With Ireland’s unpredictable weather, finding the perfect spot for outdoor dining can feel like chasing a rainbow.
But when the sun shines, there’s nothing quite like savoring a meal al fresco, surrounded by Ireland’s stunning landscapes or vibrant cityscapes.
From coastal seafood havens to charming countryside terraces, these 10 restaurants offer exceptional outdoor dining experiences that make the most of Ireland’s charm, whatever the weather.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, farm-to-table dishes, or innovative cuisine, these spots deliver unforgettable meals with a side of scenic beauty. Read on to discover the best places to dine outdoors in Ireland.
1. Farmgate Lismore – Lismore, Co Waterford
Location: 17 Main Street, Lismore, Co Waterford | Contact: 087-8656231 | Website: farmgate.ie
Nestled in the historic town of Lismore, Farmgate occupies the beautifully restored O’Brien’s Pub building, once home to The Chop House. This elegant dining room boasts a long counter for walk-ins and a cozy back room, but the real gem is its 18-seat garden terrace. While it’s uncovered and unheated, the terrace is a delightful spot for sunny days, offering a serene setting to enjoy dishes crafted from local, seasonal ingredients. Expect comforting classics like seafood chowder, crispy deep-fried calamari, or pan-fried halibut with a luxurious leek and mussel sauce. The duck leg confit with spring onion champ and buttered carrots is a standout, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality Irish produce. Perfect for a relaxed meal in the heart of Waterford.
2. Fisk – Downings, Co Donegal
Location: The Harbour Bar, Downings, Co Donegal | Website: fiskseafoodbar.com
Perched on the rugged Donegal coast, Fisk at The Harbour Bar is a seafood lover’s paradise. When the sun is out, its outdoor seating area offers unparalleled views and an unbeatable atmosphere. Chef Tony Davidson elevates seaside dining with creative dishes like gochujang-glazed trout, prawn cocktail stuffed into buttery brioche rolls, and a spicy Bloody Mary topped with an oyster and shrimp. Surprisingly, Davidson also shines with Mexican-inspired flavors, adding a unique twist to the menu. Pair your meal with a cold drink, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect coastal dining experience. Fisk’s vibrant, flavorful dishes and stunning location make it a must-visit for outdoor dining enthusiasts.
3. Grangecon Kitchen – Grangecon, Co Wicklow
Location: Main Street, Grangecon, Co Wicklow | Contact: 087-7478863 | Website: grangeconkitchen.ie
Grangecon Kitchen redefines outdoor dining with its 80-seat yurt-style tent, a heated haven that ensures comfort even on cooler days. Chef Rose O’Toole, with her impressive pedigree from Misunderstood Heron and Aimsir, brings bold flavors to the table. The Green Egg barbecue is the star, chargrilling asparagus for brunch or slow-cooking meats for hearty sandwiches. Highlights include Irish crab with smoked black pudding benedict, Doyle’s sausage brunch burger, and house-made sourdough with romesco. On summer weekends, the wood-fired oven churns out delectable pizzas, while Sunday pop-ups feature a set menu (€45-€55) celebrating local Wicklow produce. This is al fresco dining with a touch of rustic elegance.
4. Helen’s Bar – Kilmackilogue, Co Kerry
Location: Kilmackilogue, Co Kerry | Contact: 064-6683104
Tucked away in Co Kerry, Helen’s Bar is worth the journey for its breathtaking views over Kenmare Bay, with boats bobbing in the foreground and mountains rising in the distance. The outdoor tables are perfectly positioned to soak in this scenic splendor. The menu is straightforward yet sublime, focusing on fresh seafood like bowls of plump mussels, succulent crab claws, and fish pulled straight from the bay. The relaxed vibe and friendly service make it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal. If you’re looking for a quintessential Irish coastal dining experience, Helen’s Bar delivers in spades.
5. King Sitric Seafood Bar – Howth, Co Dublin
Location: East Pier, Howth, Co Dublin | Contact: 01-8325235 | Website: kingsitric.ie
Located on Howth’s picturesque East Pier, King Sitric Seafood Bar is a seafood institution with a heated terrace and three charming beach huts that make outdoor dining a year-round possibility. The menu is a celebration of Ireland’s coastal bounty, featuring grilled lobster with garlic butter, wild Irish fish and chips, and mussels in a creamy garlic and white wine sauce. Don’t miss the crab claws from the Atlantic Freedom, served in a decadent garlic butter, or the “smokies” – wild Irish smoked ling baked with crème fraîche. With its stunning sea views and reliable outdoor setup, King Sitric is a top choice for seafood lovers.
6. Oifig an Fish – Clifden, Co Galway
Location: Main Street, Clifden, Co Galway | Contact: 085-7122717 | Instagram: instagram.com/oifiganfish
Housed in Clifden’s former post office, Oifig an Fish is a seafood gem run by Michael and Hannah Nagle. The outdoor seating area, equipped with heaters and cozy blankets, ensures comfort in any weather. The menu is concise yet packed with flavor: think fish and chips (€21), half lobster with chips (€28), mussels with sourdough (€15), and crab claws (€16). Daily specials like mackerel with apple and cucumber add variety, while the live-fire konro grill infuses dishes with a smoky depth. Larger groups can book a two-set menu (€30-€65), making this a versatile spot for casual or celebratory meals in the heart of Connemara.
7. POTA – Baile na hAbhann, Co Galway
Location: An Tulach, Baile na hAbhann, Co na Gallimhe | Contact: 085-7566963 | Website: pota.ie
POTA, led by Diarmuid Ó Mathúna, is a daytime dining destination that shines with its 40-seat garden, half of which is covered for weather protection. Powered by 22 solar panels, this eco-conscious spot serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Standout dishes include deep-fried Ros an Mhíl haddock tacos, Aran Islands crab salad with Velvet Cloud yoghurt, and a toastie with Feeney’s pulled bacon collar. House-made condiments like honey mustard mayo and berry compote elevate the experience. POTA’s commitment to sustainability and flavor makes it a standout for outdoor dining in Galway.
8. September – Blackrock, Co Dublin
Location: 3 Bath Place, Blackrock, Co Dublin | Contact: 086-0507591 | Website: septemberdublin.com
September in Blackrock offers a versatile dining experience, casual by day with small plates and sandwiches, and more refined at night with a six-course tasting menu (€64). Chef James Strathern, formerly of Dede and Orwell Road, crafts dishes like cod and nduja arancini, red mullet crudo, and wild garlic gnocchi. The sea-view heated deck, with 12 uncovered seats, is perfect for soaking in Dublin’s coastal charm. With DJ nights and summer events on the horizon, September is a vibrant addition to Ireland’s outdoor dining scene.
9. Tang – Dublin City
Location: 2 Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin | Contact: 01-5310661 | Website: tang.ie
Tang, led by chef Keith Coleman, is a Dublin favorite for casual yet sophisticated dining. The sheltered 42-seat garden is a thoughtfully designed oasis, ideal for enjoying dishes like roast Iona Farm carrots with labneh and chermoula, or free-range chicken thigh with tzatziki and hot honey. The evening menu, available Thursday to Saturday, showcases Coleman’s flair for bold, fresh flavors. With a new bakery and test kitchen in the works, Tang continues to push the boundaries of outdoor dining in the city.
10. The Coach House – Roundwood, Co Wicklow
Location: Main Street, Roundwood, Co Wicklow | Contact: 01-23360106 | Website: thecoachhouse.ie
Housed in a restored 1820s coach house, The Coach House in Roundwood is a culinary destination led by chef Ciaran Kiely. Cooking over a bespoke ember pit, Kiely sources ingredients from Ballincarey Organic Farm, An Tairseach, and Higgins butchers. The menu ranges from Sheelagh’s beetroot with St Tola’s goat’s cheese to Kilmore Quay monkfish and a Wagyu cheeseburger. The 40-seat terrace, with half covered and equipped with heaters and a wood stove, offers a cozy yet elegant outdoor dining experience. Thursday’s neighborhood menu (two or three courses) is a local favorite.
Why Outdoor Dining in Ireland is Special
Ireland’s outdoor dining scene is a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, innovative cuisine, and warm hospitality. From the rugged cliffs of Donegal to the serene bays of Kerry, these restaurants showcase the best of Irish ingredients and landscapes. Whether you’re dining under a heated yurt, on a sea-view deck, or in a sunlit garden, each location offers a distinct experience that celebrates Ireland’s culinary and cultural heritage. So, the next time the sun peeks out, head to one of these exceptional spots for a meal that’s as memorable as the setting.
Have a favorite outdoor dining spot in Ireland? Share your recommendations in the comments below, and let us know which of these restaurants you’re excited to try!
Explore More: For more dining inspiration, check out our guides to Ireland’s best seafood restaurants or cozy winter dining spots.
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