101 places to dine outdoors in Ireland: your ultimate guide to an al fresco summer
As the nation tucks into a summer of outdoor dining, we round up the top terraces, gastro gardens, food trucks, cafes and outdoor pop-ups around the country...
Summer 2021 is all about outdoor dining, and it’s time to start making those bookings.
Some places on our list will take walk-ins, while others will require pre-booking — make sure you know what the policy is before you turn up on spec, and be prepared to pay a per-person deposit when booking.
Each place on this list is offering outdoor dining in one form or another, but it’s up to you to make sure in advance that you’re happy with the level of comfort involved. Opening days and times may be weather-dependent, and vary from week to week.
Things may not be perfect, staff are rusty and they can’t do anything about the weather, so be nice, dress up warm and have a great time. Oh, and don’t book multiple restaurants thinking you’ll decide on the day which one you’ll go to — these businesses have had a tough enough time over the past year as it is.
Dog-friendly dining
Lucky’s
Meath Street, Dublin 8 luckys.ie
Drinks, art, good pizza from Coke Lane and friendly staff combine to ensure that Lucky’s yard is somewhere you’re almost guaranteed to have a good time.
There’s a whole slew of options on offer at The Martello from breakfast pancakes to frozen cocktails to gelato, but personally, we’re most excited about the Malaysian Spice Bag Burger from Little King, while Fido likes the sound of Snuffle Dog Beer and Frozzys.
Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen
Cashel, Co Tipperary mikeyryans.ie
Guests at Mikey Ryan’s can enjoy views from the snazzy Glass Table, or from under one of the super-size umbrellas, out onto the newly restored Cashel Palace Hotel, due to open later this year, while they tuck into gastropub fare that’s a cut above. There’s a terrace to the front too.
Nóin at The Twelve
Barna, Co Galway thetwelvehotel.ie
Serving a casual-dining, all-day menu from the hotel’s Pins restaurant, and Simon King’s legendary cocktails, the Nóin is a sheltered and heated outdoor space that was a big hit last summer. Dogs are welcome too.
One Society
Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 onesociety.ie
This much-loved, all-day cafe is open in the evenings for pizza and pasta with seating for 16 or more under canopies and tucked behind planters.
Kevin Aherne has moved away from the fine dining that was his trademark in a previous incarnation of Sage, and the huge partly covered courtyard to the back has a lovely, relaxed feel to it that complements a more casual menu. Kev still works with all the best local farmers and producers and the food is simpler but no less delicious.
Shouk has one of the best outdoor dining set ups in Dublin. The Middle Eastern menu has plenty of great options for vegans and vegetarians, but personally we’d go for the arayes — a chargrilled pita stuffed with beef and lamb, cherry tomatoes confit and grilled red onions, served with labneh. And the baba ganoush. And the falafels.
By the water
Angelina’s
Percy Place, Dublin 4 angelinas.ie
Scoring a table on the terrace overlooking the canal is no mean feat, but if you manage it, you’ll impress your friends no end. Weekend brunch on a sunny day is super-buzzy; Angelina’s is also open for lunch and dinner.
Bar Fisk
Downings, Co Donegal fiskseafoodbar.com
Downings is a seafood destination thanks to Tony and Lina’s Bar Fisk, where you’ll find great oysters, fish tacos, fish and chips and a whole lot more, including plenty of options for non fish-eaters.
Beach House
Turkey Road, Tramore, Co Waterford beachhousetramore.ie
Beach House was one of the best new openings in Ireland last year, thanks to Jumoke Akintola’s elegant, restrained food — a masterclass in simplicity — and her husband Peter Hogan’s smart wine pairings and low-key hospitality. Beach House is a class act, and its terraces and vegetable garden with tables will be hopping this summer.
Linnane’s
Newquay, Co Clare linnanesbar.com
A classic West of Ireland seafood bar, Linnane’s is all about super-fresh local seafood prepared without fuss. There’s a big terrace looking out over the water.
A sunny table outside Locks with a view of the swans on the canal is a delight. The restaurant has been given permission to expand its outdoor seating area into the adjacent parking spaces and this is bound to be one of the most in-demand terraces in the city, with an a la carte menu of casual yet sophisticated dishes.
Jess D’Arcy and Killian Durkin will have tables outside their terrific Howth restaurant, and it’s hard to think of a better spot in which to tuck into the freshest of local fish and seafood, top-quality meat and locally-grown organic vegetables. The menu at Mamo epitomises modern Irish food at its best.
Murph’s Gastro Pub
Derragarra Inn, Butlersbridge, Co Cavan murphsgastropub.ie
The patio area overlooking the water is a great place to enjoy Fergus Murphy’s solid gastropub cooking, which has won the chef numerous accolades over the years. A good family-friendly spot.
Oliveto
Haddington House, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin haddingtonhouse.ie
If you want to eat with a view of Dublin Bay, Oliveto’s garden will be busy serving pints, cocktails and mega sandwiches, such as wood-fired picanha steak with pepper sauce and chimichurri, and roast chicken and nduja with smoked mozzarella, rocket and Caesar mayo, as well as its signature pizzas.
OOTB has long been a Dingle favourite and staycationers lucky enough to have found themselves somewhere to bed down in the vicinity will be queuing up for the outdoor tables and a chance to chow down on great fish and seafood. The restaurant says it is urgently trying to recruit a west Kerry hourly weather reporter.
The Sea Hare
On the Pier, Cleggan, Co Galway theseahare.ie
Philippa Duff and Sinead Foyle’s charming Sea Hare has become a West of Ireland institution in just a few short years — even Michael D is a fan! From June, Philippa and Sinead will open daily with a menu that features Cleggan crab and has good vegetarian options, plus lobster on Saturday and Killary mussels on Sunday. Takeaway dinners are also available.
The Sea Terrace at Dunmore House
Clonakilty, Co Cork dunmorehousehotel.ie
Carol Barrett and her family take their food very seriously, with terrific fish from Union Hall and vegetables from the hotel’s own Ocean Garden. The terrace overlooking Clonakilty Bay is as idyllic a spot as you’ll find and it’s dog-friendly too.
Shells
Strandhill, Co Sligo shellscafe.com
Shells is the kind of place that serves food that makes everyone happy, and Jane and Myles Lamberth will be back open doing just that, looking after visiting surfers and locals with equal care. Sister (or should that be brother?) restaurant Baker Boys in Sligo will have plenty of outdoor seating too.
Be transported
Ash at Pots
Pot Duggans, Ennistymon, Co Clare potduggans.com
Chef Ash Gribben has Ottolenghi, Ballymaloe and Little Fox on her resume and will be popping up at Pot Duggans to dish out her take on Middle Eastern food at this summer. The outdoor dining set-up is cute.
Bresson
The Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin bresson.ie
Bresson’s outside seating area is a seductive courtyard that whispers ‘long lunch’ to passers-by on their way to and from Avoca, and Diarmuid Gavin’s new Outer Spaces store along The Crescent. The food is French and the living is easy.
L’Gueuleton
Fade Street, Dublin 2 lgueuleton.com
There’s nowhere better for people-watching than one of the tables outside L’Gueuleton, which serves a simple French-ish menu. At night, it’s a bit of a scene, so book in for lunch if you prefer something quieter.
It may be a while since you’ve managed a weekend in Paris, but a table on the front terrace of Chez Max beside Dublin Castle, or one in the secret garden to the rear, will transport you there in an instant… especially if you order raclette.
Las Tapas De Lola
Wexford Street, Dublin 2 lastapasdelola.com
Vanessa Murphy and Anna Cadrera’s Spanish tapas restaurant has such a loyal following (Leo Varadkar is a fan) that its outdoor tables on the street will be in huge demand. If you manage to nab one, you’ll be eating from a menu that includes everything from chicharrones and jamon to gildas and puntillitas.
Mezze
Main Street, Tramore, Co Waterford mezze.ie
Husband and wife Dvir Nusery and Nicola Crowley have installed a new stretch tent over their courtyard to keep the rain off, along with heaters. The Middle Eastern dishes for which they are known are as wholesome as they are tasty.
RIBA
Lr Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin ribarestaurant.ie
Riba’s terrace is warm, covered and extremely popular, so book ahead. Once you’ve secured that reservation, take a look at the great Irish producers name-checked on the Italian-inspired menu and try to decide between handmade pasta with lobster, and fritto misto with Parmesan and truffle fries. Decisions, decisions.
Rosa Madre
Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 rosamadre.ie
With covered tables on a cobbled street and a menu featuring handmade pasta and some of the best seafood in town, Luca De Marzio makes customers at his Temple Bar restaurant feel as if they have been spirited to a Roman backstreet. The champagne list is extensive and if you ask nicely, you’ll be given a chance to try opening a bottle with a sabre.
From the people behind Pablo Picante and Jamaican jerk pop-up All Hail the Box, El Silencio serves up a winning combination of tacos and margaritas, with a fine selection of premium tequilas and mescals. What could possibly go wrong?
The Supper Club at The Baker’s Table of Lismore
Co Waterford Instagram @thebakerstableoflismore
No menu details at the time of going to print but The Supper Club is back from June 11, and if past outings are anything to go by — previous themes have included Indian, Moroccan and Japanese — diners are in for a treat.
Aaaand we’re off... 777 is back with a bang, and a fantastic-looking, new outdoor seating area. We’re thinking oyster shots to start, followed by chorizo taquitos and a big carne asada with chimichurri and elotes to share. Plus a few margaritas. Of course.
Luxe hotels
The Lavender Terrace at the Carriage House
Adare Manor, Co Limerick adaremanor.com
The sunny terrace will be serving a relaxed menu, including steak and chips, and pizza from the wood-fired oven, with a grown-up cocktail list.
The Terrace at Cliff House Hotel
Ardmore, Co Waterford cliffhousehotel.ie
The Cliff House’s Michelin-starred chef, Ian Doyle, has created new casual-dining menus to make the most of local ingredients and seafood, served on the terrace overlooking Ardmore Bay. There’s also a sleek Airstream dishing up lobster rolls on home-made brioche and custard tarts to walkers and picnickers.
There are two outdoor dining options at Cliff, with a casual offering at The Pantry and a more formal option at The Mill, with its terrace beside the waterfall, where Sean Smith — formerly at Cliff Townhouse — is the new chef.
The Marker Hotel
Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2 themarkerhoteldublin.com
Gareth Mullins and his team will be doing what they do best on the terrace outside the Marker Bar on the ground floor and on the Rooftop, which has the best views of Dublin to be found anywhere in the city. Cocktails are obligatory.
Balfe’s The Westbury, Dublin 2 balfes.ie As life comes back into the city centre, Balfe’s has that ‘Christmas Eve in the middle of summer’ buzz — you’re bound to bump into people and it’s a good place to catch up with a friend over cocktails and decent food.
The garden at The Merrion, with its six smart cabanas seating five people (each with individual heaters and sanitised blankets) and umbrella-covered tables, is the envy of every other hotel and restaurant in Dublin city centre, for good reason. Ed Cooney’s commitment to top-notch produce shines through a new summer menu that’s a real people-pleaser, including seafood platters, lobster rolls and a riff on the Beverly Hills Hotel’s legendary ‘McCarthy Salad’.
Mount Juliet
Co Kilkenny mountjuliet.ie
Afternoon tea fans will want to sign up for The Lady Helen’s Michelin-starred version, served on the tiered lawn in front of the Manor House. The selection of sweet and savoury elements will please the grown ups, but children will go nuts for rocky road pops, Kinder cupcakes, giant cookies, and blondies, along with cheese dips and Nutella bagels, accompanied by home-made lemonade. At The Hound, Cormac McCreary has a new lunch menu, great steaks and a contemporary afternoon tea on the Terrace.
Park Hotel
Kenmare, Co Kerry parkkenmare.com
The Brennan brothers have a new outdoor terrace at The Park, as well as a new outdoor terrace at their second hotel in the town, The Lansdowne. With outdoor dining also available at The Boathouse and Shutters Pizza on the Pier a couple of kilometres away, visitors have plenty of options.
The Champagne Terrace at The Shelbourne
Dublin 2 theshelbourne.com
It’s all about the fizz on The Shelbourne’s mezzanine terrace this summer, where a partnership with Laurent-Perrier will run until the end of the summer. As well as some very fancy Champagnes available by the bottle (Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Grand Cuvée Rosé goes for €500 a pop), there are more affordable options by the glass, plus oysters, charcuterie and mini seafood towers.
Wade and Elaine Murphy are opening for outdoor dining at their lovely restaurant in Adare, and will be serving during the day for the first time, as well as in the evening. This is classy, modern Irish food cooked with flair.
Dede
Baltimore, Co Cork customshousebaltimore.com
Ahmet Dede landed a Michelin star within a few months of opening his new restaurant in Baltimore last year. Plan ahead if you want to experience the wonderful Turkish accent he brings to the very best of hyper-local ingredients from the West Cork larder for yourself.
Aishling Moore buys her fish and seafood from local day boats and is committed to using whatever they bring, so she doesn’t write her menu until she sees what they’ve landed. This makes for heightened creativity in the tiny kitchen and an exciting dining experience.
Liath
Blackrock Market, Blackrock, Co Dublin liathrestaurant.com
Damien Grey of Liath is playing his cards close to his chest as he waits for venue confirmation (it won’t be Blackrock Market is all he’d say as we went to press), but if you fancy a spot of Michelin dining outdoors, keep an eye on Liath’s social media and be prepared to act quickly when bookings go live.
Tartare
Dominick Street, Galway tartaregalway.ie
JP McMahon and Drigin Gaffney’s Tartare and its sister restaurant, Cava, will both have a limited number tables for outdoor dining — expect refined small plates (McMahon has a Michelin star at Aniar after all) at the former, and Spanish-style tapas using great Irish ingredients at the latter.
Barry Sun’s food is always a joy, and last year, eating outside felt both comfortable and safe. Since he cut his teeth at Etto, it’s no wonder that a superb cote de boeuf is one of the best-selling dishes, but there is plenty more to Volpe Nera.
Wild Honey Inn
Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare wildhoneyinn.com
Aidan and Kate McGrath’s Michelin-starred ‘dining pub with rooms’ will be open for indoor dining for guests, and outdoor for non-residents, from June 25. McGrath’s food is top class and if you manage to nab a booking, you’re in for a treat.
For wine buffs
Fish Shop
Benburb Street, Dublin 7 fish-shop.ie
Fish Shop has a tiny menu — order everything, is our advice — and a bigger wine list. The combination makes it one of the most seductive spots in the city, but don’t go expecting frills, because you won’t find any.
Old Street
Malahide oldstreet.ie
Mark Fitzpatrick’s carefully curated wine list is one of the pleasures of a visit to Old Street. Good modern Irish food and great service mean that outdoor tables will book up quickly.
There’s nothing much wrong with life when you manage to nab one of the outdoor tables at Piglet, and you can look forward to an evening of duck gizzards, prawns pil pil and cote de boeuf, accompanied by a bottle or two from the fantastic wine list.
Rúibín
1 Dock Road, Galway ruibin.ie
Alice Jary and Richard Kennan’s lovely little spot on the docks in Galway will be back open, serving lunch and dinner outside. They’ve recently teamed up with Shane Murphy of La Mission and Neighbourhood Wine in Dublin and the new wine list is a cracker.
Saint Francis Provisions
Kinsale, Co Cork Instagram @stfranciskinsale
Local ingredients and natural wines make Barbara Nealon’s excellent Saint Francis Provisions a Kinsale must-visit. Book early to avoid disappointment if you want to secure one of the outdoor tables, or nab a picnic to take to a nearby beach.
Meals on wheels
Bahay
Dublin Instagram @bahay_dub
Richie Castillo’s Bahay food truck will be serving the Filipino street-food dishes he grew up with, including the fantastic-looking Longganisa hotdog — home-made sausage (similar to chorizo but sweeter) with pinakurat mayonnaise, fried shallots and crisp potato sticks in a baguette alongside traditional grilled chicken and roasted pork. No locations announced at the time of going to press, but you’ll find them on Instagram.
Bainne Gelato
The Round O Bar, Navan, Co Meath Instagram @bainnegelato
If loaded Oreo affogato and ice-cream sandwiches of home-made chocolate chip cookies, made with 100pc Irish butter, filled with small-batch salted caramel gelato, sound like your kind of thing, then you might want to take a trip to Navan and check out this new food truck, which has ice-cream lovers in a heap.
Caitlin Ruth
Various locations, West Cork Instagram @caitlinruthfood
American chef Caitlin Ruth’s food truck will be popping up at various locations in and around West Cork over the summer — she’ll announce when and where three days beforehand on her Instagram stories. Keep an eye out — you won’t be sorry.
La Cocina Cuevas
The Naul, North Dublin K32K797; and in The Birrieria at Ted’s Gaff, Rathgar D06FK54
You’ll find Jeremy Cuevas’ original taco trailer in The Naul (make ours a smoked pork with extra guacamole, please) and also, in a collaboration with the people behind Frank’s on Camden Street, at The Birrieria on Orwell Road, where you’ll be able to try out one of this year’s most viral dishes — birria, complete with dipping gravy — for yourself. Both places have outdoor seating.
Dooncastle Oysters Seafood Trailer
Kylemore House, Co Galway Instagram @dooncastle_oysters
With his business hit hard by Covid, John Ward has set up a seafood trailer overlooking Kylemore Lough and Diamond Hill. The views will sharpen your appetite for local Dooncastle oysters (dressed and naked), razor clams and fish and chips. Simple fare? Yes, but delicious.
The Hungry Donkey
The Carry Out, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co Kerry Instagram @the_hungrydonkey
Chef Chad Byrne crowdfunded his horsebox food trailer during lockdown and is dishing up a small menu with big flavours. Recent hits have included baked whole crab with black bean peanut rayu, panzanella, and beef tacos with organic mushrooms seared in miso.
Julia’s Lobster Truck
Bell Harbour and Ballyvaughan, Co Clare Instagram @juliaslobstertruck
A perennial Burren favourite, Julia posts her locations on Instagram and you pre-order in advance via text. The menu usually includes barbecued lobster and lobster rolls, as well as scampi, mussels and chips.
The Misunderstood Heron, Leenaun County Galway. Photo: Andrew Downes
The Misunderstood Heron
Leenaun, Co Galway misunderstoodheron.com
Ever since The Lonely Planet named The Misunderstood Heron as one of the best food trucks in the world, it’s been essential to arrive early to its scenic location overlooking Killary Fjord if you want to be sure of nabbing one of its picnic tables and a helping of its signature empanadas. There’s good coffee, home-made bakes and a tasty menu that changes often.
The Nag’s Head
Kinsale, Co Cork Instagram@thenagsheadkinsale
Jonathan Wallace used to work at Ballyvolane House, so it’s no surprise that his converted horsebox, which opened last month, is very smart altogether. The fodder — toasties and coffee — is a hit already.
Roots at Slane Airstream
Rock Farm, Slane, Co Meath Instagram @rootsxslane
There is plan for a very cool outdoor dining set up at Slane Castle’s Lower Courtyard with a marquee tent, picnic tables, festival vibes, beers and cocktails taking shape as we go to press, but from now you’ll find Keith Coleman’s Roots at Slane Airstream in situ
from Thursday to Sunday with Moyee coffee, bakes, focaccia sandwiches plus killer sausage rolls and pasties made with organic pork and beef from the farm.
Treehouse Treats
Knocknashee Estate, Goatstown, Co Dublin Instagram @treehouseie
Chefs Dan Hannigan, David Keane and Luke Murphy have brought their talents together in a vintage silver trailer parked up in a fenced area that’s great for kids. They’re dishing out coffee and delights such as duck doughnuts with rhubarb hoisin sauce, hazelnut choux buns and brown butter chocolate chip cookies. Ian Marconi’s whopper Jack Rabbit sandwiches are available to satisfy bigger appetites.
Go the extra (food) yard
Castle Green Market Huts
Dungarvan, Co Waterford
Located on a green space in front of Dungarvan Castle are three huts from local restaurants Tannery, 360 Cookhouse and Crews, with bench seating. Paul Flynn of Tannery will be serving coronation chicken toasties, sausage rolls and crab brûlée doughnuts (yes, please!), as well as superior hotdogs from his Diamond Dogs cart.
DineTown
Iveagh Markets, Francis Street, Dublin 8 Instagram @dinetowndublin
Marcus O’Laoire’s Sambo Ambo was the first vendor to park up in the old horse and cart card beside Iveagh Markets and it’s since been joined by Linda Walsh’s Serious Dough wood-fired pizza (we like the Eddie bán, her white pizza) with other vendors arriving weekly. Eric Matthews of Chapter One and lockdown Instagram fame is rumoured to be popping up with a Berlin-style kebab offering and Niall Sabongi with a fish and seafood barbecue. Expect a nice chilled atmosphere and a cool crowd.
Andy Noonan’s own Baste barbecue offering (think wood-grilled onglet from Peter Hannan, beef dripping fries, salsa verde and smoked garlic aioli) is joined by seafood vendor Sharkbait Shelby’s (moules frites) and the Big Blue Bus Pizzeria, the sight of which may just bring a tear to the eye of those still mourning the closure of The Bernard Shaw.
The Glen, Kinsale, Co Cork Instagram @hamletsbarkinsale
There’s something for everyone at Hamlets, with crepes, wood-fired pizzas, fish and chips, barbecue and desserts. We like the sound of the Pitmaster burger featuring West Cork beef AND pulled Rosscarbery free-range pork shoulder. At The Blue Haven down the street, there’s a Champagne garden and seafood offering.
As life comes back to the city centre, the tables outside Davy Byrnes offer people-watching par excellence, as well as a menu of well-executed gastropub classics that finds favour with everyone. If it weren’t for the warm hospitality, it would feel like Paris.
McGrory’s
Culdaff, Co Donegal mcgrorys.ie
There’s nothing like a trip to the Donegal coast to blow the cobwebs away and, while McGrory’s is known as a music venue — for which we’ll have to wait a little longer — it’s also home to some good gastropub fare, with a focus on seafood.
Green spaces
Fulacht Fiadh Cafe
Manorhamilton Castle, Co Leitrim Instagram @fulacht_fiadh_cafe
This new community cafe has a large, covered outdoor area, plus uncovered benches and tables in an idyllic rural setting. It’s a co-op that plans to have a community garden and run events in the future, but in the meantime, there are coffees and cakes, sandwiches and toasties, and soup on cold days.
The Green Barn, Burton House and Gardens, Athy, Co Kildare
The Green Barn
Burtown House and Gardens, Athy, Co Kildare burtownhouse.ie
There are few outdoor dining situations as picturesque as the one at The Green Barn — the tables overlook the garden where many of the ingredients on the menu are grown. The food is simple, seasonal and unpretentious — a winning combination.
Grow HQ
Ardkeen, Waterford giy.ie
Grow HQ has expanded its outdoor eating area and installed additional covers. Much of the produce used in the restaurant comes from the on-site vegetable garden, supplemented by high-quality fish, and free-range meat and poultry. The food is wholesome and tasty, and the relaxed vibe makes this a great choice for families.
Virginia Park Lodge
Co Cavan virginiaparklodge.com
Richard Corrigan was putting the finishing touches to his covered outdoor dining terrace as we went to press. No menu as yet, but if past feasts are anything to go by, guests can expect food with Corrigan’s trademark abundance and generosity. And a fair few lobsters.
Sharon Quinn’s new cafe at The Butler Gallery has Cloud Picker Coffee, wholesome bakes and fancy tarts made in-house, plus a weekend brunch menu with sweet and savoury options. There’s a full wine lis, and smart gazebos will keep the rain off while you catch up on a year (and counting)’s worth of news.
Domini and Peaches Kemp’s basement cafe at the Museum of Literature Ireland leads out to a wonderful terraced garden adjacent to the Iveagh Gardens, an ideal spot to enjoy the simple menu of sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Weekend barbecues are on the cards too.
Crawford Art Cafe
Crawford Gallery, Cork city crawfordgallerycafe.com
The tented garden cafe is one of the best places to meet for lunch in Cork, offering a simple, elegant menu that doesn’t try too hard and instead focuses on getting the most out of excellent local and seasonal ingredients. It’s open for breakfast too.
Cafe culture
Builín Blasta Cafe
Spiddal, Co Galway Instagram @builin_blasta_cafe
This Irish-language cafe and bakery is a gem, and hugely popular —you may have to wait a little while for one of the tables. Don’t leave without stocking up on a few jars of the incredible smoked onion mayo.
Le Comptoir Cafe
Donnybrook, Dublin 4 comptoircafe.ie
The dream team from the old Town Bar & Grill, Ronan Ryan and Temple Garner, are back with a new cafe opposite the stadium in Donnybrook, and they have seating for a couple of dozen people to the front. There’s an all-day menu, as well as dinner from Thursday to Sunday.
Firehouse Bakery
Abbey Street, Wicklow Town thefirehouse.ie
Patrick Ryan’s new bakery in Wicklow town has tables outside and will be serving breakfast, lunch and all the delicious bakes that have been drawing customers to the original premises in Delgany for years.
Hen’s Teeth
Blackpitts, Dublin 8 hensteethstore.com
Killian Walsh’s food at the eclectic Hen’s Teeth, around the corner from The Fumbally, goes from strength to strength, as evidenced earlier this month by his bacon and cabbage roll (smoked ham hock, fermented cabbage slaw with brown sauce and mustard) and KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) with gojuchang and stir-fried beans, pink ginger and peanut. A great lunch spot.
Richard and Mairead Jacob’s cafe is a Cork institution and the couple will be working their socks off to make the most of their new 20-person fully-waterproofed terrace, doing what they do so well and serving up the classy, simple food that has seen them win multiple awards over the years.
The Pantry
Market Square, Portlaoise thepantry.ie
The Pantry is a Midlands must-visit for 3fe Coffee and in-house baked goods, including great sausage rolls and all manner of cakes. The doughnuts have something of a cult following — and the walled garden is an absolute gem.
Eclectic eating
BoCo
Bolton Street, Dublin 1 boco.ie
They keep things simple at BoCo, but if you are after great pizza, excellent cocktails and a friendly vibe, you won’t go wrong here. Our favourite pizza is #10 (crushed tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, fennel sausage, red onion and fresh chilli), but #4 (crushed tomato, Macroom buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, artichoke, parmesan, rocket, garlic and rosemary oil) comes a close second.
Global Village
Dingle, Co Kerry Instagram @martinbealinglobalvillage
Martin Bealin will be collaborating with Curran’s Bar for outdoor dining; there’s no menu at the time of going to print, but having had the pleasure of eating in Global Village on many occasions, we can be sure it will be good.
Kinara Kitchen
Ranelagh; Kinara in Clontarf; Kajjal in Malahide kinara.ie
Each of Kinara’s three restaurants is open for outdoor dining, with Pakistani cuisine that’s a cut above. We like the sound of tandoori lobster tail and kakeragh (crab claws)… and the cocktail menu looks fabulous.
With an outdoor space focused on smoking and barbecue located at the old Hallissey’s Cash and Carry, this new ‘terroir’ restaurant with rooms, is attracting plenty of attention in the town. The man behind it is Brendan Byrne, a former head chef at The Park and Sheen Falls.
Rascals
Inchicore, Dublin 8 rascalsbrewing.com
What’s on offer on Rascals’ outdoor heated and covered terrace is beer brewed on the spot and good pizza, and plenty of both. If that sounds like the kind of evening that you could do with right now, jump to it.
Rookery Lane
Bridge Street, Kenmare, Co Kerry rookerylane.ie
Kenmare regulars know Jimmy Wilson as one half of Mick and Jimmy’s. He and wife Kristin now have a new place, with rooms, and will be serving up a Californian-Irish menu to please all-comers, with tables outside.
Berman and Wallace Belfield Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4 bermanandwallace.ie This used to be a daytime-only operation, but B&M will be open on Friday and Saturday evenings with a tapas and small plates menu. The impressive outdoor area is large, covered and well-ventilated.
Ukiyo
Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 ukiyobar.com
Offering a menu of tasty Japanese and Korean dishes, Ukiyo’s outdoor tables in the heart of the city centre, metres away from South William Street, will be a hot ticket on summer evenings.
Gaillot et Gray Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8 Facebook: GaillotGray There’s a lovely little garden to the back of Gilles Gaillot and Emma Gray’s relaxed restaurant where they serve French-style pizzas (the cheese is Gruyère, which is what makes them French) cooked in a wood-fired oven. Simple and family-friendly.
Anthony’s at the Doolin Inn Doolin, Co Clare doolininn.ie Located at the start or finish (depending on how you look at these things) of the Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail, the food at Anthony’s champions local Burren ingredients from small artisan producers. The terrace is a great place to watch the sun go down.
City terraces
Brother Hubbard North and South
Dublin 1 and 8 brotherhubbard.ie
With two terraces on Capel Street, one on Harrington Street and another outside Arnott’s on Liffey Street, Brother Hubbard is all set for outdoor dining. The food is Middle Eastern-ish, with plenty of good options for vegetarians.
FX Buckley
Pembroke Street, Bull & Castle and Parkgate Street, Dublin fxbuckley.ie
No one cooks steak as well as they do at FX Buckley, so if you’ve been craving your fix of rib-eye, chateaubriand or cote de boeuf, you’ll want to book in to one of the new purpose-built covered and heated terraces at three of its Dublin restaurants.
Good Day Deli
Nano Nagle Place, Cork city gooddaydeli.ie
Summer brunch on the heated outdoor patio, or in one of Good Day Deli’s garden gazebos, is already booking up fast, and no wonder; this is a beautiful spot. Take the afternoon off and tuck into some natural wines alongside great food and delicious cakes.
You probably already know that Dublin’s oldest Korean restaurant has friendly staff and serves great dumplings and bibimbap, but you may not know that it also has a great garden.
Nash 19
Princes Street, Cork city nash19.com
Claire Nash’s restaurant, 100 metres from the English Market, is part of the ‘Eat on the Street’ initiative on Cork’s Princes Street. Claire’s talent and commitment to top-quality produce ensure that Nash 19 has a fiercely loyal local clientele. Be sure to book.
Saba
Baggot Street, Dublin 4 sabadublin.com
With heaters and an electric canopy to protect diners from the elements, Saba’s ‘secret garden’ won’t stay a secret for long. Thai food and cocktails keep everyone happy.
Sprezzatura
Camden Market, Dublin 8 sprezzatura.ie
If you’re after top-quality pasta dishes made with great local ingredients at affordable prices, wine on tap and a relaxed vibe, then Sprezzatura may be the place for you. The garden at the back of the D8 branch (there’s a second in Rathmines) is cute.
Suesey Street
Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2 sueseystreet.ie
On a sunny day with the roof retracted, Suesey Street is long-lunch central. Expect a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, and slick service under the direction of FOH boss, John Healy, from The Restaurant.
Pop-up at Liffey Street, Dublin 1 winding-stair.com
While it’ll be a while yet before The Winding Stair itself can open for indoor dining, it’s popping up on Liffey Street with outdoor seating. Sister restaurants Yarn Pizza, The Woollen Mills and The Washerwoman will also be open.
Yamamori
Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 yamamori.ie
Yamamori’s garden is something of an insider secret, but if you are after a fix of sushi, tempura, yakitori or ramen, accompanied by a fine selection of sakes, this is the place to head to.
