Al Fresco Dublin: 8 Food and Drink Spots to Bask in the Summer Sun

With summer making more frequent appearances in Dublin’s ‘four seasons in a day’, it’s time to take your lunch (and language study!) outdoors. Luckily, the city is packed with places to make the most of the sunny afternoons and mild evenings, from floating bars to hidden gardens.

Here are 8 of the best spots to eat and drink al fresco this month 🌅

MV Cill Airne🚢

Possibly Dublin’s most unique bar and restaurant, the MV Cill Airne is a former tender ship now permanently docked in the Docklands. These days, it serves as a floating bar where you can sip an Aperol Spritz on deck while watching the water drift by.

Bar 1661🍸

Winner of Ireland’s 2025 Bar of the Year, Bar 1661 is a stylish cocktail spot perfect for those long summer evenings. Don’t miss the Belfast Coffee, a modern twist on Irish coffee made with cold brew, cream, nutmeg, and poitín, a traditional Irish spirit.

Bruxelles🍻

Bruxelles is a historic, cosmopolitan pub with a pretty terrace perfect for people watching in Dublin’s busy shopping district. Stop by for brunch, or try classic Irish dishes like bacon and cabbage, a traditional Sunday dinner.

Fun fact: Bruxelles has proud roots in Dublin’s music scene, having hosted bands like Thin Lizzy and Skid Row back in the day.

The Commons at MoLI📚

Hidden in Dublin’s Museum of Literature, The Commons Café is a lovely retreat from the city, with homemade pastries and cakes, hearty brunch dishes, and relaxed outdoor seating that spills out into the museum gardens. Try the Breakfast Blaa, a doughy bread roll filled with bacon, sausage, black pudding, and relish.

Doom Slice 🍕

This summer let’s hope for less gloom and more Doom. For something more casual, Doom Slice serves up Detroit-style pizza with a range of mouthwatering dips, from hot honey to jalapeno. Grab a seat outside and try their popular meal deal – two slices, a dip, and a drink – for a laidback lunch in the sun.

Saba’s Secret Garden🌿

A magical garden with a modern twist. With colourful wall art, fairy lights, and funky décor, Saba’s Secret Garden is a great spot for Thai food and cocktails outdoors. And of course – because Irish summer isn’t always hot – there are heaters on standby for late-night chills.

Tang 🥗

If sitting outside wasn’t refreshing enough, refresh your palate at Dublin’s iconic mini veggie chain. With tonnes of Middle Eastern-inspired salad bowls and brunches, it’s the place to fuel up on veggies and sunshine.

Vintage Cocktail Club✨

Hidden behind a discreet black door in Temple Bar, the Vintage Cocktail Club is a speakeasy-style bar with a hidden rooftop terrace. Ring the bell and step inside for an extensive menu of cocktails inspired by different eras, from the early 1400s all the way to the 1990s.

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