TRY THESE STYLISH COCKTAIL SPOTS this weekend …
For gourmets: RARE 1784, Blue Haven Hotel, Kinsale, Co Cork. At this new experimental dining and cocktail space, mixologist James Agar will create a cocktail according to each guest’s drinks preference. This is the impressive, immersive preamble to a five, seven, or ten-course set menu created by head chef Meeran Manzoor. The wine list includes organic, vegan and biodynamic wines and there’s a top notch whiskey collection too. You may need to book one of the stylish rooms afterwards, available from €298 for two, which includes dinner.
For a great view: THE OBSERVATORY, Grand Central Hotel, Belfast, Co Antrim. At the highest cocktail bar in Ireland, with a birds’ eye view of Belfast city centre, Cavehill and beyond, the “The Bollinger Experience” in honour of the hotel being awarded five-star status recently, includes a bottle of Bollinger, served with charcuterie and cheese; £120stg for four.
For a top terrace: THE PALMER, The K Club, Co Kildare. The Palmer’s cosy glazed terrace has both a retractable roof (providing shelter from the rain) and roll-down glass panels so guests always benefit from the very best of the weather. For added warmth, there are firepits for guests to enjoy a cocktail or a nightcap as evening falls.
Best for sundowners: HARVEY’S BAR AND TERRACE, Harvey’s Point, Co Donegal. Sitting under a parasol or soaking up some sunshine, enjoy unsurpassed views of Lough Eske. For those a little more adventurous, take a walk out onto the small pier in front of the terrace and sip your cocktail while dipping a toe in the lake. Our preferred form of wild sea swimming …