The Ultimate Summer Dining Guide: How Many Spots Have You Ticked Off?

THE TOP TERRACES

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 …

Fire Steakhouse, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Possibly the most well positioned terrace in Dublin, Fire certainly has all bases covered when it comes to al fresco dining for their ever-loyal clientele. The 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 ; @firesteakhouse.

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 ; @sueseystreet.

The Terrace at The Blue Haven, Kinsale, Co Cork

Smack bang in the middle of town, the terrace at the wonderful Blue Haven Hotel is dreamy on a sunny day. The town of Kinsale comes alive over the summer months and the terrace is the perfect place to soak up the ambiance. Dishes from the hotel’s a la carte menu can be enjoyed under the sun and with a stellar reputation, you know you are in good hands. www.bluehavenkinsale.com ; @bluehavenkinsale.

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 ; @chezmax_palace.

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, should the need arise. The food is reliably good, and the staff are attentive and knowledgeable. The Donnybrook branch also has an ethereal courtyard that is well shaded too. www.marcopierrewhite.ie ; @mpw_dawsonst.

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. In an ideal world I am gorging on the suckling pig shoulder with onions, olives, roasted potato, spring leaf salad, apple and horseradish sauce and sipping a cold Sicilian Vermentino. Heaven. www.osterialucio.com ; @osterialucio.

The Champagne Terrace at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 2

A serene courtyard space with a view of the sky, visitors to The Terrace at The Shelbourne can escape the hustle and bustle of the city in an enchanting secret garden. Enjoy a bespoke cocktail, a glass of something fizzy or nibble on a seafood platter under the sun – though it’s equally charming under twinkling starts by night. www.TheShelbourne.com ; @theshelbournedublin.

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 fine wine, La Maison seems 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. La Maison is the epitome of a classic French bistro, albeit in the heart of Dublin. Vive la France. www.lamaisondublin.com ; @lamaisondublin.

Volpe Nera, Blackrock

Barry Sun has created something very special in Volpa Nera and while the menu is the top reason to visit, the small but perfectly formed terrace and the limoncello spritz is the icing on the cake. The cep dumplings with aged soya, fennel and herb oil have reached cult-like status for a reason and the pristine wild halibut should have its own fan club. www.volpenera.ie ; @volpeneradublin/.

Michaels and Big Mike’s, Dublin

The patio and terrace at Big Mike’s in Blackrock is perhaps one of the most inviting in Dublin although I’m not sure if that’s because of the constant subliminal messaging from owner Gaz on Instagram that seems to penetrate my brain and tell me I should be there, cocktail in hand, seafood platter on table. In the original Michael’s in Mount Merrion, the terrace is a lot smaller but no less appealing, in fact, it feels somewhat more intimate and special because of the diminutive size. Then again, that could be that pesky subliminal messaging again. www.michaels.ie ; @michaels_dublin.

THE WATER’S EDGE

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 so but happily, these establishments rarely disappoint.

Goats Gruff at The Strawberry Hall, Dublin 20

It’s casual fare all the way 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 ; @goatsgruffdublin.

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 best 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 ; @ilvicolo_galway.

The River Club, Cork

The terrace at The River Club at The River Lee Hotel in Cork has been transformed into a floral oasis of serenity just in time for the summer season. Sanctuary at The River Club is the new installation on the riverside terrace with a botanically themed cocktail menu to match. Food wise, expect brasserie classics with quality Irish ingredients. www.theriverclubcork.ie; @theriverclubcork.

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 ; @ogradysbarna/.

The Brasserie at The Europe Hotel, Killarney

With a view and location that is second to none, dining on the terrace at The Brasserie in The Europe Hotel is a treat for all the senses. Located on the shore of Lough Léin and only a five-minute drive from Killarney town, the backdrop of the stunning Kerry landscape is enough to take your breath away. The seafood platter with grilled fish, smoked salmon, oyster, prawns, langoustine, seared scallop and crab claws is a steal at €30. www.theeurope.com/brasserie-restaurant ; @theeuropehotelandresort.

King Sitric, Howth

A cosy and intimate seafood bar with the faintest whiff of a maritime theme, which comes as no great surprise given the waterside location. Suffice to say, if you are seafood averse, this may not be the best choice for an al fresco meal but if gorging on spanking fresh Dublin Bay prawns, lobster and crab is your idea of true love, then you have hit the jackpot. King Sitric has an outdoor terrace with breath taking views over Balscadden Bay making it the perfect choice for a summer dinner date. www.kingsitric.ie ; @king_sitric.

The Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Waterford

The Cliff House hotel has long been a destination for those with a penchant for fine food in a stunning location and this summer 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; @cliffhousehotel.

The Sea Terrace at Dunmore House, Cork

The terrace at Dunmore House is dramatically perched on the coast overlooking Clonakilty Bay and the menu reflects where you are with locally sourced fish from Union Hall and greens from the Ocean Garden at Dunmore. The 2023 addition of Boat Shed Pizzas will doubtless just add to the appeal. It’s a family affair too with Carol and all the team at Dunmore House taking their food very seriously, a passion that has been recognised by Michelin inspectors. Prepare to fall in love, you have been warned. www.dunmorehousehotel.ie ; @dunmorehousehotel.

Harry’s Shack, Portstewart Strand Beach, Co Derry

Probably one of the most famous fish shacks on the island of Ireland, thanks in small part to it being a Game of Thrones location, but mostly because of the stunning food and magical setting. Since opening in 2014 it has achieved something akin to cult status and by all accounts, it is well deserved. The premise is “the freshest of local seafood and more, good value and cracking flavour” which sounds dreamy. Open for casual menu lunches (seven days per week) and for dinner from Thursday – Saturday. www.facebook.com/HarrysShack.

WHERE TO EAT FISH AND CHIPS TO ENJOY BEACHSIDE (OR NOT)

The combination of flaky fresh fish, crunchy batter and salty chips is a match made in food heaven and is best enjoyed on an Irish summer’s day.

Fisherman’s Catch, The Pier, Clogherhead, Co Louth

I suppose it’s an obvious choice for a family that sells fresh fish to diversify and meet the demand for top quality fish and chips, especially in a location such as this. Fisherman’s Catch is the perfect place for a fish and chips pit stop while spending a day at Clogherhead Beach, Co Louth. The Kirwan family are fourth generation fishermen, so they likely know their stuff and the beach itself is a relatively sheltered sandy stretch, backed by mature sand dunes. www.fishermanscatch.ie; @fishermanscatchf_c.

Fish Shop, Benburb Street, Dublin

We would almost go as far to say that the fish and chips at Fish Shop is perfect. Yes, there are a few other (equally delicious) plates on the menu but honestly, it has to be fish and chips, whether haddock, plaice, brill or hake. The fact that they serve a great selection of wines by the glass to accompany your saline supper is a bonus and it’s a stone’s throw from the Liffey, which counts (sort of!). www.fish-shop.ie ; @fishshopbenburb.

The Fish Box, Dingle, Co Kerry

A family owned and run business in the heart of Dingle, The Fish Box also owns a trawler, the Cú Na Mara so you know the fish will be fresh. There are tempura prawns, fish tacos, a fish spice box or Dingle Bay fish and chips made with local Maharees potatoes. Supporting local has never been so easy. The Fish Box is available for dining in or take away but as with so many on this list, be prepared to wait – especially on a sunny summer’s day. www.thefishboxdingle.com/ ; @thefishboxdingle.

McDonagh’s, Quay Street, Galway

There is an obvious reason why you will likely find queues outside McDonagh’s on Quay Street in Galway: it’s the fish. And the chips. Lauded as the best fish and chips in Ireland, the team at McDonagh’s are obviously doing something right and apart from the requisite cod you will find whiting, mackerel, hake and salmon on the menu along with Kellys Gigas Oysters. All the fish comes from managed sustainable stocks with traceable provenance and the potatoes are hand peeled and chipped every morning. www.mcdonaghs.net.

The Little Saltee Restaurant and Chipper, Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford

Kilmore Quay is something of an icon when it comes to fish and chips, and it doesn’t get much better than The Little Saltee. There are Fresh Kilmore Quay scallops pan fried in garlic butter but the crunchy battered haddock just screams summer beach days. After (or before) you have eaten, head to Ballyhealy Beach and spend the afternoon letting it all soak in. www.thelittlesaltee.com ; @littlesaltee.

And Chips, Dungarvan

In beautiful Dungarvan, Eunice Power’s And Chips is exactly where you want to be chowing down this summer. Sea air and salty chips are perfect partners but when you add fish tacos as well as fresh ling, cod, scampi or haddock, the experience is elevated to the sublime. Don’t miss the spice bag which would give even the best Chinese takeaway a run for its money. It’s fast food you can feel good about. Plus, milkshakes… www.andchips.ie; @andchips_.

FOOD TRUCKS WORTH TREKKING TO

Whether it’s a day trip with a culinary reward at the end or an afternoon out while on holiday this summer, these food trucks will make any journey worthwhile.

Misunderstood Heron, Killary Fjord, Lennane, Co Galway

Misunderstood Heron is perhaps the most talked about food truck in Ireland, and with good reason. The location in itself is dramatic and quite honestly breathtaking and working up an appetite by taking a walk along the wildly beautiful coastal path is an experience not to be missed. Your reward could be anything from local lamb chops with freekeh, green beans and yogurt dressing or a South Indian cauliflower korma. Voted as one of the top 100 food trucks in the world by Lonely Planet, it’s easy to see why. Go for the food, stay for the dramatic backdrop and the picture opportunities. www.misunderstoodheron.com; @misunderstood_heron.

The Hatch, Castlewellan, Co Down

Located along the Mourne Coastal Route, The Hatch has garnered quite the reputation for its excellent burgers made with 38-day-aged local shorthorn beef, triple fried chips and Kilkeel-sourced fresh fish. Parmesan and truffle fries are on the menu and if you happen to be around at lunchtime the fish tacos are reputed to be worth a pit stop too. With quite a few awards to their name for their excellent burgers, the stunning Mourne scenery vies with The Hatch for reasons to visit this part of the world. www.thehatch2016.com; @thehatch2016.

Julia’s Lobster Truck, Co Clare

Another one for the seafood lovers, Julia’s Lobster Truck keeps it simple with fresh barbecued lobster served with chilli lime butter, organic leaves and real chips. Too much? Then a shrimp po’boy could be the one for you. There are lots of options and you can text your order ahead of time to avoid disappointment. This summer, you will find Julia on Friday and Saturdays at Pot Duggan’s in Ennistymon but check ahead as the locations can change. www.facebook.com/juliaslobstertruck ; @juliaslobstertruck.

Little Catch Seafood, Tramore, Co Waterford

A buttery brioche roll crammed with sweet lobster and crayfish mayo is a very serious contender for my death row dinner, and it would have to come from Little Catch Seafood in Tramore. The seafood chowder (genius idea) doesn’t disappoint and I will be back for the crispy prawn bao bun. And for another lobster roll. www.littlecatchseafoodbar.com ; @littlecatchseafood.

La Cocina Cuevas, the Naul, Co Dublin

It’s all about the tacos at La Cocina Cuevas, but you will need to plan ahead to satisfy your need. Only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can pre-order your Cali/Mexican feast two hours in advance of opening and in no time at all you too can be gorging on tacos and papas fritas. A new dine-in option for Fridays and Saturdays has just been launched with a separate menu that includes gyoza tacos, asada boards and fritto misto. www.lacocinacuevas.com; @lacocinacuevas.

The Garden Café Truck, Ballymaloe Cookery School, Shanagarry, Co Cork

A food truck located on the grounds of the enduringly popular Ballymaloe is bound to be a good idea, you know the food will be delicious and on a sunny day, it makes for the perfect end to an afternoon taking in the gardens surrounding it. Any outing that includes a sinfully delicious cake with a dollop of jersey cream, homemade lemonade or something more substantial is a good outing.  www.ballymaloecookeryschool.ie; @gardencafetruck.

Salty Buoy, various locations

A visit to Niall Sabongi’s Salty Buoy is always a good idea, dishes will be seafood heavy with fresh lobster rolls, shucked oysters, crab, fresh fried fish, creamy chowder and zingy poke bowls among others. Locations vary but for now you can find this seafood superstar at St James’ Hospital on Thursday lunchtime and Harold’s Cross on Sundays with other locations in the pipeline. Picking up one of the seafood suppers while you are there feels like a no brainer too. www.saltybuoy.ie; @saltybuoytruck.

ROOFTOP RETREATS

Because it’s hard to beat that feeling of superiority while being on top of the world.

Sophies at The Dean Hotel, Dublin, Cork and Galway

Nestled between the rooftops in central Dublin and Cork city, tables at Sophie’s at The Dean Hotel are sure to be much in demand. Sophie’s offers all day dining with breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus available, and of course, there are also the cocktails to consider. Seafood linguine with prawns, clams and mussels with chilli tomato sauce would make a perfect summer supper and there is also a pizza menu for more casual bites. www.sophies.ie ; @sophiesrooftop.

The Rooftop Bar at The Marker Hotel, Dublin

The Rooftop Bar at Dublin’s Marker Hotel has some of the best views of the city in seriously stylish surrounds. The food options are casual and mainly consist of sharing boards and nibbles, but with views like this, does it really matter? Wash it all down with something cold and refreshing from the excellent drinks menu and soak it all in. www.themarkerhoteldublin.com ; @anantarathemarkerdublin.

The Tap House, Ranelagh, Dublin

The menu at The Tap House has all bases covered and with a spacious rooftop terrace overlooking picturesque Ranelagh village, this is bound to be a popular spot this summer. Cauliflower bites and crayfish and crab tostadas set the tone or choose a selection of sliders and tacos to share with your nearest and dearest. Given the name, it’s no surprise that the selection of beers on tap is vast and of course, there are wine and cocktails too. www.taphouse.ie ; @taphousedublin.

Ryleigh’s Rooftop Grill, The Mayson, Dublin

Another one from the Press Up stable of restaurants and bars, Ryleigh’s has a lot to offer including a panoramic vista of the Dublin Mountains, the River Liffey, the city centre and even as far as Dun Laoghaire. Open for brunch, dinner and cocktails, Ryleigh’s specialises in steak so the Tomahawk for two is the obvious choice. For a lighter bite, the crispy calamari could be the perfect summer nibble, with a pre-dinner Lillet Spritz with Lillet Blanc, gin, honey, lemon, soda and rosemary. www.ryleighs.ie; @ryleighsdublin.