We all know an “outdoor summer” in Ireland is always at risk of being rained off, and that it would be a lovely little country if we could only roof it. Keeping this in mind when planning a staycation is probably a wise idea, and when it comes to city breaks, Limerick seems to have outdoor summer dining figured out.
Limerick city has no shortage of casual dining gems with not just functional but stylish outdoor terraces, in many cases heated and covered, to ensure you can keep the holiday vibe going whatever the weather.
Limerick city would make the perfect trip away with friends or add-on to your break on the Wild Atlantic Way with plenty to see and do, but most importantly for us, great places to eat and drink in style. Many also welcome walk-ins so you don’t have to be super organised, just turn up hungry and cocktail ready.
Braw at People’s Museum Limerick
The second you arrive in Limerick, a trip to the Braw pop-up at the beautiful People’s Museum is needed for the sweetest of treats in a beautiful walled garden setting. There is nothing on Braw’s Insta feed that will fail to make you hungry, so go and indulge in handmade chocolate, crave-worthy cakes and pastry par excellence, with everything from lemon loaf smeared with torched meringue to dark chocolate and bee pollen croissants on the ever-changing menu.
House Limerick
The little sister of House on Leeson Street, this Howley Quay spot has long been the destination of choice for a stylish (maybe even bottomless!) brunch and casual all day dining with cracking cocktails. With plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the River Shannon, House is one to book well in advance for a delicious day on the town in Limerick city.
The Buttery
Another all day dining gem, The Buttery’s lovely outdoor dining area on Bedford Row is understandably packed most weekends. While their lunch and early dinner offering sounds delicious, it is their brunch that has the masses lining up to enjoy stacks of buttermilk pancakes including the “Oh Lordy” topped with fried chicken, maple drenched doorstep French toast, pitchers of Sangria and *truffle fries with black pudding crumb*. Need I say more. This is one worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
Tuscany Bistro
If you fancy an Italian feast complete with Aperol Spritz sundowners and an antipasti board for your aperativo, Tuscany Bistro is a short taxi trip away in Castletroy. There’s something for everyone with pizza, hearty pasta dishes like traditional lasagne or cannelloni with Cashel blue and walnut sauce and of course, cocktails galore.
The Spitjack
With so many places needing bookings well in advance, its great to have a walk-in only option up your sleeve. The Spitjack is just that, with a covered outdoor seating area on Bedford Row, so you’re good to go rain or shine. As the name suggests, it is all about slow roasted meaty treats at Spitjack, and their signature rotisserie porchetta is a frequent sell out with good reason. Start proceedings with a shared rotisserie melted camembert with Rebel Chilli raspberry jalapeño relish and pulled chicken croquettes and you have the makings of a seriously memorable meal.
The Garden and Terrace, No.1 Pery Square Hotel
No.1 Pery is a top choice for a luxurious, Blue Book approved overnight escape to Limerick city, but non-residents can also enjoy a fabulous dining experience in the Garden and Georgian Terrace. Chef Keith Piggot’s Summer lunch and dinner menus are provenance driven, with incredible local Irish produce taking centre stage in dishes like Andarl Farm pork belly with barley & Ballyhoura mushroom risotto and Rigney’s black pudding empanada.
The Cornstore
Just like their sister restaurant in Cork city, the Cornstore Limerick has transformed into an outdoor dining venue with real character, from plush, powder pink armchairs and marble tables in the heated terrace to an entire festival-feel beer garden jutting out on to Thomas Street. Seared fillet beef churros with tobacco onions, cauliflower wings and molten cookie pan desserts make the Cornstore a solid choice for lunch or dinner in Limerick city.
The Milk Market
If you want a real taste of Limerick, the Milk Market is an absolute must for breakfast or lunch. A city institution at the stage, the Milk Market has adapted well with plenty of covered outdoor seating and an Outdoor Café theme on Fridays.
Green Acres is your go-to for a divine grazing board packed with Irish cheese and dips or a doughnut to go with an iced hot chocolate or great coffee from Harper’s. You can’t leave without visiting Peter Ward’s Country Choice, a larder of all things artisan and delicious to bring home, but definitely pick up a breakfast bap from their grill bar to enjoy first.
The Curragower
Another great option on the banks of the Shannon, the Curragower Gastropub has just launched a new menu to be enjoyed outdoors with a lovely view of the water. Expect locally sourced seafood dishes and fish specials as well as Pat O’Connor’s burgers, fully loaded fries and plenty of classics to suit all tastes.
101 Limerick
One place that has outdoor glam absolutely nailed with a super Instagrammable, colourful carnival feel is 101 Limerick on O’Connell Street. The decor alone will get you in the door (plus they take walk-ins) but you’ll want to stay for a feast of Maggie Choos favourites like a spice bag topped with both fried chicken and wings or “The Hambo”, an oozing cheese toastie loaded with thick cut Limerick ham. Be warned, their Speakeasy style cocktail list is packed with delicious sounding concoctions and could be dangerous.
WRITTEN BY DARINA COFFEY
