Al fresco: The 15 best places for outdoor dining in Cork, Kerry, Waterford and more

Look forward to a table with a view and great food at these al fresco favourites, writes Georgina Campbell

Sat, 01 Jun, 2024 - 10:34

Georgina Campbell

Make the most of fine days in Ireland with a table outdoors in one of these excellent addresses. From pretty gardens to perfect views, waterside tables and seafood feasts, each of these spots will make your summer dining extra special.

1. DROMQUINNA MANOR & THE BOATHOUSE BISTRO

A wonderful waterside property overlooking Kenmare Bay, John and Gwen Brennan’s Dromquinna Manor is most famous for bespoke weddings. But the estate also offers a unique range of facilities, including gorgeous accommodation for wedding guests, families, couples, and just about any discerning traveller… and then there is dining at The Boathouse Bistro & Wine Bar, the atmospheric 19th century boathouse overlooking the harbour, where chef Mark Johnston champions fresh fish and produce from the Kitchen Garden — and Shutters on the Pier, with its wood-fired oven, serving pizza to private parties in summer months. Always a treat.

Sneem Road, Kenmare, Co Kerry dromquinnamanor.com

2. GOOD DAY DELI

An oasis in the walled gardens of the beautiful Nano Nagle Place overlooking Cork City, Clare Condon and Kristin Makirere’s much-loved sustainable foods deli and café is the perfect complement to this state-of-the-art educational and heritage facility — where Nano Nagle’s vision of empowerment through education, community inclusion and spiritual engagement for a changing world is celebrated. While not exclusively vegetarian/vegan, local and sustainable are the guidelines for their famously delicious modern plant-led cooking and both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are intrinsically linked to the magical setting. A little sister, Nádúr Deli (also with outdoor seating), is opening nearby soon.

Nano Nagle Place, Douglas Street, Cork, Co Cork, gooddaydeli.ie

3. THE RIVER LEE HOTEL

Deservedly one of Cork’s most popular hotels, for both business and pleasure, this modern Leeside property near UCC is imaginatively designed to make the most of its riverside location. All of the main public areas have terraces, including the aptly named bar, Grill Room & Terrace (with its annually themed installation), The River Club — where Executive Chef Paul Lane and a keen team showcase local produce in classic modern cooking and serve it with style in a unique waterside setting. The leisure facilities are also a draw.

Western Road, Cork, Co Cork, doylecollection.com

4. DUNMORE HOUSE HOTEL

Home to the O’Donovan and Barrett families since 1934, and welcoming guests since 1948, this beautifully located and immaculately maintained pet-friendly hotel on Clonakilty Bay enjoys panoramic sea views and is a real home from home. Local touches abound and hands-on family hospitality is the trump card, twinned with the holistic food experience. Adrift Restaurant showcases fish landed nearby in Union Hall, fresh produce from their own Organic Ocean Garden, just steps away, and other supplies from exceptional local producers, while their wonderful Sea Terrace is lovely for cocktails or a Boatshed Pizza.

Muckross, Clonakilty, County Cork, dunmorehousehotel.ie

5. THE LIFEBOAT INN

Opened in 2017 by Martin Buckley (the chef) and David O’Halloran (the manager) and The Lifeboat Inn was an instant hit, thanks to superb local ingredients, notably seafood, excellent cooking of dishes that would not be out of place in far more sophisticated surroundings, and warmly professional service. A spacious waterside terrace across the road is just the spot to enjoy a meal in fine summer weather, with lovely views over Courtmacsherry Bay. On chillier days, the cosy nautically themed pub is equally appealing, making it a terrific all year dining destination.

Main St, Courtmacsherry, Co Cork, lifeboatinn.ie

6. BLUE HAVEN HOTEL

Cheerfully presented in jaunty nautical style, this historic boutique hotel is kept fresh and lively with frequent refurbishment (and reinvention) by hands-on proprietor Ciarán Fitzgerald. And it’s quite the culinary gem, with appealing dining options to choose from including not only the acclaimed fine dining destination Rare by Chef Meeran Manzoor, and the comfortably informal Bar & Bistro, but also go-to places for outdoor dining, the Moët Garden (small plates menu from Rare) and the fun indoor/outdoor ambience of Hamlets Street Food & Gastro Garden (great pizza and barbecue). Quite the spot to meet and eat.

3-4 Pearse St, Kinsale, Co Cork, bluehavenkinsale.com; bluehavencollection.com

7. FISK SEAFOOD BAR

With top Donegal producers name-checked, there’s a real sense of locality at Tony Davidson and Lina Reppert’s atmospheric little seafood restaurant. And Fisk is very much its own place, so the beautiful seasonal produce is showcased in a way that you won’t see anywhere else — refreshingly simply cooked and presented, it’s flavour-

focused food with the freshness telling the story in every bite. But they don’t take bookings and there’s no phone to call and plead, so get there early and be prepared to queue. No great hardship, as The Harbour Bar is delightful and also shares its sunny seating with Fisk.

The Harbour Bar, Downings, Co Donegal, fiskseafoodbar.com

8. THE MERRION HOTEL

The Merrion may be Dublin’s most luxurious retreat, but its famously warm Irish welcome is just as special as the historic décor and plush bedrooms, which makes for a uniquely memorable experience, especially when it comes to summer dining. While the main dining options include the famed Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and the atmospheric vaulted Cellar Bar, The Garden Room offers a lovely restaurant and terrace overlooking the hotel’s formal gardens. The Garden Terrace is set up seasonally with canopied tables for drinks and al fresco lunches from Executive Chef Ed Cooney’s special summer salad menu. The perfect escape.

Upper Merrion St, Dublin 2, merrionhotel.com

9. QUINLAN & COOKE BOUTIQUE TOWNHOUSE & QCs SEAFOODRESTAURANT

With its welcoming fire, striking modern zinc-topped bar, and nautical antiques, Kate Cooke’s atmospheric restaurant with rooms abounds with character. The ultra fresh local fish and seafood supplied by the family company Quinlan’s Kerry Fish, at Renard’s Point, has made QC’s Seafood Restaurant a favourite Kerry destination for many seasons and, following imaginative development by Kate and her late husband Andrew over the years, it is now equally sought out for its stylish accommodation and the atmospheric Garden Courtyard for summer dining, that cleverly links the restaurant and residents’ areas. Magic.

3 Main St, Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, qc.ie

10. BYRNES OF ENNISTYMON

In a quirkily painted period house at the top of the main street in this old market town, the Byrne family’s stylish, high-ceilinged restaurant has views of Ennistymon’s famous cascading river, which can also be seen from an extensive outdoor dining area at the back. Local seafood and meats star in the contemporary Irish cooking, but there are always interesting vegetarian/vegan options too, and tasty light daytime food, with terrific coffee, freshly ground to order. Friendly young staff create a lively, fun atmosphere and there’s even a Vintage Shop on site here.

Main Street, Ennistymon, Co Clare, byrnes-ennistymon.ie

11. KILKEA CASTLE HOTEL & GOLF RESORT

Ireland’s oldest inhabited castle, Kilkea dates back to the 12th century. The original structure is surprisingly small — a ‘boutique castle’ perhaps — but it is authentic and elegant, with intimacy as well as a certain grandeur. Sensitively restored by the current owner, Jay Cashman, it is now a thriving hotel offering a championship golf course and much besides. The excellent restaurant, 1180, has a real ‘castle’ atmosphere, especially appealing in summer. Several barbecue/outdoor dining areas include The Clubhouse Patio, which is very comfortably set up for classy informal dining.

Castledermot, Co Kildare, kilkeacastle.ie

12. CLIFF AT LYONS & THE MILL RESTAURANT

Sister to the famed Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford, this beautifully situated historic estate beside the Grand Canal is a fascinating destination at any time. It’s luxurious in a relaxed ‘smart casual’ way, and chef Sean Smith creates memorable meals at the atmospheric fine dining restaurant, The Mill, and romantic Mill Garden & Terrace which offers a variety of experiences throughout the week. And there’s excellent casual fare on offer too, including the deli/café, The Pantry at CLIFF, with its delightfully rustic outdoor seating — a lovely spot to enjoy a light daytime bite in summer.

The Village At Lyons, Celbridge, Co Kildare, cliffatlyons.ie

13. MIKEY RYAN’S BAR & KITCHEN

Behind a smart traditional pub frontage on Cashel’s main street, Mikey Ryan’s serves up some surprises, not least the numerous and varied but equally delightful spaces that lie between the front door and the back, including the fine old bar and a beautifully laid out garden area (where ‘friendly furry companions’ are welcome) adjacent to its sister property, the magnificent Cashel Palace Hotel. And then there is the food... delicious dishes based on excellent local produce from Tipperary and neighbouring counties, along with craft beers and cocktails. Well worth a detour, and the new sister property, Sadlers, in nearby Fethard, is one for the SatNav too.

Cashel, Co Tipperary, mikeyryans.ie

14. WHITEHORSES RESTAURANT

Christine Power and Geraldine Flavin’s delightfully bright and breezy café/restaurant is open for all the little lifts that visitors need, as well as imaginative lunches and a more ambitious evening menu. Offering a good balance between traditional dishes and more adventurous fare, it’s equally apt for a reviving cuppa and a sweet treat from the luscious homemade selection on display, or a full meal. The cooking is consistently excellent and the well-organised service is another reason that happy customers keep returning. As well as pavement seating, there’s a super courtyard for al fresco dining.

Ardmore, Co Waterford, facebook.com/WhitehorsesArdmore

15. WINEPORT LODGE

Ray Byrne and Jane English’s unique shoreside lodge overlooking Lough Ree started life in 1993 as a restaurant and, although it now has beautiful accommodation and a spa, the contemporary restaurant remains its heart. It’s always been about seasonal local produce here. Whether in the restaurant, the sheltered Glasshouse or a romantic al fresco experience on the deck, a meal in this stunning venue is a special outing. It’s also ideal for a casual daytime bite in the bar or deck-side, and makes a perfect journey break. A very good reason for taking the Cavan exit off the M6 at Athlone.