You comin' out for the match, baa?

A Cork city 'baa' has finished top of the league for best pub in Ireland to enjoy sporting events.

The Woolshed Baa & Grill Cork on Sheares Street comfortably outscored competition from across the nation to clinch the tittle of Best Bar to Watch the Match at the 2026 Square Bar of the Year Awards.

Boasting 20 screens capable of showing anything from football to fencing, the popular spot has been accommodating Cork’s eclectic taste in sports since 2011.

“We’re absolutely delighted! There’s a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, so to have that recognised is a really proud moment for the whole team,” said Woolshed Baa & Grill Cork manager, Kitty Burke.

Having won gold in 2023 and 2024, as well as bronze in 2025, staff the Cork hotspot are determined to retain the title next year.

Kitty said: “We’re not planning on giving it back anytime soon!

“We’ll keep doing what we do best, keeping the atmosphere buzzing and making sure that if it’s on, we’re showing it!”

According to the tenured manager, what makes a place like the Woolshed so special mostly comes down to atmosphere, reliability, and adaptability, plus a healthy serving of tasty food and good craic.

“We’re always happy to put on whatever our customers want to watch. We’ve had requests for everything from football and rugby to kabaddi,” said Kitty.

Keeping a bar like the Woolshed running smoothly is a unique challenge for the team, one that takes plenty of planning and a handy dose of caffeine, said Kitty.

She said: “There are definitely days when the place gets lively, especially when you’ve got 20 screens showing different fixtures and everyone has their own team to support.

Our staff are fantastic at keeping everything moving while still making sure customers are having a great time.”

Of course, at the end of the day, the buck stops at the customers for the Woolshed team.

“This award is really for them as much as it is for us,” said Kitty.

“Our customers create the atmosphere that makes the Woolshed what it is, whether they’re here every week or joining us for a major tournament. We’re so grateful for their continued support, loyalty, and of course, their very loud cheering,” she concluded.