When the sun shines in Ireland, there’s no better place to be. These are the terraces to snag a table on – if you are lucky …
If there is anything better than whiling away a summer afternoon on a sunny terrace we have yet to discover it. With the much discussed heatwave due to descend on us this weekend, these are the terraces to snag a table on – if you are lucky.
Fire Steakhouse, Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Possibly the most sought after terrace in Dublin, Fire certainly have all bases covered when it comes to al fresco dining for their ever loyal clientele. Their terrace was extended dramatically over the past couple of years and has plenty of coverage should the glaring sun be too much. The views are not too shabby either. www.firesteakhouse.ie
The Moët Terrace at Rare, The Blue Haven, Kinsale, Co Cork
Rare is the newest kid on the Kinsale dining block at the wonderful Blue Haven Hotel. A recent visit coincided with some of the warmest weather I have experienced in Ireland so we opted to dine on the beautiful new Moët terrace which is perfect for a spot of people watching in the centre of the town. Chef Meeran’s cooking is very accomplished, with each course being carefully considered in every aspect. The wine pairings by the gorgeous Charlie were perfectly matched and the thought and passion that has gone into both the food and the wine is evident. The team at The Blue Haven have invested heavily in Rare and to my mind, we are the lucky ones who are reaping the rewards. www.rare1784.ie
Chez Max, Palace Street, Dublin 2
There is something of a cosmopolitan air about Chez Max, located just beside the entrance to Dublin Castle off Dame Street. It offers old school French bistro cooking with a charming ambiance, whether perched out front overlooking the castle, or in their small patio garden to the rear. All the French classics feature on the menu from steak frites to coq au vin, and there is plenty of wine and cheese to round off your meal. www.chezmax.ie
Marco Pierre White, Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Another contender for best terrace in Dublin is Marco Pierre White’s Dawson Street branch, complete with awning, heaters and blankets, not that they will be needed this week. The food is reliably good and the staff are attentive and knowledgeable. The Donnybrook branch also has a ethereal courtyard that is well shaded too. www.marcopierrewhite.ie
The Garden Room, Suesey Street, Dublin 2
Another city centre restaurant with a perfectly anointed outdoor terrace is Suesey Street located just beside the canal at Fitzwilliam Place. Dublin Bay prawns, seared steaks and an endless list of cocktails only add to the appeal, as does the cosy seating, the cushions and the outdoor fire. www.sueseystreet.ie
Osteria Lucio, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2
It’s difficult to compete with the wonderfully atmospheric interior of Osteria Lucio but their small, yet perfectly formed terrace is where I want to be on a balmy summer evening. Preferably gorging on the suckling pig shoulder al forno with shallots, olives, new potato, summer salad and salsa verde and sipping a cold Sicilian Vermentino. Heaven. www.osterialucio.com
The Belvedere Terrace at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 2
A serene courtyard space with a view of the sky, visitors to The Belvedere Terrace at The Shelbourne can escape the hustle and bustle of the city in an enchanting secret garden. Enjoy a Belvedere vodka Martini from the Martini Trolley or nibble on truffle Brie de Meaux under the sun or under twinkling starts by night. www.TheShelbourne.com
La Maison, Castle Market, Dublin 2
A personal favourite for many years, the terrace at La Maison is picture perfect with excellent food to match. While dining here was always reliably good, like a fine wine, La Maison seem to be improving with age and getting a table can be somewhat challenging. Perfect for dinner à deux, the sole (when on the menu) is delightful while the cote de boeuf is perfect for a more substantial meal. My next visit will most certainly involve trying the hasselback potatoes with curry mayo and lovage. La Maison is the epitome of a classic French bistro, in the heart of Dublin. Vive la France. www.lamaisondublin.com/
Library Street, Dublin 2
The terrace at Library Street, is, in their own words, “the perfect low-key outdoor spot for wine and snacks” and we have to agree. Especially when the snacks come in the form of Dooncastle oysters with bourgoin verjus and Tartine sourdough with Abernathy butter and wine comes in the shape of a Negroni Sbagliato. What’s not to love. www.librarystreet.ie
O’Grady’s on the Pier, Barna, Co Galway
Rustic perfection is how I would describe the outdoor space at O’Grady’s on the Pier in Barna, Co Galway. Sitting outside devouring flaky fish and chips while gazing over the horizon and Galway Bay is one of life’s simple pleasures. End scene. www.ogradysonthepier.ie
