The best outdoor perches for a drink this summer, according to team IMAGE
Sun soaked beer gardens, pedestrianised streets or sun dappled patios — the IMAGE staffers are weighing in on the best spots for a drink al fresco this summer.
Megan Burns, Editor, IMAGE Interiors; Managing Editor, IMAGE Magazine
If it’s a sunny evening, my favourite place to head is Adega wine bar in Waterford. Their outdoor tables sit in cathedral square, a gorgeous historical part of the city, and it’s the perfect chilled out spot to enjoy their excellent wine selection – my drink of choice is usually an orange wine. For an extra treat, I might even order some cheese and olives to snack on too.
Sarah Gill, Features Editor, IMAGE.ie
Honestly, it doesn’t even need to be sunny for Holly and I to claim our perch outside l’Gueuleton, but it certainly helps. Spicy margarita or the palest of pale rosé, it is the perfect punctuation mark to a busy office day in Dublin.
Summertime in Galway is best spent in the Westend, which becomes largely pedestrianised right up until the end of September. A table outside of The Universal is highly coveted. While in the West, it would be remiss of me not to endorse a seat outside Tigh Neachtain’s, where Guinness, people watching and the far-off sound of trad music makes you feel like you’re living in a Fáilte Ireland advertisement.
In Cork, if you can squeeze into a pew outside of Impala, you’ll be locked in for the day. The music is great, the craft beers are good, and it catches the evening sun beautifully. Bring some sun cream!
Impala, Cork
The Universal, Galway
Helen Conway, Event Manager
If I’m in the city, Bar 1661 is of course supremely popular, but its outdoor seating deserves all the hype, as it soaks up the sun all evening. My perfect summer evening would be spent perched on a barstool at their windowsills, sipping the gorgeous Parts Unknown cocktail – sunshine in a glass.
If I’m staying with my partner in Bray, you can’t beat The Hibernia (“the Hibo” to locals). A simple pub, but with a sprawling outdoor space complete with picnic benches and a view of the seafront, you can’t ask for much more!
Dearbhla Lovett, IMAGE First Activations Freelancer
There is simply nothing better than sipping on a cocktail on a sunny day, even more so a Thursday evening after work when you feel like you’ve earned it ahead of the weekend!
My current go-tos are Bonobo in Smithfield, the place that introduced me to my obsession with spicy margaritas. Dare I say the best pizza and best spicy marg in Dublin, and a really relaxed but lively vibe out the back. I also love anywhere where there’s good people-watching involved, so grabbing a seat (or a curb) in any of the bars on Drury Street or Fade Street is perfect for this!
Back home in Cavan, we are seriously lacking in a good outdoor drinking spot but I absolutely adore having a drink in our own back garden! The sun shines well into the evening, we bring out the speaker, have Paolo Nutini blaring, and it’s just the perfect evening.
Susan Vickers, Account Manager
Having grown up in the West of Ireland, Austies in Rosses Point, Sligo will always be a firm favourite. A gorgeous seaside pub and restaurant, and the perfect spot for a crisp glass of prosecco, or if you’re a Guinness drinker, my husband swears it’s one of the best pints he’s had!
In Dublin, I’m lucky to have a few gems right on my doorstep in Portobello. Brindle, our beloved local wine and coffee shop is a regular stop. They have the most incredible selection of wines and craft beers. There’s nothing better than a relaxed evening sitting outside Brindle with a glass of wine in hand! For evenings by the canal, another local gem is The Lower Deck pub! And lastly, a sunny margarita outside the Drury Buildings is always a winner.
Brindle, Dublin
Bar 1661, Dublin
Dominique McMullan, Editorial Director
My favourite place to head for a drink when the sun shines is the hidden terrace in the middle of the Shelbourne. You will of course find a glass of ice cold champagne in my hand when I’m there!
Amber O’Shea, Social Media Manager
My favourite places to perch outside during the summer in Dublin are Brindle and Loose Canon. I love Drury Street and a spot outside on the bench at Loose Canon is great for catching up with some friends over vino and a mouth watering toastie. When the sun is shining, what more could you want? Brindle is also a really cute spot, café by day and wine bar by night.
A new place I’ve tried is Toner’s, it’s so fun and so eclectic. I love that the outdoor spot is sheltered too because you can never rely on the Irish weather. I also like the little walkway spot at O’Donoghues, it’s brilliant when you can nab a seat here.
You will catch me at one of these spots and my summer drink will definitely be a chilled red wine, a lovely spicy margarita or a gorgeous Guinness.
Meghan Killalea, Marketing Account Executive
Straying outside of Dublin for my top choice, Brady’s in Maynooth has my heart for my best outdoor drinking spot. The benches on the square make for the absolute perfect people watching spot and their endless amounts of fairy lights give such an ambience to your evening. With endless tunes (both trad and recent releases) you’re always sure to have a great evening soaking up the sun – or hiding from the rain under the big umbrellas!
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