30 special spots across Munster and Ireland that are perfect for summer dining
Probably the best hospitality view in Cork is from a gorgeous terrace high on the north of the city
Never forgetting for a moment that we are in Ireland, where rain was first invented, and without offering any hostages to fortune, at the precise moment of writing, the sun is splitting the stones as if it has no intention of ever moving on to its more usual haunts further south.Â
Naturally, when gifted with such weather, we can’t bear to abandon it for a single moment, wanting to do absolutely everything outside, and one of the greatest al fresco pleasures of all is outdoor dining. More and more fine venues around the country are getting in on the action but we don’t have space for them all so here is a choice selection from Cork, Munster, and a few special locations elsewhere in Ireland.
CORK
The Montenotte
A body would near survive alone on what is probably the best hospitality view in Cork, from a gorgeous terrace high on the north of the city. Peering down to its own beautiful Victorian gardens, over the railway station and across the River Lee to the city and beyond, it is a mesmerisingly beautiful vista. Having filled the soul, then fill the belly with charcuterie boards, oysters, salads, soups, sandwiches, desserts and full cocktail, wines, and drinks menus.
The Glandore Inn, Glandore
The peak Glandore village rears up over the harbour and bay below in a most becoming manner and on a sunny summer’s day, it is as if someone shaved off a slice of the Amalfi coast and planted it in West Cork. Outside The Glandore Inn is a great place to take it all in, along with some lovely seafood dishes.
The Sea Terrace at Dunmore House
One of Ireland’s very best boutique hotels, this West Cork treasure sports great menus of fine dining and casual fare, good wine lists, organic gardens, a wild flower garden, hammocks, swings and a splendid terrace from which to look out over Clonakilty bay.
Camus Farm, Clonakilty
Set in 30 acres of hills west of Clonakilty, Camus Farm is a gorgeous location with stylishly renovated premises and a smart dining operation, both indoors and out, and with Bob Cairns’ excellent menus also featuring the farm’s own organic beef.
Greene’s Restaurant & Cask, MacCurtain St, Cork
It may be a tiny seating area but a table by the waterfall must be one of the most romantic al fresco dining destinations in the heart of the city, while chef Nicolas Javier Alegre Martinez holds up his end of the bargain from the kitchen with very tasty food.
Good Day Deli, Douglas St, Cork
GDD is the al fresco place to eat in Cork, in the oasis that is the gardens of Nano Nagle Place in the heart of the south city. Serving up delicious fare that scores highly on local, seasonal and truly sustainable credentials, its nearby sibling, Nádúr, also excels for outdoor dining.
Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore
Unquestionably one of Ireland’s finest restaurants but if superb food and service were not enough in this Michelin-two starred restaurant by the sea, you can also choose to dine outside in the enclosed courtyard to the rear, on glorious evenings in high summer or swathed in sheepskin and sitting close to the wood fired stove during colder months.
Franciscan Well Brewery & Pompeii Pizza, North Mall, Cork
Beer and pizza. The standard recipe for a cracking night is further enhanced by the premium quality craft beer and some of the best pizza in Cork from Pompeii Pizza cooked up in the Munich-style ‘beer garden’ to the rear of Cork’s original brew pub.
franciscanwellbrewery.com and pompeiipizza.ie
Levis Corner House, Ballydehob
I get a thirst just writing about my favourite pub in the world and while it doesn’t operate its own kitchen, it specialises in notable weeks-long pop-ups throughout the year with regular guest chefs including Takashi Miyazaki, Rob Krawczyk and the superb Caitlin Ruth whose August menus are hits of the West Cork summer, all served up in the covered Mexican Day of the Dead-themed space to the rear.
Monk’s Lane, Timoleague
Monk’s Lane garden is the class of bucolic beauty you’d find in the heart of the country, gorgeously planted and with all manner of cosy corners to pitch up in. A great range of beers, wines and cocktails, and a full menu of fine fare.
Castle Cafe, Castle Road, Blackrock
Sited in the courtyard of one of the most iconic symbols of Cork, the outdoor dining space of Blackrock Castle Café on a fine day is a glorious place in which to eat and drink, a real sun trap with walls built to stand any wind.
O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill
There are two outdoor spaces in this third-generation family-owned pub: a wonderful open courtyard; and, the more secluded Granny’s Garden, sheltered and non-smoking. Great craft beers, natural wines and smooth cocktails, all capped by the ever superb restaurant menu. Regular live music and entertainment, indoors and outside.
Arundel’s by the Pier
On the leeward side of Sheep’s Head, the Moloney brothers, Tom (chef) and Michael (front of house) focus on delivering some very decent seafood, leaving the heavy scenic lifting to Mother Nature, with one of the most stunning slices of scenery to be found on the doorstep of any Irish hospitality establishment, with a grassy space across the road which runs down to the sea.
Cork City
Cork city continues to excel in outdoor dining. Just walk down Oliver Plunkett St and Princes Street on a sunny day, where you’ll find solid multiple choices, including Market Lane. And don’t forget about the L’Atitude 51 ‘terrace’ on Union Quay and Myo Café’s riverside hand-carved stone chess tables.
KERRY
Driftwood Surf Café, Caherciveen
A truly stunning building in an equally stunning location, on the bay’s edge, peering out at the Skelligs, you’d dine on the view alone but a good menu will leave you sated in every way. They also operate a fabulous little ‘beach shack’ during summer months.
Dromquinna Manor & Boathouse Bistro, Kenmare
There is something especially exotic about dining by the waterside in this salubrious location in Kenmare, where the menu is heavily focused on seafood but still offers alternatives for the non-pescatarians.
WATERFORD
Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore
Two especially memorable meals, one breakfast in good company and a lovely lunch with friends, stand out as being crowned by their location, on the terrace at Cliff House Hotel overlooking mighty Ardmore Bay.
Farmgate Lismore
A new favourite ( reviewed in these pages last week), the elegant little courtyard to the rear of the very excellent Farmgate Lismore continues that genteel sensibility that pervades the West Waterford town and the fine menu offers equal appeal.
LIMERICK
The Carriage House at Adare Manor, Adare
Even the specially prepared picnics at Adare Manor are sumptuous but for those not inclined to recline on the green sward, The Terrace at the Carriage House serves up a good menu of casual dining fare.
1 Pery Square, Pery Square, Limerick
This beautiful Georgian restoration is one of Limerick’s treasures, overlooking the park, but secluded within is their own walled garden for a fine and intimate outdoor dining setting.
CLARE
Linnane’s Lobster Bar, Flaggy Shore
A personal favourite, especially when whiling away a summer afternoon deep into the evening, sitting on the terrace, with a bowl of local cockles and some crisp Riesling as you gaze across the water to Co Galway.
The Ivy Cottage, Doolin
A great courtyard space with plenty of seating and super lunch and dinner menus with a heavy emphasis on local seafood, including chowders, crab claws and fish and chips, while local beef and St Tola goats cheese also shine.
TIPPERARY
Mikey Ryan’s, Cashel
The al fresco offering includes The Secret Garden, a hidden walled garden barbecue space for up to 30 and The Glass Well, a glass garden room for private dining groups, holding up to 12. It doesn’t hurt either that ‘big brother’ Cashel Palace Hotel is right next door.
GALWAY
Il Vicolo, Galway
One of the most romantic locations on our list, the tidy little riverside terrace in this popular Italian restaurant features a swoon-worthy location close to the city centre and serves up very tasty contemporary Italian cooking.
Blackrock Cottage, Galway
This seriously stylish venue with an equally stylish outdoor dining space is sited in a wonderful location on Salthill Promenade with breakfast, lunch and dinner on offer. Some of the best cooking to be had in the West with a special mention for gratinated West Clare crab on toast.
SLIGO
Shells, Strandhill
Flush with the casual charm of old school childhood seaside holidays leavened with a hefty dollop of surfer cool, Shells also knocks out a very tasty and filling menu seven days a week during high season.
MAYO
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
It is a real pleasure to dine on the patio of The Lodge with its amazing views of Lough Corrib while grazing on chef Jonathan Keane’s special al fresco menu including oysters, dressed crab, prawn cocktail, salads, affogato and knickerbocker glories.
DUBLIN
Anantara The Marker, Dublin 2
There are several lovely inner-city garden spaces in certain Dublin hotels but none can offer anything remotely similar to The Marker’s rooftop view across the city, all capped by chef Gareth Mullins’ new summer al fresco dining menu.
anantara.com/en/the-marker-dublin
Oliveto, Haddington House, Dun Laoghaire
The wonderfully refurbished Haddington House is also home to Oliveto, an Italian-inspired neighbourhood restaurant and if you can nab an outdoor seat, super views over the harbour.
Shouk, Drumcondra
A natural fit for the sun worshipper, from the delicious fare on offer from the Middle Eastern-inspired menu to the gloriously colourful outdoor dining space which, on a good day, transports Dublin to the Med.
