It is a late spring afternoon and another day of rain has forced diners inside the warmly-lit walls of County Cork Irish Pub. Though it has been an unusually wet season, rays of sunlight will soon reflect off the deep waters of Warwick Cove, creating a sparkling background to this hidden gem in Warwick ~ a cozy and casual pub that has united the hospitality and comfort foods of the Emerald Isle with all the hearty and traditional dishes of our own Li’l Rhody.

The smooth mahogany bar, which is the centerpiece of the pub, is crowded with locals who have come to relax after a busy day at work, or who have just come off the nearby waters for some much-needed refreshment. It is a scene out of a movie ~ friends and family swapping stories of life, sipping cold beers and indulging on the delicious “pub-grub” that is served here. There is so much to celebrate at County Cork Irish Pub.

County Cork Irish Pub is found tucked off busy West Shore Road in an unexpected corner of the city. Here, guests can sit outside in the cool breeze and linger over one of the pub’s 20 oz. Imperial pours of Guinness, or satisfy their hunger on any of these tantalizing items off the pub’s menu ~ succulent, juicy burgers, piled high with sautéed onions, cheese, bacon, jalapenos and more. Lightly battered Fish & Chips ~ flaky and golden brown. Steaming hot clam chowder ~ chunky and creamy at the same time. Hearty Guinness Stew and Cottage Pie. Sticky chicken wings, gourmet stuffies, crisp garden salads, hand cut fries, fried green beans and loaded steak sandwiches! Everything here is made-to-order and nothing is ever frozen or processed.

Many readers of the Providence Journal will know the name of its food editor Gail Ciampa. Gail sought out the pub’s owners, Cora McAuliffe and her husband Patrick Tetreault, and documented her impressions of County Cork in her column in the Journal. She raved about the pub’s intimate setting, its plentiful portions of comfort food and its talented cook Ken Heidelberg. She called it a “Pint-sized Irish Treasure.” All who come here could not agree with Gail more! Come find out for yourself ~it is well worth the detour off the beaten trail.

Finally, come hear the popular music of the live band Wet Paint on Memorial Day weekend and throughout the breezy weekend nights of summer by the bay.

County Cork Irish Pub is located overlooking the cove at 50 Waterfront Drive off 2nd Point Road. For more information, call 401-732-2675. Summer hours will begin on June 14th. The pub will open every day (except Tuesday) at 12:30pm for lunch. Until then, hours remain the same at Mon. – Friday from 5pm – 1am, Saturday, 12:30pm to 1:00am. Sunday breakfasts are suspended for the season.

Watch for mouth-watering lunch specials starting on June 14th!

Find County Cork on Facebook or at www.countycorkirishpub.com.