Moments don’t get much better than reaching for a cup of coffee when the sun is shining down upon you.
Summer is coming. The grand is stretching and we’re choosing to ignore the 5 rainy days for the 2 days a week where it’s giving actual summer vibes. Winter has gone on too long. Let us live. We don’t need it to be 23 degrees to get outside.
Two rays of sunshine and a vague hint of warmth? That’ll do.
If you’re anything like us, you’re sprinting out the door with your sunnies and an iced oat flat latte at the first sign of good weather. If you’re in need of serotonin, caffeine, or just an excuse to sit outside with your pals, Dublin’s outdoor coffee scene is finally giving Euro summer.
Here are 22 spots around the city where the coffee’s solid and the sun hits just right.
22. Coffee Works
Blanchardstown
A westside favourite with plenty of loyal fans. Great coffee, solid selection of treats, and outdoor seating that catches the light from midday onwards.
21. Goats Gruff
Strawberry Beds
A riverside café that takes effort to get to, but rewards you with idyllic views and proper wood-fired toasties. Feels like you’ve left the city. Because, technically, you have.
20. Joli
Dublin 7
A lowkey morning gem with outdoor seating that’s absolutely blessed by the AM sun. Grab a sausage roll and let the freckles settle in.
19. Slice
Stoneybatter
Only six tables outside, so it’s a race. But worth it for their coffee and brunch bits. Feels like Saturday, even on a Tuesday.
18. Little Cactus
Phibsborough
More than just plants. Hidden seating out back makes this a secret oasis in D7. Bonus points for iced drinks.
17. Rustic Honey
Cherrywood
Outdoorsy vibes in the middle of newbuild land. Worth the Luas trip for sunshine, sourdough, and serenity.
16. Daddy’s
Rialto
A bright, vintage-inspired café with real local clout. Their Turkish eggs and tarts are iconic, and the sunny seating out front is prime for people watching. If you know, you know. Coffee by TwoFiftySquare.
15. Golden Brown
Cabinteely Village
Dreamy neighbourhood spot with simple but excellent coffee and a tidy set of benches. Proper southside sunshine magnet.
14. Gaillot et Grey
Ballsbridge
Feels like Paris, smells like a bakery dream. Their sourdough is the stuff of local legend, and the coffee’s no afterthought. Shaded terrace out back makes it an ideal hideaway for lazy brunches.
13. Camerino @ IMMA
Kilmainham
Originally a Capel Street cake haven, now serving up sugar highs in the leafy grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Indoor setup is deep in the basement, but the outdoor seating is where it’s at. Great for your artsy, moody outdoor coffee girl era.
12. Éist
Glenageary DART Station
New kid on the block with weekend pastries from Scéal and stools from Hay. Lovely little vibe, strong community feel. Sit out front with a cortado and watch the DART roll in.
11. Happy Out
Bull Island,
An old reliable with literal sea air. Their coffee is locally roasted, the pastries are legit, and the setting is hard to beat. Come for the flat white, stay for the salty breeze.
10. One Kinda Folk
Ranelagh
A leafy courtyard tucked behind a redbrick. Their Ranelagh branch is the sweet spot for matcha lovers, minimalists, and sunseekers. Bench seating is limited but charming. If it’s full, take your brew to the nearby canal.
9. Caffe Cagliostro
Italian Quarter
Proper espresso, proper vibes. Sit outside and eavesdrop on actual Italians talking about football and fashion. Staff are warm, beans are imported, and Chef Domenico keeps the pastries on point.
8. Two Pups
Francis Street
The coffee’s great, the food’s better, the vibe is best. Beetroot Turkish eggs and good chat from staff who’ve clearly had their caffeine. Covered benches mean you’re safe even if the weather flips.
7. Coffeeangel
South Anne Street
Flat whites and flashbacks. You’ll run into at least three ex-colleagues here. But the coffee’s worth it and the people-watching is world class.
6. Farmleigh Boathouse
Phoenix Park
Tea from a pot, scones with jam, and views that make you think you’re in a Jane Austen adaptation. The most genteel option on this list. Bring your nana.
5. The Cheeky Piglet
Fumbally Square
Buzzy courtyard with breakfast that actually delivers. Full Irish is worth the money, and there’s a sneaky amount of outdoor space. Also: covered tables for cautious weather optimists.
4. Metro Café
South William Street
A classic. Parisian awnings, packed tables, strong coffee. The ultimate people-watching café. Don’t expect solitude, do expect style.
3. Il Valentino
Grand Canal Dock
Croissants from scratch and coffee that could rival Milan. Big terrace and lovely mix of locals and Grand Canal suits. Ideal if you’re doing nothing, or doing business.
2. Tram Café
St Patrick’s Park
Not fancy, but its location does the heavy lifting. Sit under the trees, sip your drink, and soak in the peacefulness. A city centre refuge that makes a middling coffee taste better.
1. Cake Café
Pleasants Place, Dublin 2
Hidden behind a bookshop, Cake Café nails the laid-back, overgrown-garden look. The staff are sound, the slices are sweet, and the seats are both shaded and sun-soaked. Feels like your granny’s back garden, if your granny also did a killer lemon drizzle.
READ ON: 10 of the best Dublin restaurants that do walk-ins
