24 of Munster's best outdoor dining spots to enjoy this summer
Al fresco dining to make the most of our ephemeral summer sun
Sun's out; fork’s out! When the summer finally arrives to our blessedly green island, so too does the urge to make the most of it — and that includes any opportunity for a little al fresco dining.
When the mood takes us, we all want to find that perfect spot that’s known only to the locals. The kind of places with jaw-dropping views, waterside beer gardens, terraces, and outdoor grills; food trucks and secret gardens.
What separates the great from the good is the quality of food. So, from casual eats to fine dining with sunset vistas, here are 24 of the best to suit every pocket:
With its many islands, hundreds of kilometres of coastline, mountains, and rivers, it would be possible to fill this entire feature with Cork’s delightful places to while away a sunny day. Mainly because, as it turns out, the good people of Cork really enjoy taking their bites to eat outside whenever possible.
One of the original Kinsale restaurants, open since 1978, Man Friday is well known and loved by locals, but sometimes overlooked by visitors who stick to the town centre.
The covered outdoor terrace rolls virtually down to the shoreline, commanding uninterrupted views of Kinsale Bay. Perfect for a casual sip and nibble, a languid lunch, or dinner as the sun goes down.
During summer, the secret garden behind Monk’s Lane comes into its own. The dining area here is decked and semi-covered with a few little nooks and snugs for good measure.
Given owner Gavin Moore’s rich musical connections, you never know who might show up to serenade you over lunch.
Designed to resemble a ships deck with uninterrupted ocean views, Boathouse Pizza opens just for the summer season when the pizzaiolo return to craft fresh dough into perfectly blistered wood-fired pizza made fresh to order.
More people are discovering the magic of this corner of West Cork, thanks to the year-long schedule of pop-ups and guest chef takeovers that meld the great outdoors with West Cork’s larder and live music. The hand-hewn barrel top space is a half-in, half-out structure that flexes its shape depending on the weather. One night dinner may begin with a shoreline forage, but always first with drinks on the deck.
In the time before The Fish Basket, nobody came to Long Strand — the mile long stretch of dune-backed sandy beaches and endless vista of rolling ocean. Fish and chips done right — the best quality fish, home baked cakes, West Cork hospitality, and a genuine commitment to community — means this diminutive space perched beachside has gained a reputation as the fish supper venue to beat all others. Expect queues. Worth the wait.
thefishbasket.ie
The gleaming distillery and brewhouse turns into a hive of food and good times during the summer months as the riverside venue hosts the best food truck chefs around for epic residences for sundowner dinners in their Glassbox — including a three-week Mexican pop-up during June and July by chef supreme Caitlin Ruth.
From the front, you wouldn’t know that, to the rear of the Dock Wall, is a perfect little terrace hanging over the waters’ edge in the pretty fishing village of Union Hall. Fresh fish lands practically off the boat, into the kitchen and onto your plate in a matter of hours. Where would you get it?
The gleaming glass-framed building of Good Day Deli sits proudly in all its modern glory among the 19th century buildings of Nano Nagle Place surrounded by mature gardens and manicured lawns. Dining on the terrace sits neatly under the roof overhang, or else enjoy the earthly delights of the kitchen sat in the little nooks half hidden among the shrubbery.
Home to Ireland’s most southerly pint, and possibly the best crab open sandwich in the world, all of which tastes even sweeter when enjoyed beside the waters edge on Crookhaven pier.
You never know what you’ll find on a road tip around Kerry’s lesser-known highways and byways. Leave the Ring of Kerry to the coach tours, and instead seek out roads to gorgeous coves, picturesque fishing villages, and hidden gardens.
Where would you get it? A sweeping curve of golden beach backed by the cloud-topped dominance of Mount Brandon, and waterside seats to take it all in from. A more idyllic spot for a bit of Irish tapas (pints, grilled ham and cheese, and a packet of Taytos), you will not find. Or give in to a plate of slow braised meats with fluffy mash or perfectly crisp fish with chips.
You really can arrive to Helen’s Bar by any means necessary — car, bike, boat, I’ve even seen helicopters land in the carpark — all to get a taste of the legendary bowl of fresh mussels, slices of fresh homemade brown bread, and that view. The still reflective waters edged by green fields is a tonic for the soul and makes a simple meal taste like the most grandiose thing ever eaten.
Nestled amongst one of Kerry’s most beautifully landscaped gardens created in 1870 and commanding a spectacular view of the tranquil bay, the seasonal garden café at Derreen Gardens is a hidden haven. Outdoor tables are scattered among the vegetable gardens, glasshouses and lawns with simple food made from local and kitchen garden ingredients, and homemade cakes all served on pretty plates.
A south-facing aspect of a sheltered bay with azure waters, Driftwood Café is the surf café of dreams. Located a short stroll from St Finian’s Bay, the café-cum-restaurant offers panoramic views and outdoor seating aplenty to make the most of this stunning location. Earlier this year, a new addition, An Bothán, opened directly beachside serving up coffee, cakes, soft serve ice cream and toasties.
The diverse terrain of Clare has something to offer every visitor. From market towns with serious food credentials to the rugged Burren, mountains and ocean. It makes for a delicious place to explore where food and an authentic taste of place go hand-in-hand.
There’s always a special feeling at Pot Duggan’s. Enter the narrow doorway into this unassuming building and keep going until you hit the hidden courtyard at the back where good food and good times always await. It’s a total suntrap, people love it, and locals aim to bag the few seats on the little terrace that hovers above the picturesque Cullenagh River. Soul food, great cocktails, and all the good vibes is the way here.
This small islander-owned café is a short walk uphill away from the main harbour front. It makes for a little calmer corner of respite after hiking the island’s many sites, but its elevation gifts the most glorious views of the island sweeping down to the impossible blue waters and white sandy beaches below. Homemade cakes, fresh seafood salads, ice cream sundaes, and chilled glasses of rosé – perfect ingredients for relaxing and taking in all the magic of the island. Pet-friendly!
Perched on Flaggy Shore, this is an area renowned for its incredible shellfish — from the fabled Flaggy Shore oysters served a dozen ways and plump meaty rope-grown mussels to the New Quay lobsters and crabs on which Linnane’s carved its reputation as one of Clare’s great places to eat.
During the summer, their terrace is the place to be – oceanside, and primed for watching the very same day boats chug back to shore that bring the goodies arriving now to your table…
A restaurant with a longstanding reputation for excellent food and hospitality, Vaughan’s holds a commanding presence overlooking the famous beach at Lahinch. The perfect spot to sink a half dozen oysters on ice with a glass of something fizzy, the convivial atmosphere will only encourage you to stay until the sun goes down.
The county of historic houses, grand Georgian squares, and the very best in conviviality — that’s the trademark of Limerick’s food scene. While Adare Manor may be the jewel in its crown, the Milk Market is where Limerick’s food culture is very much alive and kicking.
Probably the smartest al fresco terrace in all of Munster, The Carriage House is situated in the grounds of the world-renowned Adare Manor, offering all the luxury of the main hotel but with a smart casual menu and atmosphere. Cathedral-like large windows open out into a semi-covered garden room and, when the weather is really showing off, the fully al fresco terrace with views of the majestic manor ground unfurls before your eyes. Family-friendly and a great space for groups of friends too, The Carriage House makes for a deliciously accessible touch of luxury.
Housed inside a gorgeously reimagined Georgian townhouse, One Pery Square is a true taste of old-world elegance oozing with warmth and welcome.
It’s al fresco dining terrace is a garden sanctuary; a great spot for a romantic date night or a gathering of friends. Serving lunch and dinner with menus that namecheck many of the region’s great producers, this is a chic urban spot for casual dining in a high-end setting.
A family and pet-friendly space at Adare’s legendary hotel, the Treehouse is a communal outdoor dining space offering coffee, cakes, bar service, hot food service, and ice cream dreams with stretch-tent seated area and even pods for a private dining experience complete with cosy stoves to keep the al fresco feeling going through to chillier evenings. While food here is casual, it’s all about quality — Woodlands has been carefully managing its own organic market gardens for many years.
In the heart of the city, the historic Milk Market is the artisan epicentre of Limerick. On Sundays, the space transforms into a buzzy place with an outdoor cafe, craft and food stalls, live music and a rolling schedule of monthly fairs.
Waterford is a county on the rise with a burgeoning food scene that is as exciting as it is delicious. A great programme of food festivals and food trails pioneered by the Taste Waterford food producers’ network have been key to that. With scenery that takes in the Copper Coast and Comeragh Mountains, there is something for everyone and taste to match.
One of Munster’s most luxurious hotels, it holds a commanding view over Ardmore Bay which makes the terrace a must-visit place.
Glass fronted, the views are uninterrupted — except when beautifully presented dishes arrive to please you even further. A slick of briny oysters beside the sea is the very definition of a taste of place.
The Farmgate has really settled into its Lismore home and giving people even more reasons to visit the gloriously storied village famous for its castle of the same name. The same ethos of great quality local and seasonal ingredients cooked to a daily changing menu of dishes that weave old favourites with new tastes is a given here. But did you know that beyond the cosy interior there is a cute courtyard garden surrounded by stone walls and mature trees. It’s a total suntrap, and the only place you want to be on a glorious summer’s day.
Tipperary is a mighty food-producing region. Cashel Blue Cheese is undoubtedly the hero product, but Tipp is also home to Rívesci, O’Donnell crisps, James Whelan beef, Pónaire coffee, and Con Traas’ apple farm, to name but a few. It’s easy to go to the source, too, thanks to the county’s great network of farmers’ markets from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir.
With views of the Rock of Cashel, elegant gardens, and a backdrop of the historic bishop’s palace, a leisurely lunch of light bites (don’t skip the Tipperary cheese plate) or an afternoon tea in the secluded Garden Terrace is just the tonic for letting the stress slip away.
