Terrific Terraces - 10 of the Best

It’s been a strange year so far, weather-wise, but with no shortage of sunshine and – unusually for Ireland – real heat. Met Eireann may say it’s warm, but to most of us it’s hot and one of the best ways to deal with it is under a parasol while enjoying a drink or a leisurely meal. Here are a few of the many excellent places where you can do that – and for more favourite places to eat outdoors, see also our 10 of the Best for Al Fresco Dining 

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Connemara Co Galway
Enjoying one of Ireland's most beautiful riverside settings in the heart of Connemara and surrounded by woodland and gardens, this wonderful place is much loved for many reasons. Despite the impressive scale, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the comfort and friendliness combined with excellent food from our Chef of the Year, Danni Barry, and her team and a little quirkiness (plus an invigorating mixture of residents and locals in the bar at night), keeps bringing people back. Recent developments include redesigning the Walled Garden (well worth a visit) and opening the luxuriously furnished outdoor area overlooking the Owenmore River, The Terrace at Ballynahinch, to enjoy drinks or a leisurely lunch from a menu that celebrates local seafood and classic dishes. A summer counterbalance to the castle’s huge log fires in winter, it’s simply magic.

The Estate at Dromquinna
Kenmare Co Kerry
John and Gwen Brennan’s gorgeous waterside property Dromquinna Manor has entered a new phase of late. Their son Adam has joined the team and - with developments that have been quietly in train for some time (including more accommodation) coming to fruition and some very special ones just getting going - it’s an exciting time. Just opened this season is Shutters on the Pier, an atmospheric waterfront lounge and bar next door to the Boathouse Bistro, which is sure to become a favourite for locals as well as guests glamping, staying in the one of the stylishly converted buildings around the estate (The Potting Sheds; The Bolthole; Blackberry Lodge), or dining in the Boathouse Bistro - where Head Chef Mark Johnston never fails to delight guests with his simply delicious fare and Manager James Doyle ensures that everyone is happy. Featuring the work of Kenmare based artists and, of course, that wonderful view, Shutters is comfortable and relaxing – and there’s a full bar with a good wine list, cocktails and craft drinks from local producers to enjoy. A perfect chill out zone. Open daily 3-11pm.

The Station House Hotel
Kilmessan Co Meath
An old railway junction, converted by the Slattery family to make an hotel of charm and character with lovely gardens, this place is unique. It has always had a well earned reputation for good food and genuine hospitality - and, having been sensitively developed and refurbished in recent years, its fan base is growing. And there is much more to The Station House Hotel than the weddings for which they are rightly famed these days. The accommodation is charming and it makes an unusual base for exploring this fascinating area, but it’s only an hour from Dublin so it’s a lovely place for a day out too. Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea are among the treats that bring regulars back and two beautiful outdoor terraces tucked into a woodland garden - The Platform Terrace (covered and heated, reservations advised) and The Garden Terrace (uncovered, walk-ins only) - are perfect for enjoying Boyne Valley produce from their Med-inspired Bites Menu or their casual bar menu favourites. Just the spot for a summer outing.

The Shelbourne
Dublin
Famed for its bars, Afternoon Tea and sense of old-world luxury, the ‘Grande Dame of Dublin’ is still the heart and soul of the Georgian city. A magnificent recent restoration did not compromise its iconic charm - from uniformed doormen to sparkling chandeliers, the experience is unique.
The legendary Horseshoe Bar and larger No. 27 Bar & Lounge are Dublin institutions (and the snug newer ‘1824’ has now joined them), while The Saddle Room and Lord Mayor’s Lounge offer a choice of stylish dining options – joined each summer by The Terrace at The Shelbourne. Transformed into a lush green and pink secret garden in the heart of Dublin by Head florist Mary O'Reilly and her team, it offers a seasonal menu designed by Executive Chef Garry Hughes including oysters, caviar, seafood platters, cheese and cured meats, plus modern takes on classic desserts. In partnership with Wine Lab, wine on tap is also a special feature, along with sparkling wines and premium spirits. Open Wed-Sun 12.30 – 8pm.

BrookLodge & Macreddin Village
Co Wicklow
Evan Doyle and his brothers, Eoin and Bernard, built this extraordinary food, drink and leisure complex on the site of a deserted village in a Wicklow valley in 1999. Today, this spacious and welcoming ‘green’ hotel offers everything from sustainable conferences and events to a sumptuous spa and wonderful food. Famous for promoting organic and wild food, its main restaurant, The Strawberry Tree, was Ireland’s first (and only) certified organic restaurant and Chef Jeff Gillick and his talented team share the ethos throughout all of the dining areas, including their Italian restaurant La Taverna Armento, as well as Actons Country Pub and Orchard Café, The Waterside Lounge – and al fresco dining on The Verandah at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village. A gorgeous space to enjoy a taste of the region for lunch or dinner, or to linger over a nightcap in the heart of the scenic Wicklow countryside, this is a memorable spot – and a reminder of all the things that make life good.

Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare Co Kerry
Travellers from all over the world have found a home from home here since the hotel was built in 1897, by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company, as an overnight stop for passengers travelling to Parknasilla, 17 miles away. And today, even the most jaded traveller would have to agree that a stay at this renowned hotel is always a treat. Having re-opened the hotel in 1985, former owner, Francis “At Your Service” Brennan, made it a benchmark for exceptional standards of service and sumptuous comfort - a tradition proudly upheld by current owners Bryan and Tara Meehan, who took over this historic property in 2023 and immediately gave it a fresh new look by replacing the traditional paintings with their (ever growing) collection of striking modern artwork. Even in an area famous for outstanding food and hospitality, The Park stands out for its combination of luxury and soul, its celebration of art, culture and community, and its deep commitment to sustainability - including the ingredients that Head Chef James O'Sullivan transforms into beautiful yet un-showy meals that are full of seasonal flavours. And, throughout summer days, meals can be enjoyed on the stylish Outdoor Terrace, overlooking the hotel's 12 acres of gardens, towards Kenmare Bay and the mountains beyond… The Terrace opens from 7am for breakfast; lunch 11.30am-5:30pm; drinks until 9pm (weather permitting).

Anantara The Marker
Dublin
One of the first major buildings in the docklands developments that have transformed Dublin city in recent decades, this Manuel Aries Mateus designed hotel is settling into its modern classic role these days and - with the ever-changing city skyline to enjoy and the tantalising hills beyond - The Rooftop Bar & Terrace at Anantara The Marker Dublin is just the place for wining and dining in celebration of summer. Perched high above Grand Canal Square, it combines an elegant indoor lounge zone and smart outdoor terraces featuring a fire pit. Its famed 360° views take in the cityscape, over the iconic Poolbeg chimneys, the Aviva Stadium, and, on clear days, as far as Dún Laoghaire and the Wicklow Mountains. Here, in trademark style, an adventurous menu from Executive Chef Gareth Mullins fuses bold Thai and Asian flavours with fine Irish ingredients - matched by an equally thoughtful cocktail list by head bartender Antonio Perez, alongside a full drinks menu. Open Wednesday to Sunday (weather permitting); hours vary.

The River Lee Hotel
Cork
Few hotels can match The River Lee when it comes to making the most of an attractive but deceptively small riverside site. Built in 2006 to replace the old Jurys Hotel, it retained its appeal as a business hotel and imaginative marketing has built up a leisure following of guests who love the convenience (underground parking is a big bonus), good design, friendly well trained staff and locally focused food. And each summer The River Club restaurant/ bar and The Terrace reinvents itself with themed seasonal décor that’s the talk of the town. Created with Fox Flowers, this season’s Cork in Bloom theme is “an ode to the quintessential florals found growing wild in the West Cork countryside, turning this riverside spot into an idyllic Irish country garden”. Weather-friendly, The Terrace can be transformed into an open air oasis or fully heated and covered summer hideaway and this year, in partnership with The Boatyard Distillery of Fermanagh fame, there’s not only good food - Mediterranean inspired small plates for example, and a local English Market tasting board - but also a new drinks menu exclusive to the Cork in Bloom Terrace, making it the place to try the classic Boatyard Martini, refreshing Fuchsia Fizz and Crocosmo featuring their Double Gin and Vodka… Open daily,11am-late.

Sheen Falls Lodge
Kenmare Co Kerry
Known for its gently modern ambience, this under-statedly luxurious hotel opened in 1991 and has a well-earned reputation as a place that becomes a home from home for each new guest, thanks to the caring staff. The waterside location is beautiful, and welcoming fires always burn in the handsome foyer and in several of the spacious, elegantly furnished reception rooms, including the riverside Sheen Lounge (with terrace). Always known for its food – notably in The Falls restaurant, which is designed in tiers to take full advantage of the tumbling waterfall – the dining options include a chic new casual dining destination The Stables Brasserie & Bar at Sheen Falls Lodge. Set in former stables that have been stylishly converted to create an elegant restaurant and bar, it’s equally appealing for a casual get together or a special occasion – and has a wonderful dining terrace that is well worth seeking out. Also relatively new to the Sheen Falls collection is the nearby Nua Vista at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club, which has an extensive terrace with views across Kenmare Bay and the magnificent McGillycuddy Reeks…

Murph's Gastro-Pub at the Derragarra Inn
Butlersbridge Co Cavan
Famed for its rustic charm, the Derragarra Inn is a delightful spot north of Cavan town and really useful to know about when travelling. It has always had a great reputation - and never better than in the current ownership of chef Fergus Murphy and his wife Susan, who established the popular Murph’s Bistro nearby at Cootehill in 2006, and later moved it to this much-loved venue. Menus are a good match for the scenic setting, offering a mix of traditional crowd pleasers, notably great steaks, and less usual dishes - all showcasing the best local and Irish produce. With an open fire in the bar for chilly days and a large covered riverside terrace for outdoor dining, it’s a welcoming place and full of atmosphere. One for the Sat-Nav!