Mutton Lane Inn, Cork

The Mutton Lane Inn in Cork is one of the oldest and most admired pubs in the city. It is located off St. Patrick's Street, in one of the alleyways that lead into the famous English Market. The pub is named after the lane it's situated in, which was once used for running live sheep into the market. The Mutton Lane Inn is consistently voted one of the best pubs in Cork.

One of the unique features of the pub is the important mural running the length of the lane. It was commissioned by Cork City Council and the owner of the pub and completed by Anthony Ruby. The mural is Cork-centric and depicts all the characters as alive and kicking. The mural has never been vandalized, only admired. There are a few stories embedded in the mural, which locals are always glad to share.

Inside the Mutton Lane Inn, the atmosphere is dark, wooden, and candle-lit. The staff are exceptionally friendly, and the music is always good. To encourage conversation, there is no TV. Two famous Lord Mayors, JFK and Jackie, and Johnny Cash are some of the pictures that can be seen above the bar. The atmosphere is unique, and it really is a rocking heritage pub for all ages.

The Mutton Lane Inn is steeped in history, and it's one of the reasons why it's such a popular spot. The pub once had the greatest sales of whiskey in Ireland per square foot as butchers and cattlemen would leave a drop or two as payment for their junior staff on leaving the market at the end of a long day. The market is still an ever-present feature of the area, and staff don't mind if you bring some of the delicacies of the market into the pub for a bite to eat.