Five years on from Covid: are the thousands who upped sticks and moved to rural areas still living the good life?
After the first Covid lockdown was lifted in June 2020 and a ban on domestic travel was eased, Shawna Scott, the owner of online retailer Sex Siopa, packed her entire stock of sex toys and her belongings into a rental van parked outside her rental house in Dublin and drove to Sligo in a quest for cheaper rent, more space and a lower cost of living.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Ireland's 60 best beer gardens – from proper pubs to trendy rooftops and sunny terraces
The best traditional pubs with beer gardens Grogan's Castle Lounge 15 South William Street, Dublin 2; 'I'll drop them out to you' — rare words of service for a city centre pub that you'll often still hear at Grogan's. The attentive staff will sometimes even magic some extra stools for you among the al fresco street seating that wraps around this beloved old-school boozer. Add unbeatable people-watching and an almost festival vibe on a sunny day, and it's clear to see why these are some of the most coveted outdoor seats in town. Toners 139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2; An institution in Dublin, this authentic Victorian pub is best known for its historic interiors and literary connections. James Joyce and Patrick Kavanagh were such regulars here, they even feature on the pub's signage. You'll need to drag yourself from the storied front bar (and snug) to find the beer garden, one of the largest and best in the city centre. Here, tourists and the after-work crowd gather to enjoy top-tier pints and soak up the sun. Hynes' Bar This much-loved Stoneybatter local is well known for its brightly painted, festooned beer garden. It's a pure suntrap and the perfect place to sink a few pints in the summer. A solid line-up of beers is always on offer, and even a few cocktails. The pub hosts regular events, from quizzes to trad sessions, and it's also proudly Gaeilgeoir- and dog-friendly. Harry Byrne's 107 Howth Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3; The beautiful red-brick exterior and colourful window boxes of this pub, dating back to 1798, make Harry Byrne's a local landmark. Inside, the pub has plenty of character, and step around the back and you'll find a spacious courtyard beer garden packed with seating, booths and big screens, making it a magnet for any sporting event. Smooth pints are happily sipped in the sun, and there's often a food truck in the yard to keep hungry punters fuelled. The Old Royal Oak Kilmainham Lane, Dublin 8; This self-proclaimed 'authentic country pub in the city,' on the edge of Kilmainham, is a cracking destination for a pint in the sun. The small but perfectly formed beer garden fills up fast, but it's one of the best places in town to enjoy a perfectly poured pint. Bonus points for a stellar crisp selection and the chance of trad music indoors when it gets chilly. ADVERTISEMENT Peggy Kelly's 159/163 Harold's Cross Road, Dublin 6W; Peggy Kelly's is one of many traditional pubs that transformed their outdoor areas over the Covid years. Now what was once their car park is the vibrant 'Park' beer garden, covered in street art with colourful seating. Harold's Cross locals flock here for sunny pints — luckily, there is plenty of seating. To drink, you've got all your classic pub pints plus a good selection of craft beers. It's still a proper pub, just with a bright, outdoor twist. The Blue Light Barnacullia, Sandyford, Dublin 18; Sitting in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, The Blue Light dates back over 300 years. It was named after a blue ship lantern once lit to guide smugglers in the 1700s. Today, the pub is better known for its scenic setting, suntrap beer garden, sunset sessions, and unrivalled views over Dublin Bay. They pour a great pint, and it's well worth the hike or bus ride up the hill on a sunny day. Egan's Bar Liscannor, Co Clare; The classic design and straightforward look of this pub — emerald-green facade, plain lettering and a simple stone beer garden — perfectly reflect its no-nonsense attitude. In a good way. It's no frills and all fun, well known for lively front courtyard sessions. For many, including me, a perfect West Clare day includes a swim at nearby Clahane, fish and chips next door at Vaughan's, and a pint at Egan's to finish. Tigh Ned Inis Oírr, Co Galway; If you're lucky enough to get over to the Aran Islands this summer, add Tigh Ned's on Inis Oírr to your plans. This traditional pub, run by the Ó Conghaile family since 1897, is a standout place for a pint, with a unique grassy beer garden that stretches down towards the water with panoramic views of Galway Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Clare coastline. The pub also has a great reputation for seafood and trad sessions. Brady's Clockhouse Main Street, Maynooth, Co Kildare; This popular local pub has become well known in recent years for its outdoor seating in a prime location by the town square. On sunny days, you might have to wait for a seat — there are no pavement pints here, and landlord Declan Kennedy runs a tight ship. But tables do turn, and it's well worth the wait for table service, well-poured pints, and sun late into the evening. Jackal 10 Market Square, Navan, Co Meath; Jackal is in the spot that was previously Smyth's, on Market Square in Navan. Out back, you'll find a smart and buzzy beer garden featuring long benches and a retractable roof to suit any weather. There's a noteworthy beer selection, with plenty of craft options. No surprise, given it's part of the Animal Collective bar group, which also runs three Dublin bars with great beers and outdoor seating — Kodiak in Rathmines, Caribou on Stephen Street and the ever-popular beer garden at Bonobo in Smithfield. Swan's Bar and Paud O'Donoghue's Forge Curragha, Co Meath; Winner of the Best Outdoor Pub 2024 in the VFI Awards for good reason. First, you've got a proper pub, Paud O'Donoghue's Forge, that has been lovingly restored with plenty of nods to the building's blacksmithing past. Then there's a comfy covered beer garden area and then another large fully outdoor area with ample benches, booths and even a little chapel space they use for weddings. The Tin Pub Ahakista, Co Cork; This seasonal pub on Cork's Sheep's Head peninsula is a delight. You arrive at a modest building made of corrugated iron (hence the name), but don't let the frontage fool you. Inside, you'll find a classic, simple pub adorned with black and white wood and three stouts on tap — Murphy's, Beamish and Guinness. Grab your pint and head to the beer garden, where grass rambles down to a stone wall and, beyond that, the beach. It's an idyllic place to drink in both the scenery and very tasty pints. Dick Mack's Dingle, Co Kerry; How can a pub have it all? Dick Mack's in Dingle shows us how. Established in 1899, it's a legendary joint renowned across Ireland and beyond. While it could easily become a tourist trap, it somehow manages to maintain its integrity and still exudes that quintessential, cool pub charm. Pass through the history-steeped bar out front to find a large, bright beer garden: a lively space for sunny sessions. The pub serves all the classic pints along with its own brewhouse beers and boasts one of Ireland's top whiskey selections. Tigh Neachtain 17 Cross Street, Galway; Tigh Neachtain, in Galway's city centre, is instantly recognisable by its distinctive blue and yellow exterior, and is featured in every guidebook and list for good reason. The seats outside are sought after for prime people-watching and soaking up the lively, arty Galway vibe. Known for great pints, craft beers, Irish whiskeys, oysters and chowder, it's a favourite for both locals and visitors alike. The Quays Bar Cloonmonad, Westport Quay, Co Mayo; The streetfront of this pub offers no hint, except maybe the sunset motifs by the name, that it's hiding one of the best beer garden backdrops around. Step through the pub, Peggy Brawns, and you'll discover a spacious terrace with spectacular views over the water, with uninterrupted sights of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. An ideal setting for a pint in the sun. The Beach Bar Aughris, Co Sligo; What's better than a pint in a 17th-century thatched pub? When that pub sits right on the edge of Aughris Beach in Sligo Bay. The seats out the front of this pub are like gold dust on a summer's day, filled with locals, tourists and thirsty surfers. Take in impressive views over the Atlantic and across to Benbulben, order some Irish seafood and wash it down with a local beer — they've recently added the brilliant Lough Gill Brewery to their taps. Mother Mac's Mother Mac's in Limerick was once known as the Round House, thanks to its distinctive circular architecture dating back to the mid-1800s. The perfect place to admire this piece of history? Out front of the pub, in their small but lively beer garden, where standing pavement pints are just as good as a seat, thanks to the stellar selection of beers they always have and a great line-up of whiskeys, if that's your thing. Bob's Bar The Square, Course, Durrow, Co Laois; Bob's Bar in Durrow makes the most of its riverside setting. Its outdoor seating extends into a well-kept grassy beer garden that stretches down to the banks of the River Erkina, offering views of a beautiful stone arch bridge. Inside, the pub is often called the 'museum pub' thanks to its vast collection of memorabilia, antiques and old photos. They're also well known for serving excellent pints of Guinness. The Suir Inn Cheekpoint, Co Waterford; Nestled on the harbour front at Cheekpoint, where the Rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir meet, The Suir Inn is a charming, no-frills pub with a prime riverside beer garden offering excellent estuary views. Dating back to the 18th century, the bar is a traditional haunt pouring good pints. The adjoining restaurant serves local seafood and homely dishes. A simple spot and in a fantastic setting. 20 beer gardens & terraces for food The Circular & Coke Lane Pizza 536-538 South Circular Road, Dublin 8; This is a modern pub that still feels like a proper traditional boozer, so you get the best of both worlds. Great pints poured just right are part of a cracking drinks list of craft beers, wine on tap, cocktails and plenty of low- and no-alcohol options. All perfect to pair with Coke Lane's wood-fired pizzas, which are served daily from 4pm. Nab a space on the sunny street terrace benches outside. And if you like The Circular, check out its sister pub, Lucky's on Meath Street, where Coke Lane also operates. Rascals Brewing Company Unit 5 Goldenbridge Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8; A brewery with a sunny terrace, great food, and just a stone's throw from the city centre — what's not to love? Rascals have been brewing delicious beers in Dublin for over a decade, and you can taste their latest creations on site, plus they always have some fun guest brews on tap. They have their regular pizza menu and they often team up with food trucks for a bit of extra variety. There's always something happening here, so get on that Luas this summer. Pot Duggans New Road, Ennistymon, Co Clare; Pot Duggans has been constantly evolving since Bodytonic took over the pub back in 2017, and in the last few years it really feels like it's found its groove. They offer a wide range of food options — a cafe by day, then The Melting Pot and Pizza Board from the afternoons onwards. The drinks list is long and varied. There's generous seating inside and outside their restored barns, but the spot to seek out is always the hidden riverside garden, looking out on to the Inagh. Arundel's by the Pier Ahakista, Co Cork; Arundel's take full advantage of their enviable seaside location with bench seating outside overlooking the gorgeous scenery, and even a few scattered on the lawn across from the pub. They embrace the location in their food sourcing too, featuring plenty of local seafood and Cork producers on their menus. Bowls of mussels or fresh fish and chips paired with a chilled rosé or a pint in the sun here are hard to beat. The Lifeboat Inn Courtmacsherry, Co Cork; If every fishing village had a pub like The Lifeboat Inn, they'd be very lucky. The 'lads' (as they call themselves) run a well-appointed gastropub serving classic pub grub with a strong focus on local seafood and Cork suppliers. The waterfront beer garden is a wonderful spot for lunch or dinner, overlooking boats bobbing in the water. Check out their socials, 'The Lads from The Lifeboat', for a glimpse of what's on offer and the story behind this West Cork treasure. The Moorings Dungarvan, Co Waterford; Chowder and a pint by the water is a quintessential Irish summer experience — or if it's not, it should be, and the Moorings in Dungarvan is probably the perfect place to find it. This harbourside pub has buckets of maritime charm, a big bistro menu (with chowder) and, most importantly, plenty of outdoor seating, including a courtyard bar enclosed by castle walls, and waterside seats out front. O'Connell's Bar & Dough Bros Eyre Square, Galway; O'Connell's is a solid pub, pouring good pints, and its Eyre Square location means it's often hopping. Still, I'm always happy to brave the busy crowds here because a) there's a sprawling beer garden out back, and b) the Dough Bros sling their signature 'Neapolitan-inspired but distinctly Irish' pizzas from a cute green hatch there. Galway's best pizza in a buzzy beer garden? It would be rude not to, really. P. Dan's Pub & Misunderstood Heron Killadoon, Louisburgh, Co Mayo; The food world rejoiced at the news that food-truck favourites The Misunderstood Heron found a new nest for the summer. They are setting up shop at P. Dan's, a scenic pub on the Co Mayo coast, which means The Heron can continue serving its acclaimed food while the pub attracts a fresh crowd of hungry diners. And all of the above can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace overlooking Clew Bay. Dunmore House Clonakilty, Co Cork; Dunmore House boasts one of the most glorious locations, overlooking the shores of Clonakilty Bay. Last summer, they added their Sea Terrace, serving Boatshed Pizzas made with the same care and local ingredients as their award-winning hotel restaurant. Plus, they use vegetables and herbs from their very own organic Ocean Garden. Honestly, I don't think there's a more picturesque spot in the country for a pint and a pizza. O'Neills The Point Renard Point, Cahirsiveen, Co Kerry; This seasonal pub and restaurant at Renard Point offers some smashing outdoor seating overlooking Valentia Harbour. In the O'Neill family since the 1800s, it has evolved from a sailors' pub into a seafood destination serving super-fresh, locally sourced fish. The menu is simple and focused, usually featuring oysters, crab and lobster, and they are well known for their expertly poured pints. Put it on your Wild Atlantic Way list pronto. The Algiers Baltimore, Co Cork Hidden behind this gastropub — inspired by Baltimore's pirate past and North African connection — is a sun-kissed beer garden serving signature cocktails with a local twist: think a West Cork Old Fashioned of Connemara whiskey given depth by locally foraged kombu and dillisk, perhaps, or the seasonal Kind of a Cocktail with fresh sprouts from a lone pine tree. The casual food menu stars Roaring Water Bay mussels in harissa broth, tacos and chicken taquitos. The Terrace at Ballynahinch Castle Recess, Connemara, Co Galway; You don't have to be a resident to spend some heavenly hours watching the mesmeric Owenmore River take its wide bend below the south-facing terrace of this very special hotel. The seafood-focused menu has treats for every budget, from beer-battered fresh fish to potato waffles with Oscietra Royal Caviar and sour cream — and an unmissable platter of dressed Cleggan crab, Galway Bay prawns, Letterfrack oysters and Connemara lobster. Charlotte Quay Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4; Sun-seekers flock to soak up late-evening rays and dockside vibes at this Bereen Brothers restaurant and bar, both with their own seated terrace. The bar terrace takes group bookings but if it's full, regulars happily sit on the dock wall, feet dangling above the water. Like its sister restaurants Coppinger Row, Row Wines and Orwell Road, all overseen by talented executive chef Dan Hannigan, the food and cocktails are on point. Fisk at The Harbour Bar Downings, Co Donegal ; What do you get when you pair a hilltop traditional pub overlooking one of Ireland's finest golden strands with a chef-owned whitewashed fish shack right next door, serving the likes of buttermilk-battered fish tacos, prawn bahn mi, Bloody Mary oysters and crab grilled cheese toasties? A slice of heaven is what — especially if the sun shines and you nab an outdoor table in the shared beer garden. The Glyde Inn Annagassan, Castlebellingham, Co Louth; This dreamy beachside pub with views of Dundalk Bay and the Mourne and Cooley mountains makes an excellent pitstop for an M1 journey, and a worthy destination in its own right (with bus connections from Dundalk and Drogheda). Arrive early to ensconce yourself in the outdoor terrace, which doesn't take bookings — but does serve the restaurant's seafood-heavy menu plus local bevvies from Linn Duachaill beer to Dan Kelly cider, Listoke gin and Koffy coffee. Hartley's Restaurant Harbour Road, Dún Laoghaire; Inside the former Victorian railway ticket hall is a high-ceilinged family-favourite restaurant, but the harbour-view terrace also offers sunny-day dining with waiter service from breakfast to lunch and dinner. A newer high-tabled patio area serves al fresco drinks for non-diners, from post-pier pints to extensive cocktails (think six spins on a margarita plus refreshing house mocktails) to plenty by the glass from a well-considered wine list. Helen's Bar Kilmackillogue, Tuosist, Co Kerry; Helen Moriarty's fifth-generation bar midway between Kenmare and Castletownbere is beloved for its bay and mountain views, the value of its pints and the perfection of its old-school open crab sandwich. The outdoor wooden tables are hot property on a sunny day, but you won't care when perched on the pier wall with local bay mussels, Castetownbere-landed fried fish, a Beara Belties burger or whatever you're having yourself. Margadh RHA Ely Place, Dublin 2; The kerbside terrace outside the RHA gallery is a wonderful suntrap on a sleepy cul-de-sac off St Stephen's Green. This weekday cafe switches to wine bar in the evenings and at weekends, serving snacks and small plates like arancini, Kelly's oysters or pork rillette through to primetime tasting menus. Drinks include wine flights with cheese, charcuterie and olives, wines by the glass aplenty plus various spritzes, negroni, sherries and homemade kombucha. Mo Chara Roden Place, Dundalk, Co Louth; A community hub brewpub with taps aplenty from three beer-loving best pals, Mo Chara's beer garden has hosted pop-up kitchen collabs with Chimac and Feast (with plans a-brewing with Bambino), Sunday markets and dog mornings, trad sessions and mariachi bands, plus much more. The bar menu stars Dundalk buttermilk chicken atop hand-rolled Neapolitan-style pizzas or loaded fries, or crisp-fried and tossed in one of several house sauces. Morans on the Weir Kilcolgan, Co Galway; Galway has several seafood bars with seaview outdoor seating within an easy spin of the city, including O'Grady's on the Pier in south Connemara's Barna, and Linnane's Lobster Bar over the Clare border into the Burren — but it's hard to beat Morans' sheltered weir-side tables as an essential pitstop for plump Kelly's oysters (try the native 'Galway flats' if in season) and a brimming pint. Iconic for good reason. Rooftops and terraces for wine and cocktails... Allta Three Locks Square, Dublin 2 This chic destination restaurant where chef Niall Davidson playfully elevates modern Irish food is also home to a bright, roomy bar spilling on to a sheltered courtyard. Grab (or book) a low terrace table for fun, flavourful cocktails, Whiplash beers and maybe a Woodtown Jersey beef burger in a No Messin' bun. Their bottle shop sells pre-mixed cocktails if you want to bring the vibes home. L'Atitude 51 Union Quay, Cork; Cork city offers several riverside terraces where you can watch the River Lee run towards the sea, from The River Club's semi-covered tropical oasis to the peaceful upriver escape of The Kingsley. For natural-wine lovers, though, nothing beats a quayside table at L'Atitude 51, the beloved wine bar, wine shop and small-plates kitchen in the heart of the city with a joyful curation of wines by bottle or glass. Bar 1661 Green Street, Dublin 7 ; Recently nominated for Best International Bar Team (Europe) 2025 in the world-class Spirited Awards, Bar 1661 has been leading the way in Irish cocktail culture with menus that celebrate community, collaboration and independent spirits. Their suntrap terrace overlooks leafy St Michan's Square in a surprisingly sleepy corner of town just off buzzing Capel Street, and enjoys full sunshine from afternoon into evening, plus full table service from this top team. The Boathouse Bistro Dromquinna Manor, Kenmare, Co Kerry; 'There is nothing like a straightforward gin and tonic, with no elderflower or other herb,' reckons hotelier John Brennan. 'The quinine works best with gin, lime and a ton of ice. Pure bliss.' Except that at The Boathouse terrace, there's nothing straightforward about their choice of over 40 international gins — and nothing ordinary about the waterside setting in the sunshine, which becomes 'like something from the South of France, without the bling'. Cashel Palace Hotel Main Street, Cashel, Co Tipperary Yes, the adjoining Mikey Ryan's gastropub offers fabulous al fresco dining, but thirsty non-residents are also welcome at the tranquil terrace at the rear of the hotel itself with views over the manicured garden to the castle ruins. It's uncovered, so weather-dependent, but should you get clear skies, then where better to sip a glass of Deutz Champagne Brut or a Strawberry and Mint Spritz featuring Blackwater Strawberry Gin and prosecco? Cask MacCurtain Street, Cork; One of Ireland's leading destination cocktail bars (and sister to the newer, Latin American-inspired Paladar), Cask are so dedicated to celebrating seasonal farm-to-glass flavours that they change up their cocktail menu completely every 12 weeks, which is no mean feat. Their open-air courtyard in the heart of Cork's Victorian Quarter doubles their indoor capacity, with a waterfall providing a soothing backdrop to what will be a memorable sensory experience. Cliff House Hotel Ardmore, Co Waterford; Is there a better coastal view from a hotel terrace than down to the golden strands of Ardmore Beach from this five-star cliffside escape? Order a glass of Gosset Extra Brut Champagne, perhaps, or a driver-friendly Eins-Zwei-Zero Riesling, or from the cocktail list a Gunpowder Spritz of Drumshanbo pineapple gin and Poachers ginger beer, or Ardmore Sling featuring Waterford's own Blackwater No. 5 Gin… and breathe. Drury Buildings Drury Street, Dublin 2; Drury Street is (in)famous for its kerbside scene of pubs and wine bars. But for the added luxury of an actual table and chair, this streetside heated terrace is your action-adjacent hub. They take their cocktails seriously, with in-house syrups, shrubs and sous vides from a purpose-built cocktail kitchen. Inside has more outside options too, with shady gardens and balconies wherever you look. Green Man Wines Terenure Road, Dublin 6W; Dublin is blessed with several wine bars with prime outdoor seating — think 64 Wine in Glasthule and Loose Canon on Drury Street as well as Green Man Wines — where you can order from a fine selection of wines by the glass or buy a bottle to enjoy onsite for a nominal corkage (€15 in this case), served by passionate wine lovers who know their stuff. A treasure. Haddington House Haddington Terrace, Dún Laoghaire; There are many ways for non-residents to enjoy this boutique seaside hotel, from the elegant Parlour cocktail lounge to outdoor Platform for casual plates and pizzas, and modern Italian cooking at Oliveto. One of the loveliest is to take in garden views of the East Pier and harbour down towards Sandycove beach, with something refreshing from their outdoor bar — a homemade lemonade with gin, perhaps, or a frozen margarita. Harvey's Point Terrace Donegal town, Co Donegal; It's all about lakeside views and home-from-home charm at Harvey's Bar & Terrace, where non-residents are welcome at the patio tables for a glass of Rosé d'Anjou or Picpoul de Pinet, something modern or traditional from the cocktail list (a limoncello spritz, perhaps, or a French 75), one of several liqueur coffees or a booze-free cocktail such as their Clean Rhubarb Spritz. The Moët Garden Blue Haven Hotel, Kinsale, Co Cork; Enjoy three different expressions of Champagne Moët & Chandon — the Brut Imperial, Rosé Imperial or Grand Vintage 2015 — by the glass or as a flight at this streetside terrace of Kinsale's boutique hotel as you watch the world go by. There is plenty more wine by the glass, including decent non-alcoholic choices from Kolonne Null, plus summer-friendly quenchers in a short but smart cocktail list. The Montenotte Hotel Middle Glanmire Road, Montenotte, Cork; Besides Cork city's rooftop bars (Clancy's Skybar for high-octane energy and Sophie's at The Dean for prime docklands views), the hillside slopes of Montenotte will take you skyward. At this former 18th-century merchant-prince residence, you can choose al fresco dining and city-view cocktails at the Botanical Panorama Terrace or stroll through the Victorian sunken gardens to the intimate terrace and Art Deco glamour of The Glasshouse bar for a botanical cocktail. The Palmer The K Club, Co Kildare; With its deep-rooted wine heritage, you can expect excellent wine choices throughout this resort, and The Palmer's wraparound terrace does not disappoint. With views over velvet golf greens and shimmering lakes, this first-floor clubhouse venue is open to non-members and non-residents alike, with an all-day menu and plenty by the glass available to non-diners too (make mine a Barton & Guestier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Cremant). La Touche Wines Greystones, Co Wicklow; Locals know the blue-sky rules for this wine store that turns wine bar for three hours a day. Bring your own chair if you want to guarantee a seat, otherwise elbow into a barrel or bench. Order a glass or buy any bottle for €8 corkage. Choose nibbles from the short menu, or buy your own gourmet bits from around the shop and they'll plate it up for you. Simples. The Rooftop Bar & Terrace, Anantara The Marker Dublin Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2; The rooftop bar of this luxury docklands hotel has 360-degree views out to the bay, up to the mountains, down to the canal basin and upriver through the city. Don't miss the lobster toast on executive chef Gareth Mullins' Asian-inspired bar-bites menu, while the drinks menu continues the theme in its mocktails and cocktails, plus local beers from Hope Brewery and Ayala (Bollinger's little sister) as the house-pour champagne. The Terrace at The Shelbourne St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2; Hidden in an airy first-floor courtyard inside this Grand Dame hotel is a summer-only rooftop plaza with generous sky views. Floral displays and colourful woollen throws bring garden colour to serene green tones. Order wines on tap from Wine Lab or a glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé perhaps, or choose from a smart curation of top-shelf spirits, with or without something from the decadent sharing menu created by executive chef Garry Hughes. The Station House Hotel Kilmessan, Co Meath; A highlight of the Boyne Valley Garden Trail, this former railway terminus station house is surrounded by 12 acres of woodland charm complete with the original railway turntable and signal box. Two separate terraces bridge inside and out: the bookable Platform Terrace with its wicker chairs, giant parasols and menus proudly showcasing Boyne Valley food producers, and the Moroccan-inspired (weather-dependent) Garden Terrace for an impromptu glass of rosé or limoncello spritz. The Universal William Street West, Galway; On one of Galway's West End streets, now pedestrianised during the summer (along with neighbouring Dominick Street Upper, Ravens Terrace and the Small Crane), you'll find this smart bar. It serves natty wines, craft beers and clever cocktails with a strong local twist — such as the Focal Deireanach featuring Connemara's own Micil Gin, Glas 55 Irish Herbal Liqueur, maraschino cherries and lime — and will spill its tables on to the street on balmy evenings. Urban Brewing CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1; As you'd expect, this dockside brewery-bar from Carlow Brewing Company has lots of house beer to enjoy fresh from the tanks, plus 200 more from around Ireland and the world. They also have a cocktail menu featuring vermut-based aperitifs and spritzes through classics with a twist to signature serves inspired by Irish myths. All on a sunny terrace with no neighbours blocking the late rays — and a vaulted cellar restaurant should you get hungry. Read more Beyond bland: Try these five Italian whites with Pinot Grigio's universal appeal From 'happy juice' to clarete: the rise of dark rosés and pale reds The French foodie connection – our restaurant critic says Marseille is having a moment
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Five years on from Covid: are the thousands who upped sticks and moved to rural areas still living the good life?
After the first Covid lockdown was lifted in June 2020 and a ban on domestic travel was eased, Shawna Scott, the owner of online retailer Sex Siopa, packed her entire stock of sex toys and her belongings into a rental van parked outside her rental house in Dublin and drove to Sligo in a quest for cheaper rent, more space and a lower cost of living.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
City shopping centre to be demolished to make way for science lab, gym & hotel – and shoppers despair ‘it's a sad sight'
A POPULAR shopping centre is set to be demolished in a major UK city. The Grafton Centre in Cambridge housed just 11 retailers after years of decline. Advertisement 5 The Grafton Centre in Cambridge is set to be partially demolished Credit: BPM 5 It houses just 11 retailers after years of closures post-Covid Credit: BPM 5 It will be replaced by science laboratories, a hotel and a gym Credit: BPM Built in 1983, the shopping hub has undergone significant changes in the 40 years since it was built. An expansion took place in the 1990s, in addition to a recent refurbishment in 2017. Despite attempts to revive the struggling centre, Cambridge City Council approved plans to partially demolish the building in February 2024. Led by the Pioneer Group, the demolished site will be replaced by science laboratories, plus a hotel and a gym. Advertisement Read more News It hopes to be a more productive use of the space, as the shopping centre had become Over the last few years retailers like Debenhams, River Island and New Look all closed down their Grafton-Centre sites, leaving it feeling increasingly empty. Shoppers told Maddy Richer said: "It's just sad because this is in the centre of Cambridge. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive "I suppose it is good for the science industry but I don't know if it has to be right in the centre of Cambridge." Locals expressed frustration that the redevelopment plan has taken so long, with the centre lying mostly empty for two years. Birmingham give update on new £3billion stadium as they announce major development Families in the area expressed concern that the science-focused redevelopment will leave the area with Kim High told the local newspaper: "It used to be a great place for families to do activities. Advertisement "Things like that we will miss because there is not much else to do. "I think Cambridge is just gearing towards science and not families." With just 11 retailers left in the store, some locals said that they "don't think it is 5 Some locals are looking forward to the derelict site having a purpose Credit: BPM Advertisement 5 Vue has announced they will be closing this summer Credit: BPM The latest business to announce its departure from the store is cinema chain Vue, who will close this summer. The closure comes as high streets up and down the country struggle to cope with the decline in footfall since Covid. With many retailers moving online, shopping centres have seen retailers closing stores, leaving them empty and derelict. Advertisement This becomes unattractive for customers, further reducing footfall and leaving councils looking for an alternative use for these vast spaces. With its university population and appeal for young people, the new development could provide exciting research and job opportunities. It does, however, mark the end of a historic building once-beloved by families for its wide range of shops and entertainment options.
