The grains of sand are slowly slipping through our summer hourglass. Time is ticking by and in less than two short weeks, al fresco dining will once again be permitted under the next phase of the government’s reopening plan for the country. As restaurants and bars Ireland-wide prepare to unleash their new outdoor spaces, consider having your first post-lockdown dine-out experience in one of these stunning Dublin rooftop venues, with views on a par with the delicious food and drinks.

1. Sophie’s at The Dean Hotel, Harcourt Street.

Nestled between the rooftops in central Dublin and Cork city, tables at Sophie’s restaurants at The Dean Hotel are sure to be much in demand this summer. Sophie’s offer 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 a pizza menu for more casual bites. Did we mention the cocktails? www.sophies.ie

2. The Vintage Cocktail Club, Temple Bar

Hidden away behind an anonymous black door in Dublin’s Temple Bar, The Vintage Cocktail Club offers a tumble back in time. Cosy and glamorous at the same time, the speakeasy’s speciality is – surprisingly – cocktails, but the food is excellent too. An afternoon spent appreciating one of the Club’s cheese or charcuterie boards will softly blow COVID from your thoughts. Might it linger, the Bloody Mary with Ketel One vodka and its unique VCC Bloody Mary Mix, should finish the job. www.vintagecocktailclub.com

3. The Rooftop Bar at The Marker Hotel

The Rooftop Bar at Dublin’s Marker Hotel has some of the best views of the city and under the stewardship of Head Chef Gareth Mullins, the food isn’t half bad either. Starters include Parma ham with queen olives, Toonsbridge mozzarella and salt and pepper calamari, all of which come served with house focaccia, aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil. Choose from tempura monkfish, St. Tola goat’s cheese arancini or perhaps a filet mignon for mains and wash it all down with something cold and refreshing from their excellent drinks menu. www.themarkerhoteldublin.com

4. Tap House, Ranelagh

The menu at The Tap House has all bases covered and with a spacious rooftop terrace overlooking picturesque Ranelagh village, it’s bound to be a popular spot this June. Cauliflower bites, crayfish, and crab tostadas are all on offer as perfect sharing options for a group dinner, or choose a fun selection of sliders and tacos to share – now that you are reunited at last! Given its name, it’s no surprise that the selection of beers on tap at Top House is vast and of course, there are wine and cocktails too. www.taphouse.ie

5. Ryleigh’s Rooftop Grill, The Mayson, Dublin

Press Up’s solid series of restaurants and bars now includes Ryleigh’s at The Mayson. The newest kid on the block in the rooftop category, Ryleigh’s has all the signature Press Up traits – New York-inspired dining, with cool iron-clad linings – set against a unique backdrop. Soak up the panoramic vista of the Dublin Mountains, the River Liffey, the city centre and even Dun Laoghaire, all from the comfort of your cosy leather booth. Open for brunch, dinner and cocktails, Ryleigh’s specialises in steak – so the Tomahawk for two is the obvious choice. Finish your evening with a Bittersweet Symphony, a blend of Irish whiskey, amaro, vanilla and olive and count your lucky stars – literally. www.ryleighs.ie