Outdoor Dining in a Fairytale Woodland Setting at The Station House Hotel
This summer, soak up outdoor dining at The Station House Hotel, where two dreamy terraces, The Platform Terrace and The Garden Terrace, serve up vibrant flavours, warm service, and a serious dose of charm. Tucked into a magical woodland garden less than an hour from Dublin, it’s a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale.
The Platform Terrace brings a touch of the Med to Meath, with blue-and-white details, cosy seating, and all-weather cover, perfect for long lunches, date nights, and cocktails that turn into stories. Just next door, the Garden Terrace is a Moroccan-inspired escape, made for sipping, snacking, and a few Insta-worthy moments.
Surrounded by lush, beautifully designed gardens, the setting blends natural beauty with rich Irish heritage. The bites menu is packed with Boyne Valley produce and Mediterranean flair, from house-made dips and charcuterie to baked Cooleeney cheese, alongside casual favourites like burgers, seafood curry, and mussels. Add a cocktail, a spritz, or a chilled rosé, and you’re all set.
Set in the village of Kilmessan, this family-run boutique hideaway is all about relaxed luxury, whether you’re stopping by for a drink or settling in for the weekend.
Brooklodge and Macreddin Village
Alfresco dining on the boardwalk at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village – a gorgeous space to enjoy lunch, dinner, or a night cap in the heart of the scenic Wicklow countryside.
Renowned as Ireland’s first and only certified organic restaurant, at The Strawberry Tree every ingredient is either organic or wild, ensuring the purest and most natural flavours of the season are brought to the table.
Chef Jeff Gillick and his talented team are making the most of the rich bounty of nature at this time of year with dishes crafted from wild foraged foods, house-made preserves, and organic ingredients sourced locally. Their seasonal menu is a love letter to the time of year, with flavours in food that celebrates the best of Ireland’s organic and wild larder. Whether you’re savouring the earthy tastes of wild mushrooms, enjoying freshly smoked salmon from Macreddin’s own smokehouse, or indulging in a dessert made from handpicked wild berries, each dish tells the story of The Strawberry Tree and BrookLodge’s deep connection with nature and sustainable food production.
Celebrate Outdoors at Clontarf Castle Hotel
Enjoy champagne receptions, al fresco dining, and nighttime celebrations at the Clontarf Castle Hotel’s Indigo Lounge outdoor terrace. Whether you’re raising a glass under the stars or soaking up the afternoon sun, the terrace offers a truly magical setting for every occasion.
Perfectly located in leafy Clontarf, moments away from the scenic Clontarf promenade and just two miles from Dublin city centre, Clontarf Castle Hotel is the perfect destination to spend a balmy summer afternoon dining al fresco.
Ideal for intimate gatherings, celebratory dinners, and everything in between, Clontarf Castle invites guests to unwind and savour the light sea breeze on the terrace. From leisurely weekend lunches to lively evening receptions, the outdoor space sets the scene for unforgettable moments shared with family, friends, and colleagues alike.
For more information visit www.clontarfcastle.ie
Travelodge PLUS… a great hidden terrace in the city for street art lovers
Did you know that Travelodge PLUS Dublin City Centre offers much more than pocket friendly accommodation in the heart of the capital? Located on the corner of Moss Street and Townsend Street in Dublin 2, a few minutes walk from Trinity College, step inside and you’ll find a relaxed city escape on the ground floor of the hotel which is home to a heated outdoor terrace – the perfect place to enjoy a morning brew while you catch up on work, to graze on the all day dining menu or to linger over drinks as the evening light settles over Dublin City. Street art lovers will also be impressed with the dramatic mural painted by Irish artist Shane Sutton which towers over the hotel’s heated terrace, depicting a 19th-century diver, paying homage to the hotel’s central location in the historic Dublin docklands.
Whether meeting friends, colleagues or enjoying a quiet breather to yourself, it’s a versatile space for every moment of the day.
The Terrace at Travelodge PLUS is also available for private hire, offering an outdoor setting that is truly one of a kind. Bringing art and hospitality together, it provides the perfect backdrop for special events, celebrations, and summer parties. For more information please visit www.travelodge.ie.
Transport your tastebuds to the Mediterranean this summer at Volpe Nera’s outdoor terrace
Embrace the flavours of the Mediterranean this summer at Volpe Nera with a table outside on their terrace, the perfect setting for long, sun-soaked lunches and balmy evening dinners.Barry Sun’s luxe but cosy neighbourhood restaurant Volpe Nera translates as black fox — its slightly tongue in cheek take on the premises being halfway between Blackrock and Foxrock, but also a nod to the Mediterranean influence on the snacks, small plates, sharing platters and menus for which the restaurant has become renowned.
At the helm is Head Chef and owner Barry Sun, whose carefully curated menu is rooted in seasonality and local Irish produce. Each bite is designed to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched regions of southern Spain and Italy, while also featuring subtle nods to Chef Patron Barry Sun’s Chinese roots. Expect dishes such as chargrilled asparagus with manchego and hazelnut, oysters, and lemon and ricotta agnolotti.
Volpe Nera’s terrace offers a true taste of Mediterranean escapism, with no passport required. www.volpenera.ie
Savour the summer views on the terrace at Ballynahinch Castle
Tucked into a bend of its own river and framed by acres of woodland and gardens, Ballynahinch Castle offers one of Ireland’s most breathtaking settings. Sheltered yet open to the fresh Connemara air, the terrace is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.
From Connemara oysters to whole native lobsters, the terrace menu celebrates the finest flavours of the season and the sea.
Surrounded by birdsong, sweeping river views, and the timeless calm of the castle grounds, dining on the terrace at Ballynahinch Castle is nothing short of an exceptional experience.
The Terrace at Ballynahinch is open daily with lunch served from 12.30pm to 4pm. To book, call +353 95 31006 or visit www.ballynahinchcastle.com