From pizzas by the Liffey to pasta overlooking the Corrib, waterside dining is one of our favourite summer pastimes…
It’s difficult to top dining by the water’s edge over summer, and Ireland certainly has plenty of places to do just that. With our abundance of lakes, rivers and coastline, finding a picturesque place is not that challenging. Finding one with good food can be a bit more difficult but happily, these five rarely disappoint. From pizzas by the Liffey to pasta overlooking the Corrib, waterside dining is here to stay. Here’s where to go this summer …
Goats Gruff at The Strawberry Hall, Dublin
It’s casual fare at Goats Gruff at The Strawberry Hall in Dublin 20. Woodfired sandwiches with coffee by day, woodfired pizza with cold beers or chilled wines by night. You can eat indoors at The Strawberry Hall but all the summer fun takes place in the huge safari tent perched on the banks of the Liffey. It’s rustic, charming and you would never believe you are a mere 7k from the city. www.goatsgruffdublin.com/menus
Il Vicolo, Galway
On a sunny afternoon, it is almost impossible to beat dining at the charming Il Vicolo while suspended on a terrace overlooking the River Corrib. Originally an old mill, today the building is home to one of Ireland’s loveliest Italian restaurants. The food is contemporary Italian with a wealth of local produce making the cut onto the menu. On a recent visit, the Tuscan meatballs with Grana Padano and grilled ciabatta did not disappoint. www.ilvicolo.ie
The River Club, Cork
Summer 2022 sees the arrival of ‘La Dolce Vita’ at Cork’s River Club, overlooking the River Lee. The outdoor terrace has been transformed with a selection of verdant foliage and flowers which are reminiscent of the most romantic of Italian settings, the Amalfi coast. There is a new ‘La Dolce Vita’ themed cocktail menu to assist you in channeling your inner Sofia Loren or Gina Lollobrigida. The menu has a lovely selection of dishes from brunch to lunch to dinner and when the sun shines, living La Dolce Vita will seem ever more possible. www.theriverclubcork.ie
The Brasserie at The Europe Hotel, Killarney
With a view and location that is second to none, dining on the terrace at The Brasserie at The Europe Hotel is a treat for all the senses. Located on the shore of Lough Léin and only five minutes’ drive from Killarney town, the backdrop on the stunning Kerry landscape is enough to take your breath away. The seafood platter with grilled fish, Spillane’s smoked salmon, oyster, prawns, langoustine, seared scallop and crab meat is a steal at €29. www.theeurope.com
The Cliff House Hotel, Waterford
The Cliff House hotel has long been a destination for those with a penchant for fine food in a stunning location and summer 2022 is unlikely to be any different. The seafront bar spills out onto a stunning almost gravity defying terrace, perched over Ardmore Bay. The menus pay tribute to the best of Irish produce and include a selection of local meat, vegetable and seafood dishes, including Helvick cod, local crab, and chowder. This is the pinnacle of oceanside dining. So close in fact, you can almost taste the salt in the air. www.cliffhousehotel.ie