Lucinda's 20 BEST Terraces 2019
Wednesday 17 July 2019
Ireland has amazing scenery and brilliant buzz, and when we get the weather, we're spoiled for choice, with a wealth of superb pubs and restaurants with terraces, courtyards, gardens and other al fresco enclaves serving up great food. So, if you're looking for fabulous food, drinks and fun, in a gorgeous, outdoorsy setting, check out my definitive list of Ireland's 20 Best Terraces for 2019.
DUBLIN
LAS TAPAS DE LOLA
This buzzing Spanish-Irish co-owned spot, on Wexford Street, which does a great selection of authentic tapas, wines and beers, has just revamped their popular terrace area out the front, which is ideal for a little city center people watching, both inside and out. Rumour has it, it's also opening in a new spot north of the Liffey.
lastapasdelola.com
MARCO PIERRE WHITE COURTYARD BAR & GRILL
The original bad boy of the foodie world’s courtyard bar & grill in Donnybrook has been a smashing success ever since it opened. Its intimate terrace dining area is perfect for drink or a great meal from the enfant terrible’s kitchen.
marcopierrewhite.ie
OPIUM
The Botanical Garden at Opium, on Wexford Street, is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With lots of draping greenery, a huge bar, floods of light from the glass ceiling overhead, and a decor inspired by the “style and poise of the 18thC geisha”, it really is a gorgeous space. Grab a drink from their stellar cocktail menu while you peruse their pan-Asian inspired lunch menu, served Buddha bowl style.
opium.ie
RADISSON ST. HELEN’S
At the five-star Radisson, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to al fresco dining, with three different terraces overlooking the manicured gardens of this fab four acre estate. Try a cocktail from the Orangerie Bar, which also does BBQ lunches every Thursday from 12:30pm-2:30pm, during the summer months.
radissonblu.com/sthelenshotel-dublin
SUESEY STREET
One of the best terraces around, the stylish Garden Room at Suesey Street, complete with retractable roof and replace is perfect for some elegant al-frescoing. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll have everyone’s favourite host, John Healy, as your maitre d’. Sizzle sizzle.
sueseystreet.ie
THE DEVLIN
The Devlin – which is the sister hotel of 'swing-gate' location, The Dean on Harcourt St – has a terrace attached to its rooftop restaurant and bar, Layla's, with fantastic views out over Ranelagh, and the city beyond. The hotel has a great art collection too, and a cinema.
thedevlin.ie
THE DYLAN HOTEL
When it comes to aesthetics, the Dylan Hotel in Dublin 4 is in a world of its own, with plush funky furniture and decor throughout. It’s partially covered, heated Nurserie Terrace has great botanical vibes with potted plants and fresh flowers all around. From breakfast through dinner, it’s a great spot at any time of the day.
dylan.ie
THE MORGAN HOTEL
Tucked away, but in the heart of Temple Bar, the newly refurbished Courtyard at the Morgan Hotel, with lots of plush furnishings and greenery, is ideal for some outdoor eating. If you’re looking for the perfect venue to host your city BBQ, then look no further; they have three different BBQ packages for you to choose from.
themorgan.com
WHELEHAN’S WINES
Having transformed the old Silver Tassie, on the N11 near Loughlinstown, into a hip modern wine emporium and wine bar, David Whelehan then added a gorgeous garden room, which has a retractable roof. Enjoy the great food by Nick Clapham as you sip a glass of vino and watch the who's who of SoCoDu and north Wicklow let their hair down.
whelehanwines.ie
COUNTRYWIDE
FENNELLY’S OF CALLAN
What sisters Etain and Aoife Holohan have done here is absolutely amazing. They’ve turned a former old pub, in Callan, Co.Kilkenny, into one of the hippest spots in the country, with not only great food but with an amazing old rustic yard where they hold courtyard musical gigs and other artistic events.
facebook.com/fennellysbridgest
HAMLETS OF KINSALE
Promising the best pizza in town, not to mention great craft beers, Hamlets of Kinsale is always buzzing. Their Orchard Thieves Garden, with its retractable roof, features a smashing big bar, along with a gourmet food truck, plus its very own glass-topped boat to sit around. There’s always lots of music and events going on here, and in summertime, they fire up the BBQ.
hamletsofkinsale.com
HARRY’S ON THE RIVER
Part of Limerick's fabulous Absolute Hotel in Limerick, Harry’s is literally on the riverside. Modern and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing lovely views out over the water, Harry’s is a great place to eat all year round. But, if you get the weather, be sure to bag a table on their beautiful glass-screened terrace.
absolutehotel.com
MIKEY RYAN’S
In Co. Tipperary, this legendary Cashel pub, revived by Coolmore horsey honcho John Magnier a while back does great posh pub grub in its conservatory style restaurant. It also has a brilliant terrace garden with a horsebox bar, where dogs are also welcome. The perfect M8 pitstop.
mikeyryans.ie
NO.1 PERY SQUARE
The Georgian kitchen-garden terrace of this gorgeous Limerick hotel is perfect for bbqs or a G&T. The food is fab, the location is beautiful, and there’s always a glam atmosphere. Grab a cocktail, and give yourself a reason to stay the night.
oneperysquare.com
RIPPLES
With stunning coastal views to enjoy from a great terrace, Ripples in Kerrykeel, Co. Donegal, specializes in local seafood, but the menu at this family run restaurant has plenty to suit all tastes. It also opens seven days a week, from 12.30pm
ripplesrestaurant.com
THE GALMONT
Close to Galway’s Eyre Square, The Galmont Hotel’s Veranda Lounge has a beautiful outdoor terrace with utterly romantic views over Galway Bay & Lough Atalia. It does fantastic summer BBQ’s, but pre-booking is essential.
thegalmont.com
THE PARK KENMARE
With amazing views of Kenmare Bay, and the manicured gardens of this luxurious five-star hotel, once you arrive on the terrace of the Park Hotel, you won’t want to leave. From Hereford fillets and rib-eyes to Castletownbere hake, Francis Brennan’s culinary team always delight.
parkkenmare.com
THE RIVER LEE HOTEL
Asides from its chic New York style bar and restaurant, The River Club at The River Lee Hotel in Cork also boasts a new and gorgeous Blossom Grove riverside terrace, where you’ll feel like you’re lunching on the Med. Great cocktails, snacks and bites, and their weekend brunch is always a hit.
doylecollection.com
VICKI’S
This cool little cafe, on the Sunday’s Well Road in Cork, does an eclectic all-day brunch menu throughout the week. In the evenings, from Thursday to Saturday, it transforms into a hip wine bar serving pizza and tapas. It also has a great suntrap, raised back-garden area with tables, where they grow their own veg.
vikkis.ie
WHITE HORSES
Located in the seaside village of Ardmore in Co. Waterford, White Horses restaurant, set in a former grocery shop, has a cool Cannes-meets-Hamptons vibe. Think country pine tables, beautiful decorative pottery, and shelves lined with books and bottles of wine. Dine al fresco in their the chic outdoor garden area and savour some of the sublime seafood.
facebook.com/pages/White-Horses-Restaurant/129428880457100