Lucinda O'Sullivan's Ireland

Wednesday 06 June 2018

We’ve got some of the best scenery and food in the world here, but, lets face it, we haven’t exactly been blessed with long bouts of tropical weather over the years. But, when the good weather does shine down on us, it’s important to take advantage, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. With superb pubs and restaurants throughout the country featuring fabulous al fresco enclaves and stylish terraces, it’s all about knowing where to be on those rarefied sunny days. So, take a peek at my 20 Best Terraces for fabulous outdoor summertime eats in 2018 and get ready for some great food, great drinks and tons of fun in the sun.

DUBLIN

ANGELINA’S
The Press-Up boys nail it when it comes to interiors, and Angelina’s, overlooking the Grand Canal at Baggot St Bridge, is a prime example. With a big bar and comfy semicircle leather banquettes, they also have a cool terrace overlooking the water. Pizzas feature largely but the dinner menu covers steaks, fish and Italianate dishes.
angelinas.ie

BRESSON
Temple Garner and Conor Kavanagh’s French brasserie has brought a little bit of Paris to Monkstown Crescent. In summer, the smart terrace to the front really comes into its own for leisurely aperitifs and digestifs! The Coquille St. Jacques is tres bonne.
bresson.ie 

DYLAN HOTEL
The Terrace at the 5-star Dylan on Eastmoreland Place is a discreet outdoor oasis just off the bar. It’s Japanese garden meets New York terrace where you can indulge in great cocktails, snacks, afternoon tea, weekend brunch or a romantic dinner. Club sandwiches to beef carpaccio to seafood platters for two.
dylan.ie

NIGHTMARKET
With Thai food to die for, Conor Sexton and Jutarat Suwankeeree’s Ranelagh restaurant has more than a touch of the Parisian metro with their romantic outdoor urban-tiled tunnel with classic fin de siecle pictures. Great cocktails, and do try the Yum Talay salad of prawn, squid, dried shrimp, scallops, peanuts, sriracha, coriander and glass noodles. Hot hot!
nightmarket.ie 

RADISSON ST. HELEN’S
On 4 acres of magnificent gardens, you could do a tour of the terraces here. Apart from sipping cocktails, their Orangerie Bar has a live BBQ on the terrace from 12pm – 3pm from Wed to Fri dishing out sizzling burgers, pork and leek sausages, and more. Perfect for private parties.
radissonblu.com/sthelenshotel-dublin

SUESEY STREET
Not only do you get the effervescent John Healy looking after all your needs, you get one of the very best terraces in town. With an elegant vibe, as befits its Georgian setting, there’s a retractable canopy and a focal fireplace perfect for al fresco days and nights all year round. Great steaks. Sizzle sizzle.
sueseystreet.ie

THE GARDEN ROOM
Opened in late autumn at the 5-Star Merrion Hotel, The Garden Room added a fresh dimension to dining here. Facing onto the courtyard garden, complete with fountain, weather permitting the floor-to-ceiling glass doors will be opened for al fresco dining. From fritto misto to filet mignon to gourmet burgers.
thegardenroom.ie

WHELEHAN’S
David Whelehan, who knocked the socks off everybody with his fabulous wine emporium and wine bar, has just added a brilliant terrace with all the bells and whistles of sliding roof and sides lest clouds appear on the horizon. Great food from Nick Clapham includes potted crab; warm Thai beef salad, and a great crab claw and prawn gratin.
whelehanwines.ie

COUNTRYWIDE

56 CENTRAL
Galway girl Gill Carroll’s hip and happening restaurant in the centre of town is abuzz from morning to night. For outdoor eaters they’ve got a stylish Buddha-based terrace, with it’s own little faux waterfall feature. Drop in for burgers, pizzas or one of their famous Cajun melts.
56central.com

ATHENAEUM HOUSE HOTEL
With a picturesque location on the outskirts of Waterford city, the Atheneum is hard to beat for idyllic outdoor ambience. Set in a beautifully restored 17C Georgian house, it’s a perfect spot for some elegant outdoor eating with views of the River Suir and the city beyond.
athenaeumhousehotel.com

CASK
Bringing a fresh vibe to the dining scene in Cork, Cask, part of Hotel Isaac’s on MacCurtain Street, is a hip hot bar featuring a breathtakingly cool courtyard with its very own waterfall. Small plates, cocktails and lots of good live music.
caskcork.com

GARNISH RESTAURANT
If you’re after great scenery with food to match, then outdoor eating doesn’t get much better. Stunning views out over Bantry Bay and a tasty bistro menu with dishes like elderflower beer-battered fish, confit duck leg or Cork whiskey and vanilla cured salmon, Garnish Restaurant at the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff is ideal.
eccleshotel.com

KILLARNEY PARK HOTEL
Beautiful and modern throughout, the terrace at the Killarney Park is no exception. Gaze out at the wonderfully landscaped gardens from the heated covered section or head for the open area and bask in the sun. Perfect for a romantic eve or even a group event, this outdoor option features a BBQ pit and full bar.
killarneyparkhotel.ie

MIKEY RYAN’S
An historical Cashel watering hole, bought and returned to it’s former glory by Coolmore ‘stud’ John Magnier, Mikey Ryan’s does great posh pub food like sourdough pizza or plaice goujons with chips and mushy peas, and with its bright modern glass terraced section, it’s a perfect place for al fresco eating.
mikeyryans.ie

PARK HOTEL KENMARE
On the Terrace at the 5 star Park Hotel, with views over their magnificent gardens as well as Kenmare Bay, you’ll find yourself in the lap of luxury, with Francis Brennan’s culinary team 'at your service' meeting your every expectation. From lamb cutlets to rib-eyes, crab claws to Irish stew.
parkkenmare.com

SAVOY HOTEL
On the first floor of The Savoy Hotel in Limerick, it’s all day food and drink here with kick ass cocktails to boot. For summery days, they’ve got a fab outdoor heated terrace, that’s perfect for soaking up the 5-star atmosphere whilst overlooking the city.
savoylimerick.com

STRAND INN
Owned by the Foyle family, the Strand Inn in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford is a dream dining spot for fishy fanatics, offering patrons prime seafood from the local waters. With the beach mere steps away, the patio is the perfect place from which to dine and take in the amazing panoramic views.
thestrandinn.com

TERRACE ON THE WEIR
Full of colour and life, this top-tier terrace, overlooking the River Lee, is gorgeous, particularly at night as you sip a cocktail and watch the water go rippling by. Part of Cork’s River Lee Hotel, they do great all day dining from nibbles and sambos, to sweet treats and brunch.
doylecollection.com

THE DUCK
The Duck at Marlfield House in Gorey is set in restored courtyard buildings with French doors leading to a sandstone terrace and a lush kitchen garden. Lots of local produce, including fish from Duncannon. Also, new to Marlfield is Duck Lodge, a luxury high spec 2-bedroom cottage perfect for a short stay. 
marlfieldhouse.com

WHITE HORSES
Owned by three enterprising sisters, Christine Power, and Geraldine and Angela Flavin, White Horses is a fab understatedly stylish restaurant that’s bursting with personality. Set in the lovely seaside village of Ardmore, Co. Waterford, enjoy some top notch seafood indoors or in their utterly gorgeous garden.
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First Published In The Sunday Independent