This summer, we are choosing to eat outside, whatever the weather (within reason…). These are our top choices for al fresco dining in true Irish summer style …
Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore, Co Cork
There are many, many reasons to visit West Cork over the summer months and an al fresco lunch or dinner at Dede is one. The secret garden to the rear of the restaurant transforms a meal at Dede to a fantastical summer dining experience. A recent upgrade to the space makes it an idyllic space to feast on Ahmet Dede’s excellent food. www.customshousebaltimore.com
Cellar 22, Dublin 2
A basement terrace might not conjure up images of a picturesque dining terrace but happily, Cellar 22 is not one to err on the side of caution. The diminutive basement space is magical on a summer evening and the concise menu is perfect for light summer dining. www.cellar22.ie
Fire, Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Possibly the most well positioned terrace in Dublin, Fire certainly has all bases covered when it comes to al fresco dining. The terrace has been extended dramatically over the past few years and offers elevated views over Dawson Street and the gardens to the front. There are also lots of shaded spaces should the glaring sun be too much. www.firesteakhouse.ie
Chez Max, Palace Street, Dublin 2
A tiny corner of Paris in Dublin 2, Chez Max, located just beside the entrance to Dublin Castle off Dame Street serves up old-school French bistro cooking in a charming ambiance. Whether perched out front overlooking the castle, or in the small patio garden to the rear, all the French classics feature on the menu from steak frites to coq au vin, and there is plenty of wine and cheese to round off your meal. www.chezmax.com
Mermaid, Monkstown
A nifty ex-pop up that has become a mainstay of Monkstown village, Mermaid is the casual sibling to the more fanciful Bresson just next door. The fully covered and heated terrace is the ideal place to enjoy fish and chips or jerk tacos, whatever the weather. www.mermaidmonkstown.ie
Osteria Lucio, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2
It’s difficult to compete with the wonderfully atmospheric interior of Osteria Lucio but the small, yet perfectly formed terrace is where I want to be on a balmy summer evening. In an ideal world I am gorging on the suckling pig shoulder with onions, olives, roasted potato, spring leaf salad, and apple and horseradish sauce and sipping a cold Sicilian Vermentino. Heaven. www.osterialucio.com
DeVilles, Dalkey
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, DeVilles in Dalkey was born out of a love of food and the ceremony of dining out, by brother and sister team, David and Kim O’Driscoll. A true neighbourhood restaurant, enjoying steak frites and a glass of wine in the sun in Dalkey is one of life’s simple pleasures. www.devilles.ie
La Maison, Castle Market, Dublin 2
The outdoor terrace at La Maison is picture perfect with food to match. While dining here has always been reliably good, like fine wine, La Maison seems to be improving with age. Perfect for dinner à deux, the sole (when on the menu) is delightful while the cote de boeuf is perfect for a more substantial meal. La Maison is the epitome of a classic French bistro, albeit in the heart of Dublin. www.lamaisondublin.com
Hayes Bar and Kitchen, Glandore, Cork
‘Come for the views, stay for the food’ should be the motto of Hayes Bar in lovely Glandore. The stunning vista from the front terrace offers panoramic views from Glandore harbour across the bay to Union Hall. A platter of prawns with a glass of chilled wine at Hayes, and all is right with the world. www.hayesrestaurant.ie
Goats Gruff at The Strawberry Hall, Dublin 20
It’s casual fare all the way at Goats Gruff at The Strawberry Hall in Dublin 20. Woodfired sandwiches with coffee by day, woodfired pizza with cold beers or chilled wines by night. You can eat indoors at The Strawberry Hall but all the summer fun takes place in the huge safari tent perched on the banks of the Liffey. It’s rustic, charming and you would never believe you are a mere 7km from the city. www.goatsgruffdublin.com
MoLi Café, Dublin 2
Leading into the Iveagh Gardens, The Commons courtyard garden is a pretty, secluded spot to enjoy an al fresco all-day breakfast or lunch. A Reuben toastie with a homemade lemonade makes quite the lunch and is best enjoyed under the mammoth tree that dominates the space. www.moli.ie
The Garden Room, Suesey Street, Dublin 2
Another city centre restaurant with a perfectly appointed outdoor terrace is Suesey Street located just beside the canal at Fitzwilliam Place. Dublin Bay prawns, seared steaks and an endless list of cocktails only add to the appeal, as does the cosy seating, the cushions and the outdoor fire. www.sueseystreet.ie
HOTEL TERRACES
The Nurserie Terrace at Dylan, Dublin 4
If chilled Pommery Champagne on a five-star terrace appeals, the uber chic Dylan Hotel is the place to be. The Nurserie Terrace is a perfectly positioned south facing courtyard that has been transformed into a magical Pommery Champagne Terrace for the summer months. Enjoy Carlingford oysters, Royal Oscietra Caviar, charcuterie and cheese plates galore with an array of Pommery vintages available in this stylish Dublin 4 spot. www.dylan.ie
The Champagne Terrace at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 2
A serene indoor/outdoor courtyard with views of the (sometimes) blue sky, visitors to The Terrace at The Shelbourne can indulge in a range of excellent seafood and salad options or choose from the caviar menu, paired with Laurent Perrier champagne or a bespoke cocktail. www.theshelbourne.com
The Garden Terrace at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin 2
Located in the heart of the city, The Garden Terrace at The Merrion Hotel offers not one but two outdoor dining experiences that reflect the hotel’s five star mystique. Guests can choose to dine al fresco on the terrace or, for something a little different, enjoy a bespoke picnic in one of the charming cabanas. The menu is unsurprisingly seafood heavy and for us, a delectable lobster roll with a glass of Champagne is the ultimate summer indulgence. www.merrionhotel.com
The Intercontinental, Dublin 4
A literal oasis just a stone’s throw from the city, The Intercontinental is difficult to beat when it comes to summer dining al fresco. Perched on the terrace feasting on lobster brioche or summer vegetable risotto, it’s difficult to comprehend that you are city adjacent with the backdrop of birdsong and the seductive perfume of fresh flowers. The new terrace summer menu is a delight and if ever there was an idyllic way to spend a summer afternoon, this would be it. www.intercontinentaldublin.ie
Terrace 24 at The Conrad, Dublin 2
The newly refurbished terrace at The Conrad has undergone a vibrant makeover in collaboration with Irish artist Ciara O’Neill. A great choice for after work drinks and dinner in the sun, the terrace is also dog friendly and serves lunch and dinner daily with a brunch menu at weekends. www.hilton.com
Balfes at The Westbury
It doesn’t get more central than Balfes and with its prominent frontage on to both Balfe Street and Harry Street, it’s an excellent spot to soak up the sun and enjoy a spot of people watching. The all-day menu ticks all the brasserie dining boxes with classics such as chicken Milanese, gambas pil pil and seafood skillet and it’s an equally lovely spot to enjoy a coffee and your own company. Upstairs, lunch on the Minuty terrace at Wilde is a treat. www.doylecollection.com
The Ice House, Ballina, Co Mayo
Fresh seafood from Chef Anthony Holland’s 54° 9° Restaurant is best enjoyed outdoors on the terrace overlooking the River Moy when weather allows. On a sunny evening, freshly baked fish with crab meat mousse, Connemara smoked salmon and scallop roe sauce never tasted so sweet. www.icehousehotel.ie
The Duck Terrace, Bar and Café, Marlfield House, Gorey
There is nothing like Wexford in the summer, after all, it’s not called the sunny south east for nothing. On the grounds of lovely Marlfield House, The Duck Terrace is located in an array of restored courtyard buildings and spills out onto a picturesque sandstone terrace overlooking the kitchen garden which is filled with vegetables, fruits, herbs and beautiful roses. Grazing on a sharing board of burrata with pesto, aged Parma ham, artichokes and charred focaccia one could be forgiven for thinking you were in Provence instead of Wexford. www.marlfieldhouse.com