Visitors flock from all over the world to visit Dublin’s pubs. From bustling O’Connell Street to the vibrant Temple Bar district, the city is home to some perfectly poured pints and excellent Sunday lunches loved by locals and tourists alike. During the warmer months, diners spill out of the cosy interiors and into the fresh air of pub gardens and terraces in the Irish capital. From cosy date night terraces to lively hangout spots with a group, the best beer gardens in Dublin await.
There’s a beautiful 360-degree garden set in a greenhouse serving wood-fired pizza and cocktails under the stars in Temple Bar. In Ballsbridge, enjoy a meal outdoors at a historic schoolhouse, while in Baggot Street retractable canopies and shareable wing platters make for the perfect all-weather spot to enjoy with a group. There are some must-visit waterfront terraces boasting picturesque views and green-filled oasis. Finally, take a stroll down O’Connell Street to one of Dublin’s best traditional pubs, with a massive beer garden complete with darts, pool tables, music and great vibes, that’s perfect for group gatherings.
Dublin really does have it all. Secure your spot at the best beer gardens in Dublin on OpenTable today.
Read on for the 10 best beer gardens in Dublin
For a glasshouse garden in the heart of Dublin – head to Roberta’s in Temple Bar
A warmly lit glasshouse restaurant housed inside a 19th-century steel-frame building, Roberta’s serves up a truly special experience. The 360-degree bar, which sits under a glass roof atrium, is the perfect spot to enjoy an expertly-made cocktail under the stars. Plus, its large windows, which fill the space with natural light, make it the perfect alternative to a beer garden in winter. The highly experienced bar team can whip up a perfectly blended cocktail or pour the perfect pint of your favourite Irish beer. Brunch is a highlight here on weekends, with a range of wood-fired pizzas, fluffy pancakes and juicy burgers on offer. Don’t miss Roberta’s famous breakfast pizza, a pizza topped with a full Irish breakfast. Alternatively, enjoy the floral flavours of the season with a lavender cream and blueberry-topped toast. Add some crispy parmesan fries on the side and your day out in Temple Bar is off to a great start.
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For one of the best beer gardens in Dublin for a daytime date – visit Drury Buildings in the South City Centre
From the silver-topped bar to the art lining the walls, Drury Buildings is elegantly casual, making it a great spot for a round of drinks with friends or a charming date. Sprawling over four floors and across a balcony, a terrace and a lovely garden, this South City Centre hot spot serves up a carefully curated selection of Irish and international craft beers, ensuring every beer-lover can find something to enjoy here. The menu at Drury Buildings is designed to be shared with a group or a special someone. Tuck into sharing boards stacked with Irish farmhouse cheeses, or try buffalo chicken wings dipped in creamy blue cheese sauce. The kitchen sources its produce from local suppliers and gets pork and beef from Irish farms, bringing a local touch to every dish.
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For one of the best canalside beer gardens in Dublin – try The Schoolhouse Dublin in Ballsbridge
Enjoy cocktails on the canal at The Schoolhouse Dublin’s leafy garden terrace. Gather under the shade of umbrellas and relax amidst the foliage at this delightful Ballsbridge gastrobar, housed in a 19th-century schoolhouse. A true hidden gem in the heart of Dublin’s Georgian Quarter, you can enjoy a range of seasonal dishes, including gluten-free and vegan options. Highlights on the menu include classic dishes like crispy fish and chips and tender lamb shanks served with seasonal veggies. For something a little different, try inventive options like fresh crab and parmesan crème brûlée. A dessert of rich chocolate mousse is always a great way to end your meal, while on the drinks menu you’ll find pints of Guinness and plenty of classic cocktails to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a new local or fancy a picturesque spot for a special occasion, The Schoolhouse Dublin is the place to come.
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For a pre-show meal at one of the best beer gardens in Dublin – book at The Green Room Bar in Baggot Street Lower
The Green Room Bar’s lively beer garden is the perfect spot to enjoy an Aperol spritz (or two) amidst hanging lights and vibrant greenery. Retractable electric canopies ensure you can enjoy the great outdoors even during a spot of rainy weather. Take a seat on one of the benches and peruse a menu that’s packed with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. One particular draw of this restaurant is its proximity to the 3Arena, making it an ideal spot for a pre-show meal. Start off with some tender chicken wings tossed in either buffalo hot sauce or sticky BBQ sauce, before moving on to a rich pasta like slow-cooked bolognese or spicy all’arrabbiata. The Irish beef or roast portobello mushroom burgers are also a popular option, served alongside crispy fries. If you’re getting together with friends, the platter for 4 includes stacks of classic finger food, perfect for sharing. Plus, on Fridays, The Green Room Bar serves a full Irish breakfast with your choice of tea or coffee.
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For one of the best beer gardens in Dublin for brunch – try House Dublin on Leeson Street
Walk through House Dublin’s stunning Georgian townhouses and through to the lush garden out back for one of the loveliest outdoor spots in Dublin. Serving breakfast, brunch lunch, dinner and a stellar Sunday roast, chef Neil Mulholland brings his years of experience to the elegant menus. Soak up the early morning sun with some fluffy brioche French toasts served with crispy pancetta and wild Irish blackberry compote or enjoy a relaxed midday catch-up over treacle marinated salmon and smoky chargrilled Irish sirloin. An early-bird menu is perfect if you’ve got big plans later in the evening, offering a pared-back selection of lunch and dinner favourites. For dinner, kick things off with some spicy vegan tacos, before moving onto a chateaubriand for two with a side of the house fries. On weekends, brunch means a hearty house breakfast alongside signature cocktails like the marshmallow-flavoured Cloud Nine, Meanwhile, the Sunday roast with Andari Farm Italian pork and Hereford prime sirloin beef always pairs perfectly with an Irish beer or a French wine.
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For celebrating a special occasion – visit The Grayson in the South City Centre
The ivy-covered facade here is your first clue that this St. Stephen’s Green adjacent restaurant embraces a greenhouse aesthetic. The downstairs atrium and terrace is the perfect sun-soaked spot to enjoy a celebratory drink with friends, or some light bites for a casual lunch with the family. With a wine list packed with world labels from across the globe, you can easily find your preferred tipple. Add on a range of beers on tap, non-alcoholic options and plenty of cocktails (including six different spritzers) and your next round of drinks is sorted. For a bite to eat, try the flaky pan-fried seabream or the marinated chicken Caesar salad. A bowl of parmesan fries with a side of spicy chorizo mayo or the lemon ricotta tortelloni pair perfectly with a pint of Rockshore or a minty gin and tonic. Whether you’re after a full meal or a relaxing drink, The Grayson is the perfect spot.
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For a local gastropub with river views – visit Ashton’s Gastropub in Clonskeagh
Nestled in the heart of Clonskeagh, Ashton’s Gastropub spreads across two levels on the banks of the River Dodder. It embraces a rustic aesthetic that makes it the ideal place for a relaxed pint or a pub lunch. With two outdoor terraces offering beautiful views of the river, it’s a tranquil spot to enjoy a range of seasonal, local dishes. This includes a meat carvery from 12 pm to 2:30 pm Monday to Friday and until 4pm on Sundays. Take a look through the à la carte menu and you’ll find starters like a smooth, whipped chicken pâté and juicy tempura prawns served with a sweet mango salsa. For something a little more substantial, try the seafood linguine with a hint of spice or the tender 10oz striploin straight from the grill. Pair your dishes with a smooth French martini or a pint of Guinness (with or without alcohol). The rich, beer mug brownie is the perfect sweet end to an evening while you watch the sun set over the river.
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For one of the best beer gardens near the Dublin City Centre – check out The Lock Keeper in Ashtown
You’ll find The Lock Keeper along the Royal Canal, next door to the historic Lock Keepers House. Whether you arrive on foot or by canoe, this restaurant’s calm, casual atmosphere always feels inviting. Dine al fresco on the terrace and soak up the leafy views with a pint in hand. Or if the weather isn’t so inviting, grab a table indoors by one of the large windows instead. Start your day off at The Lock Keeper with a full or mini Irish breakfast, where fluffy scrambled eggs can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a build-your-own breakfast. Move on to the sandwich bar for lunch and enjoy the flavours of sun-dried tomato and creamy brie. For dinner, the fish and chips coated in a traditional rye river IPA batter is perfect for a sunny evening. As for the drinks menu, you can sip on house cocktails like the cherry and oak-smoked old fashioned or order your favourite Irish beer by the pint.
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For stunning Grand Canal views – get down to Charlotte Quay in Grand Canal Dock
Charlotte Quay offers al fresco dining right on the Grand Canal Dock. Soak up the sunshine during the day or watch the city on the other side of the canal light up in the evenings. Charlotte Quay uses fresh local ingredients to create a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience, with its seafood-focused menu offering a great way to enjoy a meal by the water. Start things off with some Roaring Bay mussels before moving on to the creamy seafood chowder. With the Bord Gáis Theatre less than 10 minutes away, Charlotte Quay also serves a refined pre-theatre menu from 5 pm to 7 pm to help you get to your show on time. The bar’s cocktails make the perfect pairing for any dish. Try the mezcal and bullet rye-based Smoke on the Water or the pisco, pomegranate and apricot Panic at the Pisco. With a laidback, welcoming atmosphere, waterfront dining doesn’t get much better than this. Book an outdoor table or kick back with a beer in hand on one of the beach loungers set up next to the water.
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For one of the best beer gardens in Dublin for traditional Irish vibes – book at Murray’s Bar on O’Connell Street
Murray’s Bar is one of Dublin’s best traditional Irish pubs and its spacious, heated beer garden is the cherry on top. Look for the flags out front on busy O’Connell Street and step into a vibrant atmosphere of live music, pool tables, traditional Irish dancing and, of course, traditional Irish food. The beer garden hosts up to 300 diners and has a number of outdoor screens, making it a great spot to watch your favourite sport while enjoying the sunshine. Decked out with rustic picnic tables and overflowing flower pots, it’s easy to kick back and relax at this welcoming hotspot. Start things off with some ballycotton oak smoked salmon or a creamy deep-fried brie with honey and candied walnuts. For your main course, the classic beef and Guinness pie or the homemade falafel burger are both popular options. Of course, a good beer garden isn’t complete without great beer, and Murray’s Bar serves up plenty of Irish classics and craft beers by the pint or the bottle.
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The best beer gardens in Dublin are the perfect places to enjoy some fresh air in the city. Whether you’re planning a relaxed round of drinks or a three-course meal, these pubs and restaurants tick all the boxes. Enjoy cocktails by the water, pints on an al fresco terrace and a full Irish breakfast amidst lush greenery. Plus, with shade, shelter and heating on hand, these beer gardens can be enjoyed all year long.
Don’t miss out – book your spot at the best beer gardens in Dublin on OpenTable today.
Wondering what else Dublin has to offer? These guides have you covered:
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