From luxurious afternoon tea picnics to delicious hampers to fuel you for a day spent exploring, here are the best takeaway picnics and hotel picnic packages to book this summer
Sure you could pack a sandwich from home or pick up something from a deli, but some days call for something a step above a boring packed lunch. Perfect for a reunion with loved ones or a catch up with a friend to mark an occasion, here are some stunning picnic offerings from businesses around the country.
For a great cause
The Lily & Wild takeaway picnics are really beautifully prepared and for the month of May, all profits will go to Breast Cancer Ireland. Order online and collect your picnic from the vintage Citroen van at Naas Racecourse, to enjoy wherever you choose. There is a children’s menu and picnics for vegans and vegetarians can also be catered for. Each picnic comes with minimal disposables to be more environmentally-conscious. Each bag comes with a reusable cooler bag, or you can purchase a wicker basket.
Cool for the weekend
Project PICNIC is available on weekends in Dublin, where you can order a picnic for four filled with amazing Irish produce, to be enjoyed in a park in the city or to take with you on a daytrip. Priced from €82, order via Insta DM by Thursday 4pm for Dublin city centre pick up on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 11.30am or 2.30pm. The menu changes regularly, but an example includes a snack such as bombay mix or pistachio pork scotch eggs, something to savour such as a roast free range whole chicken with spiced salt, apple potato salad, homemade mayo, chicken jus aioli and Phoenix Park wild garlic butter, plus a sourdough baguette, with a sweet to enjoy like a lemon ginger meringue pie and something to sip such as a spiked lemon rooibos iced tea. Each picnic comes in fully biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
Al fresco family moments
Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa is a magnificent estate that all the family can enjoy. You can cycle to the village on complimentary estate bicycles, take the river walk trail or stroll up to Powerscourt Waterfall or try any of the beautiful scenic walks Wicklow has to offer. The Family Fun package for two adults and two children under 12 includes shared family accommodation, a picnic for four and admission to the waterfall for €474 per room per night.
Wonderland tea party
You don’t have to lift a finger when it comes to The K Club’s picnic afternoon tea. The K Club’s Picnic Concierge will lay out your picnic in your chosen area in the grounds of the 550 acre estate. Your picnic basket includes a selection of homemade sandwiches, sweet pastries and fresh raisin scones with cream, as well as your choice of tea and coffee. Afterwards, take the resort bicycles for a whirl around the grounds to take in all of the beautiful formal gardens. The afternoon tea picnic is available to non-residents by pre-booking (€100pp), or enjoy it as part of a two-night stay with full Irish breakfast in the River Room restaurant from €304 per person. kclub.ie
Five star opulence
Guests staying at Adare Manor this summer can choose from a menu of picnic options, whether you just want to relax in the grounds with some decadent bites or require something more portable for a day spent exploring.
The Wyndham Quinn picnic to go (€30pp) is perfect for a woodland walk. Enjoy sandwiches of baked Limerick ham with Cooleeney Camembert, egg mayonnaise and summer truffle or Duncannon smoked salmon on treacle bread, a decadent brownie, a suprise chef’s cake of the day and water and soft drinks. This picnic comes in fully disposable packaging too so you don’t have to worry about lugging around a basket.
For something more luxurious, the Lord of Dunraven picnic basket (€50pp) comes in a traditional wicker basket filled to the rim with Irish produce, with sandwiches, cheeses, antipasti and organic sourdough, as well as a flask of tea or coffee. adaremanor.com
Taste of Galway
Galway Food Tours has started a picnic for two package with the best local produce. Delivered in a Galway Food Tour tote bag, inside you will find Irish meats, cheeses, a fresh baguette and some olives, hummus, local mustard along with a surprise or two. The picnic costs €55 for two people including delivery.
Luxury bites in Kildare
The Cliff at Lyons has an abundance of outdoor space to explore with stunning grounds and the canal flowing by, and so have launched The Pantry Picnic. Collect the luxury picnic hamper of sweet and savoury pastries, delicious sandwiches, handpressed juices and bubbles, and wander the gardens until you find the perfect spot. Browse the full takeaway menu here.
Sense of occasion
Make your outdoor picnic one to remember with Belfast’s Good Food Grazing’s pop up picnics. With food and decor included with packages to suit up to 10 people, this is lovely for a mini-birthday gathering, baby shower or overdue reunion.
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Southside feast
If you’re planning a daytrip to beautiful Vico Baths or Coliemore Harbour in Dublin, pick up everything you need for an outdoor lunch from Thyme Out. The delicatessen in the heart of Dalkey village is now offering a picnic box (from €59) and an antipasti box (from €49). Both serve from four to six people. The picnic box includes finger sandwiches, sausage rolls and quiches, a bar nut mix, traybakes, homemade brownies and ice cream tubs and an elderflower drink. The antipasti box has a selection of cold meats, cheeses, olives, sundried tomatoes crackers and a crispy baguette.
By the banks of the River Lee
Guests staying in The Kingsley can enjoy a picnic in the neighbouring Lee Fields or nearby Fitzgerald’s Park, or hop in the car and take in the pretty coastal towns of Kinsale or Crosshaven. The Kingsley has curated a picnic of sweet and savoury treats to enjoy wherever you desire. The Picnic in the Park at The Kingsley package is available from €213 per room per night for two people, including breakfast, a bottle of Prosecco, and a picnic for two. thekingsley.ie
Sweet moment
To celebrate The Wilder’s very own Wilder Bee Honey, the Bee Wilder in the City package is a lovely escape full of treats for the sweet-toothed. On arrival, enjoy a honey orange blossom cocktail, and as well as an overnight stay with breakfast, you will receive a picnic basket of charcuterie, a cheese board, Wilder Bee honey and wine. From €279 total stay for two, thewilder.ie
Perfect for the park
Fallon & Byrne’s brand new picnic bags are made with eco-friendly jute and filled with lots of tasty treats that are ideal for a day in the park. You can also add your choice of Prosecco, pink lemonade or apple juice. Purchase via the online store for click and collect from Exchequer Street or People’s Park, or for delivery in Dublin.
