The Pubs of Cork: My pub is like a hub - especially for folk who are isolated

It’s no wonder people are languishing in the lovely warm sunshine as I arrive at Farrells Bar in Youghal. The pub has won numerous awards for its fabulous outdoor area out front overlooking Youghal Bay.

“Being named the best outside space of 2025 was a great boost,” says owner, Michael Farrell. “We got best party venue too in 2017.”

The sun has put everyone in a good mood.

“The sun shining is an added bonus,” says Joan Lecane, 84, from Douglas, who spends seven months of the year at her mobile home in Youghal, and is a regular at Farrells.

There are other bonuses too.

“I love the staff,” says Joan, enjoying her regular tipple that adds to her joie de vivre.

“I like the quality of what they do, and I like that the staff always know me and welcome me back when my sister and I come to stay in Youghal.”

Michael Farrell, one of eight children, took over the pub from his parents, Billy and Philomena, in 1999. He grew up in sweet Youghal Bay.

“There weren’t as many houses around us back in the day,” says Michael, who is farming as well as running the family pub.

“It was much more rural. These days a lot of our customers walk to the pub.

“Here at the cross, we are both town and country. As soon as the weather picks up, we’ll see a lot of Cork people arriving to Youghal. Often, three generations of the same family come to holiday in Youghal every year. It’s like a tradition with them.

“Daytrippers visit Youghal all year round too. We’ve got to know many of them,” says Michael.

Walkers flock here too.

“The boardwalk for them is really popular,” says Michael. “It is the best thing that happened to Youghal. It is a more popular choice for people than walking the Greenway.”

Why did Michael choose to go into the pub business?

“I bought the pub from my mother,” he says. “At the time she was running it with the help of two of my sisters.”

Michael, a father of three, growing up in the business, knew what he was letting himself in for. “I knew there was a lot of hours involved,” he says. “And I knew the run of things since helping out in the bar during school holidays.

“I always remember that match days were the busiest days. Nothing much has changed in that regard.”

Some things have changed though.

“I remember local vendors selling fruit and vegetables in here to the Cork crowd in the summer! A good bit of bartering went on!”

A good bit of cráic went on.

“It still does!” says Michael.

In later years, he expanded the premises.

“The Hilltop across the road closed its doors soon after I took over the pub here,” Michael says. “I added on to the pub with two party rooms that host gatherings and celebrations at weekends. The outdoor area became hugely popular.”

The rain often prevented people from enjoying the great outdoors.

“I’d have to run out and close the umbrellas when it rained,” says Michael.

That was a regular occurrence, wasn’t it?

“For sure!” says Michael. But he found a solution.

“I put up permanent canopies outside eventually. They work by remote control.”

That proved to be a good move.

“The demand for outdoor seating and socialising grew, especially when we had music gigs,” says Michael. “No matter what the weather; the show still went on!”

What does he like about the pub trade?

“I like interacting with all the regular customers who I have got to know well over the years.”

Michael never has a problem.

“People leave their problems outside the door, and they don’t want to listen to your problems. Farrells is a great family pub, and it is in a great location. People like that they can use the facilities all year round.”

When people get hungry, they can order a pizza from behind the bar.

“We don’t want to see anyone hungry!” says Michael. He wants to see happy customers.

“People expect a lot more when they go out for food and drink nowadays,” he says. “The cost of living has gone up, and people want to get good value for their money.

“Having sports events live on TV and having regular entertainment laid on in the pub is a given. In the hospitality trade today, you have to be on the top of your game. Every day is a new day.”

Where does Michael like to go for a drink?

“Here!” he laughs. Home is where the heart is!

“I like having a pint here with my friends.”

The pub trade is 24/7.

“Yes, the hours are long, and it is seven days a week,” says Michael.

He has a lot of help at hand.

“I have 17 local staff, some of whom are students,” says Michael. “Students get work here for four or five years while they are in education. They are always friendly and they offer a good service.”

Any awkward customers?

“I have the motto that a stitch in time saves nine,” says Michael. “If anything is brewing, I try and deal with it before it develops. I think we had a customary visit from the guards once in five years.”

How did that pan out?

“People were asking, what’s wrong? What could be wrong in Farrells!”

Old and young pay a visit to the pub. “We have a good mix coming in here,” says Michael. “Older people like to come here to chat and discuss the news of the day. Some of the lads are in their 80s. It’s like a hub here, a meeting place, especially for people who may feel isolated. Company is vital. That and connection add something worthwhile to people’s day.”

Michael always has a full day. “There’s a lot of work goes on behind the scenes,” he says. “The farming makes for a good balance. I like both jobs and I try and work the two together.”

The people of Youghal are all in it together.

“The ongoing support from the people of Youghal is very important to us,” says Michael. “They are very loyal to us.”

Michael has a motto. “My parents always said to treat people like you would like to be treated.”