The Rob Roy

Just what Cork needed - another pub claiming to be a proper Irish drinking establishment. The Rob Roy sits there on Cook Street, wearing its traditional pub credentials like a slightly tattered badge of honor. I'll admit, I approached with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for dental appointments.

Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, The Rob Roy in Cork is yet another sports bar in a city that seems to collect them like I collect regrettable late-night takeaway decisions. But hold onto your skepticism for just a moment, because something rather unexpected happened during my reluctant visits.

First, there's the matter of the Guinness. In a world where a decent pint is becoming as rare as a politician's genuine smile, The Rob Roy manages to pour one that doesn't make you question your life choices. It's not going to win any international awards, but it's consistently good enough to make you forget about the afternoon meeting you're probably missing.

The space itself is a curious blend of old-school Irish pub and modern sports bar, like your grandfather's living room got into a fight with Sky Sports and somehow they both won. Multiple TVs adorn the walls without turning the place into Times Square, which is a feat worthy of recognition in itself.

What truly caught me off guard was the staff. In an era where genuine hospitality often feels as authentic as a three-euro note, the team here displays a refreshing lack of pretense. They remember your name, your drink, and somehow manage to make you feel like a regular even if you're just ducking in to escape one of Cork's characteristic downpours.

The pricing sits in that sweet spot where you won't need to remortgage your house for a round, but you're not drinking suspiciously cheap pit water either. It's the kind of place where you can still get change from a twenty for two pints, though you might need to squint at your wallet in these inflationary times.

Live music appears occasionally, and unlike many venues where "live music" means "time to leave immediately," The Rob Roy manages to host sessions that don't make you wish for sudden onset hearing loss. It's actually... pleasant. There, I said it. Don't make me repeat it.

The atmosphere deserves special mention. While many Cork pubs these days feel like they were decorated by someone whose entire concept of "Irish pub" came from a Pinterest board, The Rob Roy maintains an authenticity that's hard to fake. The worn wooden bars, the comfortable seats, the subtle lighting - it all works together in a way that feels natural rather than forced.

For sports enthusiasts (or those trapped in relationships with them), the multiple screens offer comprehensive coverage without turning the place into a betting shop. You can actually hold a conversation during matches, which puts it ahead of 90% of sports pubs right there.

They've got the basics sorted - clean restrooms (a miracle in itself), decent coffee for those "morning after" moments, and a selection of drinks that goes beyond just the standard pub fare. The NFC payment option means you won't have to do the awkward "sorry, card only" dance at the bar.

The Rob Roy has wormed its way into my good graces like a persistent stray cat - initially unwanted but eventually impossible not to warm to. It's become my go-to spot for those "just one quick drink" evenings that inevitably turn into "why is it midnight already?" situations.

So here I am, eating my words along with my pride. The Rob Roy in Cork has managed to be something I didn't expect: a genuine pub that serves its purpose without trying too hard. If you're in the city center and looking for a proper pint, good company, and a spot where you can actually hear yourself think (most of the time), you could do far worse. And trust me, I've done far worse. Make your way down Cook Street - just don't tell them I sent you. I've got a cynical reputation to maintain.