I would class myself as outdoorsy, insofar as I absolutely adore a good terrace for al fresco drinks and dining. I know I’m not alone in this. As soon as the sun decides to make an appearance in Dublin town, it is near impossible to resist the urge to drop all plans and set up camp on one of the many fabulous terraces dotted around the city to catch some rays, sip something delicious and graze, forgetting temporarily the inclement weather we are usually blessed with here.
For just these rare and wonderful occasions, we’ve listed the best terraces in Dublin for sunny day drinks and dining. Whether it’s a day for bubbles, rosé or cocktails, paired with seafood, cheese or charcuterie, these spots are the perfect places to soak up summer vibes in style.
The Champagne Terrace at The Shelbourne
An obvious choice for a little bit of luxury in the city centre, The Shelbourne is all the more tempting during the summer months, when the stunning Laurent-Perrier Champagne Terrace comes into full bloom. Think five star flower-walled opulence (yes of course, The Shelbourne has an in-house florist), bubbles, caviar and their famous Dublin Lawyer as standard, a suitably decadent choice of an afternoon. Take a gamble on the weather front and book ahead to avoid the devastation of missing out on this lavish spot on a sunny day.
The Terrace at Cellar 22
While rooftops terraces are all the rage (check out our top picks here), I am also a fan of descending the stairs to Cellar 22 to their cosy little Veuve Cliquot courtyard terrace. In addition to Veuve, you’ll find Bollinger by the glass (dreams) and one of our favourite Provence rosés, Chateau Minuty, by the bottle here, along with mostly every other vino your heart could desire of a summer’s day. Pair with one of their near legendary house-made charcuterie boards (their deep fried crackers and rillettes should bear an addiction warning) and smugly sip the afternoon away just off St Stephen’s Green.
Anantara The Marker Rooftop Terrace
But speaking of rooftops, if I had to pick one to see out every sunny Dublin evening for the rest of time, it would be the rooftop at Anantara The Marker. Ayala Brut and Bollinger on ice and a cocktail line up worth writing home about complement a fabulous revamped summer menu from the flavour guru that is Gareth Mullins. Expect a menu with a whole section dedicated to grazing boards, with posh picky bits like “truffalo” chicken wings and smoked black pudding sausage rolls. Perfection before you even cast an eye over the panoramic views, from the coast to the Dublin mountains.
The Garden Terrace at The Merrion
The Merrion needs no introduction and never fails to feel like a treat, and never more so than on a sunny afternoon, luxuriating in the Garden Terrace. Henriot is the Champagne order of the day here, but it is also worth noting that The Merrion pours its very own lemon infused gin for the perfect summer G&T. Ed Cooney’s Petit Plateau is a seafood lover’s dream, with Kelly oysters, jumbo tiger prawns, crab, caviar and homemade potato crisps. The return of the Garden Room Picnic feast, with an array of tempting sweets and savouries, also heralds the arrival of summer in the most decadent way possible. Grab one of the luxurious cabanas and contemplate never leaving.
The Champagne Terrace at FIRE
FIRE is bringing the heat this summer with a stylish Laurent-Perrier Champagne Terrace we can’t wait to pitch up at, in the heart of the city on Dawson Street, prime real estate for people watching, feasting and toasting. Trust Culinary Director Richie Wilson to have some delicious tricks up his sleeve, with a Champagne Elevation menu of perfect pairings for a super glam summer afternoon, from DK Connemara oysters with pear and raspberry salsa, perfectly paired with Laurent-Perrier Brut Vintage 2015, to FIRE’s strawberries and champagne dessert, with luscious vanilla clotted cream and a Champagne sabayon.
The Garden Terrace at The Intercontinental
Dublin’s urban resort with lush, perfectly preened gardens, The Intercontinental feels like an indulgent escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, perched in leafy Ballsbridge. The Garden Terrace here is an opulent haven and Alberto Rossi’s new menu of Mediterranean summer bites makes for delicious reading. Think vibrant, seasonal fare like Burrata with Broad Bean Pesto, Preserved Lemon, White Asparagus and Artichokes, perfectly paired with a tot of Perrier-Jouet. The Garden Terrace offers all day dining well into the evening, so plan a leisurely “linner” (late lunch, early dinner) and luxuriate until sun down.
The Terrace at WILDE at The Westbury
Admittedly, the Terrace at WILDE isn’t quite outdoors, but it merits inclusion as it has been decked out with a stunning arrangement of blooms in shades of lavender and lilac for the summer, making it feel positively Provence-esque and floral. With Chateau Minuty rosé flights, opulent seafood towers and caviar platters, plus views of Grafton Street, you don’t need the weather to cooperate to have a fabulous summer afternoon in this gem at the always wonderful Westbury.
The Terrace at The Conrad
Newly refurbished in collaboration with Irish artist Ciara O’Neill, The Terrace at The Conrad has undergone quite the colourful makeover and is a particularly solid spot for post-work sunny day drinks and dining, surrounded as it is by offices, including my own. A big shout out to The Conrad for being not only dog friendly, but beyond welcoming to pups of all sizes, indoors and out. This means there’s a good chance you’ll be sharing this prime cocktail-sipping space with sunbathing hounds, which is always a good thing. As is a mega sharing platter of charcuterie served with truffle fries, which you can also bank on here.
The Champagne Terrace at The Dylan
Another five star terrace, another Champagne takeover, and we’re not one bit mad about it. The ever-chic Dylan Hotel is home to the Nurserie terrace, which has been transformed into the inviting navy-hued, nearly nautical Pommery Champagne Terrace for the summer months. Expect little touches of luxury with Carlingford oysters, Royal Oscietra Caviar, charcuterie and cheese plates galore to pair with an array of Pommery vintages in this stylish Baggot Street spot.
The Terrace at Urban Brewing
One of the buzziest casual spots in the city on a sunny day with good reason, Urban Brewing’s Terrace and recently revamped tapas brunch is a fantastic shout when the weather is behaving. Pair said sharing brunch (sweetcorn ribs with ras el hanout and red wine braised chorizo please) with an extensive and tempting drinks offering, and you are all set. With everything from Irish mythology inspired cocktails to Prosecco Sangria to a fabulous Crémant de Limoux, a boozy summer’s afternoon here feels like a very chill little sunny day out indeed.
Written by Darina Coffey
