{"id":541021,"date":"2026-07-09T13:10:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T13:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/541021\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T13:10:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T13:10:16","slug":"the-best-places-around-ireland-for-summer-dining-al-fresco-from-ice-cream-to-fish-and-chips-the-irish-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/541021\/","title":{"rendered":"The best places around Ireland for summer dining al fresco: From ice cream to fish and chips \u2013 The Irish Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our reputation for good weather may be patchy, but good food and drink? That\u2019s a sure thing. And let\u2019s face it, most things taste better outside, along with a bit of sun \u2013 whether you\u2019re on a terrace, in a beer garden, perched by the sea, or spread out in the park. From ice-creams and fish and chips to pints in the sun, seaside brunches and picnic-ready bites, we\u2019ve pulled together some of the best places to enjoy those classic Irish summer treats, in all their al fresco glory. <\/p>\n

Ice-cream\"BuddingBudding food critic Robin Dunworth checks out the ice-cream from Storm in a Teacup in Skerries <\/p>\n

An ice-cream by the seaside is a sure marker that it\u2019s summertime. In Dublin, Teddy\u2019s in D\u00fan Laoghaire<\/a> evokes summers past. Pick up one of their famous 99s from their Windsor Terrace HQ or at the end of the East Pier and enjoy it looking out at Dublin Bay. North of the city, Storm In A Teacup<\/a> in Skerries is another staple stop for old-school 99s and all manner of seaside treats.<\/p>\n

For made-from-scratch goodness and award-winning flavours, head to Morelli\u2019s in Portstewart<\/a>, Co Derry. Choose from an impressive sundae list or their rich, scooped ice-cream, and eat it on the seaside promenade. Sit outside Linnalla C\u00e1fe in Clare<\/a>, with the Burren hills and Galway Bay as the backdrop, and enjoy ice-cream made with their own dairy and plenty of local ingredients. In Sligo, Mammy Johnston\u2019s Ice Cream Parlour<\/a> is a perennial summer favourite thanks to its coastal setting and some of the best gelato on the west coast. <\/p>\n

Fish and chips\"TheThe Fish Basket, Long Strand, Co Cork <\/p>\n

A classic summer lunch or dinner has to be a feed of fish and chips, doused in salt and vinegar, eaten outside. You\u2019d expect top-class fish and chips in Ireland\u2019s largest fishing port, Killybegs, and that\u2019s exactly what Killybegs Seafood Shack<\/a> delivers. Freshly landed fish \u2013 battered or breaded and fried to perfection. It tastes even better when eaten pierside. Don\u2019t skip the famous Killybegs vinegar. <\/p>\n

On Cork\u2019s Long Strand beach, The Fish Basket<\/a> serves excellent west Cork seafood on benches looking out at the sand. At The Fisherman\u2019s Catch Fish Shop<\/a> on the harbour in Clogherhead, Co Louth, they use fish from their own boats, served in a proper chipper style, along with fresh oysters and more, with benches outside looking over the water. Eunice Power\u2019s And Chips <\/a>in Dungarvan is the sort of takeaway every town should have: sustainable seasonal seafood, some of the best chips in the country, and plenty of harbourside spots at which to eat them. <\/p>\n

Julia\u2019s Lobster Truck<\/a> is a much-loved pop-up that turns up in lovely spots around Ireland all summer, serving elevated food-truck seafood, local oysters, mussels in broth with chips, and lobster rolls. Keep an eye on Instagram for their pop-up locations.<\/p>\n

Pints and pub grub\"TighTigh TP’s, Ballydavid, Co Kerry <\/p>\n

A frosty pint, cider over clinking ice, a creamy stout or a crisp 0.0 \u2013 whatever your preference, it always tastes better outdoors in the sun. Ireland has no shortage of spots for a pint outside, some with very decent pub grub to match.<\/p>\n

Coastal bars with sea views always feel summery, and they\u2019re scattered all around our coastline. The Blue Light<\/a>\u2019s big beer garden in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains gives punters wide views across the city and out to sea. Waves lap against the wall as you sit on the terrace at The Strand Inn<\/a> in Dunmore East, Co Waterford. At Sweeney\u2019s Strand Bar and Shop<\/a> in Claddaghduff, Co Galway, you can watch the tidal road to Omey Island appear and disappear while sipping a creamy pint. Pierside benches overlooking Kilmacalogue Harbour are prized seats for a pint and a toastie at Helen\u2019s Bar<\/a> on the Beara Peninsula, Co Kerry. Likewise at Tigh TP<\/a>, in Baile na nGall (aka Ballydavid), in the west Kerry Gaeltacht. <\/p>\n

For a full al fresco pub feed, Arundel\u2019s by the Pier<\/a> on Cork\u2019s Sheep\u2019s Head Peninsula has a strong menu of pub-classic dishes built around local suppliers. In the picturesque west Cork village of Baltimore, Bushes Bar <\/a>has one of the best front-courtyard views, with the harbour spread out below. It\u2019s a fine place for a pint and a crab sandwich. <\/p>\n

In Waterford, The Moorings<\/a> in Dungarvan offers harbour-facing tables, a full menu and lovely pints. The Harbour Bar<\/a> in Downings has a stunning outdoor area with views across Donegal beach and Rosapenna, while Fisk Seafood Bar next door keeps you well fed.<\/p>\n

Sunny city streets<\/p>\n

What is better than a whole street of terraces and outdoor tables in the sunshine? It\u2019s the sort of thing we often admire abroad, but there are a few streets at home that come into their own when the sun appears. <\/p>\n

Galway\u2019s Quay Street always has a buzz, but for a more local feel, head to the city\u2019s Westend, where the streets are pedestrianised on summer evenings and the bars and restaurants spill out on to the pavement. You could settle in for glasses of wine and seasonal plates at Universal, or a few bites and craft beers at Bierhaus. The places that are drinks-led happily let you order food from nearby neighbours. There\u2019s a real sense of community to it all and plenty of craic.<\/p>\n

In Dublin 1, Capel Street is pedestrianised and packed with places to eat and drink. Aobaba for Vietnamese, Dash for some of the city\u2019s best smash burgers, pints outside The Boars Head or O\u2019Neills, cocktails in the courtyard outside Penny Lane, excellent-value food from Ayla Turkish Foods Market, and plenty more besides. Don\u2019t miss the sunny terrace at Bar 1661 around the corner. <\/p>\n

Cork\u2019s Princes Street is another strong choice. Pedestrianised in 2020 as part of the city\u2019s reimagining, it is now a lively hub for food and drink, with bright umbrellas and plenty of outdoor seating. You\u2019ll find a good mix of places, from Nosh 19 to Clancy\u2019s Pub, plus pizza, Italian, Manta Indian and more.<\/p>\n

Brunch\"Angelina's,Angelina’s, Dublin 4 <\/p>\n

Slow summer mornings are made all the better when breakfast or brunch is eaten outdoors. Shells Caf\u00e9 in Strandhill<\/a> has been setting the pace for seaside brunch since 2010, with a generous outdoor deck and a menu built around seasonal, produce-led dishes, very good coffee and, if the mood takes you, a spritz, all looking out over the Atlantic.<\/p>\n

In Dublin, grab a table at Angelina\u2019s<\/a> for polished brunch dishes: eggs Benedict, pancakes and French toast served on a smart canal-side terrace, with a smoky Bloody Mary or mimosa on the side. <\/p>\n

At Burtown House<\/a> in Athy, fresh scones, bruschetta, herby potato cakes and eggs all taste better eaten outside surrounded by blooms, with views of the walled garden and the polytunnels that help shape the menu.<\/p>\n

In Cork city, brunch at Good Day Deli<\/a> feels almost ethereal, set in the peaceful gardens of Nano Nagle Place and serving thoughtful, sustainably sourced dishes. <\/p>\n

Coffee and pastry\"HappyHappy Out, Bull Island <\/p>\n

Coffee and a pastry, or indeed tea and cake, is rarely a bad idea, especially when the sun is out. If you want a sea breeze in Dublin, Happy Out<\/a> has you covered on both sides of the bay. On the northside, cross the wooden bridge to Dollymount Strand, where a shipping-container cafe serves speciality coffee, pastries and more, with open-air deck seating. On the southside in D\u00fan Laoghaire, they\u2019ve taken over the beautifully restored baths building, with an elegant terrace looking straight out over Dublin Bay. <\/p>\n

Hugo\u2019s in Lahinch<\/a> is one of the country\u2019s best bakeries, busy every day serving locally roasted Anam Coffee, their much-loved pastel de nata and many impressive pastries. Delicious when eaten a short walk away at the surfers\u2019 hotspot, Lahinch beach. <\/p>\n

In Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, Jinny\u2019s Tea Rooms<\/a> has outdoor seating overlooking Acres Lake and the Blueway boardwalk. It\u2019s a good spot for a fresh scone or something sweet. In Borris, Co Carlow, the terrace outside the 100-year-old Joyce\u2019s Pub is a real find, especially when Pl\u00far Bakery<\/a> is there on Fridays and Saturdays with some of the best pastries around.<\/p>\n

Cocktails and champagne \"TheThe Ice House, Ballina, Co Mayo <\/p>\n

When you fancy something a little more polished in the sun, there is no shortage of places around Ireland, especially among the hotel terraces. The Rooftop Bar and Terrace at Anantara The Marker<\/a> in Dublin has wide panoramic views of the city, the sea and the Wicklow Mountains. Laid-back, loungey seating is perfect for enjoying their Mexican-inspired menu and an icy margarita.<\/p>\n

At The Leinster Hotel<\/a> on Mount Street, the upscale Jean-Georges restaurant has a wonderful sun trap terrace, always with plenty of champagne pouring. <\/p>\n

In Mayo, the terrace at The Ice House Hotel<\/a> has magnificent views over the River Moy. Knockranny House Hotel<\/a> in Westport has plenty of seating on its Garden Terrace, where cocktails come with views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. <\/p>\n

Tipperary\u2019s five-star Cashel Palace Hotel<\/a> has a beautiful terrace where you can order drinks from the bar while looking out towards the Rock of Cashel.<\/p>\n

Picnics and places to stock up<\/p>\n

Long before we had terraces and rooftop bars, there was the simple pleasure of a picnic \u2013 and really, picnicking hasn\u2019t lost any of its charm. There\u2019s something especially satisfying about finding a good bench or laying out a blanket with a view, particularly when you\u2019ve taken the time to gather something delicious along the way. <\/p>\n

The Wicklow Mountains, Ireland\u2019s largest national park, offer endless picnic options, with well-marked trails leading to countless scenic stopping points. A detour to Roundwood Stores<\/a> beforehand will set you up nicely with mammoth focaccia sandwiches, hearty salads and plenty more besides.<\/p>\n

Connemara National Park really delivers on wide-open magic and sweeping views. If you\u2019re en route, Sullivan\u2019s Country Grocer<\/a> in Oughterard is a perfect stop for picnic provisions, and on the other side, in Clifden, the aptly named Connemara Hamper<\/a> is the place to stock up.<\/p>\n

Further south, a drive around Slea Head in Kerry is almost a summer rite of passage, best tackled with a basket packed at Siopa U\u00ed L\u00faing in Ventry<\/a>, where you\u2019ll find made-to-order sandwiches and plenty of Irish artisan treats. In Limerick, weekends are made for the Milk Market<\/a>, where local producers have everything you need to build a fine spread before settling somewhere nearby along the Shannon. <\/p>\n

Pizza\"RathmullanRathmullan House, Co Donegal <\/p>\n

Pizza has firmly established itself as an Irish favourite over the past few decades, moving from import to something distinctly our own, often with local ingredients and very good results. Few do it better than Galway\u2019s The Dough Bros<\/a>, whose wood-fired slices can be enjoyed al fresco out the back of O\u2019Connell\u2019s on Eyre Square, which also happens to be one of the city\u2019s finest beer gardens. If you\u2019re on the move, their Lil\u2019 Bros\u2019 spot across the park is perfect for a quick grab-and-go to eat during a wander. <\/p>\n

Brees pub in Strandhil<\/a>l, Co Sligo, at the foothills of Knocknarea, is where you\u2019ll find the playfully named No Reservations Pizza, and a generous beer garden to eat it in. Further north, at Rathmullan House<\/a> in Donegal, the outdoor Pavilion keeps busy all summer with stone-baked sourdough pies you could even take to the beach. On the west Cork coast, Dunmore House<\/a>\u2019s Sea Terrace overlooking Clonakilty Bay serves Boatshed Pizza, which is made all the better by the Atlantic views.<\/p>\n

Dublin 8 is a strong spot for outdoor pies. Coke Lane Pizza<\/a> can be ordered out the back of Lucky\u2019s on Meath Street and at their sister pub, The Circular in Rialto, which has sunny streetside seating. Up the road in Inchicore, Rascals Brewery pairs craft beer with excellent slices and seats outside. South by the sea in D\u00fan Laoghaire, Oliveto at Haddington House<\/a> serves Italian-style pizza and cocktails in a big, gorgeous garden area overlooking Dublin Bay. <\/p>\n