For when only fun in the sun will do
Picture it now: You finish a long week in the office, the sun is shining and you get THE text – ‘Pints?’. Dublin is well known for having some lovely watering holes, and beer gardens a-plenty, but when it comes to the best beer gardens it can be difficult to narrow them down. The spots on this list range in size and vibe with one common denominator – they’re all excellent places to spend a sunny afternoon:
15. The Blue Light
Barnacullia, Sandyford, more info here
Not only does The Blue Light pull some of the city’s best pints of Guinness, it also has a cracking beer garden with an equally unrivalled view of Dublin below. Set in the Dublin Mountains this spot is a bit of a trek, but boy is it worth it.
14. The Goat Bar
Kilmacud Road, more info here
This sprawling bar has an equally large beer garden attached to it, with plenty of heaters and a partly retractable roof. It’s a welcoming and warm atmosphere at The Goat, where you can kick back on proper tables and chairs with a few beers and nab some quality food served inside.
13. Horse Show House
Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, more info here
Handy if you are heading to a gig in the RDS, this beer garden on the main street of Ballsbridge has capacity for upwards of 300. When the sun is out it’s quite the suntrap, but there are plenty of covered areas too helped along the way by the new retractable roof. It’s a festival-style set up with park benches and movable chairs, completely dog-friendly with plenty of screens if the match is on.
12. O’Donoghue’s
Merrion Row
11. Bernard Shaw
Drumcondra
The Bernard Shaw is a hub of events, drag brunches and markets – there’s always something happening so their beer garden is perfect if you’re in the mood for a lively pint. There’s a great selection of food vendors at the adjoining Eatyard, and dogs are welcome so no one needs to miss out on the action.
10. Toner’s
Baggot Street Lower, more info here
Inside it might be one of the city’s oldest pubs, but outside it is all modern. Filled with screens and ample seats, this massive space is absolutely popping on match day (rugby) or after work with plenty of suits scarfing into Heinos and pizzas from next door’s Cirillo’s which you can eat inside. They even have a satellite bar outside, that’s when you know you are dealing with a busy big beer garden!
9. Blackbird
Rathmines, more info click here
You know what they say one blackbird in the hand is worth more in the bush. While the nooks and crannies inside of Blackbird are amazing craic, on a sunny day the spot out the front (and in the back) are the places to be. Grab an Aperol, throw on a trucker hat and watch the world go by from behind your 90s shades.
8. Ryan’s Beggars Bush
Beggars Bush, more info here
This is one of the most buzzing beer gardens to go to after a match at the Aviva Stadium, no matter the match-day result, there’s always a great atmosphere out the front. It’s nice and contained, with plenty of heaters if it gets a little nippy after the sun goes down. The staff inside are super efficient and despite being in a pretty fancy part of town, you aren’t going to get ripped off in Ryan’s.
7. The Pav
Trinity College
Unofficially dubbed to be the city’s biggest beer garden, the bar in the middle of Trinity College is set right beside an expanse of greenery and in true Trinners fashion a cricket pitch. Students and non-students can buy cans or pints in the Pav and enjoy them out the front where there’s loads of seating, just bring a cushion in case you don’t get a seat and end up with a sore arse on the concrete.
6. Harry Byrnes
Clontarf, more info here
Boasting not one but two outdoor areas, it’s big indoors and even larger outside. There’s always a great atmosphere in Harry Byrnes, it can get busy on the weekends but you can still find a seat no problem. Known to have some of the best wood-fired pizza in the city, with some banging sides too. Plenty of screens for sport when it’s on and there’s a good selection of beers on tap including a few from a local brewery.
5. The Bald Eagle
Phibsboro
You may know this Phibsoro spot as the pub that renamed itself “Garth Brooks HQ” to celebrate the country singer’s Croke Park gigs last year, but they’ve also got a great beer garden out the back with plenty of space for groups.
4. Wigwam
Middle Abbey Street, more info here
One of the more central spots on the list, you wouldn’t know about Wigwam’s buzzy outdoor terrace from looking at the front of the building. But we assure you she’s there complete with a retractable roof, making this the perfect destination for an outdoor drink in the middle of town.
3. The Glimmer Man
Stoneybatter, more info here
Another Stoneybatter spot (it’s the suburb that keeps on giving), the Glimmer Man oozes character with bicycles, records and other artefacts covering every inch of the interior and a great beer garden out the back. There’s also incredible grub on offer from Vietnom, one of the city’s best casual Asian spots.
2. Fibbers/Murrays
O’Connell Street
One does not simply compile a list of the best beer gardens without including the sun trap that connects these three Dublin pubs. This courtyard has been used and loved by generations of Dubliners and is a well-known spot for watching matches, catching a bitta fresh air after gigs and generally enjoying the buzz of Dublin city nightlife. The space has been described as “a unique cultural centre”, seeing heavy metal lovers and GAA fans come together to enjoy the simple pleasure of a pint al fresco.1. Bonobos
Smithfield, more info here
Securing a bench in Bonobos will make you feel like you’ve won the lotto, once you’ve found your ticket you don’t let go of it for love or money. With incredible pizzas, proper cocktails and a great beer list, if the sun is shining down on that ivy-clad, dog-friendly haven, sure why would you want to go anywhere else?
Have we missed any of your faves shout at us on [email protected] (well don’t shout)
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