Ireland has been blessed with good weather the past few weeks, leading people to find their nearest beer garden or terrace for a cold drink in the sun.
If you, like most of us, have been enjoying a glass of wine in the local since the sun first started beaming, but want to find somewhere new for a change of scenery, look no further.
There are so many stunning terraces located not only in Dublin, but around Ireland to help broaden your horizons when it comes to getting out and about for a drink.
We’ve gathered together a few of the most idyllic terraces in Ireland that are a must-try on your summer travels this year.
Sanctuary at The River Club
The River Club, located in county Cork, has transformed its terrace into a beautiful floral oasis of tranquillity making it the perfect summer Sanctuary.
The restaurant partnered with Cork’s seminal florist, Fox Flowers, to bring the new riverside terrace alive as it sits beside the River Lee, creating a serene and unique atmosphere.
The River Club offers cocktails priced from €10 to €14. €1 from each cocktail going to the Green Spaces for Health Togher Community Garden project.
The Champagne Terrace at The Shelbourne
The Terrace at Dublin’s famed Shelbourne Hotel has transformed into The Champagne Terrace by Moët & Chandon this summer and will keep its doors open until September.
The relaxed little plaza is decorated with a pretty floral installation and offers fine Champagnes from Moët & Chandon, along with a selection of elegant Champagne cocktails.
Alongside a fabulous selection of Champagnes, head chef Garry Hughes has designed a seafood-focused menu to complement and enhance the drinks.
Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Westport
Knockranny House Hotel has an outdoor Garden Terrace which overlooks the Clew Bay Islands and offers stunning views of the charming Westport town, shadowed by Croagh Patrick.
The Garden Terrace is open to both the public and hotel guests, with no need for a reservation, making it the perfect place for an ‘al fresco’ catch-up with family and friends.
Why not treat yourself to one of The Brehon Bar’s classic cocktails while sitting in the sun soaking up the views and having the chats while the sun goes down?
Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen, West Cork
Liss Ard Estate sits on 163 acres of ancient woodland and features a pristine 40-acre private lake, making it one of the most picturesque estates in Ireland.
The estate is newly renovated and now includes an outdoor terrace that overlooks the manicured gardens, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet lunch in the fresh air.
Liss Ard also features a highly awarded Garden restaurant for those not as keen on outdoor dining but may want to head outside for a drink after a delicious meal.
The Terrace at Seven at The Heritage, County Laois
The Terrace at Seven is a spacious outdoor dining area which is located at The Heritage Hotel in Portarlington, County Laois.
The four-star hotel terrace serves lunch and dinner from the in-house restaurant, Seven Bar, and offers scenic green views of the championship golf course.
The building is open from all sides, giving an open-air atmosphere, but features a retractable roof for optimal sunshine whenever the sun decides to peak out.
Earth & Vine Patio at Castleknock Hotel, Dublin
The popular Castleknock Hotel will see even more visitors when word gets out about the stunning transformation that has taken over the Earth & Vine Patio.
The hotel’s new terrace is a sun-filled plaza that overlooks rolling green fields and offers views of the golf course, welcoming both members of the public and hotel guests.
The patio offers a weather-proof dining experience no matter the season, with a retractable roof to allow glorious sunshine as well as shade, and built-in heaters to provide warmth and protection from the elements.
The Sea Terrace at Dunmore House, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Dunmore House is a family-run hotel located in Cork’s beauty spot Clonakilty and is known as one of the best dining options in the country.
The hotel’s terrace sits on the coast and overlooks Clonakilty Bay, offering incredible views of the Atlantic while you enjoy a drink or tuck into one of the many plates of food that the hotel offers.
As you sit on the bay, the menu reflects your location, with all produce locally sourced, with fish from Union Hall and greens from the Ocean Garden at Dunmore, you’ll never want to turn your back on the views to leave.
Nóin at The Twelve, Galway
Nóin at The Twelve is a stylish, colourful terrace that embodies the quirky character that The Twelve is famous for.
The dog-friendly terrace offers an exceptional wine list and cocktail menu until 9pm, perfect for those who want to pop in for a quick drink before heading home again.
With food served all day from The Pins Gastrobar, the lively terrace offers a fun atmosphere for anyone wishing for a quiet drink or bite to eat in Galway’s eccentric city.
Ice House Hotel, Ballina, Co Mayo
The award-winning boutique hotel located in Ballina, Co Mayo, features an open-air terrace overlooking the River Moy and acres of woodlands beyond.
The picturesque spot is the perfect place to spend a lazy getaway with friends or a special partner, whether it’s in the height of summer or the depths of winter, as the Ice House caters to all seasons.
With a menu that incorporates local Mayo cuisine and as well as an exciting cocktail list, there’s plenty to choose from as you sit and watch the river flow past in the most serene location.