Something that many people outside of Ireland do not realise is that Cork is one of its major urban centres. In fact, the city is the second largest in the whole of the country. That means it has plenty of attractions and amenities to delight both residents and tourists.
Among them are gambling venues where people can play games such as poker. This card game is extremely popular in Ireland and Cork has numerous places where it can be enjoyed.
Remember, poker is a game of chance so when you do visit these venues, only gamble what you can afford and always play for fun.
Read on to find out some of the finest venues for playing poker within the city and nearby.
Poker Gaming in Cork
The laws concerning real-money gaming in Ireland have been liberalised quite a lot in recent years. It is now much more possible to play games like poker than it used to be.
That is particularly the case if you happen to be in Cork, as the city is home to plenty of gambling venues. Despite that though, a lot of people choose to play poker online.
There are several reasons why that is the case. For one, it offers the convenience and ease of being able to play from the comfort of your own home.
A second reason is that the selection of poker games and stakes on offer is often wider, while the online sites also provide tournament access. It adds up to an attractive proposition.
So how are the land-based venues still surviving then, you may ask. Well some people do still favour poker games where they are face to face with their opponents around a table.
The best poker clubs in Cork also contain other facilities that help them to compete with the online sites. Here are the places in and around the city that you should visit for top quality poker gaming.
Macau Sporting Club
This venue is situated right in the beating heart of Cork. It can be found in the St Patrick’s Centre.
The main gaming floor is 6000 square feet and it has every type of gambling that you could want. There are two versions of poker: Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.
Another reason why it is one of the finest venues is the fact that there are live cash poker games seven nights a week. The Poker Room is separate from the rest of the gaming areas, to make it easier for players to concentrate.
The Macau Sporting Club also has betting on sports and non-gambling entertainments. There is a complex where you can watch sports, bars and restaurants.
Victoria Sporting Casino
This venue has been around for longer than most of its rivals. It opened its doors back in the late 1970s and remains a popular attraction today, although it has changed a lot.
At one time it was a club for snooker, but now it is all about casino gaming. What makes it different is that all of the games here are automated.
That means video poker rather than the live variety, but it makes for an interesting change. Alternatively there are hundreds of slot machines you can play.
Gold Rush Casino
This is part of a highly successful chain that has four outlets. The primary Cork branch can be found at MacCurtain Street and it is open literally all the time.
The Gold Rush Casino is a huge venue with a massive choice of games. Do not worry about the size though; like a lot of casinos, it now makes use of AI to help ensure the security and safety of customers.
This is undoubtedly the liveliest and most boisterous casino in the city. A lot of visitors are tourists, simply because it is near to many other attractions within the city.
There are lots of poker games and it is fun if you are the extrovert sort.
Bank Casino and Card Club
For a different kind of atmosphere completely, try the Bank Casino and Card Club. You will find it at Clarkes Bridge House, but you cannot just show up on the night.
This is a private members club, so anyone who wants to play poker has to apply for membership first. The vibe is serious and quiet, unlike the party mood at the Gold Rush Casino.
The main two poker games it has are Five Card Stud and Texas Hold’em. The Bank Casino attracts players who really know their stuff – so it is a great choice if you are skilled.
It has opening hours of 11pm until dawn and there is baccarat and roulette too, if you think the poker might be a bit too rich for your blood.
Each of these venues has its own feel and gaming choices. Just pick the one that will fit your personality and skill level.
