Eating outdoors in Ireland in summer: how to choose

Eating outside in an Irish summer works best when you choose a place with some cover, book a table for the time you want and have a plan for when the weather changes. The sun comes and goes, so an outdoor table with a roof, a heater or a way to move inside is worth far more than a pretty one with none of those.

Check what outdoor means

"Outdoor seating" covers everything from two chairs on a pavement to a walled garden with heaters. Before you set your heart on a place, look at its page and recent photographs. A patio with a canopy and a view of the street is a different proposition from a rooftop with no shelter.

On Mosey, raters tag places for outdoor seating, so you can see which have it. Read a couple of recent ratings for comments on comfort.

Ask about cover and heating

If you are booking, ask three questions. Is there a roof or awning? Are there heaters or blankets? What happens if it rains? A good place will have an answer: they might move you inside, or hold your table for an indoor one.

Book for the time you want

Outdoor tables are the first to go on a fine day. If you want one, book, and say so. Some places only take outdoor bookings on the day, since they depend on the weather. If so, arrive early and ask to be put on a list.

Choose a time that suits the light

Lunch and early evening are the easiest. A late dinner outside can be chilly. If you are eating later, bring a layer. Evenings in this part of the world cool quickly even after a warm day.

Think about the group

Outdoor tables are often smaller or fewer, so large groups may find indoor tables easier. If you have children, check that the area is safe and not next to a road. If someone has a mobility need, ask about steps and surfaces.

Dogs at outdoor tables

Many outdoor areas welcome dogs, but not all do. Ask in advance. Our guide to dog-friendly places in Dublin explains how to find them.

Drinks and food that suit the weather

A summer menu is often lighter, with salads, seafood and cold drinks. Many kitchens still serve warm food on the patio, so do not assume you have to give up a hot dish.

If the weather turns

Keep a second place saved in the same area. If it rains, you can move without a long search. Cafes with large indoor rooms are good fallbacks.

A worked example for a family

Suppose you want lunch outside with two children. Look for a place with a garden or a patio away from traffic, ideally with some cover. Book for the middle of the day, when the sun is high and the children are not yet tired. Ask about high chairs, a children's menu and whether the outdoor tables are the same as the indoor ones. Bring hats, sun cream and a layer, and plan to move inside if the weather turns.

Eating late on a long evening

Summer evenings are long, and an outdoor dinner can run late. Ask whether the kitchen takes last orders earlier than the bar, and whether the outdoor area closes at a set time. If the place has heaters, ask whether they are on, because they are not always lit. A relaxed late dinner outdoors is a real pleasure when the details are right.

After the meal

If you found a good spot, rate it so that others can find it, and mention what the outdoor area was like. That detail helps the next person.