocolate features a selection of Hungry Crow chocolates and a bottle of Pet Nat. Book via www.goleenharbour.ie.
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