The Best Places In Ireland For An Aperol Spritz In The Sun
Words: Maggie Fagan
The sun is out. The laundry is dry. Your Whatsapp is hoppin’. Summer has officially arrived. And while great drying weather is one of life’s simple pleasures, it ranks just below drinking a little drink we like to call Aperol Sprtiz in the sun.
We’ve no idea why a glimpse of blue sky turns the Irish public into outdoor drinking enthusiasts, but we’re not here to ask questions. We’re here to help. These are the best places in Ireland to bask in the rare and beautiful phenomenon known as good weather, with a drink in hand.
Grand Canal Dock, Dublin
When the weather is good, it’s imperative to be in the presence of liquid at all times. In Grand Canal Dock, conveniently located on a body of water, you can graze on very tasty food by the Bereen Brothers in Charlotte Quay, while sipping on your other imperative liquid need – aperitifs, in the form of a spritz (or four).
Rialto, Dublin
In the heart of Rialto is one of Dublin’s best beer gardens – The Circular. The je ne sais quoi that makes this beer garden so great is its atmosphere. Set in a fairly large outdoor space, their long communal benches make it perfectly conducive for craic, and more often than not, you’ll find yourself making friends with everyone on your bench. And with table service, you never have to lose your seat. It’s also perfectly located to watch a good sunset, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Sandyford, Dublin
In the foothills of the Dublin mountains, lies an almost mirage-like pub: The Blue Light. Back in the day it assisted booze smugglers by flashing its blue light when the coast was clear of the customs officials. Today it assists Dubliners and beyond in a thing we like to call having a good time.
It’s one of those pubs that was almost made for summer. Get a little hike in first through the wood of Fernhill Gardens, just outside Stepaside Village, and reward yourself with a tasty tasty beverage. The Blue Light’s beer garden situated in their car park is straight up legendary and has views of Dublin Bay for days.
Smithfield, Dublin
Hands down bar none, one of the best beer gardens in the city is Bonobo. It can accommodate a good amount of people, yet once there’s a peep of sun, it fills up. Not only is the seating top tier, but what they flog is too. A beer lover’s paradise, cocktails that will satisfy even your granny, and plenty of non-alcoholic options if you’re taking it easy. The pizza is also some of the best in the city. The only struggle here is actually getting a seat. We urge you to keep patience. It’s worth it.
Portobello, Dublin
To keep in line with our H2O theory, you’re gonna have a good time if you’re drinking delicious liquid near a body of water. And where’s better than the beautiful canals of Dublin? Nile Rogers seems to agree with us. McCaffertys lends itself as a peak viewing post where you can watch the madness that is cans-by-the-canal in the summertime. Plus, you get to feel a bit smug while you sip your perfectly chilled spritz from a cutesy actual wine glass while the folks by the canal drink from mere tin cans.
Drury Street, Dublin
Ciss Maddens is the it girl right now. Recently on the front page of all the social newspapers, the girl low-key loves the dramz. They almost took her away from us, so now’s the precise time to practice gratitude and thank the lordt that we still have her. Plus, Drury street is basically like an outdoor club when the sun comes out, with Ciss Maddens being the epicentre.
Dún Laoghaire, Dublin
In the coastal neighbourhood of Dún Laoghaire, escape the absolute madness of the city in one of the cutest ‘burbs in Dublin. Their outdoor seating is bleedin’ massive, their menu is perfect for grazing if you get peckish, the views are unmatched, and it’s conveniently located near the DART. This one’s a no brainer.
MacCurtain Street, Cork City
The Shelbourne in Cork is rocking most nights, never mind when the grian is ag taitneamh. But luckily, they are equipped when the sun does shine with an overflowing seating area out the front that spills onto MacCurtain street. It’s a Cork city classic, and the perfect place for a sunny beverage.
Kinsale, Co. Cork
Known as the first pub on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Bulman is downright iconic, capisce? It’s got great food, stellar views, and a roaring fire inside if it starts pissing it down. But when the weather is good, this is one of the prime locations where you can properly enjoy a drink in the sun in the country.
Galway City
An iconic Galway haunt, Tigh Neachtain’s is a prime outdoor boozing perch. You’re right in the middle of the action, and it’s conveniently located in the middle of a proper suntrap. It would be all too easy to drink many a spritz in their outdoor seating area, if you manage to get a table. Few places capture the social side of Irish pub culture quite like this.
Galway City
Another Galway outdoor banger is M. Fitzgerald’s in Galway’s Latin Quarter. And this place is a true example that not every great summer drinking spot needs a sprawling beer garden. This pub oozes fun, and there’s a lot of craic to be had on their outdoor terrace. Also set in a sun trap, the atmosphere only gets better as the afternoon rolls into evening and the Latin Quarter starts to properly wake up. If your ideal sunny-day session involves equal parts sunshine, street theatre and the sweet sweet nectar of the gods, M. Fitzgerald’s is a very strong shout.
Kilkenny
Kitted out with a ginormous outdoor area, Paris Texas in Kilkenny is such a shout for a drink in the sun. With their absolutely massive outdoor area, you would think it would be easier to get a seat here. Spoiler. It’s not. But once you do, you’ll never want to give it up.
Dingle, Co. Kerry
Dingle is a straight up vibe, packed with top tier pubs and one of our faves is Dick Mack’s. Not only is it one of the best pubs in Dingle, it’s noted as one of the greats of the country. And they have plenty of outdoor seating for all your Dick Mack’s dreams and desires when the cracking weather finally comes along.
Tramore, Co. Waterford
There are few combinations better than sea views and cold drinks. The Waterfront delivers both in abundance. Looking out over Tramore Bay with an tasty beveragino in hand is about as close as you’ll get to a holiday in the Mediterranean without having to get on a flight. When the sun is properly shining here, it’s hard to believe you’re actually in Ireland.
Please enjoy Aperol responsibly.
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