The Pubs of Cork: The Beatles, Bruce... Cork pub that’s attracted superstars

When comedian Pat Shortt co-owned The Hunted Hog on the banks of the River Kiltha in Castlemartyr, he once told me it was where he got the inspiration for some of his characters.

Now its present manager, Barry Hennessey, is enjoying the company of those same well-loved patrons and characters.

“It’s homely here,” says Barry. “It’s social. People chat about the GAA, the rugby. Others sit quietly doing the crossword in the paper.

“One of our many local regulars, Mark, has his very own plaque on the wall marking his favourite spot to sit!” adds Barry, who runs the pub with his brother Colin in partnership with Castlemartyr Resort,

Barry worked in Castlemartyr Resort for 13 years and says: “I learned about the trade in Jacko’s, Ballinacurra, when I worked there as a youngster. Jacko’s is a great local pub.”

A five-star resort and a local tavern might look an odd mix. “In both establishments, you want to look after the clients well,” says Barry. “You want to make them happy and make sure they have a good time.

“People like to travel out for a day and drop in for a bite to eat or go to their local to have a friendly chat, catch up with local news, and get to know what’s happening in the area in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Most of the expectations in the hotel and in the pub trade are the same.

“The Hunted Hog is known for its warm atmosphere and friendly staff.”

The pub has attracted some famous customers. In Pat Shortt’s time, he welcomed the boys in Westlife, dancer Michael Flatley, comedian Tommy Tiernan, singer Sinéad O’Connor, and U.S stars Brad Pitt and Beyoncé.

The Beatles are reputed to have stopped off here in the 1960s before they became a world phenomenon. They had a tipple in the pub when their tour van broke down on the way to the ferry in Rosslare.

“Yes, legend has it that The Beatles were indeed here in the pub,” says Barry. “It is one of those good old stories that is often told by people in the village.”

Another famous band got their act together in The Hunted Hog.

“When Bruce Springstein and The E-Street Band played in Cork, they stayed at Caselemartyr Resort,” says Barry. “We had Bruce and the band in here then and Bruce played and he sang. And there was a bit of a session. Brilliant!”

Did Michaela Twomey behind the bar serve anyone famous yet?

“Not yet!” says Michaela. “But I hope to!”

Michaela has her own claim to fame.

“I worked here four years ago and left to work in the world of finance. It was pretty crazy work, and I came back to work here two months ago.”

Michaela is happy in her world.

“I love working here,” she says. “I enjoy the cráic with all the familiar faces coming in. I know now what they all drink!”

Colin, the chef at the Hunted Hog, is a familiar face behind the bar. “If we get extra busy and need help out here, Colin jumps in,” says Barry.

Does it work both ways?

“I help in the kitchen with the washing up!”

In The Hunted Hog, under the comforting flicker of the open fire, you can enjoy a coffee, sample the menu,or just read the paper.

“Yes, people find the open fire and the seating very cosy,” says Barry.

Outside, the marquee that is going up this week, until November, is party central.

“The day-after wedding parties when everyone is in good spirits love that they have a venue to themselves where they can eat, drink and be merry,” says Barry. “The group are having the weekend of their lives. It is a great feeling. The buzz is great.” 

We hope the Beast from the East won’t make a return visit when it blows everything away in its wake.

“Let’s hope not!” says Barry. “We are all looking forward to a good summer. Customers passing by like sitting outside on the benches beside the river. It is a lovely setting.”

People and passers-by can enjoy listening to stories of yore about the titular hog. Local legend has it that the beast was a frighteningly colossal 600 pounds of flesh and grist terrorising the rolling pastures and dappled woods of Castlemartyr in the 15th century.

It was feared by man and beast and the village chief offered a princely sum to anyone who killed it or captured it alive. But folk hid in their houses afraid to come out.

Legend has it that on a crystal clear night, Fitzgerald of the Geraldines left home without a sound. Over field and stream his wet feet trod until he reached a place known as ‘Cnoc na Chollag’. From a thicket he heard a terrible roar and out of the shadows came a great boar. Fitzgerald raised his sword high over his head, and in one fell swoop the beast was dead. Peace was restored to Castlemartyr.

Today, at an old church yard at Ballyoughtera, you can find a stone marked by a boar and cross etching.

Barry says the vibe of ‘the local’ is unique to this country. “It is a vibe you don’t get in pubs abroad. We work hard to keep it. The charm and traditional feel is unique. The Americans love it!”

The Hunted Hog is part of the local community.

“We often run charity events here for a good cause like Marymount,” Barry says. “A charity is nominated. Everyone gets involved in the fun events that we help organise. It is a win-win.”

Is the pub trade winning?

“We are fortunate to have the combination of serving drink and food,” says Barry. “There is always something going on. Yes, we have our quiet days. We’d still get the hotel guests dropping in who are out for a stroll and we get the usual locals who meet up here. The social aspect of the pub is very important. Someone might come in every day, or they might come in once a week.”

Or after collecting their pension in the post office across the road? Barry laughs. “Yes, that too. Everyone gets the same welcome.”

When is the quietest time of the year?

“There is a lull in the days just after Christmas,” says Barry. “From December 27-31 is quiet. Once upon a time that was a busy period with people still celebrating Christmas.

“Costs across the board have risen including fuel for instance. That all has a knock-on effect in the hospitality business.”

Barry greets a couple of locals coming in. They don’t look too happy.

“I can tell by their expression that we are siting on their seats!” says Barry laughing.

We move fast.

Barry shows me the framed picture on the wall inside the bar counter. It is of Pat Barry, a previous owner of the bar who died last year and who was a popular figure in the village.

“The family gave us the photograph,” says Barry. “I was honoured to put it up.”

It is nice to be among familiar faces.

The Hunted Hog, Castlemartyr, opens every day from 1pm for food, drink and events.