Feel free to indulge in al fresco dining at Builín Blasta Café, Bakery & Wine Bar, without worrying about the unpredictable Connemara weather. Located within Unit 16 of Ceardlann Craft Village in Spiddal, Galway, this charming café offers a variety of delectable items on its all-day menu, ranging from breakfast pancakes to their famous sauce-wrapped dishes for lunch or an early dinner. The space also includes a stretch tent with a seating capacity of 46 people.
Situated on a scenic 30-acre organic farm in Camus, Clonakilty, the Field Kitchen offers a unique outdoor dining experience. Here, guests can enjoy meals served family style on shaded wooden benches, promoting a convivial atmosphere. Head chef Bob Cairns’ dishes place a strong emphasis on seasonal, local produce, reflecting the farm’s philosophy of sustainability and biodiversity.
For an authentic Parisian dining experience, visit Chez Max on Palace Street in Dublin. Known for its outdoor seating area and French-style furnishings, the restaurant is particularly popular during summer months. Owner Max de Laloubie has been serving French specialities – from moules marinières with heaps of frites to a warm goat cheese salad – at this celebrated establishment for nearly two decades.
Located at The Harbour Bar in Downings, Donegal, Fisk is a seafood bar that treats its patrons to some of the finest catches of the day. Their must-try dishes include succulent fish and a variety of other seafood options.
“Enjoying a meal al fresco at Fisk, overlooking the stunning vista of Sheephaven Bay on a sunny day in Donegal, can’t be surpassed. The impromptu nature of their table service means you may have to bide your time for a spot. The menu, curated by chefs Tony Davidson and Lina Reppert, focuses on simplicity, featuring dishes like ‘nduja sauce mussels from Mulroy Bay, mouthwatering fish tacos, and oysters from Donegal served with jalapeño granita.
Located at 22 Camden Street, Dublin 2, is Frank’s – a quaint wine bar & cave à manger. Despite the space constraints and central communal counter one might consider ill-advised, the elevated modern cuisine crafted by David Bradshaw and the impeccable summer wines selection by renowned sommelier Katie Seward make dining both indoors and outdoors a delight.
The Good Day Deli at Nano Nagle Place, Douglas Street, Cork boasts of a secret location among a new-age heritage site, complete with museum, bookstore and restaurant. Fragrant rosemary and lavender scents from its celestial gardens entice you towards Clare Condon and Kristin Makirere’s eatery, which also has additional seating on the verdant lawns during warmer days. Inspired by Makirere’s roots, the menu subtly incorporates South Pacific elements from New Zealand and the Cook Islands into their breakfast and lunch food offerings. They also recently introduced a smaller café, the Nádúr Deli, situated at the front plaza.
Finally, on Grangecon’s Main Street in Co Wicklow, the Grangecon Kitchen entices visitors with its well-loved menu. With Rose O’Toole joining Angela Papakonstantinou in the kitchen, popular dishes include buttermilk pancakes, Turkish eggs and brioche French toast for brunch, and heartier fare like cider-braised Crowe’s free range ham, cheesy macaroni, and chicken and leek pie, all served under a large tent reminiscent of a yurt.”
“Spud”
Pota Cafe, located in An Tulach, Baile na hAbhann, Co na Gallimhe, is a place where one becomes excited about conversing in Irish. The bilingual provisions detail the impressive daily specials, including unexpectedly Irish options like vegan meze or fish tacos. Under the direction of Diarmuid Ó Mathúna, this cafe prioritises fresh, seasonal and organic components. Classic dishes like crab potty and ham and cheese toasties are fantastic, especially enjoyed in the sunshine. They even provide an option where children can receive smaller portions.
L’Atitude 51 is a wine bar at 1 Union Quay, Cork. An outdoor seating area covered by large parasols offers a pleasant spot to bask in the evening sun. The menu, exhibiting an international vibe, offers a variety of small plates including pan-fried squid complemented by crispy polenta and chorizo or haddock and mussel croquettes. Emphasising natural wine, the bar features an expansive list with more than 300 bottle selections and 25 options available by the glass.
The Little Fish restaurant on Co Galway’s Cleggan is reopening this summer, featuring more outdoor tables. The restaurant projects simplicity and sophistication, offering a compact and affordable menu. Among the dishes are fish and hand-cut chips, spicy coconut sauce-bathed Killary mussels and crab nachos with tomatillo salsa. Vegetarian options include crispy cauliflower tempura doused in their homemade buffalo sauce.
At New Road, Ennistymon, Co Clare, Pot Duggans will welcome back Ashley Gribben again this summer. Her rotating set of menus, known as “The Melting Pot” series, incorporates a diversity of dishes from ramen, tacos, to pasta and shawarma. A featured addition is top-quality pizza from Brazilian pizzaiolo Cristian Marcos. There will be a covered terrace with seating for 60 individuals.
Nestled in marshy streets of Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Tãbú Patio provides a delightful escape adorned with a semi-covered terrace. Rodrigo Gonzalez’s establishment stands out for its enchanting fusion of international flavours and a menu enriched with dishes like padron peppers, softshell crab bao buns, ceviche, and traditional fare such as fish and chips or steak. Stay updated via their Instagram handle, tabutapas, or call them at 083-164 1967.
Another prime spot for outdoor dining, The Stables at Sheen Falls Lodge, is found in sunny Kenmare, Co Kerry. This bistro-style restaurant, which can be reached at 064-6641600 or sheenfallslodge.ie, is known for its unparalleled al fresco dining space. Patrons often indulge in battered fish and chips or succulent steaks. To elevate your dining experience, make a reservation at The Falls restaurant for an exquisite meal created by talented Mark Treacy against the captivating backdrop of the river.
The Towers Bar and Restaurant in Westport, Co Mayo offers an impressive beer garden with a seating capacity of 200 guests. The Towers, famous among families, prides itself on serving authentic dishes like Killary mussels, seafood chowder, an array of fish dishes, and juicy steaks. Few sights compare to the one of the sun setting over Clare Island, best enjoyed from the restaurant. For enquiries, get in touch at 098-24844 or visit thetowersbar.com.