Is there anything nicer than a summer day outside with a beer in hand? Ireland may be in need of a roof for much of the year but when the good weather crops up, it’s good to know where to go to enjoy the sun. Here are our favourite places to enjoy a drink outside:
O’Connell’s Galway
This is definitely one of Ireland’s top beer gardens. Designed to look like a street, ‘Gin Lane’ has two outdoor bars, is fully heated and has a retractable roof. As well as live music and a DJ at weekends, you can enjoy Dough Bros pizza in the beer garden every Thursday-Saturday.
Deep South Cork
This bar in Cork city centre always has a buzzing atmosphere, and conversation flows easily when a pile of friends are all gathered around the extra long picnic tables.
The Terrace at The Shelbourne
What better way to enjoy a glass of wine this summer than to sneak into this haven in Dublin? This stylish setting is a luxurious space to unwind and natter away with a few pals over an indulgent lunch. You will be sheltered from the elements but can still soak up all the light on a nice day.
The Towers Bar and Restaurant, Westport
This gem on Westport Quay has great food and drink and stunning views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick and Clare Island. This place is an ideal location to watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
An Pucán, Galway
This pub on Eyre Square in Galway can be enjoyed rain hail or shine. You’ll usually find great music here too.
Jack Meade’s Waterford
Outside Waterford city you’ll wind this atmospheric beer garden nestled in the countryside. You’ll find a real taste of the outdoors here with ponies, donkeys and goats on the grounds and a stream where you can see some ducks. Ideal if you have the kids in tow, as they can entertain themselves in the playground adjacent to the beer garden.
Roberta’s, Dublin
This stylish terrace has comfy seats and table service so you can stay cosy outside.
Camden Exchange, Dublin
The cosy little beer garden at the back of this popular industrial-styled bar is small but charming with stained glass detail on the roofing.
Billy Byrne’s, Kilkenny
Find this rustically styled space on John St in Kilkenny. It’s had a face lift recently, with a double decker bus housing a coffee shop, ideal for the summer.
Cutter’s Wharf Belfast
Nestled on the banks of the River Lagan, this is a chilled spot to enjoy some sun.
Haddington House, Dun Laoghaire
With gorgeous views of Dublin Bay, this pretty garden terrace is one of the most scenic spots to soak up the sun.
Bonobo Smithfield
New kid on the block Bonobo has only recently opened, but the stylish bar clearly wants to draw in the fair weather crowd with a pretty outdoor area with lots of seating. Best of all, you can get Dublin Pizza Company pizzas there too — heaven.
